One Woman’s 20-Year Mission to Save 250 Stray Dogs in Siberia
Galina Klebche, a pensioner who has dedicated over 20 years to animal rescue, currently manages one of the largest dog shelters in the Novosibirsk region, providing a home to 250 animals in the Akademgorodok district. Operating as a private, volunteer-driven facility, the shelter relies on donations and community support to maintain its operations after starting with just ten dogs in 1998.
The Evolution of the Akademgorodok Shelter
The shelter was established in 1998 on land provided by the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Following a period of stagnation when the original founders moved abroad, Galina Klebche took over leadership in 2005. At that time, the facility housed 30 dogs in what she described as a state of “total ruin.”
Through the creation of the public organization “Protection of Animal Rights to Life,” Klebche began clearing and improving the site. The facility suffered a significant setback in December 2010 when a fire killed 23 dogs, but a nationwide fundraising effort generated three million rubles, allowing for the construction of a large hangar that serves as the shelter’s primary structure today.
Operational Challenges and Daily Maintenance
Maintaining a population of 250 dogs requires significant resources and labor. According to Klebche, the shelter receives no government subsidies, functioning entirely as a private entity. In winter, staff and volunteers prepare approximately 400 liters of porridge with meat daily to feed the animals.
Klebche, who frequently stays overnight in a small onsite utility room for security reasons, notes that finding reliable staff is one of the most difficult aspects of the work. The shelter benefits from the expertise of volunteers like Galina Sheveleva, a resuscitation specialist who provides therapeutic massage to injured dogs, and Darya Klyamer, a chemist who assists with daily care and socializes the animals.
Future Outlook and Sustainability
The facility is currently preparing for infrastructure upgrades. Recent commitments from supporters, including an engineer named Roman, aim to replace aging, rotted utility structures. This support is critical, as many of the current enclosures are built from repurposed materials, such as hospital beds donated by Novosibirsk State University.
As the shelter continues to take in animals from across the region, including dogs displaced by changing regional legislation in Buryatia and the Altai, the focus remains on essential veterinary care. All dogs are currently chipped, vaccinated, and sterilized under contracts with local veterinary clinics. The long-term viability of the site likely depends on the continued engagement of volunteers and the ongoing willingness of private donors to address the facility’s aging infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the shelter funded?
The shelter is a private entity that receives no budget subsidies. It operates through donations of money, food, and building materials from the public and commercial organizations.
How many animals are currently at the facility?
There are approximately 250 dogs living at the shelter, ranging from strays to former house pets.
What is the biggest challenge the shelter faces?
According to Galina Klebche, the most difficult part of the work is dealing with people, specifically finding reliable staff and managing the influx of animals abandoned by owners who no longer wish to take responsibility for them.
How do you think community-run animal shelters can best balance the need for immediate rescue with long-term infrastructure stability?