"Responsible for those" nomination: staff and volunteers of "Vladpitomnik" launched a special project with professional models to inspire people to show mercy and compassion to our lesser brothers.
The municipal temporary shelter for homeless, lost or abandoned animals in Vladikavkaz is known for its kind campaigns through which stray dogs and cats find homes.
In April, an unusual charity project—a photo and video session—was organized for the residents of "Vladpitomnik." "The tailed charges were first tidied up; professional grooming did its job," Komsomolskaya Pravda-North Caucasus reported. The well-groomed dogs and cats posed alongside models and brought a whole spectrum of emotions to all participants. The main goal of this touching campaign is to inspire people to help defenseless animals.
As volunteer Stella Britaeva shared, the creative idea to hold a photoshoot came from an individual entrepreneur who wanted to help find homes for the tailed strays and draw attention to them. Professional models took part in the video and photoshoots, participating in the project free of charge.
"Since the launch of this specific campaign, we have already placed 14 dogs into loving homes. Cats were rehomed too. Another session, 'Photo Day at the Shelter,' was held in May. Several professional photographers took pictures of all the dogs and cats. For us, every saved life represents growth, and we see that high-quality photos truly draw attention to the animals. In addition to adoptions, people have started visiting the shelter more often and providing help," Stella emphasized.
Last year, on the initiative of the Head of the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania, Sergei Menyaylo, a flashmob among officials called 'Adopt a Friend from a Shelter' started in the region, which was later joined by local residents. According to the Veterinary Department, more than 300 dogs from various shelters were placed into loving hands, and during the first half of 2026, another 126 four-legged pets found homes.
"In 2025, largely thanks to the large-scale campaign initiated by the head of the republic, 65 dogs from 'Vladpitomnik' found homes. Since the beginning of this year, 43 dogs have been adopted into families, and some of them found owners specifically after the photoshoot," noted Valeriya Lebedeva, a videographer for 'Vladpitomnik' and a volunteer who runs her own shelter for 40 disabled dogs.
According to Valeriya, unfortunately, the shelter remains overcrowded. It is designed for 260 enclosures, but it currently houses 440 dogs. 'This is way above the standard capacity. There are only four volunteers who directly sponsor and regularly help the shelter. As for the facility's staff, six animal caretakers work with the animals daily, including volunteer Khatuna Medoeva, along with two veterinarians and myself as a videographer. Additionally, Svetlana Alimova, the shelter's former veterinary technician, head of the "Stop Homelessness" organization, and a volunteer, provides veterinary care,' Valeriya said.
True mercy begins with caring for our lesser brothers. Shelter animals are waiting for their owners. They need our love.
Photos and stills from the archive of 'Vladpitomnik' volunteers.