The Bezhenar family took the difficult decision to leave Ukraine in July as the conflict there intensified. Their 10-year-old daughter was upset since they had to leave everything behind, including their home, business, and even their pets.
According to mother of three Maria Bezhenar, “We could not take any animals that we have.” “My brother-in-law and I requested him to keep an eye on the animals, and the youngest, Agnessa, kept weeping. I want to go back home, she declares. My pets, including my cats, are there. We were unable to assist her.”
Eleanor, Agnessa, and Angelina, as well as Bezhenar’s mother, came to Romania with Bezhenar and her husband, Aleksander, at first.
Bezhenar connected with Geoffry Peters in Cloverdale, California, after discovering a programme called UkraineTakeShelter.com that aids refugees in finding accommodation in the United States.
Peters, who has devoted his life to serving charities, is currently a member of the board of a nonprofit organisation that handles fundraising. His most recent assignment was assisting a Ukrainian family in immigrating to the US.
The family has through numerous adjustments since arriving in the US. Their California driver’s licences have arrived. The girls have registered for classes, with the two oldest attending junior college. Aleksander is also attempting to relaunch his profession as a wallpaper installer and salesman. They even got a new cat, but Agnessa felt that their beloved cat Arsenii was still missing.
By chance, Bezhenar made friends with a flight attendant while travelling to the United States. She stayed in touch with her and enquired about any possible contacts.
“I questioned her about her knowledge of cats, their ability to fly, and the paperwork they require. She then claims, “I don’t really know about this, but my friend who works as a flight attendant again from Hawaii, she must know all about that,”” Bezhenar thinks back.
The second flight attendant had acquaintances who were involved in animal rescue. They got in touch with a member of the rescue who was already on vacation in Europe. She offered to pick up Arsenii and drive him all the way to California as an added bonus.
“She simply made the decision to go to Bucharest and do all of the necessary tasks for the cat. She then transported the cat from Bucharest to Greece, Montreal, Seattle, and San Francisco. That voyage was lengthy, “explained Bezhenar.
This time, the Bezhenar family was at the airport holding placards that read, “Welcome home, Arsenii.” Agnessa sobbed with happiness.
