The Extraordinary Life of Oxana Malaya: A Girl Raised by Dogs in Ukraine
Girl raised by dogs who taught her to bark and eat raw meat off the floor
Express
Image: Express
Oxana Malaya, abandoned by her parents at age three in Kherson, Ukraine, lived with dogs for five years, adopting their behaviors and communication methods. Discovered at eight, she has since been in care, sharing her unique story and struggles with social integration.
- 01Oxana Malaya was abandoned at age three and lived with dogs for five years.
- 02She lost her ability to speak and communicated by barking.
- 03Discovered at age eight, she was taken into social care.
- 04Oxana has the mental development of a six-year-old.
- 05She continues to seek comfort from dogs in her adult life.
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Oxana Malaya's story is one of survival and resilience. Abandoned by her alcoholic parents at the age of three in Kherson, Ukraine, she took refuge in a dog kennel, living with her pet dog Naida and other stray dogs for five years. During this time, she adopted canine behaviors, losing her ability to speak and communicating through barking. Authorities intervened when she was discovered at eight, prompting her placement in social care. Now in her early 40s and residing in a specialist care facility, Oxana openly shares her experiences, revealing that her early life left her with the mental development of a six-year-old. Despite her challenges, she finds solace in the company of dogs, often crawling on all fours when feeling lonely. Her story highlights the profound impact of neglect and the resilience of the human spirit.
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