Milena Grycajenko

Small paws🐾 big hearts ❤️

I’m taking part in this challenge with my little sidekick — my 12-year-old Yorkie. He’s super timid and definitely more of a slow-and-steady kind of guy, but I love having him with me every step of the way. He’s not rehomed, he’s been mine for years, and honestly it just feels special doing this together while he’s still happy to plod along beside me. He’s also been through a lot — he had to have surgery due to issues with his prostate, and without it he wouldn’t be here today. It really opened my eyes to just how important vet care is and how quickly things can change. From 2012 to 2023, we also had a female Yorkie who sadly passed away. She was spayed so she wouldn’t be used for breeding, but after the surgery she started having breathing problems. A few years before she passed, she began struggling more, often making choking sounds. Another surgery was an option, but it was extremely expensive and there was a very low chance she would survive, so it wasn’t something we could put her through. I also have friends who’ve rehomed a Belgian Malinois, which at first sounded like a total mission and a massive challenge — especially compared to my tiny Yorkie — but now that dog is genuinely amazing. It’s really nice seeing how different dogs, no matter their age, background, or breed, can grow and thrive with a bit of patience, time, and love. I just really hope that one day every dog (and other pets too) gets a safe place to call home, stays warm through the cold winters, never has to go hungry, and that no pet has to be in pain and gets all the care and support they need. 💛🐾