Dog Island in Tashkent Region

Just 25 kilometers from Tashkent lies a place that has become home to more than 7,000 dogs, with numbers increasing steadily. During the interview alone, several dozen new animals arrived at the shelter. Only three caretakers work here full-time.

The ELLE Oʻzbekiston team, along with the "Sugar Theatre" group and blogger Oscar Jalilov, visited the shelter to carry out a charitable photo shoot. Coincidentally, the visit took place on World Animal Day. While part of the team went for a walk with the dogs, we spoke with the founder of "Hayot", Iroda Matkarimova, about how the shelter was created, its dreams, and how people can help.

We’re sitting with Iroda in the caretakers' cabin at "Hayot". The little dog, Anancy, who feels like the true queen here, sits on her lap. Iroda invested her funds and even sold personal items to create and sustain this project.

ELLE: Tell us about how "Hayot" was created and what keeps it going.

I.M.: The story of the shelter’s creation came as a surprise to me. One day in 2015, I found out that the Society for the Protection of Homeless Animals had been given land. I took responsibility for handling all the paperwork. It took four full years to get the land legally secured. In 2018, we moved onto the bare land with 200 dogs that were under temporary care. I built the first enclosures here from reeds and nets. It was tough, but there’s no turning back—only forward. The shelter receives occasional support from private companies, but it’s not enough for regular upkeep, food, and materials for the colder months. We have to rely on local residents. I hoped for more support, but unfortunately, we can’t explain to the animals that we’re out of funds.

Thanks to the help of compassionate citizens, the shelter functions, enclosures are equipped, food is brought in, and volunteers come by, but it’s still not enough.

ELLE: What keeps you going?

I.M.: Their gaze and their loyalty. That’s the biggest inspiration for me to keep going every day.

ELLE: How can people help "Hayot"?

I.M.: Any help is important and needed. You can donate any amount, and it’s not just about financial support. At "Hayot," we appreciate any assistance. You can bring food, supplies, or even old items, help physically by insulating enclosures for winter, fixing roofs, or simply walking the dogs.

As we speak with Iroda, caretakers, and volunteers assist veterinarians with sterilizing the animals.

ELLE: In your view, how can the issue of stray animals be resolved in the country?

I.M.: Mass sterilization is the most humane solution we have today. If Uzbekistan conducted mass sterilizations every year, there would be no homeless dogs on the streets. All pet owners should be required to spay or neuter their pets, and irresponsible breeding needs to stop. Every year, we conduct a joint sterilization campaign with the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, and each campaign is a step toward reducing stray animals on the streets. It’s a real solution.

ELLE: How often are animals adopted?

I.M.: We see up to 10 adoptions a day. We send animals to Russia, Europe, and other countries. One story that will always stay with me happened three years ago. A girl called me, crying, asking for help. She had found an injured dog that people were shooing away, but he just wanted help. We immediately sent him to the clinic, and after a long recovery, he stayed at our shelter. We named him Chimgan. I posted daily updates on his condition, and one day a woman from Italy, Diana, reached out. She said she had fallen in love with Chimgan and wanted to adopt him. We completed all the paperwork, and she came to take him home to Italy around New Year’s. It was a beautiful story, and we all cried with joy. Now, Chimgan is Italian. We’re changing their fates, and that’s priceless.

Meanwhile, outside the shelter, Polina Agliamova, Editor-in-Chief of ELLE Oʻzbekiston, along with the "Sugar Theatre" team and Oscar Jalilov, walked with the residents of "Hayot." Many eager four-legged friends joined the walk, showing that while they are loved, there’s not enough time for each dog with the limited number of caretakers and volunteers.

«Supporting the shelter is not just an act of kindness; it’s an essential part of a responsible, modern society. By helping organizations like this, we make the world a little brighter and kinder. Every living creature deserves love, care, and warmth», shared Polina Agliamova, Editor-in-Chief of ELLE Oʻzbekiston.

«Many centuries ago, dogs became our best friends. When people were nomadic, they protected us, and when we settled down, they guarded our homes. Today, the dogs of Tashkent need our help! Doing a good deed, no matter how small, brings light and hope into your life. By supporting shelters, we show that we care about animals and advocate for humane treatment of them», said Elizaveta Zuckerberg, head of "Sugar Theatre".

«Because doing good is the simplest yet most important thing each person can contribute to this world», added Oscar Jalilov, blogger.

One of ELLE Oʻzbekiston's key missions is to support local projects. This photoshoot was charitable: funds were directed toward helping "Hayot", and essential items such as bedding, supplies, and other necessities were donated.

Learn more about life at the "Hayot" shelter on their Instagram page.

Photo: Elena Martynova / Denis Komarov