Mission baton
Although, technically, we are about helping the people of Ukraine: how could we say no to trying to help get a dog out of the country? read on to find out about Baton’s story… (so far).
Baton is an elderly dog, approximately 8–9 years old, who was originally rescued by my friend Nadia from Bakhmut in 2022. As the fighting intensified, his owners fled the city and left him to fend for himself.
Baton faced hell there. Not just because of the war, but because of the cruelty of Russian forces. He has clearly been shot at and caught in explosions several times. Pellets and fragments of shrapnel remain in his body, causing nerve damage. There were also several attempts to poison and beat him, and he has been hit by a car.
Baton is a scared and traumatised old dog, but despite everything, he remains sweet, loving and friendly even to strangers. But he is incredibly frightened living in Kharkiv, where the sound of air-raid sirens leaves him on high alert, and every explosion sends him into a frenzy of barking and panic
I first met Baton two years ago, when he was being fostered by another friend of mine. He became a fixture of our lives in Kharkiv as we tried to find him a forever home.
But our search for a home in Ukraine was unsuccessful. The truth is, Baton isn't a designer dog. In Ukraine, small dogs and fancy breeds are often favoured, and finding a home for a very ordinary-looking, large dog like him is incredibly difficult.
Despite our best efforts, two years passed without us being able to find him a stable, permanent home.
So, we decided to look abroad, and that's when we hit the jackpot. By pure chance, we met a British journalist working in Kharkiv who was interested in adopting Baton and taking him to his farm in Shropshire, where he already has several dogs. It seemed too good to be true. But it was!
Baton would be able to live alongside other dogs, run freely in nature, and explore the beautiful countryside that the UK has to offer. After everything he has endured, he could finally experience the peace, safety and freedom he deserves.
His documents are all ready, but there is one hurdle still standing in the way of Baton and his forever home: getting him there. Now, the only thing standing between him and his new life is getting him there.
Baton has been waiting patiently for his forever home, but time and time again, transport arrangements have fallen through. I'm honestly not sure what to do anymore.
We've raised enough money to cover all his expenses - documents, vaccinations, veterinary care, and contribute towards the fuel for his journey. But finding someone physically making the journey is proving impossible.
That's why I'm putting out this plea. I desperately need help with the logistics of getting Baton to his forever home.
Baton is currently staying with me, so I can personally attest to just how gentle and kind he is. But I can also tell you how difficult it is for him to live in a city at war. He wakes me up multiple times throughout the night, barking and howling at the sounds of explosions and air defence outside. He shakes whenever an air alert sounds and needs to be comforted. Even when I take him for walks, he is constantly on edge, startled by every loud noise and constantly looking for danger.
Baton needs to be somewhere far from the war, away from the chaos of the city, where he can finally live out his golden years in peace, safety and comfort.
Please, please help us get Baton to his forever home.
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We cannot save them all. I know that. I've worked in animal rescue for many, many years. There is so much suffering, and there are so many animals who need our help. I cannot save them all, but I can save this one boy and give him the future he deserves. We can give him the safe, peaceful life he deserves after everything he has endured.
Chelsy, Ukrainian Volunteer
Please help us get Baton home. ❤️