With the beginning of the war in Ukraine, guardian doghe became a star not only in the Ukrainian army, because he helps to detect mines left by the Russians, but also in the whole world. But he is not the only four-legged friend who is helping Ukrainians overcome the devastating consequences of the Russian invasion, and this is not the only way that dogs and cats extend a “helping paw”, reports BBC.

Thanks to his work, Patron met with numerous dignitaries or famous people who visited Kyiv, including actor Orlando Bloom, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The Ukrainian post office printed stamps with the image of a dog hero, who was also awarded a medal “for services” to the Motherland by Volodymyr Zelenskyi.

Patron owner Mykhailo Iliev says his meetings with foreign dignitaries helped Ukrainian emergency services get the necessary demining equipment.

The Jack Russell dog was involved in raising funds for people affected by the war, especially for his colleagues who were injured during mine clearance. He also participated in fundraising for animals.

“Our little friends are going through difficult times after being abandoned or hurt. We understand that they also want to live and they need help,” Iliev told the BBC.

Mecenat’s Instagram account offers not only pictures of the charismatic dog, but also hope, inspiration and advice for Ukrainians facing the horrors of war.

But Patron is not the only four-legged friend who can help.

He and several other animals – some real, some cartoon – provided emotional support or raised funds.

Kot Stepan, who collects funds and provides support

Kit Stepan hails from Saltivka, a district of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city, which was badly affected by Russian bombing.

Before the war, Stepan was another incredibly cute cat on the Internet. But since the full-scale invasion of Russia, his Instagram account began to offer more than just photos – he began to comment on the war.

Stepan’s account, which has 1.3 million followers on Instagram, has used its popularity to help animals affected by war. Last year, he helped raise almost €15,000, which was spent on food, medicine and other care for them.

After the destruction of the Kakhovskaya dam in southern Ukraine in June, the cat helped raise funds for the evacuation of animals from flooded areas.

His account also participated in fundraising for the repair of the bomb-damaged library in Kharkiv.

But Stepan has more than just money on his account.

“He supported people, especially children, so that they could forget the horrors of this war at least for a while. That’s why there is a bit of humor in his posts,” says Anna.

And the cartoon animals help a bit

People are more receptive to advice if it seems to come from a furry pet, says Olena Pavlova, who created the animated cat character Fig.

“The image of a cat goes much further than just using words. I’ve seen it many times,” she says. “Cat images and memes can help convey many important ideas. They are easier to digest. Images of cats help us cope.”

“Cat Fig is a natural antidepressant. I created it to make myself and my readers feel better. He is positive, pleasant and sweet and helps people find hope and light in themselves,” says Pavlova.