Daria Pushkareva worked as a professional photographer and filmmaker out of Moscow for years. Although Daria was extremely successful, she found herself feeling overworked and empty. Then, she remembered her childhood dream.
She grew up wanting to open and run a shelter for dogs in need. Daria never thought that dream would come true…then, she met a very important pup.
She heard about a shelter dog that needed a new eye (which would cost about $150). Daria decided to donate the money so that the dog could get the surgery. After receiving the donation, a volunteer at the shelter explained that there was nobody who could take the dog to the vet. So, Daria did it herself — and began a wonderful journey.
Source: danka_pu / Instagram
After that first rescue, Daria and her husband began taking in more dogs that needed their help. The pups in need were sick, paralyzed, had special needs, and generally could not find forever homes.
So the couple made an important decision: they would give these sweet animals a home.
Source: danka_pu / Instagram
The two began rescuing so many dogs, they realized they would need more time and a bigger space to take care of them all. So, the couple quit their day jobs and decided to dedicate their lives to rescuing animals.
Source: danka_pu / Instagram
They officially opened an animal sanctuary in the Russian countryside, and soon, they gave a home to over 100 different dogs.
Daria loved helping dogs so much, she began rescuing other kinds of animals, too. She and her husband will take in almost any animal in need — even foxes and raccoons!
Source: danka_pu / Instagram
But Daria didn’t let her photography skills go to waste, either. She uses her talents to photograph the 200+ animals that live at her sanctuary and then posts the photos and videos on her Instagram page.
Source: danka_pu / Instagram
Her sacrifice in the name of innocent animals is incredible. Instead of letting her life become overwhelmed with superficial priorities, she took a step back and realized she wanted to make positive changes in the world.
Daria and her husband are an inspiration to animal lovers around the world!
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