I looked into a Ukrainian refugee child's eyes

[TrogL]

I currently make my living handing out parking tickets in private lots. I came across a vehicle parked in handicapped. I was about to write a ticket when the owner came out. She had a little boy (3?) in a stroller. In near perfect English she explained that she had just arrived from Ukraine and her paperwork hadn't caught up with her and she'd just moved in.

She suddenly saw my dog in the back seat and was delighted. I asked if her son wanted to meet my dog so she got him out of the stroller and I coaxed Bear out of the back seat. The boy, looking tentative, eventually petted Bear on the nose then looked like he was going to cry and during this I got a look into his eyes.

I'm old. I've met plenty of veterans who've been through hell. They had the same eyes.

[Tetrachloride]

1. My father said the same thing about combat veterans.

He knew.

[Raine]

2. Aw 💔 😢 nt

[canetoad]

3. You're a hero TrogL

Kids, dogs - put them together and watch tensions melt.

[Rhiannon12866]

4. Kudos to you, poor little kid. I hope he liked the dog.

I'm not much of a crier, but your story choked me up. What had this family been through that this small child had such a look in his eyes?

[littlemissmartypants]

5. ❤

[bluboid]

6. I agree - you're a hero!

[TrogL]

7. A bit more information

The area where I live, Central Alberta, Canada has a large Ukranian decent population. Immigration started in the late 19th century and continues to this day with spikes during both World Wars. The climate is similar to Ukraine and many immigrants became involved in farming as Alberta is part of Canada's bread basket.

There are many signs of Ukranian culture including cultural centres, Ukranian fast food restaurants in malls and the world famous Shumka Dancers.

Hence it is no surprise that the family moved here. Canada's immigration policy is based on a points system. Canada is currently accepting an unlimited number of Ukraine refugees. You get points for having family here, speaking one of the official languages (English and French), sponsors, having cash at hand, a job offer and other factors. Given our conversation, her having a nice place to stay, access to a vehicle etc. I'd say she fit the criteria very well.

I was driving a sort of official looking vehicle, wearing something vaguely resembling a uniform and I carry myself like a cop even if I act like a two year old. My first interaction with her was sort of confrontational so I can understand the boy being a bit frightened. God only knows what kind of interactions he'd witnessed with uniformed people in the past.

Bringing pets into Canada is an expensive and complicated process. The family may have had to leave a beloved family member behind. Many immigrants are absolutely terrified of dogs because of experiences with wild dogs or those involved in enforcement. Bear is a big Softcoat Wheaton Terrier who dwarfed the boy but is gentle as a lamb. The K9 unit sticker on the vehicle is a joke and more for Bear's protection than anything else. Bear's coat is incredibly soft, completely different than most animal fur. The only comparison I can think of is baby hair.

Hence, having a little boy bury his face in the fuzzy fur of a strange dog, owned by a strange man, in a quasi-enforcement setting, given everything he's been through makes him a hero in my books.