To heal the mental wounds of soldiers who endured the war in Ukraine, an unexpected solution emerged: animals. Breaking the Chains, already known for its commitment to our four-legged friends across Ukraine, is now launching a rehabilitation program aimed at helping Ukrainian soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
A life to save that of animals
At its head is Tom, a former soldier in the British army, whose massive build contrasts with the tender gaze he casts on the animals. After being discharged from the army due to post-traumatic syndrome, destiny makes him meet Gypsie, an English Springer, a former military dog. Gypsie then gives Tom the love and comfort he needs, helping to heal his invisible wounds.
It is this dog that allows Tom to find meaning in his life. For him, the obvious is obvious: “I wanted to dedicate my life to saving animals and paying them back for what they gave me. »
To achieve this goal, he scours the war grounds of Ukraine in search of any animal in need of help: “We mainly focus on dogs and cats for obvious reasons, because there are many more . However, when a different animal species crosses our path and it needs help, of course we come to its rescue. »
A center for mutual care
Today, he wants to put all these rescued animals to good use. He therefore created a center in Vinnytsia in September 2023, where animals and humans traumatized by the war in Ukraine meet: “Currently, in the shelter, we have 59 dogs and 14 cats who come from Ukraine and who reside in our kennels . »
Not only do they share similar wounds, inflicted on the same battlefields, but they also share a mutual understanding: “The power of animals is astronomical. It really is a magnificent thing. » explains Tom, with a smile on his face, “It’s phenomenal, to the point where veterans have told us that during their stay at the shelter, they felt no pain. “.
For Tom, it’s certain, animals are bandages for physical and psychological pain. And it is in this space of trust and comfort that animals and veterans understand and care for each other. Just like Tom and Gypsie.
An interview to be found at the top of this article.