“We fight for those who have no one to defend them.”
— Bruno Jelović
Our Story
October 2018
The encounter with the suffering of street dogs
On his way to his home country to visit his family, Bruno noticed them for the first time – he saw them everywhere:
Dogs, big and small, neglected, emaciated, some with open and bleeding wounds, in terrible coat condition, weakened, some frightened, searching for food in the garbage that was scattered everywhere. Torvi and Mila were the first dogs he rescued from the streets and gave a home at his father’s place.
That was the trigger for his life-changing decision: These dogs are alone! These dogs need help!
February 2019
The idea to create change
Simply feeding the dogs on site does not solve the problem, nor does it change their lives or situation in any way. Uncontrolled breeding also continues, making the situation even worse.
Bosnia has so much land, so much open and undeveloped space that can be used to give dogs a safe home. The first images had settled in Bruno’s mind – a vision of “dog ranches” where dogs can run freely and be cared for, no longer starving or spending days searching for food, but simply being safe. Sustainable help is only possible with structure and organization on site.
November 2019
The founding of Savethedogsbih
Bruno decided to found the organization “Savethedogsbih”. He realized how important the dogs had become to him and how much the project gave him emotionally – the strength it awakened within him. He posted hundreds of stories on Instagram every day, and the community continued to grow, along with the unique support for his project.
Early 2020
The beginning
The first piece of land had been secured, construction work began, the area was fenced, the ground was prepared and covered with gravel, and wooden dog houses were built and installed. In early July 2020, the first puppies were able to move onto the site. In early August, after the passing of Bruno’s father, the first three adult dogs – Mila, Torvi, and Aria – arrived at the ranch.
The concept worked, and the local team took care of the dogs. Unfortunately, the ideas regarding the management and development of the ranch differed too much between Bruno and the local team, which led to the difficult decision to part ways with the first ranch in August 2024.
October 2023
The gateway to hell for dogs
The municipal dog shelter in Bugojno, which Bruno visited for the first time at the end of 2022, was in such a catastrophic condition that it took your breath away. More than 1,100 dogs were living in a devastating state – the terrible smell of feces and waste was everywhere, the ground was muddy, a brown mass of excrement and urine, worn-out huts that offered almost no protection, and not a single dry place to lie down.
The dogs were merely surviving there, their fur soaked and heavy with feces and mud, often with their skin already affected underneath. In winter, they were at risk of freezing because their fur no longer provided protection. In October 2023, Bruno decided to take responsibility for the Asyl, even though it remains a municipal facility. With the support of our community, we were able to completely renovate the Asyl: replacing the entire ground and covering it with gravel, installing new dog houses filled with straw to provide warmth and a dry shelter, building fire pits so the dogs can warm themselves in winter, adding new feeding stations, and creating jobs to ensure the dogs are always well cared for. To this day, our organization covers all costs for food and medical care. The dogs there should no longer suffer – that was Bruno’s promise to them.
April 2024
A new beginning
Bruno and Sara decided to give up their lives in Switzerland and move to Bosnia. And then, as if sent from above, Darko entered their lives. He provided land for the project – 240,000 square meters- on which part of the vision could become reality.
In July 2024, the first excavators arrived. Ranches 1–4 began to take shape, the land was fenced, and multiple areas were created. Many dog houses were installed, feeding stations were built, and water points and ponds were created where the dogs can cool off in summer. Fire pits were built so the dogs can warm themselves in winter, existing buildings were renovated, and spacious, dedicated areas were created for puppies and for dogs that cannot be integrated into packs. In early September 2024, the first dogs were relocated from the Asyl to the ranch to relieve the Asyl.
Another building was completely renovated and will in future house our own veterinary clinic. Here, all dogs will be able to receive the best possible medical care. By spring 2025, we had already developed half of the property.
August 2025
Ranches 5 & 6 are being built
The time has come – construction of Ranches 5 & 6 on the second half of the property has begun. The excavators have arrived and are preparing the land. Some trees growing too close to the power lines had to be trimmed, and a few were removed. The areas are being fenced, electricity is being connected to the ranches, and additional infrastructure is being installed across the property. Dog houses, fire pits, dog pools, feeding stations, and water points are being built. Quarantine areas for the first days of new arrivals are being set up, a new building for storing dog food and other supplies is under construction, and a small pool for cooling off in summer is being created.
Ranch 5 will also take shape over the coming months, so that the new area can be fully developed and completed in 2026.
