Marija and Miloš rescue abandoned dogs for 15 years: Lack of support is a big problem, but they don't give up

For over fifteen years, Marija and Miloš from Kragujevac, Serbia, have devoted their lives to rescuing abandoned dogs, offering them a second chance at life. Their shelter, "Mona," currently provides a safe haven for 150 dogs, including the old, sick, and injured, who might otherwise face certain death.

Despite their tireless efforts, the couple faces a significant challenge: a lack of systemic support. "There is simply no systematic support or help, and that is a problem that almost every local self-government in Serbia faces," says Marija Drobnjaković. They registered their association two years ago, purchased land, and manage the shelter solely through donations from compassionate individuals, as their requests for city assistance have gone unanswered.

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We just can't turn our heads away. We can't pass by a sick and injured animal and let it end there. We are born with this love, recognizing their love, because we love them, but they love us ten times more.

"We just can't turn our heads away. We can't pass by a sick and injured animal and let it end there," Marija explains. "We are born with this love, recognizing their love, because we love them, but they love us ten times more." This deep affection fuels their work, particularly their focus on injured animals that other organizations might overlook. Miloš Nikolić adds, "We focus on the injured ones because we feel the most sorry for them, knowing that no one else will deal with them. As much as we can, because our shelter is not entirely as we imagine it, but we compensate for everything with love and our work."

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As much as we can, because our shelter is not entirely as we imagine it, but we compensate for everything with love and our work.

The daily needs for food and veterinary care are substantial, with food alone costing around 100 euros per day. Yet, they persist in rescuing abandoned and injured dogs from the streets. However, they stress that their rescue efforts are not a permanent solution. "A systematic solution is needed: sterilization. That the law is applied, that irresponsible owners are punished, that dogs are registered and chipped," Drobnjaković urges.

To address these issues, they initiated a free sterilization campaign, encouraging citizens to sterilize their pets. Information about the campaign and how to donate to the shelter is available on their social media profiles. The gates of their shelter in Gornje Jarušice, near Kragujevac, remain open daily for volunteers eager to help provide these unwanted dogs with more love and care.

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A systematic solution is needed: sterilization. That the law is applied, that irresponsible owners are punished, that dogs are registered and chipped.