In 2019, Nadzeya Kazakova attended a charity event that opened her eyes to the harsh realities faced by animal shelters. Devastatingly, countless abandoned pets are euthanized each year due to shelter overcrowding. Despite shelters’ desperate pleas for pet adoption, puppy and kitten mills continue to breed animals inhumanely, leaving shelter pets homeless and at risk. 

Deeply moved by this tragedy, Nadzeya conceived the "Compassion is Beautiful" project, designed to allow the world to engage with shelter animals through art and physical interaction. In her own words, "In a very artistic and creative way, I wanted to show the world that with a little love, animals can be captured as beautifully as the models in the fashion industry.” 

The "Compassion is Beautiful" project aims to spread the idea that compassion is a powerful force which can bring positive change to the world. Compassion has the ability to heal, uplift, and create connections between people and animals, especially those who truly need our help. Since its creation in 2019, the meaningful project has helped place more than 2,000 animals in their forever homes. 

To bring her vision to life, Nadzeya partnered with the talented photographer Alex Musin who shares her passion for animals and desire to make a difference. Together, the pair created a series of photographs capturing tender moments between shelter dogs and professional models. By creating a platform for these animals to be seen, their true beauty was revealed. 

The stunning images featured dogs from New York City based animal rescue center “Second Chance Rescue", an organization that consistently displays dedication, hard work, and unwavering love for animals. Since the center’s inception in 2009, they have saved over 15,000 critically injured and neglected animals. They continue striving to create a world where all animals are loved, respected, and free from unnecessary suffering. 

On May 16th, guests gathered at Da Li Lounge in downtown Manhattan for an exclusive charity event celebrating the “Compassion is Beautiful” project. The glamorous private party honored animal adoption, merging love for animals with fashion and art to capture the hearts of guests and raise awareness for animal rescue.

Guests sipped on delicious cocktails and enjoyed gourmet treats provided by sponsors Sail Gin and Läderach, as they perused Alex Musin’s exclusive photography exhibition. The evening also featured a silent auction, live music, and performances. All ticket sales were donated to animal shelters, supporting the duo’s mission to prevent euthanasia due to shelter overcrowding. 

With contributions from Tigran Tsitoghdzyan, Katja Loher, and Elena Lojevsky, as well as live performances by DJ Sasha Barbot, Augie Haas, and Geoff Burke, the evening was transformed into a powerful platform to raise funds for the cause.

To learn more about the “Compassion is Beautiful” project visit AlexMusin.com. To get involved with Second Chance Rescue or adopt a furry friend of your own, visit NYCSecondChanceRescue.org.