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Russia Donates Puppy To France To Replace One Lost In Recent Attacks (Photo)

by Gillian Fuller

Russia, as a whole, is not known for its kindness.

The mere mention of the country brings to mind images of bleak, Soviet-era desolation and gruff communist leaders (not to mention, Siberia).

It all just seems pretty grim, even if the reality is the complete opposite.

This week, however, Russia's reputation took a turn for the better.

On Friday, the Russian Interior Ministry announced via Facebook that they're gifting France with a puppy to show “solidarity with the French people and the police” in the wake of last week's terror attacks in Paris.

The German Shepherd pup, named Dobrynia, was donated by Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev in honor of Diesel, a Belgian police dog that tragically died on Wednesday during a raid of a suspected terrorist hideout.

In a letter to the French government, Kolokoltsev allegedly wrote,

I ask you to accept from Russia's police dog handlers this shepherd puppy, who will be able to take his place in the ranks of Diesel, your dog who died doing his duty.

In the Facebook post announcing the gift, the Russian Ministry explained that Dobrynia is named after Russian hero Dobrynya,

who is the embodiment of strength, goodness, valor, and selfless assistance.

It is unclear if the French government have yet to formally except the gift-wrapped pooch, but let's be real here: How could anyone say no to that face?

Citations: Russia Gave France A Puppy To Show Solidarity After The Paris Attacks (BuzzFeed), Little Dobrynia is donated by Russia as a sign of solidarity to replace hero canine killed by suicide jihadi (Daily Mail)