NEW DELHI: Vandiperiyar native Arya Aldrin and Chengannur native Anju Das, who managed to return from Ukraine yesterday, were relieved to save their pets from the war-hit country. Since it was not possible to admit pet animals to the chartered flight arranged by the Kerala government from Delhi, the two students decided to bring their pets to Kerala at their own expense. Another student, who landed in Delhi with a cat, moved to a friend's house after learning about the situation.

Arya Aldrin, a second-year medical student from Kyiv, reached Delhi yesterday with her Siberian Husky dog named Zaira. Zaira has already become a star on social media. Arya bought Zaira from Kyiv. When the war began, Arya was not ready to leave Zaira behind in Ukraine. Hence, she took Zaira with her to the Romanian border on February 27. They travelled by bus till 12 km away from the border. Then they had to walk to the border. With Zaira getting tired due to the long journey, Arya decided to leave behind her luggage to carry her pet. She faced difficulties in crossing the border as well. She had to plead to the soldiers to allow her to carry the dog across the border. Thus Zaira managed to board the special flight to Delhi.

Both Arya and Zaira are currently staying at the Kerala House in Delhi. With Zaira experiencing some health issues due to climate change, Arya decided to take her immediately to Kerala for treatment. However, she was informed that the dog cannot be admitted to the chartered flight to Kerala. Following this, Arya decided to take Zaira home at her own expense. She is planning to come to Kerala on an Air India flight today.

Meanwhile, Chengannur native Anju and her pet cat Loki reached Delhi on a special flight of the Air Force. She too had to plead to the officials at the Romanian border to allow her to cross the border with the cat. Soon after reaching Delhi, Anju learned that the chartered flight to Kerala will not admit pet animals. Following this, she boarded an Air India flight to Kerala. Anju and Loki reached the Thiruvananthapuram airport at 8.30 pm on Thursday.