Stranded: Bridge’s encounter with the ROLDA Rescue Team

BOOM.
A terrified dog huddles in the shadows, watching and hearing Russian missiles explode around him.

BOOM.
Our terrified dog hears people shouting and screaming as flames fill his surroundings and dark shadows flee for safety all around.

BOOM.
Our terrified dog turns to run as the foundation of his home, just meters away, is blown apart in one deafening explosion.

Our dog, now named Bridge, runs and runs. Full of fear and adrenalin, he is too scared to stop. He does not look behind him or think about the sharp and broken objects under his paws. He runs towards darkness, away from the fire-filled sky and the sound of explosions.

Bridge runs until his legs are stiff and buckling, and his mouth is dry from dehydration. He collapses on the ground. Bridge can still see the air attacks faintly in the distance, and he falls asleep to the disturbing but fainter sound of explosions and screaming.

When Bridge wakes, the sun is high in the sky, and the world around is eerily still. He looks around in horror to see that the safety he sought last night in the dark is a small, muddy island now surrounded entirely by water.

Bridge attempts to stand, but as he rises, his head spins, and his shaky legs give out, forcing him back onto the muddy floor below. His barks for help come out as strained, quiet whispers. He remains like this for several more sleeps, not knowing what to do. If it’s hours or days or weeks, he cannot tell. He feels his body slowly deteriorating, the energy he once felt always pumping through his veins is only a memory.

As Bridge lies covered by mud, leaves and sticks, he feels two hands slide under him. To his surprise, he is lifted into someone’s arms and hears some softly spoken tones. He is carried safely across the water.

Bridge wakes again to a bright room. A veterinary nurse puts him immediately on an IV treatment. Hours later, he is taken into surgery for a severe fracture of his leg.

After, Bridge is put back on the IV treatment. As the week passes, he feels life warmly returning to his broken body. His leg still aches even after surgery, but slowly, he can feel it becoming strong once again.

After weeks of dedicated attention from rescue shelter volunteers, Bridge is well on the road to recovery. He gains weight and builds energy with every day that passes.

Animals in Ukraine flee every day from the constant, devastating attacks on their homes. Many are injured or even killed in their hunt for safety. Bridge was only rescued because of heroes like you, who are part of the ROLDA Rescue Team. Thank you for making this magic happen for Bridge and others.