Putin’s Dog Arrives In Sochi As Strays Disappear

Despite international backlash against the inhumane culling of stray dogs in Sochi, Russia for the Olympics, President Vladimir Putin was seen with Yume, his two year-old Akita, a gift from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The animal was brought to be reunited with Abe, who petted Yume and Abe and said "good dog" in Russian, according to RIA Novosti. The two leaders met to discuss world economics "Yes, but she can bite sometimes," Putin reportedly replied.

It's no surprise that Putin would bring a furry companion -- he's well known for his love of dogs, and has even been photographed meeting foreign dignitaries with his pup by his side.

But this moment was marked by intense irony, considering Putin has come under fire of late for Sochi's stray dog cull. Humane Society International is targeting the President with a letter-writing campaign, and Change.org, One Green Planet and Care2 each have their own petition to Putin as well.

Find out everything you can do to help Sochi's stray dogs here, and how to adopt one of them here.