Patron's dog illustration
Patron is Hero in Ukraine's Darkest Hour.
In Ukraine's ongoing conflict, a ray of hope emerged in the form of Patron, an extraordinary canine born on July 20, 2019. His owner, Mykhailo Iliev a bomb disposal technician with the State Emergency Service of Ukraine who later became Patron's exclusive handler, originally intended to give the puppy to his son as a pet, but soon began training Patron as a detection dog instead.
When Russia's invasion of Ukraine deepened the turmoil in 2022, Patron and Iliev became inseparable partners, protecting their homeland. Patron also brought comfort and companionship to young patients at "Ohmatdyt" children's hospital in Kyiv.
Patron's fame inspired fundraising initiatives, including charity stamps by "Ukrposhta", supporting demining and animal shelters. He became the mascot of the International Coordination Center for Humanitarian Demining, and received the Order for Courage from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
UNICEF recognized Patron as Goodwill AmbassaDOG, solidifying his status as a symbol of hope and compassion. Patron's story embodies resilience, the human spirit, and the unbreakable bond between humans and their four-legged companions, reminding us that even in the darkest times, courage and kindness prevail.
In Ukraine's ongoing conflict, a ray of hope emerged in the form of Patron, an extraordinary canine born on July 20, 2019. His owner, Mykhailo Iliev a bomb disposal technician with the State Emergency Service of Ukraine who later became Patron's exclusive handler, originally intended to give the puppy to his son as a pet, but soon began training Patron as a detection dog instead.
When Russia's invasion of Ukraine deepened the turmoil in 2022, Patron and Iliev became inseparable partners, protecting their homeland. Patron also brought comfort and companionship to young patients at "Ohmatdyt" children's hospital in Kyiv.
Patron's fame inspired fundraising initiatives, including charity stamps by "Ukrposhta", supporting demining and animal shelters. He became the mascot of the International Coordination Center for Humanitarian Demining, and received the Order for Courage from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
UNICEF recognized Patron as Goodwill AmbassaDOG, solidifying his status as a symbol of hope and compassion. Patron's story embodies resilience, the human spirit, and the unbreakable bond between humans and their four-legged companions, reminding us that even in the darkest times, courage and kindness prevail.
