Solihull vet Deborah's volunteering mission in Ukraine

Deborah Hope, former clinical director of 608 Vet Practice in Solihull, worked as part of a team of volunteers for animal charity Worldwide Vets.

Deborah, who recently retired from Linnaeus-owned 608, which has practices in Solihull, Bentley Heath and Acocks Green, said the Ukrainians were very welcoming and appreciative of the charity’s help.

She explained: “I went out to Ukraine with the charity Worldwide Vets, working in a team that included vets and vet nurses who had travelled from across Europe, Africa, USA and Dubai to volunteer their time and skills.

“We were based about two hours’ drive north-east of Lviv, working at a makeshift shelter where our work focused on neutering cats and dogs, either owned pets or street animals, plus treating them for ticks, fleas and worms and importantly vaccinating against rabies.

"Rabies is common in Ukraine and is a danger to both animals and unvaccinated people.

“Once treated, all the street animals were carefully returned to their own individual neighbourhoods where they are well cared for by Ukrainian residents. They were all well fed and much loved.

“We also tended to any other sick or injured animals who came our way, including an injured stork and a military service dog.

“This was all done for free but we did get some great cakes as a thank-you! We were also lucky to join in celebrating Easter (which is later in Ukraine than in the UK) with a traditional basket of cake and food which was given to us by the local mayor.”

Deborah did not experience any of the ongoing conflict in the country as the centre was safely sited in a more rural setting away from the danger zones, however, she revealed some of the team did visit the frontline.

She added: “Our Ukrainian vet Olga and the head UK vet Gemma definitely went above and beyond.

“They took a mobile veterinary unit into frontline areas to help there and to bring in supplies and medicines.

“It really is a great charity to support and was much appreciated by all the Ukrainians we met.”

Volunteering in Ukraine isn’t Deborah’s only charity mission this year as she added: “Earlier this month, I joined a team called 608 Forget-me-nots as we walked 26 miles for the Alzheimer’s Society at Trek26 Cotswold24.

“We trekked through the area’s ancient woodlands, wildflower meadows and historic Cotswold stone villages to raise money together to provide help and hope for people affected by dementia.

“This disease has touched, and is touching, families in the 608 region and across the country, and this fundraising is our way of trying to help.”

To find out more about 608 Vet Practice, visit www.608vets.com or search for 608 Vets on social media.