Tetiana: A volunteer photographer helping rescue dogs find homes

Volunteer photographer Tetiana in a fierce but playful shot with her two rescue huskies.

Photographer Tetiana supports Stray Dogs Center in the United Arab Emirates with her skills behind the camera — capturing portraits that help rescue dogs be noticed, loved, and adopted. For her, every photo is a chance to change a life.

Capturing Hope Every Week

Each week, Tetiana joins Stray Dogs Center’s adoption days, where she photographs the dogs ready to meet potential families. “It’s one of my favorite moments,” she says. “You see them hopeful, nervous, excited — every emotion shows in their eyes. I try to capture that spark, that moment when they’re ready to be chosen.”

These weekly portraits not only help promote the dogs on social media but also give each one a professional introduction to potential adopters — a small but powerful step toward finding a forever home.

Here are some of those beautiful shots Tetiana has taken. Enjoy!

Senior dog

From Ukraine to the UAE: Finding purpose through rescue work

Originally from Kharkiv, Ukraine, Tetiana had been visiting the UAE occasionally before 2022. When life in her home city became unsafe, she decided to make the UAE her permanent home — and later made a long, emotional journey back to bring her two beloved Huskies, Rim and Nord, to safety.

Rim had been with her since he was a tiny three-month-old pup found near a metro station. Nord’s rescue was more complicated — she discovered him locked inside an apartment, unsocialized and afraid. It took years of patience, but he eventually became one of the most loving, gentle souls.

Both dogs lived long, full lives in the UAE, and their passing — Nord in 2024 and Rim in 2025 — still shapes her deeply.“Rim was my soul companion,” Tetiana says. “Volunteering helps me cope with the grief and gives meaning to my time.”

A lifelong love for animals

Tetiana’s empathy started early. As a child, she was always bringing home animals — from birds, cats, rabbits to chinchillas — often with her grandfather, who taught her how to rescue animals, care for them and to find homes for them. That compassion became a way of life rather than a choice.

Combining photography with rescue work

Back in Kharkiv, Tetiana volunteered at a dog shelter housing over 500 dogs. “That’s where I learned what photographing rescue animals means, how it helps and also the challenges that come with it.” she explains.

Now, in the UAE, she uses the same approach: “A good photo helps a dog get noticed. People stop scrolling when an image touches them — and that can lead to adoption.”

Patience, trust, and connection

With training in canine behavior (kinology), Tetiana learned to understand how to bring out each dog’s personality. “I let them explore the space, smell the equipment, get used to me. Some need playtime, others want quiet. You just have to listen to what they need.”

Her calm, observant style helps even the shyest dogs relax, revealing their true character.

Why be a volunteer photographer

For Tetiana, every portrait has a purpose.“Some dogs are broken, some are hopeful — but they all deserve to be seen. My goal is to help people find the one that connects with their heart and home.”

She’s also found joy in the people she volunteers with: “At events, you’re surrounded by others who share your values. It feels like being part of something bigger.”

“If you want to help, just start,” she says. “You don’t have to be perfect — you just have to show up. Every small action matters, whether it’s volunteering, fostering, or sharing a post.”

Join our group of volunteers — and make a difference

If you have a skill, use it for good.

Whether it’s photography, writing, design, helping transport dogs to and from adoption events, or sponsoring their care — your time and effort can change lives.

Find different ways to volunteer with Stray Dogs Center, at the shelter in UAQ or in Dubai.

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER IN DUBAI