That’s how he came to me 8 years ago. Right on New Year’s, in the Year of the Dog. And so it all began…

The dog was big, and there was no place to keep him. A horse was added. And the choice became obvious. We needed a shelter! It was the Moscow watchdog Malysh and the gelding Roland who founded the shelter 8 years ago!

Everything happened during that time. It’s scary to even remember. We were very poor. I carried timber, built a paddockfor Roland. All on my own, in between two jobs. That’s when I became very ill. But I realized one thing: animals are my salvation, and they are also my death.

Now, of course, I wouldn’t do that. But I don’t regret anything, because back then I believed I’d find good people, and they’d join our ranks. Together, we’ll definitely save everyone who needs it, and the world will become a kinder place.

I was very, very wrong. I changed beyond recognition, but I still couldn’t change people. Have I changed for the better? No! I’m generally quite harsh, with a sharp tongue. But I had to bite it to keep my pets safe. A huge territory was formed where I was more silent, more tolerant, and the dogs repaid me for these changes with their love.

That’s how the dogs and I got through these eight difficult years. I was deceived, betrayed, and set up, but the animals always compensated me with their love. If you think anything has changed now, I’ll tell you that you’re mistaken. But now I have no hope or faith in people. At all!

Incidentally, I really dislike this feeling. It’s the first thing that appears in a person’s life (it’s formed by the mother) and the last thing to go, when the soul departs. By the time this feeling dies, so much good and bright stuff dies. Specifically, the spark and the faith that something will change fade away. Faith in goodness, faith in humanity…

It’s a difficult path, one I wouldn’t wish on my enemies. But it’s mine, a conscious one, a choice I made myself. It was on this path that I met true friends: Malysh, Roland, Musa, Alma, Barney!

Friends, I remember you all, rest assured! Every single one of you! I know some are no longer with us. But I will always remember you!

Thank you for being in my life! Thank you for changing it so much!