AZE.US
A woman who runs a private shelter for stray and injured dogs in Azerbaijan has appealed for public support to help build a new facility for more than 120 rescued animals.
Elena Simakina, a former military service member, said she began rescuing homeless animals after retirement, focusing mainly on dogs that had been hit by cars, left disabled, or found sick and severely weakened.
She said the shelter was built in 2017 on her own summer-house property. What started with 10 rescued dogs and five small enclosures has since grown into a much larger operation.
Today, the shelter houses around 120 dogs, many of them with serious medical problems. According to Simakina, some are unable to walk, some suffer from epilepsy, and others require постоянный уход after surviving severe injuries or illness.
The dogs came from different parts of the country, including Khachmaz and Shamakhi. Simakina said nearly every animal at the shelter has a difficult story behind it.
Among them is a dog named Ryzhik, whose throat was reportedly torn open by a vehicle, narrowly missing a major artery. Another dog, Tobik, survived serious wounds after being attacked. A Kangal named Masha and a Rottweiler were found chained up without food or water. Several others underwent surgery before being taken in by the shelter.
Simakina said the current site, which covers just six sot, is no longer enough for so many animals. With 120 dogs on the property, there is little room left for proper exercise and expansion.
With support from followers and donors, she said, a new 24-sot plot of land has already been purchased. The goal now is to build a larger, better-equipped shelter and gradually move the dogs there.
Some enclosures have already been completed. Simakina said the new shelter is designed with insulated dog houses, lighting, and secure space for larger animals. But much more still needs to be built.
Plans for the new site include additional enclosures, a quarantine zone for newly rescued dogs, rooms for workers, walking areas, and even a small pool where dogs could cool off during the summer.
She is now calling on business owners, construction companies, animal lovers, and other supporters to help make the project possible.
Support can come in different forms, including financial donations, building materials, labor, or sponsorship of specific construction work.
“If this project matters to you, if the issue of homeless animals concerns you, please join us,” she said in her appeal. “Any help will be appreciated.”
Those interested in supporting the shelter can contact Simakina through WhatsApp ( +99450-455-52-86), she said.
AZE.US