Friends from Edmonds are heading to the Polish border to help abandoned pets in Ukraine.

WASHINGTON, EDMONDS — The tremendous humanitarian catastrophe in Ukraine is giving way to a new disaster: abandoned animals inundating Ukrainian shelters.

To ensure that no animal is left behind, a global effort is underway, including in Snohomish County.

Dan Fine placed protective vests and helmets into his car, which he will send to Ukraine soon, although they aren't for military. They're for people working to save animals who have become entangled in the battle.

There are a lot of abandoned animals sitting at train stations or shelters that need help, Fine remarked.

As they flee Russian airstrikes, millions of Ukrainians have been forced to ditch their cherished pets. Animal shelters are bursting at the seams.

Fine works with therapy dogs most of the time. Soon, he'll be collaborating with the Ada Foundation of Poland, which is rescuing endangered animals in Ukraine.

He's on his way to the Poland-Ukraine border to assist in any manner he can.

What if I was asked to give up my home, all of my belongings, and then my pet as well? It's tragic, in my opinion Fine said.

Tana Axtelle, Dan's buddy, will accompany him.

She shelters dogs in her Edmonds home and is gathering medical and veterinary supplies to send to Poland.

I'm sorry for the animals, but I'm also terrible for the people who are abandoning them, Axtelle added. My pets are a part of my family. I couldn't picture something like that happening to me.

The Ada volunteers' first objective is to reunite missing war animals with their owners.

At the very least, Dan and Tana wish to bring comfort to the animals who have long provided comfort to their people.

I want to reassure individuals that even though they can't be with their animals, someone is caring for them and there is still hope, Axtelle said.

We're in a wonderful position to help animals, Fine explained.We'll do our best. Everyone should do their part.

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