Our Story
From One Woman's Yard to a Lifeline for Thousands
The story of Shelter Friend, founded by Maryna Bolokhovets.
The Beginning
Shelter Friend began in 2012...
Over the following decade...
Surviving the War
When Russia's full-scale invasion began...
In March 2022, as a kill shelter near Kharkiv faced closure...
Life at the Shelter Today
Today, Shelter Friend cares for several hundred dogs and cats...
The work continues under difficult conditions...
The People Behind Shelter Friend
The shelter runs on an almost impossibly small team.
Founder Maryna Bolokhovets has been candid about how directly the shelter's survival depends on donations.
Looking Ahead
Shelter Friend has historically placed rescued dogs into adoptive homes internationally...
Support Their Work
Shelter Friend relies almost entirely on donations to keep going.
See How to Donate