Our Story
October 2018
It all began in 2018 when Bruno Jelovic traveled to his hometown of Travnik (100 kilometers from Sarajevo). There he noticed how bad the situation was for the stray dogs. Emaciated and sick dogs rummaged through garbage for food. There were over a hundred animals.
But that's not the only problem. The animals are often pelted with objects, kicked, set on fire, poisoned, or even shot. They are also often abused for illegal fights. Since they are usually very weak, they are literally torn apart by their opponents.
End of 2018
Bruno could no longer stand to witness the misery of stray dogs in Bosnia. Initially, he provided food and water for the dogs on-site. However, he soon realized that this type of assistance was only limitedly sustainable. Even if he were to come to Bosnia only for vacation, the suffering could never be eradicated.
2019
As a result, he founded the organization "Save the Dogs" to finance the aid with donations. Meanwhile, five volunteers are on site, taking care of the dogs every day at various locations. This includes food, sterilization, castration, general medical treatments, or just affection.
All of this is documented on the Instagram profile. The team has already posted over 10,000 stories in total. This way, donors know transparently what their money is being used for.
End of 2020
A lot has happened within the last few months. We were able to purchase our 1-hectare land in Bosnia, and it is now fully fenced. It was very challenging to find a suitable land for our purpose. We wanted to find the perfect location where the dogs could live undisturbed - and we found it! We couldn't have found a better place!
Our land is located in the middle of nature, surrounded by a forest. It has more than enough space for the dogs to run around and most importantly, never feel hungry or thirsty again. We wanted to create a dignified life for them, with lots of love and affection from our team. A life in safety.
🧑🏽🤝🧑🏽 Our Team
Caroline
Comments and Messages on Instagram
My name is Caroline Dötsch, I'm 23 years old and I have been a member of this amazing project since the beginning. I love animals and wholeheartedly dedicate myself to helping the dogs in Bosnia. The work I do for Save the Dogs Bih brings me a lot of joy and fulfillment. I respond to Instagram and email inquiries and handle various other tasks behind the scenes.
Inga
Comments & messages on Instagram & TikTok
I joined the team at the end of 2022 and I'm responsible for Savethedogs' Tiktok account. It's an honor for me to be part of this team because they are incredibly warm, helpful, and dedicated. The dogs are very close to my heart because they are the ones worth fighting for every day and continuing tirelessly. Thank you so much, SAVETHEDOGSBIH! ❤
Vanessa
Sponsorship
I have been part of the Save the Dogs BiH team since March 2023. In April 2020, my husband and I adopted "Snow" from Save the Dogs BiH - later our sponsored dog "Jamal" joined us. I am responsible for the sponsorships. You will receive your sponsorship certificate and monthly photos from me. It warms my soul and heart to know that dog lives are being saved.
Sanela
Comments and Messages on Instagram
I support the Save the Dogs BiH team behind the scenes by answering your inquiries and comments, and taking care of various small tasks that come up. I had my own dogs for the first time when I was about 10 years old, and ever since then, I have loved them with all my heart. With Save the Dogs BiH, I have found a project dear to my heart and hope to contribute help here for a long time. Dogs are soul soothers and, in my eyes, true medicine.