“They had been left … in a cardboard box as if they were trash.”
A few months ago in Niš, Serbia, Ivana Nešić from MISI’s Animal Rescue was getting ready to head home when a small, frail dog suddenly ran up to her. It was obvious the dog needed help — she was extremely thin and looked like she’d been on her own for far too long.
When Ivana tried to get closer, the little dog backed away and began walking off. Curious and concerned, Ivana followed — and was stunned by what she found.
Just a short distance away was a cardboard box filled with newborn puppies. The starving dog was their mom, doing her best to care for them even though she had nothing herself — no food, no water, and no shelter.
“They had been left beside Ivana’s car in a box like they were garbage,” said Isidora Stevanović of MISI’s Animal Rescue.
Inside the box were seven tiny puppies, all curled up together. They were incredibly small and still had their eyes closed.
“The puppies were only a day or two old,” Stevanović explained.
Ivana quickly offered the mother dog food and water, then rushed the entire little family to get medical attention. Thankfully, aside from being weak and dehydrated, they had no serious health problems.
The rescue team named the mama dog Banana, and the puppies were given the names Aris, Artur, Alfi, Bea, Dina, Ella and Galla. A foster dad agreed to take in the whole family, giving them a safe, loving environment to grow.
Over the next three months, the puppies gained strength and developed their own personalities. Soon, they turned into energetic, playful bundles of joy.
“The puppies are healthy, cheerful, and full of life,” Stevanović said.
When the puppies were old enough to be weaned, Banana found a permanent home. A relative of one of the rescue staff fell in love with her sweet, gentle nature and decided to adopt her.
“The mom has a beautiful temperament — she’s tender, loving, and always eager for affection,” Stevanović added.
Now, all seven puppies are three months old and ready for adoption. The team at MISI’s Animal Rescue believes each one would make a wonderful companion. After everything they’ve survived, they deserve families who will cherish them.