In the town of Lviv, Western Ukraine, a former soldier named Vasyl Velychko has found a new mission – who behaves for dogs in a local shelter. After losing his arm in battle, Velychko is now dedicating his days to walking, feeding and caring for up to 60 dogs and transforming what could have been a life -defining injury to a source of strength and purpose. His story, reported by RFE/RL’s Ukrainian service, is a strong example of rehabilitation after the war and the healing bond between humans and animals. For those seeking stories of Ukrainian veterans, animal therapy or resilience after amputation, Vedychko’s journey provides a deeply moving perspective.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Srx8_fnthe
Velychko’s path to Lviv-Husly began after a life-changing injury. After working in the Ukrainian military from 2017 to 2020, he was resumed after Russia’s full scale invasion in February 2022. Just months later, during a counter-offensive in the Kharkiv region, a shot from an anti-tank grenade throws him his arm. After reviewing rehabilitation, he worked briefly as courier before seeing an advertisement for a position in the shelter. He decided to try it – and never looked back.
“She likes to bite,” he joked, and used his remaining hand to avert the IRA, an energetic German shepherd. Despite the physical challenges, Velychko’s commitment to the dogs is unshakable. He works every day without taking free and has developed techniques to manage his tasks independently. For example, he uses a belt that is connected to leash, which allows him to walk the dogs while keeping his hand free. This innovation ensures that the dogs remain safe even when he needs to clean up after them or perform other tasks.
“Since I have an amputation in upper glue, it is sometimes uncomfortable,” he explained. “With the belt I can just let go and I know the dog is not running away, is hit by a car or escape.”
What stands out the most is not only Velychko’s physical determination, but the emotional connection he has formed with the animals. “I can’t imagine myself without the dogs,” he said. “How could anyone betray them, give up on them? They trust you. They love you.” His words reflect an in -depth empathy that seems to burn his daily efforts. The dogs, many of which may have been abandoned or traumatized themselves, appear to give him a sense of camaraderie and texture that is as therapeutic as it is meaningful.
Kostyantyn Pavlenko, a dog specialist in the crisis center, noted that Velychko’s disability has not held him back. “Physically, of course, it’s difficult for someone without an arm,” said Pavlenko. “But he never asks for help.” He remembered for a moment at the training ground when he offered help. “He said, ‘No, no, I’ll do it myself.’ He places himself with his legs, squeezes with the legs, cut the carabines and manage it all on his own.
This kind of self-sufficiency is not only impressive-it is inspiring. Velychko’s example challenges assumptions about what people with disabilities can achieve, especially in physically demanding environments. His story also highlights the role of animal care in emotional improvement. For many veterans, the transition to civilian life can be insulating. Velychko emphasizes the importance of remaining active and connected. “Some people lose spirit, but they need support and someone to give an example,” he said. “And for those who just stay home, I say: Find some work, be around people, communicate.”
I found this detail striking: Velychko doesn’t take any time off. His dedication is not driven by obligation, but by a true love of the animals. It is a reminder that the purpose can be rediscovered in the most unexpected places. The shelter, far from being just a workplace, has become a sanctuary – for both the dogs and the man who nourishes them.
In the broader context of Ukraine’s ongoing conflict, stories like Velychkos offer a glimpse of the personal battles that are fought far from the front lines. Tens of thousands of Ukrainians have undergone amputations due to war damage. Each of them faces a unique journey towards healing and reintegration. For Velychko, this journey is shaped by the sweltering tails and trusting eyes of shelter dogs who are also surviving in their own way.
His experience emphasizes the therapeutic potential for animal films, especially for those who recover after trauma. It also increases awareness of the importance of inclusive employment opportunities for veterans and people with disabilities. Lviv Animal Shelter has, by embracing Velychko’s abilities rather than focusing on his limitations not only a dedicated worker, but also helping to shape a compelling tale of resilience and hope.
As Ukraine continues to fight with the consequences of war, stories like this are reminiscent of the enduring human capacity for adaptation and compassion. Whether through the quiet camaraderie of a dog or the unwavering spirit of a veteran, healing often begins with connection.
Read more at rferl.org