Along with Alex, his human counterpart, Shayba the soldier cat provides a beacon of hope in the midst of the Ukraine war
Anyone who loves cats and spends time on social media has likely noticed the affection the Ukrainians have for their felines. You’ll see soldiers rescuing cats from the ruins of bombed-out buildings. You’ll also see kitties accompanying soldiers on their maneuvers. One example of this mutual love affair is Shayba the soldier cat, the feline sidekick of Ukrainian soldier, Alexandr Liashuk. This young kitty takes his responsibilities very seriously. He’s often seen perched on Alex’s shoulder, his facial expressions mirroring his human companion’s.
Ukrainian defenders found Shayba near positions in the south, and he became Alex’s constant companion. Attired in his own uniform and name chevrons, the intrepid kitty accompanies Alex on patrols. He also rides with Alex behind the wheel of his vehicle, and meets with President Zelenskyy.
You’ll also find Shayba and Alex napping together, basking among sunflowers (Ukraine’s national flower), celebrating birthdays and dressing up for Ukrainian holidays.
“You have become like my baby to me, and I’m like your dad to you,” Alex said when describing their friendship on Shayba’s second National Day. “Special guests, our veterans from Superhumans, came to greet Shaibik [Shayba], for which we are very grateful.”
The Superhumans Center (superhumans.com) serves six regions of Ukraine and provides free services for those requiring prosthetics, rehabilitation, reconstructive surgery, hearing restoration, and psychological support.
Alex and Shayba are involved in additional humanitarian efforts. They collected donations through personal meetings, video calls, and social media, and “handed over a pick-up truck to the guys. It’s already leaving for a combat mission.” Alex made up the difference in the cost of the truck from his own pocket.
The pair have also donated first aid kits to optimeal.eu. This vet care service provides food and supplies to Ukraine’s animal companions. As well, they used their “star power” to make a video for David, a friend in the US, who asked how he could help.
With the aid of the video, David raised funds to send a defibrillator to Ukraine. “We really hope it will never be used, but if the need arises, we hope it will help save the lives of our heroes,” says Alex.
It’s not all about fighting a war. On Vyshyvanka Day in May, Alex and Shayba took time out to celebrate the Ukrainian tradition of wearing embroidered clothing.
“Right now, dear Ukrainians and friends of our country, you understand more and more the value of our culture and identity,” Alex said at the time. “That’s why Shaibik and I are proud to wear these embroideries.”
In the midst of a long and deadly conflict, Alex and Shayba the soldier cat comfort each other. They also provide a beacon of hope to Ukrainians and others around the world.
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Sally E. Bahner specializes in cat-related issues, specifically nutrition, holistic care and behavior. She has offered her services as a feline behavior and care consultant and gives classes on cat care. Sally is the resident cat behavior expert on Tracie Hotchner’s Cat Chat radio program, and a member of the Cat Writers’ Association and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.
Source: Animal Wellness Magazine
