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Ukrainian couple's guide dog is family amid Irish housing concerns

Pavlo Romaniuk's account of bringing Amigo to Ireland accompanies warnings about disabled refugees as state accommodation contracts end.

Channel: RTÉ News ·

IrelandStory of October 30, 2026Trari Newsroom

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'He's our guide dog, he's our family' - Ukrainian couple | #rtenews

Leaving Ukraine without Amigo was not an option for Pavlo Romaniuk and Yuliia Nahaiets. The couple, who are blind, waited three months after the war began to meet the requirements for bringing their guide dog into the European Union, Pavlo says.

Their story features in coverage by Ireland's public broadcaster, Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ) News, of concerns about Ukrainian refugees losing state accommodation. Organizations supporting refugees warn of a potential rise in homelessness as more than 140 accommodation contracts are ended, with particular fears for disabled people.

The accompanying report says Pavlo and Yuliia arrived in Ireland three years ago and faced difficulty finding landlords willing to accommodate them with Amigo. It does not say in this clip that the couple have been given notice to leave their housing.

The short interview stays close to what the golden retriever means to them. Resting outdoors, Amigo appears as Pavlo explains that the dog developed heart problems when young and takes medication to lower his blood pressure. He still works as their guide dog.

Pavlo bends down to pet him as he describes a bond that goes beyond assistance: "You know, he is much more than just a guide dog." Then he adds: "He is our only family here."

Published on Trari