Yesterday while sitting on a bench in the park, I was lost for a while and couldn't even remember where I was exactly, my brain processed so slow that I somehow mixed up my location and forgot where I was actually. It's not only memories I was thinking about, I have been dealing with past present life situations. I don't have kids otherwise I don't know what I would have done with a kid.
Though I am still confused about where to start a new life again, I haven't stopped searching for options for myself. The Netherlands is a very expensive country and a job is mandatory. I have got an appointment from Municipality for further document process, meanwhile, I felt it's a good idea to check job markets and options. I found some options but now my main focus is to update my cv and apply for jobs. I know right now I don't have many options left because my documents are not ready but I decided to give it a try for experience. God, it's so hard to start fresh, every day I think about how I am gonna survive here. I am not hopeless but I am not also very positive and motivated.
I have got a lot of help too in the Netherlands, just like in Poland. Redcross gave me and my dog a shelter and every day a volunteer comes to check me and my dog and ask if I need anything. Of course basic things like medicines, clothes, food and other things. For example, after coming to the Netherlands, I was looking for dog food for my dog. Because I have read Netherlands provides free food for the pets so I informed Redcross about that. Normally, I always keep dog food with me because Gigi loves food but this time I was out of her dry and wet food and I needed help. I managed some human food for her but it was not enough of course. I have checked local stores and found some food for her for a week, I was out of cash so managed to buy little food for her.
Later when I was completely out of food, again I informed Redcross and then they gave me a website for pets called help for animals from Ukraine. I told you before I don't find any problem when it comes to communicating with people here because everybody speaks English. First I checked their website and requested help for my dog by submitting a form. They replied but as I need more information, I directly called them.
My dog needed both food and Veterinary services as well. She needs a full checkup of her health, and a blood test for Rabies, and she also needs a microchip. I have her passport from Ukraine but because of the country's rules, I need to see a Vet. So, after a discussion, volunteers provided me with information and locations of Veterinary Clinics and where I can find the food for Gigi.
My dog had gone through a lot, she traveled a lot and I thought it was necessary for her. She had got help in Warsaw, Poland for her head wound which is now 85% recovered. But I didn't focus on her full checkup back then and now I felt it is the time. Besides as the Netherlands has rules for pets so now it is mandatory.
So, after gathering the information, my first target work was to get food for my labrador. I checked the given address on Google Maps and the shop was not very far from the place where I am staying now temporarily. It was 20 minutes walking distance so I took a bus. The shop's name is called "Jumper" and I was so shocked to see the shop. It was huge like a warehouse and people go there with their pets. Instantly I thought that next time I will bring Gigi here for sure, she will love being here.
I showed the emails and information provided by the volunteers and after verification, customer service showed me a large bag full of dog food and accessories, and toys. He said, take whatever you need for your dog. I was expecting one bag of dry food to be honest but they said, take food as much as you need and don't forget to take treats for your labrador. I was about to cry but I didn't because I didn't want to show what was thinking. ;)
After coming home, Gigi was so happy to see me. She started jumping when she saw her food in my hand and she was wagging her tail continuously. My dog loves food and seeing her so happy I felt she was like starving for her own food. I didn't find specific food that I used to give her in Ukraine but I have got similar food for her.
Gigi lost weight in the past few weeks, her food diet was not like usual. So, this help was a big help for both of us and now Gigi can back to her diet again.
The Netherlands has offered all kinds of pet services and support for the Ukrainians and it's not very tough to get the services. Only need to go through some procedures and systems but I felt it is easier to get help here than the other countries. Here people are pet friendly. You can go almost anywhere with your dog and you don't need to leave your dog alone. But of course, if you are doing a job, things can be different.
My next focus is to complete all the procedures for my dog and give her a healthy, happy life...
P.S: Any pet owners from Ukraine and anybody from Ukraine will get help by contacting the website which I have given above.
You can follow my stories here:
War Story - Was it hell? - Kharkiv, Ukraine
From " Kharkiv, Ukraine " to " Warsaw, Poland " - War Story
From " Kharkiv, Ukraine " to " Warsaw, Poland " - War Story | Part -2 - Lviv
War Story - Present and Past but no Future
War Story - Walked on the street of Warsaw like a Refugee
War Stories - Psychology and My mindset
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Priyan...
I am @priyanarc.... An architect, a dreamer, and a passionate writer who loves to write about life. I try to present my own perspective and experiences. Please leave your feedback and criticism because it's the only way I can know and reach your mind and thought easily...
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You can contact me anytime. If you need any information about the Netherlands, especially for your pets, feel free to text me.
Also, any kind of information and donation will help me a lot...