Ivana Nesic had just finished her shift in Niš, Serbia, and was heading toward her car when a small, frantic dog ran up to her.
The dog was painfully thin. Her ribs showed. Her eyes carried exhaustion — and urgency.
Nesic, a staff member at MISI’s Animal Rescue, immediately knew something was wrong.
When she tried to approach, the little dog turned and began walking away — then looked back, as if asking Nesic to follow.
So she did.
Just a few steps away, Nesic found the reason for the desperate plea.
Sitting beside her car was a cardboard box.
Inside it were seven tiny puppies — huddled together, eyes still closed, only a day or two old. They were so small they barely filled the corner of the box.
“They had been left next to Ivana’s car in a cardboard box as if they were trash,” said Isidora Stevanovic of MISI’s Animal Rescue.
The emaciated mama had been doing everything she could to care for her newborns. But without food, water or shelter, she was fighting an impossible battle.
Nesic immediately gave the mother food and water while calling for help. Then she carefully loaded the entire family into her car and rushed them to safety.
Miraculously, despite dehydration and hunger, none of the puppies had major medical issues. They had been saved just in time.
The rescue named the devoted mom Banana. Her seven babies were given names, too: Aris, Artur, Alfi, Bea, Dina, Ella and Galla.
Soon, a foster dad stepped up to take in the entire family — providing warm bedding, regular meals and something they’d likely never experienced before: security.
Over the next three months, the transformation was extraordinary.
The fragile newborns grew into bouncy, playful puppies. Their personalities emerged — curious, energetic, affectionate. The once-starving mother began to regain weight and confidence.
“The puppies are playful, healthy and happy,” Stevanovic said.
When the puppies were finally weaned, Banana’s story took a beautiful turn. A relative of one of the rescue team members fell in love with her gentle spirit and decided to adopt her.
“The mom has a wonderful character — she is gentle, affectionate, and craving love, touch and attention,” Stevanovic said.
Now safe in her forever home, Banana no longer has to beg strangers for help. She gets all the love she once searched for in a parking lot.
As for her seven babies, now 3 months old, they’re ready to begin their own chapters. Each one is available for adoption, waiting for families who will cherish them for the rest of their lives.
What began with a desperate mother running toward the only person she hoped might help ended with eight lives saved.
And it all started because someone chose to follow.
If you're interested in adopting any of the puppies, you can learn more here. If you'd like to support MISI's Animal Rescue, you can make a donation here.
