Credit: Courtesy Gus Kenworthy
Slopestyle skiing silver medalist Gus Kenworthy is a true winner by showcasing not only his talent but his compassion during these Sochi Winter Olympic Games. Kewnworthy has brought worldwide awareness to the stray dog issue in Russia. Sochi is playing host to not only a spectacular Winter Olympics but host to thousands of stray dogs. In Sochi’s case, many claim that most dogs were left behind and abandoned by the construction workers that came to build the Olympic infrastructures. Historically, the issue of Moscow’s feral dogs was first mentioned by late 19th century journalists. According to biologists who study the feral dog problem it is estimated that the homeless dog population in Moscow is around 35,000 or approximately one dog for every 300 people. In Sochi the more than 2000 strays slated to be euthanized were saved by Russian billionaire and dog lover Oleg Derpaska. He built his own “Olympic Village” of sorts – a shelter outside the city to house the strays. Derpaska is a gold medal winner in the hearts of these dogs for giving them a second chance at life.
As adorable as these pups are it is important to stay mindful of their temperament and socialization skills. In some instances these dogs have bitten people and others tend toward feral and protective tendencies. As Kenworthy is a fellow Coloradan based in Telluride and Life Unleashed is a Denver based pet relocation company – we decided to reach out. As pet relocation specialists we have offered our services for free if Kenworthy finds himself in need. Arranging the exportation of these pups is not as easy as one would think. Often, an international relocation process can take weeks due to the paperwork and necessary health documentations required for both exporting and importing into a separate country.
What a great cause to champion and raise support and knowledge surrounding this sad predicament for the homeless dogs. Everyone’s cheering that these dogs will all become top dogs! What an example of true Olympic Spirit on the slopes and off.