Every day, Goran Marinkovic walks the streets of Kraljevo, Serbia, carrying bags of food — not for himself, but for the hundreds of stray dogs and cats he cares for.
But one morning last March, his usual routine turned into something unforgettable.
“I was walking along a narrow path when I heard faint cries coming from the rocks,” Goran recalled. “When I looked closer, I saw her — a tiny puppy, shivering and scared.”
The little pup was huddled next to a pile of garbage, using an old shoe as her only shelter. She was weak, alone, and far too young to survive on her own. Goran, who always carries food for his four-legged friends, offered her some salami right away.
“She was starving and cold,” he said. “There were no other dogs around — no sign of her mother.”
When he gently approached, the puppy laid on her back and showed her belly — a small act of trust that broke Goran’s heart.
“She was completely exhausted,” he said. “It was like she knew I was her only chance. She just surrendered to fate.”
Without hesitation, Goran scooped her up and rushed her to the vet. He didn’t know if she’d pull through after being exposed to the elements for so long. But the little fighter, now named Coco, had no plans of giving up.
And sure enough, Coco bounced back — stronger and more spirited by the day.
“She has the most joyful personality,” Goran said. “She absolutely loves people and is always full of energy.”
Goran shared Coco’s story and photos on Facebook, and the response was overwhelming. Offers to adopt her poured in, but he held out for the perfect match. With the help of a fellow rescuer, Goran arranged for Coco to be adopted by a loving family in Germany once she was fully vaccinated and ready to travel.
One year later, Coco is unrecognizable from the tiny pup who once took shelter in a shoe. She’s now a fluffy, happy adventurer, living her best life with a family who adores her.
“She’s doing amazing,” Goran shared. “Her family sends me regular updates — she’s currently on vacation by the sea!”
For Goran, every stray who finds a home is a win — but Coco’s transformation is a special reminder of why he does what he does.
“She’s a symbol of hope,” he said. “And I’ll keep fighting for every stray out there until they all have a chance like she did.”
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To follow more of Goran’s rescue work and support animals like Coco, check him out on Facebook. ❤️🐶
