Every day in the town of Kraljevo, Serbia, Goran Marinkovic walks the streets with bags of food — not for himself, but for the hundreds of stray cats and dogs he cares for.

But one morning last March, his routine took an unforgettable turn.

“I was walking down a narrow path when I heard faint crying coming from behind some rocks,” Goran said. “When I looked closer, I saw her — a tiny puppy, trembling and scared.”

The puppy was curled up next to a pile of trash, using an old shoe as her only shelter. She was weak, completely alone, and far too young to survive on her own. Goran, who always carries snacks for animals in need, offered her some salami right away.

“She was freezing and starving,” he said. “There were no other dogs around, no sign of her mom.”

As he approached her gently, the puppy rolled onto her back and showed her belly — a little gesture of trust that completely broke Goran’s heart.

“She was so worn out,” he said. “It was like she knew I was her only hope. She just gave in.”

Without thinking twice, Goran scooped her up and rushed her to the vet. He wasn’t sure if she’d make it after spending so much time exposed to the elements. But the tiny pup — now named Coco — was a fighter.

And sure enough, Coco pulled through. Each day, she grew stronger and more full of life.

“She has the most joyful spirit,” Goran said. “She absolutely loves people and is always bursting with energy.”

Goran posted Coco’s story and photos on Facebook, and the response was overwhelming. Adoption offers came pouring in — but he waited for just the right match. With help from another rescuer, Goran arranged for Coco to be adopted by a loving family in Germany once she was fully vaccinated and ready to travel.

A year later, Coco looks nothing like the tiny pup who once curled up in a shoe for warmth. She’s now a fluffy, happy dog, living her best life with a family that adores her.

“She’s doing amazing,” Goran said. “Her family sends me updates all the time — she’s even on a seaside vacation right now!”

For Goran, every rescue is a victory. But Coco’s journey holds a special place in his heart.

“She’s a symbol of hope,” he said. “And I’ll keep doing this — helping every stray I can — until they all get a chance like she did.”

—

To see more of Goran’s rescue stories or support his work with strays like Coco, follow him on Facebook. ❤️🐾