now, some of those former residents are returning, trying to find some hope in the wreckage that russia left behind. nbc s molly hunter reports. reporter: this is one of the lucky ones, we met him in lviv with his brother-in-law and they escaped bucha on march 9th. it was so dangerous. reporter: now, he s heading back. did you know your house was still standing? no. no. i heard my dog. reporter: as we approach the family house, we hear barking. his dog was waiting. he takes a second to warm up, then recognizes his owner. their house is frozen in time, and intact. we have only ten minutes to leave. reporter: the russians didn t get inside. dinner plates are still on the table. we can go in. reporter: he shows me the shelter they spent so much time in. it s on that treat. reporter: but we don t linger.