From Trash to Treasure: Stray Pup Smesten Finds a Hero in Serbian Rescuer Goran

In Kraljevo, Serbia, the streets are witnessing an increasing presence of stray dogs and other homeless animals.

Among the dedicated few working to help these animals is Goran Marinkovic, an animal lover who feeds over 100 stray dogs and cats out of his own pocket.

His passion for animal rescue is deep-seated, but nothing could prepare him for the surprise of meeting a unique puppy named Smesten.

Goran is committed to rescuing animals in distress because of his profound love for them, regardless of whether they are cats, dogs, or other creatures. “I feed abandoned animals on the street who do not receive food from humans and do not have owners,” he said, noting the growing number of these homeless animals.

While providing food for a group of stray dogs, Goran discovered Smesten in a pile of trash. The puppy looked frail, undernourished, and in need of a mother’s care.

Remarkably, Smesten had been using an old shoe as a shelter from the elements. Goran was heartbroken by the pup’s condition and made an immediate decision to help.

Initially, Goran fed Smesten, but he quickly realized he had to do more. Understanding the puppy’s vulnerable state, he took Smesten to the vet for necessary medications before bringing him home. Over the next eight months, Goran dedicated himself to Smesten’s recovery, nurturing him back to health.

This care transformed Smesten. He went from being a scruffy and sickly pup to a lively, well-adjusted dog with shiny fur and a cheerful demeanor. Smesten clearly adored Goran, his newfound hero.

Goran had initially planned to find a new home for Smesten once he was healthy. However, as the puppy grew, so did Goran’s attachment. In November, he decided to formally adopt Smesten. Now, the two are inseparable and extremely content with each other.

Smesten’s transformation journey is a testament to the power of care and compassion. He stands as a shining example of a “glow-up,” or in this case, perhaps a better phrase is “glow-pup.” By sharing stories like Smesten’s, we can appreciate and support the efforts of dedicated animal rescuers like Goran.