They never left each other’s side.
When Vladislav Duda decided to flee the violence of war-torn Ukraine, he knew he would have to leave most of his belongings behind in order to seek safety in neighboring Romania. However, there was one precious thing he could not bear to part with—his beloved orange kitten, Peach.
In a twist of fate, it was this little cat that ultimately saved his life.
While attempting to cross the mountains into Romania with two companions, Duda and his group encountered a fierce snowstorm that made the journey even more treacherous. During the storm, Duda, carrying Peach, slipped down a ravine and became trapped. The freezing temperatures that night dropped well below freezing, and Duda was left behind by his companions, who were unable to help him.
Despite the terrifying circumstances, Duda was not completely alone. In the midst of the perilous cold and snow, he held onto Peach, keeping the tiny kitten close to him for warmth and comfort. He managed to survive for nearly 24 hours in the ravine, clinging to the hope that someone would come to his rescue—and more importantly, he clung to his kitten.
A search and rescue team from Romania’s Salvamont Maramures eventually found them, and the director of the team, Dan Benga, believes that Peach played a crucial role in Duda’s survival.
“The cat was warm and was warming him… so he saved his life,” Benga said. “The only thing we saw him care about was the cat. He didn’t care about himself.”
The rescuers found Duda weak and suffering from hypothermia, but Peach was right there with him, providing the warmth he desperately needed. As they carried Duda down the mountain to safety, Peach remained by his side, offering comfort in the most challenging of circumstances.
After being transported to the hospital for treatment, Duda was able to recover, and Peach stayed close by, continuing to offer the emotional support that had helped keep Duda alive.
The bond between Duda and Peach is now being hailed as nothing short of miraculous. Their commitment to each other through such harrowing conditions is a testament to the powerful connection between humans and animals.
Both Duda and Peach are now in recovery, and while Duda was unable to comment directly, a spokesperson confirmed that they are doing well and on the road to healing.
This extraordinary story of survival and devotion serves as a reminder of the deep bonds that can exist between people and their pets—even in the face of extreme adversity.