A Ukrainian woman who came to Perthshire to escape the war in her home country is on her way to opening a pet grooming business here.
Valeria Korniichuk had to leave Kyiv and was lucky enough to get a sponsor family in the Aberfeldy area.
The 27-year-old had been studying at vet college when, just over 100 days ago, the Russian invasion of Ukraine rocked her reality.
As well as learning vet care for sick animals, Valeria had been working as a dog groomer and really loved the chance to meet dogs of all shapes and sizes.
When Highland Perthshire Welcomes Ukraine matched her with a suitable local family they struck gold in that Valeria was put in contact with the Broads.
Despite the trauma of having to become a refugee, Valeria had at least the comfort of being among people who shared her love for animals.
Mike and Bridget Broad train gundogs and their daughter Annie is an established equestrian and riding teacher.
Valeria was helped by Bridget to get some hours with Heartland Vets in Pitlochry so that her college training could be kept up.
But independent-minded Valeria has wanted to earn money to support herself and this led to her considering if the people of Perthshire would take to her plan to become a professional dog groomer with her own pet salon.
The initial response to a post on Aberfeldy Community Notice Board on Facebook saw Valeria swamped with potential customers and she has been busy trying to obtain the equipment to get set up.
Arrivals through the Ukraine Family Scheme or the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine) have the right to work in the UK.
Valeria spoke to the PA about how it’s been, living away from her home.
She said: “I came here a month ago. I really like the family that adopted me, very kind people, they support me in my endeavours and more.
“In Ukraine I have a family, my sister works for UNICEF, my mother stayed with my grandmother, my father is a reserve officer, so now he is at war. It’s hard to leave your whole life and start all over again.
“I love animals very much, so of course I made friends with the pets (kept by the Broads), they are real family members.
“My dog stayed with my mother at home, where I was born. My home was in the Vinnytsia region, in the small town of Teplyk.
“Originally I studied at Chernivtsi National University, majoring in international relations, but realised that I wanted to work with animals.
“So last year I entered a veterinary college in Kyiv, Nemishayev’s Vocational College at the National University of Bioresources and Nature Management of Ukraine, but obviously that all ended when the invasion happened.
“Today at the vets in Pitlochry, I was present at the dog’s surgery. It’s very interesting to me and that’s what I’m looking to do in the wider future.
“Animals will always be present in my life, so this work brings me pleasure.
“Working with animals helps to calm me down and distract me from thoughts about home. In Ukraine I worked for a year as a groomer in a salon, although it was not my own business.
“While I was there, I graduated from the International Grooming Association, so I’m confident that I know what I’m doing. Right now I really want to open my own animal care office, grooming cats and dogs. The Broads have a place I can use and I’ve been getting help with the design of the room.”
Since Bridget put out feelers on her behalf, the interest in Valeria’s dog and cat grooming plan has been fantastic.
She’s been given the loan of a grooming table so it won’t be long until she gets her first furry customers.
Owners who wish to get their scruffy dog looking nice can contact Valeria via WhatsApp on 07442205256.
