On June 1, Natalka Park in Kyiv turned into a place where miracles actually happened. It was here that the Angels of Tails Foundation held a charity event “Alice in Wonderland” with the support of the Obolonska District State Administration and the cultural department of the district. The purpose of the event was to raise funds to build cages for dogs and cats rescued from frontline areas, as well as to care for them.

The atmosphere resembled a real holiday: photo zones, characters from the book, tea parties, lotteries, quests, gift drawings – all to help those who can’t tell about themselves. But the grooming zone, where groomers from the V.O.G DOG SALON chain worked, aroused the greatest interest among the guests.

Grooming zone of grooming salons

“We arrived and honestly – it was scary. It was unclear how it was going to go. There were a lot of people – they seemed to appear and disappear instantly, time flew lightning fast,” recalls one of the groomers. Indeed, the queue to the grooming area did not stop throughout the event.

Services were provided here for free (or for a donation):

  • claw clipping and polishing

  • ear cleaning

  • partial trimming

  • coloring with safe temporary paint

  • creative glitter tattoo

  • Rhinestone body and ear decorations

  • combing, especially for large dogs

  • grooming advice

Clients include pugs, yorkies, huskies, maltipoos, bulldogs, Chinese Cresteds. Some of them just had to be scratched, some had to be colored, and sometimes just had to be hugged. One deaf French bulldog from the shelter was given a glitter tattoo in the form of the Ukrainian coat of arms – this moment became a symbol of the whole day.

People who made magic

Everything that happened on the site was filled with a special energy. People came not only for services – they came with the understanding that they were doing good. Many people trusted the groomers completely, saying: “Do as you see fit”. Owners left their favorites in peace, knowing that they were in good hands.

It was visible, unconditional contact, care, most people had tears in their eyes. Groomers did not have time to recover from one client, and already took on the next. And so on for three hours without stopping.

“The most valuable thing was the trust and kindness we received in return. Yes, it was very difficult physically. But we worked with love and for an important goal,” shared our groomer.

Entertainment, gifts and partners

In addition to grooming, the event offered guests a kaleidoscope of activities:

  • 🧩 a photo-quest that led to a treasure trove of treats

  • 📸 photo zones with costumes – both for people and animals

  • 🎁 raffle with gifts – from cosmetics to certificates

  • 🍪 magic tea party with lemonade and treats

  • 🎨 creation of paintings with paws and hands

  • 🎭 a nimation and characters from “Alice in Wonderland ” – real actors who gave 100% to the role. If you didn’t know they were animators, you’d think they were real characters from the cartoon.

Guests won BURBUR cosmetics, towels for animals, handmade toys, goodies, certificates for comprehensive services in V.O.G DOG SALON.

Extraordinary was the participation of dogs from shelters and even with prosthetics – these animals, who have experienced pain, gave the world a calm look and tenderness. And one of the guests, Mia, became the soul of the event. Her presence touched everyone: after what she had experienced, she still radiated love.

From V.O.G DOG SALON – with warmth and gratitude

We, the V.O.G DOG SALON team, are truly happy to have had the opportunity to be part of such an important event. It was a mission for us. We felt that we were needed, that people really appreciated our contribution, trusted us and thanked us openly – and that inspires us more than any words.

Despite the limitations of the format – no water, no full-fledged equipment, no usual salon conditions – we were able to make a small miracle. And even in such conditions, there was a queue lined up to our area – it was the best confirmation that we are in our place.

We are already preparing for the next event on July 20 even more seriously: there will be more groomers, more tables and more opportunities to do something nice for every Tails. Because every donation for our lesser friends is another step towards rescue.

Thank you to everyone who has been with us, and to everyone who will still be. Let’s keep working – with love, care and faith in goodness.
See you in Wonderland!