
Ukraine's corgi dog festival is fit for a Queen
Everywhere you look, there they are: jumping gleefully into the river; competing on a miniature agility course; sporting little sunhats with holes for their ears and generally spreading their furry brand of joy amid a gathering of Kyivans exhausted by the relentless night-time bombardment by missiles and drones.
This is the third 'Corgy' — or 'orgy of corgis' — organised by Katernya Shekshnova, a breeder and pioneer of canine therapy. She was inspired by the comfort that her corgi puppies brought her son when the Russian invasion began. Air raids triggered compulsive behaviour in the young boy, including biting his fingers until they bled.
'They are a key that opens hearts,' Shekshnova says as her tiny charges walk alongside her, recalling Princess Diana's memorable description of the 'moving carpet' that accompanied her mother-in-law everywhere. 'Communicating with animals triggers hormones associated with happiness. And then the work can begin.'
Shekshnova's corgis are regular visitors to a rehabilitation centre for soldiers and veterans, but this event is all about celebrating the breed, with a bit of fundraising on the side. Nadia has brought all four of her corgis: parents Adele and Oscar, and two of their grown-up offspring, Lo and Nicole, all sporting sunhats. 'I don't really know why I chose corgis,' she says. 'I just looked at them and fell in love.'
Nadia is not yet sure whether to enter them in one of the many contests at the event. 'I'm not sure if I want to shame them,' she says with a laugh.
Corgis have been commonplace in Ukraine for some time but their popularity 'exploded after the death of Queen Elizabeth ', said Maria, another visitor. The Queen's death, six months after the Russian invasion began, was deeply felt in Ukraine, as was the support offered by the royal family and Britain as a whole.
Other qualities make corgis the perfect wartime companions. 'Look how calm and sweet they are,' Maria says, noting the absence of barking or growling among dogs that were strangers to one another until today. 'And,' she adds, with emphasis, 'they look like they are smiling all the time.'
Kyiv's most recognisable corgi, Loyd, was well known long before the invasion, having fronted a 2019 promotional video for the capital in which he slipped away from his owners to narrate a tour of the city, mostly from a dog's ground-level perspective. The mascot is followed by 45,000 people on Facebook, while 'Corgis of Ukraine' has almost 3,000 fans.
Ukraine's most famous dog of war is Patron, a Jack Russell who is the face of the country's canine mine-sniffing force. But one corgi, Elton, has been certified as a search-and-rescue dog with Antares, a volunteer group based in Pavlohrad, near the eastern city of Dnipro. Maria Romanova, Elton's owner, was only 17 when she brought him to join the team. She hoped to contribute to the war effort like her older brother, a soldier fighting on the front line.
'Until recently, we did not take young people on difficult missions,' said Larisa Borysenko, who founded Antares back in 2008 as a volunteer service to locate missing hikers. 'But the rush left us no choice, and if a 17-year-old girl can do something that millions of adults can't, then she is needed now.'
The corgi festival, however, is all about fun. Let off their leashes, the corgis bound into the river, some even gamely clambering on to paddleboards for a cruise along the river. Nadia isn't sure whether to let her own four pooches take part. 'I am not sure the water is clean enough for royal dogs,' she says. Misha, a classic white and tan Pembrokeshire corgi, makes do with a paddling pool filled with plastic balls.
