Successful Photographer Left Career to Live With 100 Rescued Animals

Successful Photographer Left Career to Live With 100 Rescued Animals

A successful photographer from Moscow, Daria Pushkareva left the bustling city life behind to live in the woods with over 100 rescued animals.

Pushkareva grew up in Russia. She had always dreamed of rescuing dogs and opening up her own dog shelter. Although she ended up being a successful elite wedding photographer in Moscow, she always had her dreams with her.

Her efforts kept snowballing.

The first rescue Pushkareva made was with a one-eyed, flea-covered puppy from the local animal control. Since then, she's been rescuing even more animals, especially those with special needs. Her efforts kept snowballing that she finally decided to purchase a country house in a forest 100 miles from Moscow.  Since they live off the grid, they use solar panels and generators for electricity – and thanks to a little help from their friends, they also now have running water and indoor plumbing.

She and her husband have rescued over 100 animals. 

She and her husband have rescued over 100 animals. Aside from rescuing dogs, she has also saved animals from the fur farming industry, such as raccoons, raccoon dogs, foxes, and arctic foxes. The couple devotes their entire lives to taking in rescued animals. Their days are spent feeding dogs, giving medications, and keeping their living spaces clean and tidy.

For Pushkareva, she feels fulfilled more than ever.

Although some animal rescuers find it exhausting, for Pushkareva, she feels fulfilled more than ever. She hopes that through what she does, people will come to realize that even disabled dogs can live long and happy lives.

“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.”

- Dalai Lama