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This Syrian boy refused to be separated from his dog as he sought refuge in Europe

This video comes to us from the United Nations refugee agency.

It shows 17-year-old Aslan and his dog Rose, who he has made the 300-mile journey from Syria to Europe with.

Aslan, who fled Damascus, was repeatedly told on his way to Lesbos in Greece that he should leave his dog behind, but he refused.

Why?

I love my dog. I need her.

Aslan even made Rose her own passport.

Just to reiterate for the millionth time, refugees are people, and they have pets and smartphones, just like other people do.

Watch the video below:

I love my dog!

"Some people will ask - you have only a small bag?""Yes.""And you bring your dog?""Yes.""Why?""I love my dog!"Many animal lovers will relate to this 17-year-old boy from Damascus, Syria. And we've seen many like him carrying their animals with them on the long journey from Syria, across the Mediterranean Sea and through Europe. When forced to flee home because of war, many people would never dream of leaving their pets behind.

Posted by UNHCR on Saturday, 19 September 2015

According to the UNHCR, there are now 4,086,760 Syrian refugees, mostly in neighbouring countries, while more than 7.6million people are internally displaced.

More: This was the note that greeted refugees when they arrived in Vienna

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