The day wraps up with an award ceremony for obedience, agility and looks. An interloping chihuahua makes it to the final but neither organiser nor corgi partisans seem bothered. 'It's about love and joy,' Shekshnova says. 'The corgis teach us that.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Great British Bake Off 2025 contestants and show start date revealed
The hit Channel 4 series is hoping to rise to the occasion again with another batch of great cakes and bakes A JIU-JITSU blue belt and a drag king on wheels are among the new Great British Bake Off hopefuls. Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond will lead the bakers through 30 challenges, set by Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, in the upcoming series which starts on September 2 on Channel 4. Here are this year's baking dozen and some of them have all the ingredients to go all the way. Name: Nataliia Age: 32 Lives in: East Yorkshire Job: Office Assistant About: Born in Ukraine, Nataliia was taught to bake by her grandmother, following traditional recipes that have been handed down through the generations. She loves to use these recipes to this day and also infuses classic British bakes with flavours inspired by her roots such as honey, poppy seeds and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Nataliia moved to the UK with her husband Harry four years ago, just before the war broke out. Her family followed shortly after as refugees and they now all live in East Yorkshire with their 3 year old daughter, Francesca. Quote: 'I married my husband in Kyiv. It was such a beautiful, emotional day — full of love, family, and hope for the future. The sun was shining, the city felt alive, and I remember thinking, 'This is the beginning of everything. If I were to bake a cake inspired by that day, it would be delicate and romantic — layers of honey and sour cream sponge (like a Kyiv-style Medovyk) with hints of lemon and elderflower. I'd decorate it with pressed flowers and sugar lace to reflect Ukrainian patterns. It would be a celebration of love, heritage, and new beginnings - just like that day." Age: 38 Lives in: London Job: Senior Systems Architect About: Aaron lives in London with his boyfriend Anthony, having moved from Manchester two years ago. He is a passionate baker who fuses French patisserie with Caribbean flair. Always experimenting, he's currently embracing Asian flavours like miso and yuzu in his mono-portion bakes. After a long day of application planning at work, Aaron channels his creative side into baking, sewing and making his own liqueurs such as amaretto and limoncello. Quote: 'I'd actually begun to feel I wouldn't get on the show. My reaction was quite calm mainly because I'd been to that stage before and didn't want to get too excited - a lot can change between that call and filming. I was at home working when I got the call. Anthony was eavesdropping and crying before I even got a chance to tell him.' Age: 30 Lives in: South Yorkshire Job: Analytical Research & Development Scientist About: Chemistry graduate Hassan lives with his mum in South Yorkshire. He works in the pharmaceutical industry, testing new drugs in their development stages. As a scientist, Hassan takes an analytical approach to baking, researching processes thoroughly before getting started on a new recipe. He is always looking to learn about new flavours and gaining new skills. Quote: 'I think my strengths as a baker are my flavours and overall creativity. I think some of the things I'm good at being creative with flavour combos, having ideas and using different unique ingredients.' Age: 29 Lives in: Belfast Job: Software Engineer About: Originally from Coleraine, Iain lives in Belfast with his girlfriend Dervla and their cat, Viktor. A former amateur powerlifter Iain now lifts dough instead of weights. Iain mixes his love of live music with sourdough, immortalising album cover art on the crusts of his loaves. He blends classic flavours with a creative twist, often using fermented fruits and vegetables to enhance the depth and complexity of his flavours. Quote: 'I feel as though I'm a pretty creative baker, and I love to tell a story with my bakes. I've been told by a lot of people that my style is very unique, and I know that's what people say when they don't want to say something looks bad, but I'll take it anyway! Anything that requires something to look cool or fun is perfect for me, and I love to take risks and have a bit of a laugh with my bakes.' Age: 23 Lives in: London Job: Medical Student About: Born and raised in Edinburgh, Jasmine now lives with her cousins in London while she completes her medical degree. She learnt the basics of bread and cakes through her Mum and aunts, and has fond memories of batch baking for big family get-togethers during holidays in the Scottish Highlands. Baking has become her creative outlet, and she likes nothing better than using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create classic flavour combinations. Quote: 'The tent was a lot smaller than I had imagined. I remember feeling so nervous walking to my bench for the first time. I was really happy that I was in the middle, I felt like I had a safety net of other bakers around me (to protect me).' Name: Jessika Age: 32 Lives in: London Job: Service Designer About: With backflips as bold as her bakes, Jessika is a gymnastic, roller-skating Drag King whose creations are as vibrant as her personality. Gifting bakes is her love language, and she'll spend months gathering information about her friends' tastes before surprising them with the perfect birthday entremet. Raised in Cornwall, Jessika has fond memories of eating corner-shop cakes with her sister after dance