About me

Hello,
My name is Valeriia Nikitina.

I’m a veterinarian, dog handler, and biotechnologist from Ukraine.

Over the years of working with dogs, I’ve seen so many cases where animals suffered because of their owners—not out of cruelty, but simply because they didn’t know better. At first, I thought it was just carelessness. But after spending the last three years helping rescue dogs on the streets of Thailand, I’ve come to a different realization: most problems don’t come from bad intentions, but from a lack of knowledge or not realizing how much harm small mistakes can cause. If only more owners understood the basics of caring for their pets, so many issues could be avoided!

That’s what drives me. My mission is to make life better for dogs by helping their owners become more informed. I want to show people how to raise happy, healthy pups, how to take care of their well-being, and how to truly understand them. I know I can’t change the whole world overnight, but every little step makes a difference. And maybe, one day, more dogs everywhere will get the happy lives they deserve.

Whether you want to build a stronger bond with your dog, understand their needs better, or just make sure they’re as happy and comfortable as possible, I’m here to help. Through consultations, articles, and guides like this one, I’ll be right by your side, supporting you every step of the way.

My story

I was born and raised in Kyiv in a humble family, but that never really mattered to me. I lived in my own world and always had a deep love for animals.

When I was 11, I started junior handling—a specialized form of dog training for shows. Back then, my biggest dream was to have my own show dog. That dream came true when I turned 16!

My first Kerry Blue Terrier, Reggie, was amazing—healthy, with a wonderful temperament, and my true companion. He lived nearly 17 years and became an International Champion. His arrival in my life changed everything.

Preparing Reggie for shows sparked my curiosity about all things canine: anatomy, physiology, genetics and breeding, grooming, and training techniques. He inspired me to learn and grow. Together, we participated in many shows, and eventually, I began helping other dog owners as a handler.

Beyond shows, I became passionate about improving dogs’ lives—fitness, proper care, disease prevention—it all became part of my journey. Over time, I started hosting seminars, helping organize dog shows, running a small kennel, and sharing my knowledge with others.

In 2014, I decided to take my passion for animal health further and enrolled in university to become a veterinarian. It was tough balancing work and studies, but I earned my degree in six years.

Life was full of plans and dreams, but in 2022, everything changed. The war started, and I found myself on Koh Samui, where I had been vacationing at the time. Here, I discovered a new purpose—helping street dogs and working to make their lives better, even in small ways.

These three years have been transformative. But now, it’s time for me to move on and start something new. Honestly, it’s scary because I don’t know what’s next. Still, I believe everything will work out.

I’m not leaving just yet, though, so I’ll continue enjoying life on Samui, helping animals, and sharing these moments with you.

Thank you for being here with me! 💙💛