33 homeless dogs living in shelters of the Fund Happy Paw look forward to meeting with their future owners. On average, each month only five of them are lucky to get a new family.
So, a few months ago Gera, a year-old pooch with a complicated fate, was fortunate to found responsible and loving owners. Its new family became lovely people - extraordinary Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic in Ukraine Ivan Pochuh with his wife Martina.
33 homeless dogs living in shelters of the Fund «Happy Paw» look forward to meeting with their future owners. On average, each month only five of them are lucky to get a new family.
So, a few months ago Gera, a year-old pooch with a complicated fate, was fortunate to found responsible and loving owners. Its new family became lovely people - extraordinary Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic in Ukraine Ivan Pochuh with his wife Martina.
We asked Martina Pochuhova to tell how their family decided to take a dog from a shelter, which challenges they face in its upbringing and whether there is the problem of stray dogs in the Czech Republic.
-Please tell us how did you decide to take a dog from a shelter?
-We already had a dog, and it was also taken from the shelter. Homeless animals, though they are not thoroughbred, but very beautiful and original. I even think that they can be smarter than purebreds, and they have better immune system, because they had to adapt to life.
-Did you like Gera from the first sight?
-Gera turned out somehow similar to our former dog, just a bit bigger. Basically, they are both pooch, but when I saw it, I immediately thought that we can become friends. I took it on a leash and we went for a walk with it around the shelter - it was important for me to feel whether we understand each other.
By the way, before visiting the shelter I was warned by the staff of the Foundation «Happy Paw» about the complicated nature of Gera, it is afraid of people. But it did not stop us, on the contrary, gave confidence to the right decision. We thought that this animal had a little chance to find the owner; people are likely to choose an affectionate puppy or dog with a sweet temper. When we saw that it would be difficult, it was a challenge. And, in general, we decided that we could take care of a dog.
-Tell me, do you encounter any difficulties in parenting of Gera?
-From the beginning, we had some difficulties. It was afraid of our friends, neighbors, constantly barked at them. But I read a lot on the Internet how to make the animal not to be afraid, to teach how to perform simple commands. I always watched what it likes, for example, it does not like the sound of a mobile phone, but loves music on the stereo, and even now it dances a little. In addition, every week we visit Hero Temper center on Karavajevy Dachi . There we are helped to learn how to communicate, and if there are any problems between classes, I can always call and receive a piece of advice, they help me to understand what’s wrong. 
-In your opinion, the dog, who grew up in an orphanage, needs more attention than, for example, taken home being a puppy?
-If the dog felt bad in the shelter, it probably needs. But our Gera was not alone there; she lived with its sister. And next weekend we're going to go to the shelter to see if they remember each other. Maybe they miss each other?
- Please tell us how the problem of stray dogs is solved in the Czech Republic?
- In the Czech Republic dogs are not born on the street. Every dog has a special chip, which means that it can be find quickly in case of loss. If the owner is not there yet, special services immediately take it to the shelter. As a rule, to the shelters get dogs whose owner died, for example, or those whose owner refused them, as well as dogs who are lost and cannot yet return home.
- Are there any cases when people just refuse animals?
-Unfortunately, it happens. Because their life situation can change and they cannot keep the dog at home. Or they do not have time for the animal. In any case, it happens.
In order to verify the commitment and determination of the person wanting to take a dog from a shelter, we ask to fill out a questionnaire, and then sign a contract for guardianship.
- Did you have any inconveniences because of that?
- Any inconveniences. On the contrary, I think it’s good to do that. If you need to take the time to fill out a form, it means that the person really wants to take the animal. Also, this selection allows you to choose truly responsible owners. And it's good for both people and dogs themselves, and for the Fund.
- Do Czechs often take dogs from shelters?
- I think there are a lot of such people in the Czech Republic; it is a worldwide trend now. Your people are more likely to buy expensive purebred dogs, and we - on the contrary, believe "if I take a dog from a shelter - its better." And here it is not a "prestige", but only in the sense that I can help.
But in Ukraine there are a lot of such people too. For example, in our house lives a family which have helped homeless dog. They did not even pick the animals from a shelter, but from the street. The poor dog had an eye infection, it almost couldn’t see. But it was taken to the family, cured and now the dog is healthy and has the real masters. I admire people like that! But not everyone can do that, but still there are a lot of caring people.
-We thank you for your kindness to the homeless dogs and for the fact that you did the life of one of them happy! What would you like to wish our fellow countrymen?
In Ukraine, of course, there is a problem with the number of stray dogs on the streets. They cannot be picked up all to the shelters, since it was never enough money. In the Czech Republic dogs are taken from the streets quickly, because there are few dogs and while seeing a stray dog on the street, people even transport it to the shelter or call to a special service. Stray animals in your country are in a difficult situation. I'm sorry that people are poisoning dogs on the streets. It cannot be done. It is necessary to solve the problem of stray dogs only in a humane way.
You are absolutely right. Our Foundation strongly criticizes doghunters’ activities. Legally our country provides liability for cruelty to animals, but people actually go unpunished. It is important to change people's attitude towards the homeless dogs. That is why a significant portion of our activities was focused on the schools and universities. We conduct educational lectures for children; we bring them into our shelters, so that they became acquainted with the homeless dogs. We want Ukrainians to humanely treat animals and believe that you need to change attitudes and stereotypes that exist today in our society. And most importantly, we believe that every dog will sooner or later find its owner.