“We were heading out to buy dog food when the call came in: ‘Come quick, everything is burning,'” recalls Andrea Cisternino. A long, heavy silence ensued. He then continues, “But we are pressing forward, rebuilding everything.” This testimony highlights the essence of resilience—not fleeing, not abandoning. Beyond just addressing stray animals, this commitment was why Renata Balducci, president of AssoVegan, presented the VeganOK Animal Guardian Award 2015 to Andrea Cisternino and Vlada Shalutko. As President and Vice-President of the Kyiv-based International Animal Protection League Onlus, their relentless and courageous dedication to stray animals in Ukraine and globally was honored.
“We now have 86 dogs; we’ve recovered!” Cisternino emotionally told the audience after receiving the award. “I still struggle to process this profound experience, and I am grateful to the 70 souls we lost—they helped me become the man I am today.“
“This award is not just a physical object—it represents our solidarity. Remember that we stand with you when you return home and look at it,” explained Renata Balducci.
To continue supporting Andrea and Vlada, visit www.iapl.biz
“The website has the latest updates about our shelter in Italy. Anyone planning to visit next year will find space to come and embrace our dogs,” Andrea shared.
A special segment by VeganOK TgNews with Francesca Ricci was also featured, including Andrea Cisternino’s complete address at the VeganFest in Bologna.
