Goodbye, Sweet Shumka — A Brave Survivor Who Found Love

With heavy hearts, we have to say goodbye to our beloved Shumka. He passed away peacefully on Friday, surrounded by the people who loved him most. ❤️

Shumka’s journey was nothing short of remarkable. A three-legged dog from Uman, Ukraine, he was fortunate enough to travel to the United States just before the CDC introduced its dog import ban and the full-scale war in Ukraine began.

Because Shumka made it to safety in time, he never had to experience the terrifying sounds of war. Instead, his new life began in San Francisco, where our director, Mandy, welcomed him at the airport.

It wasn’t long before Shumka found the loving forever family he deserved in the Bay Area. There, he was given something every rescue dog dreams of — a safe home, a loving family, and years filled with warmth, happiness, and unforgettable memories. 🏡❤️

Shumka even became a special part of our organization’s story. He appeared on local CBS alongside our co-founder Jenna and Mandy when our rescue received a public service award. For a dog who had endured so much, seeing him celebrated and surrounded by people who cared about him was incredibly special.

In his final years, Shumka faced serious health challenges, including degenerative spinal disease and Cushing’s disease. He fought bravely for as long as he could, but eventually his body became tired.

Now, his pain is gone, and he can finally rest peacefully.

Run free, sweet Shumka. You overcame so much, found the loving home you deserved, and touched the lives of everyone who knew you. You will always remain a treasured part of our rescue family and will never be forgotten. ❤️