Bruno Jelovic was not always the dog lover he is today. His life took a profound turn when he crossed paths with a French bulldog named Mia. Before Mia, Bruno didn’t think much about dogs or the challenges they face, especially in places like Bosnia, where stray dogs are a common sight. But Mia changed all that. Her presence in his life opened his eyes to the plight of countless dogs who suffer neglect, abandonment, and cruelty. Five years after rescuing Mia, Bruno felt compelled to do more than just care for one dog. This calling led him to found “Save the Dogs,” an organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating dogs from a city animal shelter in Bosnia.
The shelter Bruno frequents is not an ordinary place. It’s a stark, overcrowded facility where thousands of street dogs, rounded up by animal control, are crammed into tiny spaces. The conditions are heartbreaking, with dogs often left to fend for themselves in a sea of neglect and despair. Bruno knows this all too well, which is why, each time he visits, he searches for the dog in the worst possible condition. It’s his way of ensuring that those most in need get the help they deserve.
On one particular visit, amid the cacophony of barking and the overwhelming scent of desperation, Bruno noticed a pair of eyes that seemed to plead with him for rescue. The eyes belonged to a dog named Borac. Borac was just one of the 1,200 dogs packed into the shelter, but there was something about him that tugged at Bruno’s heartstrings. Borac had been in the shelter for three long years, a victim of neglect and the harsh realities of life on the streets. His once soft and shiny fur was now a tangled, filthy mess, matted so severely that it hung in clumps, weighing him down. Borac’s body was almost completely encased in dirt, mud, and matted fur, making him nearly unrecognizable as a dog.
Rescuing Borac was no small feat. It took hours of meticulous work to cut through the dense layers of matted fur. The process was slow and careful, as Bruno and his team had to ensure they didn’t hurt Borac while removing the heavy coat that had burdened him for years. As they worked, it became clear just how much the matted fur had affected Borac’s life. The weight of it had made it difficult for him to move, and the filth trapped in his fur had caused skin irritations and infections. But Bruno and his team were determined to free Borac from his prison of fur.
When the last clump of matted fur was finally removed, Borac was a different dog. For the first time in years, he could stand upright without the oppressive weight on his back. The relief in his eyes was evident, and it was clear that Borac knew his life was about to change. The transformation was more than just physical; it was a restoration of his spirit. One of Bruno’s goals with every dog he rescues is to help them regain their dignity and pride, and Borac was on the path to reclaiming both.
But the journey didn’t end with Borac’s grooming. Bruno took him back to his ranch, a safe haven for the dogs he rescues. At the ranch, Borac was introduced to the pack — a group of dogs that, like him, had been rescued from the city shelter. But the ranch was a world away from the cramped, depressing conditions of the shelter. Here, the dogs are well cared for, receiving regular meals, medical attention, and, most importantly, love. They have room to run and play, to interact with other dogs, and to experience the freedom that had been denied to them for so long.
Borac quickly adapted to his new life at the ranch. The other dogs welcomed him, and he soon became part of the pack. The transformation in Borac was remarkable; within days, he was running, playing, and exploring his new surroundings with a joy that had been absent from his life for far too long. Bruno watched with satisfaction as Borac began to trust again, not just in people, but in life itself.
Shockingly, this is not the first time she has faced animal cruelty charges; she has a past conviction for similar crimes. We must ensure that no more animals suffer or die in her care!
For Bruno, Borac’s story is a testament to the resilience of dogs and the importance of compassion. Every time he looks at Borac, he is reminded of why he started “Save the Dogs” and why he continues to fight for the animals that society has forgotten. Borac’s journey from a neglected, matted dog to a happy, healthy member of the pack is a powerful example of what love, care, and determination can achieve.
As Borac continues to thrive at the ranch, Bruno remains committed to his mission. He knows there are still countless dogs like Borac waiting for their chance at a better life, and he is determined to rescue as many as he can. For Bruno, each dog he saves is not just an animal in need but a life worth fighting for, and Borac’s story is proof that every dog, no matter how dire their circumstances, deserves a second chance.
Click the video below to watch this incredible story!
Please ‘SHARE’ to pass on this story to a friend or family member
Toledo, United States.