classes, which solidified her sweet tooth. Quote: 'Meeting Alison and Noel for the first time was absolutely wild. They're both so cheeky and always up to no good. Having them around was such a delight; while they're definitely a nuisance, they brought a comforting, joyous energy to the tent that made everything feel a little less overwhelming.' Name: Leighton Age: 59 Lives in: Surrey Job: Software Delivery Manager About: With a mathematical mind, Leighton is guided in both life and baking by the approach that 'anything can be done with a formula'. Originally from Swansea, proud Welshman Leighton has always done things his own way, ignoring anyone that told him 'boys don't bake'! He grew up playing the organ at his local church and now lives in Surrey with his Californian husband Eric and their Irish Terrier, Cilla. Quote: 'Never in a million years did I think I'd actually get into the Bake Off tent. I know everyone says that, but it's true! I absolutely love baking—all kinds, all styles—and I'm very much a weekend baker who bakes for friends, family, and my work colleagues. It's always been a passion, but I never imagined it would lead me to the tent.' Name: Lesley Age: 59 Lives in: Kent Job: Hairdresser About: Lesley's been a hairdresser for 45 years and the clients that come to her salon always expect a lovely slice of cake along with their trim. Despite a love for classic old-school bakes, it's never the 'same old' with her modern and fun designs. Lesley has high hopes for her Granddaughter Mabel, who she expects to be able to do a curly blow-dry and bake a batch of cookies by the time she is 5. Living with her partner Mark and two dogs, Norman and Marley, Lesley loves birdwatching, gardening and a seaside walk followed by fish and chips. She's been baking since the age of 10, inspired by Nanny Mable and Auntie Joan, who taught her the basics and sparked a lifelong passion. Quote: 'I didn't realise how hard the food team works behind the scenes to make sure you have everything you need for the bakes and how supportive and lovely they all are. That is never seen in the show.' Age: 41 Lives in: Liverpool Job: Hairdresser About: Blending Indian and Italian flavours with Scouse spirit, Nadia is a chatterbox bringing warmth and laughter into to every room whether it's her home salon, the dance floor, or the kitchen! Inspired by her Italian chef dad, she brings rustic charm and soulful flavours to everything she bakes. Nadia lives in a lively Liverpool home with her partner Daniel and daughters Rosa-Bella and Maria. Sundays are sacred 'feast days,' filled with homemade pasta, roasts, and always a pud. A hairdresser, baker, and former personal trainer, Nadia channels her endless energy into novelty cakes, creative twists on classics, and kitchen dance breaks. Quote: "The first time I actually saw the tent it felt surreal like it was not really there and I was not really there but it was even more beautiful in person. 'If I had to make a cake of my happiest day it would be on a tropical beach with my family.' Age: 51 Lives in: Essex Job: Bridal Designer About: From runways and veils to ovens and scales, perfectionist Pui Man brings the attention to detail of designing a wedding dress to each of her bakes. Born in Hong Kong and now living in Essex with her husband and two children, Pui Man rediscovered baking during lockdown and hasn't looked back. Her bakes are as beautiful as they are bold, and she practices endlessly to make sure her creations are as close to perfection as possible. Always thinking of others, Pui Man volunteers three evenings a week, collecting surplus food from supermarkets and distributing it within her community. Quote: 'I dreamed about myself in the tent all the time and I dreamed about meeting some ex bakers all the time. I was at home when I got the phone call from one of the team, and I was shocked because I had applied 4 times and no success in the past.' Age: 29 Lives in: Warwickshire Job: Business Development Executive About: Toby is a country boy at heart and grew up in the seaside town of Sidmouth with his three siblings. Currently three years in to his 'six month' home DIY renovation project, Toby and his girlfriend Syd now live in Warwickshire with their rescue dog Bex. Working for a fitness start-up, he is often out and about at events and meeting potential clients. He has a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and his training partner loves refuelling after a gruelling session on the mats with his strawberry cheesecake. Quote: 'I was absolutely terrified at the first judging. I was up first so had absolutely no idea how it was going to go or how it would make me feel. The time spent waiting to be judged felt like an eternity and I was so glad to get it out of the way!' Name: Tom Age: 31 Lives in: London Job: Creative Entrepreneur About: Tom grew up in London and learnt to bake scones and flapjacks alongside his Mum and Danish Granny. As a teen, Tom feared his secret love of baking would out him. Now, a member of two queer sports teams and with a boyfriend of three years, the game may be up. Having stepped back from the advertising agency he set up, he's recently reconnected with his first love, food, and brings a creative flair to his beautifully presented bakes. Tom grew up in a food obsessed family and when not working you can find him fishing for Sea Bass with his brother, foraging for mushrooms and cooking roasts with his dad. Quote: 'It feels so bizarre. You've seen this place on your TV for the last 15 years and now suddenly we are the ones walking into it. I think lining up to do the first walk in was the first moment I realised that WE were the 12 people that were actually going to be on the show."


Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Daily Mail
MAGA journalist who attacked Zelensky's clothes at notorious White House press conference takes VERY different approach during reunion
Conservative journalist Brian Glenn had an hilarious exchange with Volodymyr Zelensky after the Ukrainian president chose to wear a suit to his latest meeting with Donald Trump. Glenn, who is currently dating Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, made headlines of his own during the already shocking Trump-Zelensky confrontation in the Oval Office back in February. A correspondent for the conservative Real America's Voice, Glenn scolded Zelensky for failing to wear a suit during their meeting in February. This time, however, the two engaged in playful banter after Zelensky attended in an all-black ensemble, with the president even getting a zinger in at Glenn. 'President Zelensky, you look fabulous in that suit,' Glenn noted. 'I said the same the one that attacked you last time,' Trump pointed out. 'I remember,' Zelensky replied. Glenn said: 'I apologize to you, you look wonderful.' A correspondent for the conservative Real America's Voice, Glenn scolded Zelensky (pictured left) for failing to wear a suit during their meeting in February. This time, however, the two engaged in playful banter after Zelensky attended in an all-black ensemble, with the president even getting a zinger in at Glenn In a far more light-hearted encounter than their previous meeting, Zelensky noticed how Glenn was wearing a similar outfit to the last time the two met. 'But you are in the same suit,' Zelensky shot back. 'You see, I changed you [did] not.' The reply was followed by laughter from fellow members of the press, before Glenn replied: 'Maybe yours is much better then mine.' In February, Trump memorably pointed out that Zelensky was 'all dressed up today' when he arrived for a meeting with the president in the Oval Office wearing a black military-style sweat shirt with an Ukrainian trident logo. That was the first of many tensions at the meeting that famously blew up as Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelensky for his behavior toward Trump his failure to properly thank the American people for their support. Zelensky was asked point-blank about his attire by Glenn in February. 'Why don't you wear a suit?' Glenn asked. 'You're at the highest level in this country's office, and you refuse to wear a suit.' Zelensky replied to Glenn that after the war in his country. was over, 'maybe something like yours, maybe something better, maybe something cheaper.' Trump immediately tried to soften tensions in the room at the time. 'I do like your clothing by the way,' Trump said. 'I don't know if you two like each other, but I think he is dressed beautifully.' But after the Oval Office meeting descended into chaos, Zelensky was asked to leave the White House and the followup lunch and press conference was canceled. On Monday, Greene praised her boyfriend for questioning Zelensky's outfit after the Oval Office event. 'I'd like to recognize [Brian Glenn] for his success in upholding the proper White House wardrobe attire,' MTG posted on X. 'If Brian had never asked Zelenskyy the question, 'why don't you wear a suit, do you own a suit?' I'm not sure he would have ever worn one to visit our great and respected President!' Whether it was the attire or anything else, the meeting appears to have been a success, as Trump revealed plans for a historic showdown between Zelensky and Vladimir Putin after a 40-minute phone call with the Russian leader. The comments came after European leaders joined a last minute meeting at the White House that followed Trump's Alaska summit with Putin and a February Oval Office showdown between Trump and Zelenksy that descended into chaos. The president said on social media Monday that he and Putin discussed plans for a summit between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, at a location to be determined. Following that diplomatic showdown, Trump said he will then sit down with both leaders in an attempt to make peace in the war torn country. 