Goran Višnjić's daughter, Croatia's Queen, sends powerful message: 'Love isn't bought. It waits in shelters'

Lana Lourdes Rupić, daughter of actor Goran Višnjić and a reigning Queen of Croatia, is lending her voice to a campaign against the heartbreaking tradition of abandoning pets before summer vacations. The "Family to the sea, dog to the street?!" initiative, now in its 24th year, highlights the sad reality of animals being left behind as families head for holidays.

Rupić, a construction student who has been Queen of Croatia for less than a year, is described by the animal welfare organization as a lifelong friend to animals. The campaign's striking visuals feature Rupić posing with Olga and Fendi, two charming dogs from the Rijeka animal shelter. Their message is clear: "Love cannot be bought. It waits for you in the shelter."

The campaign stresses that animals are not disposable items but cherished family members who deserve lifelong commitment. Rupić's involvement is deeply personal; she owns two rescued female dogs, Rija and Lou. She personally rescued Lou from a severe neglect case, giving the dog a new life. Through her actions and example, Rupić hopes to inspire potential owners to consider adoption from shelters across the country.

This campaign aims to raise awareness about the escalating problem of animal abandonment each summer, which leads to overcrowded shelters and countless animals suffering on the streets. The visuals, designed by Valentin Preložiček, feature prominent messages like "DO NOT ABANDON," "ADOPT," and "DO NOT BUY," displayed on scarves worn by the dogs.

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Love cannot be bought. It waits for you in the shelter.