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Zumba Extravaganza in Piscataway! 

Join us, adopter Dara Grzesh, and her Sochi Dog Olivia for an outdoor Zumba Extravaganza where a portion of the proceeds will go to supporting Sochi Dogs!  

Get excited for an energizing Sunday morning with 4 Zumba instructors, raffles, a DJ, a two-week free trial to Dara and Olivia’s gym, Be Healthy Personal Trainer, light refreshments, and lots of fun! 

When: Sunday, June 22nd at 10 am
Where: The parking lot of 242 Old New Brunswick Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854
(There will be a designated area for check ins)
Time: 10-11:30 am 
Tickets: $15 in advance | $20 at the door
Venmo: @behealthyPT

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Anna Umansky

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It Takes a Village: Daffy’s Road to Forever

When rescuers found Daffy in Georgia, she was barely hanging on—skin and bones, stumbling along train tracks, her paw mangled from a trap. She had so little strength left, she could hardly lift her head. But what she didn’t know was that her life was about to change in the most incredible way.

After being rescued, Daffy was rushed to a local veterinary clinic, where an amazing veterinarian performed surgery to save her injured paw. From there, she began her long road to recovery.

With nutritious meals, a safe place to rest, and lots of love, Daffy slowly began to heal. She received all the necessary vet care—vaccinations, spaying, follow-up exams—and, most importantly, time to rebuild her strength and trust.

 
 

When her foot was declared fully healed, it was time for the next step: New York! She boarded a flight and arrived at JFK Airport, where she spent over a week at The ARK facility, charming everyone she met. Because of her prior injury, she required special CDC clearance, and the ARK staff went above and beyond to keep her comfortable while her case was reviewed.

Finally, with paperwork in hand and tail wagging, Daffy was cleared for the next leg of her adventure. After a short stop in New Jersey, she boarded a small plane with Pilots N Paws volunteers Bob and Colby and took to the skies once again—this time headed straight to her forever home in New Hampshire, complete with loving humans, friendly dogs, and even horses!

 
 

When we say it takes a village, we truly mean it. From the rescue team in Georgia to the kind-hearted vet who saved her foot, from the shelter to the tireless volunteers, transporters, and pilots—Daffy’s journey was made possible by the incredible efforts of so many people.

Where would Daffy be today without the amazing work of our rescue partners and all of your support?! Thank you!

 
 
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Anna Umansky

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Gerda Update: She's Out of Surgery!

We’re so happy to share some good news—Gerda made it through surgery and just had her first meal!

The surgeon successfully removed her gallbladder and also took a biopsy of her liver, which is now being sent for analysis. For now, Gerda is recovering well and is being closely monitored at the Dnipro shelter.

And of course, she’s not alone—Kay is right by her side, visiting her every day. Her brother and best friend hasn’t left her heart for a moment, and their bond continues to bring comfort and strength to both of them.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated and sent kind messages. You made this possible. We’ll share another update as soon as we have the biopsy results. Until then, thank you for being part of Gerda and Kay’s journey.

 
 
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Anna Umansky

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For Gerda and Kay: A Story of Survival, Love, and Urgent Need.

We have a medical case we need your help with—and this one is anything but ordinary.

Almost two years ago, Gerda and Kay were found as tiny puppies, abandoned in a box near Dnipro, Ukraine. From the very beginning, Gerda was the brave one. She was the first to be picked up, the first to greet visitors at the shelter, and the first to run out for treats. Full of spirit and confidence, she always led the way.

Kay, her gentle brother, was never far behind. Born with only three legs, he never let that slow him down. Where Gerda went, Kay followed. Her presence gave him courage. They’ve been inseparable ever since.

 
 

Recently, something changed.

The shelter team noticed that Gerda wasn’t feeling well. A vet exam and testing revealed gallbladder disease and a suspicious growth on her liver. She’s now in the ICU section of the shelter, receiving fluids, medication, and a special diet—but she urgently needs surgery, scheduled for this coming Saturday.

 
 

And it’s not just Gerda who’s struggling.

Since she became ill, Kay has stopped eating. He won’t come out of his kennel, and he seems lost without his sister. The only time he perks up is when they’re together. Irina, one of the shelter’s devoted volunteers, brings him to visit Gerda every day, and only then will he eat. Their bond is powerful, and Kay’s well-being is directly tied to Gerda’s.

 
 

We truly need your support. If you’re able, please consider making a gift to help cover the cost of Gerda’s surgery. It’s not just for her—it’s for Kay, too. Because when Gerda heals, he will begin to heal as well. Thank you for being part of their story and for helping us make sure that these two never have to face the world without each other.

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Anna Umansky