The East SOS Superteam: Meet the Foundation’s Furry Friends
Helping people is easier when you have furry teammates who can lift spirits with a single wag of their tail. Meet Barney the dog, Cherry the dog, Bord the cat, and Theo the dog – the whiskered and furry members of the East SOS Charity Foundation team.
Each of them has their own story of joining the Foundation, but they all share the same core values: kindness, empathy, and mutual support. That is why each of them carries out a special mission within the team.
Barney – Chief Psychologist of Evacuation Missions
In the spring of 2025, Roman Buhaiov, an evacuation specialist with East SOS, took in a four-year-old stray dog in Dnipro. From the very first days, Barney showed an unusual interest in Roman’s vehicle – as if he already sensed his calling. He quickly adapted to his new life and soon became a trusted companion on evacuation missions.
“People say I’m well-mannered, tidy, cheerful, and very active. That’s probably why they call me the team’s main hustler! My superpower is empathy. During evacuation trips, I help people calm down – especially children –so I can confidently claim the role of a psychologist!” – Barney.
Barney truly feels like part of the East SOS team. During trips, he sometimes works as a security specialist: thanks to his sharp hearing and keen sense of smell, he can sense danger long before it appears. In transit centers, he becomes the best friend of children in playrooms, offering comfort and warmth when it is needed most. And, of course, Barney never skips the canteen – because a tasty snack is an essential part of providing quality service.
Cherry – HR Assistant
Cherry is a dog with great potential. She can not only sniff out her favorite treats, but also recognize people with big hearts – those who are truly ready to help others.
For some time, Cherry lived in a shelter. In 2020, she found her forever home thanks to Aliona Shmonina, Head of HR at the Foundation. It was truly a match made in heaven.
“I’m so happy that my magnetism helped me find my person. I adapted quickly – especially to the Kyiv office, which has become my second home. I generously allow everyone who likes me to pet and scratch me. But seriously, my superpower is helping to find the best people for the team. My life hack is simple: the best people are those who love animals and know how to care for them,” – Cherry.
Cherry is an excellent judge of character and genuinely enjoys being the center of attention – which is why no working day in the office passes without her participation. Like Barney, she is jokingly referred to as a security specialist: Cherry carefully monitors everyone who enters the office and announces their arrival with an attentive bark.
Bord – the Furry Guardian of the Team
Bord joined the East SOS Charity Foundation team in April 2025. Kateryna Skrypova, Humanitarian Coordinator, found her as a tiny kitten together with her sister and mother in the entrance of a residential building. The mother cat and sister soon found new homes, while Bordiusha – as she is affectionately called – became a regular and beloved visitor to the office.
“I immediately took all work processes under my personal control and became a real office manager. They call me the guardian and the soul of the team –and I must admit, I’m very flattered. I’m also one of the ambassadors of the humanitarian direction! My motto is the three Ds: do good, deliver help, and dear ones to warm,” – Bord.
They say that meeting Bordiusha in the middle of a busy workday brings good luck – especially if you gently stroke the top of her head three times, following the direction of her fur.
Theo – Both in Service and in Friendship
Theo joined the East SOS Charity Foundation team thanks to Maya Kuzmina, a member of the Foundation’s Board. From the very first days, he naturally integrated into all work processes – from everyday office routines to strategic sessions and meetings with donors and partners.
“I am a loyal companion, so I know exactly when to be serious and calm –for example, during work or important meetings. And when it’s time to chase demons, play, and remember that I’m a dog after all. My superpower is feeling the moment,” – Theo.
During working hours, Theo is always close to the team and easily adapts to their rhythm. Outside of work, he is gentle and calm: he sincerely loves children, enjoys playing with Bordiusha, and gladly shares treats with Cherry. His one weakness is small, soft toys – Theo can spend hours playing with them. Amid deadlines and important decisions, Theo remains the one who helps maintain balance between work and life – a quiet, reassuring presence with a softly wagging tail.
Read more about the other furry members of the East SOS team here.
