Ukraine

On Tuesday 5 October 2004 I was fortunate to spend a little time with Tamara Tarnawska – the president of the Kyiv SPA-SOS. Tamara was here to help celebrate World Animal Day, by attending a reception at the Naturewatch office.
 

It became very apparent that no comparisons could be drawn from living in the ‘West’ to the daily struggles of living and working in the Ukraine. In an environment full of bureaucracy and where corruption is rife, it takes a person with remarkable vision, stamina, motivation and downright determination, to take on the mammoth task of trying to alleviate the suffering and ill treatment of many unfortunate animals.

What prompted Tamara to turn her back on a highly successful job with the United Nations and move into animal welfare was a particularly distressing film that was made by a Swiss TV company. Since then, she has made a huge impact in the Ukraine. She has set up an animal shelter that houses 300 dogs and 120 cats. She initiated a neutering scheme and crucially, has worked tirelessly to introduce an Animal Protection Bill. It has taken a lot of hard work on a daily basis, contacting MPs, TV Programmes, and interviews and basically seeking any opportunity possible to ‘spread the word’. Back in 2000 an MP told Tamara that her vision was about 15 to 20 years ahead of its time and that it would take a long time to change the views and opinions of those in authority. But remarkably, it has taken just 3/4 years to bring about this monumental achievement. Yet more testament to Tamara’s determination and tenacity.
 

Tamara is clearly a very gifted lady: although she speaks five or six different languages, she didn’t see this as anything remarkable - more that it was something ‘you have to do in order to survive’. It seems to me that Tamara’s path is an arduous one, fraught with constant struggles and hurdles and even personal threats against her. But when asked what kept her motivated and able to continue this daily battle, her answer was unmistakeably clear. It’s the animals. The animals are her ‘best friends’ and she would never, never betray her friends.

There are many ups and downs in Tamara’s quest, but it was apparent to me that a particular ‘high’ was when she was invited to dinner with the Prince Aga Khan. Her face lit up with joy as she recalled the occasion, which lasted several hours. The Aga Khan went on to give Tamara a wealth of moral support, and when she saw him in a subsequent TV programme, speaking of her work and about what a remarkable woman she was, she was overcome with pride. Another source of great pride for Tamara is her son’s love and respect of animals. Due to all the major commitments on her time, Tamara has been unable to visit her son for two years. Fortunately, he is highly supportive of her work, both spiritually and physically. On the odd occasion when he is able to visit, it is nothing unusual to see him down at the shelter lending ‘hands on’ support.

In summary, I feel very fortunate to have been able to spend this time with Tamara. At the risk of repeating myself, she is a truly remarkable individual. With much personal sacrifice, she is one of life’s natural fighters, a dedicated campaigner and a true inspiration. I’m sure I can speak for many of us when I say ‘Thank you Tamara – you’re amazing’.