A harrowing rescue in the Carpathian Mountains has captured hearts worldwide as a Ukrainian journalist credited his kitten, Peach, for saving his life.

Vladislav Duda, 28, was found severely hypothermic in a ravine 437 yards deep in Romania’s northern Maramures region last week. Rescuers battling blizzard conditions discovered Duda clutching Peach inside his jacket, drawing warmth from his feline companion. The director of the Maramures mountain rescue service, Dan Benga, called the kitten a lifeline. “The cat was warm and was warming him … so he saved his life,” Benga shared.

Duda’s journey to the ravine began when he fled Ukraine to avoid conscription amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. Accompanied by Peach, his kitten of only a few months, he traversed treacherous terrain for over a week before becoming stranded in temperatures plunging to 14°F.

“What I remember is the fear of the unknown and the fear of not making it through the night alive,” Duda recalled. “My Peach kept me alive. He kept my heart warm and my faith alive.”

A Grueling Rescue Mission

Rescue workers made an initial attempt to airlift Duda via helicopter, but extreme weather thwarted the operation. Undeterred, ground teams trekked through deep snow to reach him, ultimately taking over five hours to ascend back to safety. Even during the ascent, Peach remained steadfastly nestled against Duda’s chest, a testament to the bond between the pair.

Benga noted Duda’s unshaken focus on his kitten’s well-being despite his dire state. “The only thing we saw he cared about was the cat,” Benga said. “He doesn’t care about himself.”

Once rescued, both Duda and Peach were transported for medical care. Duda, suffering from severe hypothermia, is undergoing anti-inflammatory treatment and blood circulation therapy. Peach, too, received veterinary care and is expected to make a full recovery.

A Second Chance at Life

Duda’s story is not just one of survival but also of gratitude. “It’s like a dream, after all I have been through, I only hoped to be found and to survive,” he said. “Peach gave me hope when I had none.”

Now in recovery, Duda and Peach are being supported by local aid workers, including Izabella Kiskasza, who runs a community center for Ukrainian refugees. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the powerful bond between humans and their pets and the hope they can inspire even in the most challenging circumstances.