The conflict in Ukraine has been traumatic for millions of Ukrainian civilians forced to flee their homes for safer parts of the country or as refugees into surrounding countries. While adults have an understanding of the conflict, the trauma is much worse for children whose worlds have been turned upside down, often in the course of a few hours.

Barbara Körozsi is a therapy dog trainer in Berehove, Ukraine. She brings her therapy dog Doxa to work with children at a shelter for internally displaced people in Berehove. The children play with Doxa, who is helping to bring them comfort, build self confidence and teach them to trust again.

Many of the children have lost all sense of control over their surroundings. Deciding what Doxa will do and directing her with commands provides them with a sense of control in a safe space.

Barbara recalls one family with two children:“When they arrived, the children were afraid of any noise that sounded like the war. Thunder caused them anxiety. A psychologist from Kyiv tried to help but couldn’t get very far. They wouldn’t go anywhere without their mother. But when they started to interact with Doxa, they began to open up more and more. They now come without their mom. They don’t cry but play and have fun.”

Your support is helping the children in Ukraine recover from trauma and reclaim their childhood. Thank you!

Photo caption: Therapy dog Doxa with children at the shelter in Berehove. (Photo: Simon Chambers/ ACT Alliance)