‘We Are a Team’: These Canine Companions Give Their Handlers Support and a Reason to Keep Moving Forward
Two officers from the Kyiv regional police, Olena Petrolai and Artem Halahan, are back on duty with their dogs after being wounded in action. Artem was hurt in the Serebrianskyi forest, where he suffered 23 shrapnel wounds and later underwent an amputation. He now trains a Belgian Shepherd named Roxy to detect explosives.
Olena received three shrapnel injuries while helping clear landmines in the Kherson region. She now teams up with her German Shepherd, Pan, in de-occupied areas, where she also works extensively with children. Their story is featured in the latest episode of the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ YouTube series ‘We Are a Team.’
The documentary series highlights the often-unseen work of Ukrainian police units and the deep bonds formed between officers and their animals. Their return to duty shows both personal courage and the vital role canine teams play in keeping communities safe and helping de-occupied areas recover. It also underscores how a well-trained dog can be an unshakeable partner in the most difficult conditions. Projects like this one help build trust in the police and inspire other officers to rebuild their lives after serious injuries.