Solutions from Ukraine: City of Goodness hosts special readings for children attended by writer, canine therapist and disabled pets

On December 3, a reading event took place at the City of Goodness International Center in Chernivtsi. Evacuated children, children in rehabilitation, writer Nataliia Popovych, canine therapist Ihor Rozdobudko, and dogs with disabilities from the shelter "Khvostyky" were all in attendance. Together, they read from the book Special Animals, which shares stories of animals with injuries and disabilities. The group also discussed the importance of ethical behavior toward animals and searched for shared beauty and resilience among both injured people and animals.

Yuliia Podkydysheva, the communications manager of the City of Goodness, spoke exclusively to Rubryka about this.

What is the problem?

In Ukraine, it's crucial to develop strategies and approaches that will foster inclusivity and openness in society, especially now. One key element in achieving this is working with children.

What is the solution?

During the initial "special readings" with the City of Goodness, the children were introduced to resilient animals that overcame trauma and discovered the importance of empathy. One of these animals was Lesia, a shelter dog from "Khvostyky." Lesia had suffered serious injuries that left her with only one eye. Still, through treatment, attentive care, and specialized training, she now serves as a source of emotional support for the shelter's children and mothers. This mutually beneficial exchange is called the "cycle of goodness," as both humans and animals help each other heal and find renewed strength.

One of the heroes in the book read to children is a shell-less turtle. In the City of Goodness, it represents all those who seek refuge and assistance after experiencing difficulties in life. The inhabitants of the center are like these "turtles": orphans, women who have been victims of violence, and children in need of palliative care. The City of Goodness serves as a sanctuary for them – a place where they can recover and regain their strength.

Reading with dogs is a unique therapeutic experience that differs significantly from regular readings due to the inclusion of canine therapy.

"The effects of canine therapy are particularly evident in children with disabilities, children with autism, and children who have experienced mental trauma. They become more open, communicate better, and show care towards animals. Canine therapy truly has healing abilities," Marta Levchenko, founder of the City of Goodness International Aid Center, says.

^{Photo: City of Goodness}

Ihor Rozdobudko, a therapist who specializes in working with dogs, also imparted valuable knowledge to the children. He taught them how to treat animals with disabilities respectfully and adequately, emphasized the importance of understanding their needs, and explained how dogs can sense human emotions. Through group discussions, the children learned an important lesson: that each individual, whether human or animal, is unique, and our responsibility is to create a welcoming environment for everyone.

This is only the initial event in the reading program. The upcoming gathering will take place at the House of Butterflies, the palliative department of the City of Goodness Medical Center, where children will receive the same heartwarming stories and animal therapy as a source of support. By the way, Rubryka has already shared about the House of Butterflies here.

^{Photo: City of Goodness}

"We work with fears and phobias and also help overcome negative experiences acquired during communication with animals. I witness the positive impact of interacting with our furry companions on children daily. Our therapy dogs undergo specialized training, and we carefully select the perfect match for each child. It's a crucial responsibility that we fulfill successfully, and we are progressing towards our desired outcomes," canine therapist Ihor says.

For reference:

The City of Goodness is an international center for comprehensive care. The charity's employees have rescued over 8,000 children from social orphanages, helped over 5,000 women, provided shelter for 300 individuals, and even housed 34 canine companions.

The animal shelter, known as "Khvostyky," located at the medical center, provides care for 34 dogs who have either suffered from abuse or have been abandoned as a result of war. While tending to these dogs, the concept of establishing a Canine Therapy Center on the premises was formed. A skilled canine therapist leads approximately 120 sessions with children and their mothers at the center every month. The interaction with the dogs aids in helping the children overcome fears, understand the value of responsibility, and discover new emotional growth opportunities. This transforms caring for animals into a form of mutual support and healing.