Dear Dog Lovers,

As a veteran RAF Police Dog Handler, and now a full-time professional dog trainer and behaviourist, I know the incredible bond we share with our hairy friends. Dogs are family, yeah?

Right now, in Ukraine, countless dogs—both civilian and military—are in desperate need of our help as the war continues to disrupt lives.

On 18th February, I’ll be joining forces with Pickups For Peace, an amazing charity that procures and delivers vehicles filled with vital supplies to the front lines in Ukraine. I’ll be driving one of these vehicles from Scotland to Ukraine, packed with crucial resources for dogs who are victims of this crisis, together with essential supplies.

The 4x4 Vehicle: A Lifeline for Those in Need

The 4x4 vehicle I’ll be driving is part of a larger mission coordinated by Pickups For Peace. These vehicles are procured in the UK and undergo a thorough process to prepare them for the challenging conditions in Ukraine. Each vehicle is serviced, repaired, and repainted before being loaded with supplies and delivered to where they’re most needed.

Volunteers like myself drive these vehicles in convoys from the UK to Ukraine, ensuring that every journey is safe and efficient. Once the vehicles are delivered and the supplies unloaded, they are handed over to the appropriate organisations or groups in Ukraine to be put to immediate use.

Volunteer drivers then make their journey home to the UK, knowing their efforts have made a tangible difference.

The Dogs We’re Helping

Many civilian dogs have been separated from their owners, evacuated from war zones, and taken to shelters in safer areas. These shelters are doing their best, but resources are running dangerously low. These dogs need veterinary attention, food, bedding, and essential care until they can be reunited with their families.

Military working dogs are also playing a critical role in Ukraine. They need specialised supplies like tactical harnesses, protective goggles, and 'vision' helmets to keep them safe while they carry out their vital tasks.

How Will Your Donations Will Be Used?

Your support will directly fund:

This list is not exhaustive, but by example, supplies could include

Quality dog food, sourced at wholesale prices (60% cheaper than retail) to stretch every donation further.

Specialist military dog equipment, such as tactical harnesses, goggles, and helmets, costing £200–£500 per dog, depending on their needs.

Bedding and blankets to keep shelter dogs warm this winter.

A second-hand 4x4 vehicle capable of handling tough conditions, typically costing around £3,000–£5,000. These vehicles are procured, serviced, and made ready by Pickups For Peace before being loaded with supplies.

Every pound you donate will help ensure these dogs receive the care, comfort, and protection they so desperately need, and the vehicle that delivered the supplies is put to good use in Ukraine. Win Win!

How You Can Help?

Click the Donate button to contribute to this life-saving mission.

Every little helps—whether it’s £5 for a warm blanket, £50 toward a protective dog harness, or a larger donation toward a 4x4 vehicle, it all counts and is equally appreciated!

Let’s come together as a community of dog lovers to show these dogs and their owners that they are not forgotten.

Your support means the world to them—and to me!.

I will be documenting the journey with video and photographs and sharing what information I can, when I can, and I would love you to be on that journey with me!

Thank you for being a part of this mission of compassion.

With gratitude,

Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)