25 February 2014

Sochi, 25 February 2014 - Volnoe Delo Oleg Deripaska Foundation, one of Russia’s largest private charity funds, announces that the dog shelter in Sochi, PovoDog, has added 250 new spacious dog houses for its inhabitants.

The dogs moved into new kennels with wooden dog houses inside and spacious walking area. The shelter’s capacity has doubled after a large-scale upgrade, and now the sanctuary can accommodate up to 250 dogs.

Amid improving the shelter’s conditions, PovoDog staff is working to finalize the deal that would allow to send the dogs to the United States following numerous adoption requests from U.S. citizens.

The head of Volnoe Delo Foundation Tamara Rumyantseva says: “We are happy that PovoDog pets have moved in to the new comfortable kennels. However, we’ll be happier when all the dogs are rehomed by their loving owners. Since we have received over 150 adoption requests from our Facebook fans (www.facebook.com/povoDOG) and via Volnoe Delo’s e-mail for adoptions (povodog@volnoe-delo.ru), we’re working to send the dogs to the United States as soon as possible.”

PovoDog shelter that was officially opened near Sochi on February 5, 2014, features all the necessary conditions for treating and curing animals: spacious dog houses, food and vaccines. All the newcomers are thoroughly examined and cured.

Several dogs from PovoDog have already been brought to the United States by their new owners. Among them is Amanda Bird, communications director of the U.S. bobsled and skeleton team, Ali Fedotowsky, the former Bachelorette-turned NBC TV anchor and Gabrielle Levesque, NBC runner who is due to leave for New York with her new pup Misha on Thursday.

Vanessa Mae a professional violinist who took part in the ladies giant slalom competition at Sochi Olympics, visited the shelter on Saturday. Mae, an avid dog lover and owner of chihuahua, chose a couple of pups for her friend in Hong Kong.