'This was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years,' he said. Zelensky responded by saying 'we are ready' for any leader-level meetings while speaking to reporters after the White House. He said it's the only way to solve these 'complicated and painful issues.' The Ukrainian leader was reluctant to set conditions for the meeting, regarding a potential ceasefire or other matters, to prevent Russia from making their own demands, potentially jeopardizing those talks. 'That's why I believe that we must meet without any conditions,' he told reporters. Zelensky said Trump showed him a map of the Ukraine front lines in the Oval Office and they got into a little debate about territories it showed. But they didn't argue, he said. 'We had a truly warm, good and substantial conversation,' Zelensky said. No date has been set for him and Putin to meet, he said, though German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said afterward that Trump and Putin agreed there will be a meeting 'within the next two weeks.'


Daily Mail
16 hours ago
- Daily Mail
The genius man haunted by the patients he couldn't save... CHRISTOPHER STEVENS reviews Confessions Of A Brain Surgeon
Confessions Of A Brain Surgeon (BBC2) What's the difference between a bus driver and a brain surgeon? None at all, it turns out, if Henry Marsh is typical. Henry is a retired neurosurgeon who spends much of his free time in Ukraine, a country he loves, helping out in the operating theatre at Lviv hospital. Sometimes, when the senior medic needs a tea break, he steps in for a spot of impromptu brain surgery. That's very like the driver of a horse-drawn Victorian omnibus who, legend has it, spent his days off riding buses driven by his mates... having a 'busman's holiday'. Henry was the subject of an idiosyncratic hour-long biography, Confessions Of A Brain Surgeon. There was no particular reason for the film — no news angle or 'peg', as journalists call it. He hasn't reached a landmark birthday, and he isn't receiving a knighthood, though he probably deserves one. It's simply that the film-makers, Harriet Bird and Charlie Russell, seemed fascinated by his personality and his achievements. He is certainly flamboyant, the sort of man who, when asked to say something for a sound check, recites a Shakespearean sonnet. Neurosurgery, he says, is 'bomb disposal work for cowards', because though snipping out a tumour is a high-risk procedure, brains don't explode. But he's also a depressive, shattered by a brush with his own mortality after a bout of prostate cancer — though thankfully he's currently in remission. And, aged 75, he is haunted by memories of the patients he could not save and brain ops that went wrong. He referred five times to his 'inner cemetery, a place full of bitterness and regrets... I look back and there's this overwhelming sense of failure'. As if to torment himself, he invited the cameras to join him as he sat down with Tina, the mother of a boy called Max who died after a brain operation went wrong, 29 years ago. Tina admitted she couldn't help blaming Henry, even hating him, because he'd been unable to save her son. 'We put all our faith in him,' she said. 'We were told he was the best in the world.' The grief in her voice was edged with anger. Little wonder that Henry is traumatised by the surgeries that did not succeed. Under the weight of such criticism, most people would have no self-confidence left at all. He's plainly fortunate to have a strong support network of family and friends around him, including his former anaesthetist Judith Dinsmore, who helped him to develop the revolutionary technique of 'awake craniotomy' — brain surgery on a conscious patient. How it is possible for a person to lie still and talk after the top of their skull has been sawn off, this documentary did not explain. Little was said either about why, though he and his second wife Kate are apparently happily married, he lives in London while she lives in Oxford. Perhaps that is the secret of their success.