Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app

Continue in app Continue in browser

User submission

14.2K

85.7K

Pup Was Using A Shoe As A Shelter Until This Man Saved Him And Gave Him A Home

Interview With Owner

ADVERTISEMENT

Life is often unfair to little critters. There are many cases of abandoned puppies, cats, and other animals. It’s very sad to see how careless and heartless people can be. Leaving their pets on the side of the road, tied to a tree, and sometimes even worse… That’s why it’s very refreshing to see a happy story with a great ending.

A man called Goran Marinkovic feeds and takes care of stray animals. In March of 2020, when he went to visit them, he found a little surprise: an abandoned puppy sleeping next to a shoe. Goran noticed that the pup was ill and hungry. The man took the little pup into his home, named him Smesten, and helped him recover into a beautiful, healthy, and happy dog.

More info: Facebook

Goran Marinkovic found this little pup while feeding stray dogs

Pup Was Using A Shoe As A Shelter Until This Man Saved Him And Gave Him A Home

Image credits: goran.marinkovic.dzambo

He was thrown away like garbage, surrounded by trash and looked very ill

Pup Was Using A Shoe As A Shelter Until This Man Saved Him And Gave Him A Home

Image credits: goran.marinkovic.dzambo

Pup Was Using A Shoe As A Shelter Until This Man Saved Him And Gave Him A Home

Image credits: goran.marinkovic.dzambo

Pup Was Using A Shoe As A Shelter Until This Man Saved Him And Gave Him A Home

ADVERTISEMENT

Image credits: goran.marinkovic.dzambo

He slept next to a shoe, which the pup used as a shelter to hide from the elements

Pup Was Using A Shoe As A Shelter Until This Man Saved Him And Gave Him A Home

Image credits: goran.marinkovic.dzambo

Pup Was Using A Shoe As A Shelter Until This Man Saved Him And Gave Him A Home

Image credits: goran.marinkovic.dzambo

We managed to get an interview with Goran. He is a man of few words, and all he wanted to do was return to his animals as soon as possible, which is very commendable. Goran told us: “I save animals that are endangered, that live on the street. I take care of animals because I love them, I love animals equally everything, cats, dogs, others…” It’s very sweet to see when people love all animals and want to help them in times of need.

There was no sign of a mother or any dog that could take care of him. The pup was all alone

Pup Was Using A Shoe As A Shelter Until This Man Saved Him And Gave Him A Home

ADVERTISEMENT

Image credits: goran.marinkovic.dzambo

ADVERTISEMENT

The puppy was very skinny. It was obvious he hadn’t been eating and drinking very well

Pup Was Using A Shoe As A Shelter Until This Man Saved Him And Gave Him A Home

Image credits: goran.marinkovic.dzambo

Pup Was Using A Shoe As A Shelter Until This Man Saved Him And Gave Him A Home

Image credits: goran.marinkovic.dzambo

Goran took the pup, fed him and brought him to the vets

Pup Was Using A Shoe As A Shelter Until This Man Saved Him And Gave Him A Home

Image credits: goran.marinkovic.dzambo

Pup Was Using A Shoe As A Shelter Until This Man Saved Him And Gave Him A Home

Image credits: goran.marinkovic.dzambo

Goran feeds abandoned animals on the streets. He finds more and more every day. For example, currently, he’s feeding around 100 cats and dogs, which is crazy. Goran said: “I feed abandoned animals on the street that are not getting food from humans and have no owners. Their numbers are constantly rising.” It’s saddening to hear that people are so carelessly abandoning their animals and throwing them in the streets.

ADVERTISEMENT

After the pupper was brought home by Goran, he started feeling and looking much better, thanks to all the love, food and care he got

Pup Was Using A Shoe As A Shelter Until This Man Saved Him And Gave Him A Home

Image credits: goran.marinkovic.dzambo

Pup Was Using A Shoe As A Shelter Until This Man Saved Him And Gave Him A Home

Image credits: goran.marinkovic.dzambo

Pup Was Using A Shoe As A Shelter Until This Man Saved Him And Gave Him A Home

Image credits: goran.marinkovic.dzambo

Goran named the pup Smesten and adopted him

Pup Was Using A Shoe As A Shelter Until This Man Saved Him And Gave Him A Home

Image credits: goran.marinkovic.dzambo

Goran does everything for free as a volunteer. He usually works alone, but sometimes gets some help from friends. It’s no secret that it’s difficult to do this kind of work. The cost of food and vets is expensive and it takes lots of time. Thankfully, there are people out there who are ready to make that sacrifice for the animals.

ADVERTISEMENT

Smesten is very playful and energetic, but also loves napping very much

Pup Was Using A Shoe As A Shelter Until This Man Saved Him And Gave Him A Home

Image credits: goran.marinkovic.dzambo

Smesten has a lot of brothers and sisters he can play with, even though he’s much smaller than them

Pup Was Using A Shoe As A Shelter Until This Man Saved Him And Gave Him A Home

Image credits: goran.marinkovic.dzambo

Pup Was Using A Shoe As A Shelter Until This Man Saved Him And Gave Him A Home

Image credits: goran.marinkovic.dzambo

Pup Was Using A Shoe As A Shelter Until This Man Saved Him And Gave Him A Home

Image credits: goran.marinkovic.dzambo

After six months, Smesten is unrecognizable

Pup Was Using A Shoe As A Shelter Until This Man Saved Him And Gave Him A Home

Image credits: goran.marinkovic.dzambo

Please consider helping out the stray animals in your area, perhaps by volunteering or donating to a shelter. Or just go hang out with the animals in shelters, they would appreciate the company. Also, before you take an animal into your home, please make sure that you’re ready. Animals are not toys, they are living beings and deserve all the love and care in the world.

ADVERTISEMENT

He grew up to be a beautiful, friendly, and loving dog—full of energy, very healthy, and ready for adventures

Pup Was Using A Shoe As A Shelter Until This Man Saved Him And Gave Him A Home

Image credits: goran.marinkovic.dzambo

Pup Was Using A Shoe As A Shelter Until This Man Saved Him And Gave Him A Home

Image credits: goran.marinkovic.dzambo

Kindness, love, and consideration saved Smesten’s life. All thanks to amazing people like Goran

Pup Was Using A Shoe As A Shelter Until This Man Saved Him And Gave Him A Home

Image credits: goran.marinkovic.dzambo

86Kviews

Hidrėlėy

Fascinated by music, movies and sitcoms, I'm passionate about social media and can't live without the internet, especially for all the cute dog and cat pictures out there. I wish the day had about 40 hours to be able to do everything I want.

Fascinated by music, movies and sitcoms, I'm passionate about social media and can't live without the internet, especially for all the cute dog and cat pictures out there. I wish the day had about 40 hours to be able to do everything I want.

Aelita Senvaitytė

My name is Aelita and I have been an Editor for Bored Panda since 2019. I spend my days working with my amazing team and making articles the best they can be. Fantasy and magic have always ruled over my world, from movies to TV shows, to Video Games to tabletop games like Dungeos and Dragons, I try to find magic in every part of my life. Writing is a big part of me too, I hope to publish a fantasy novel one day. I also enjoy playing guitar and singing, as music always help me to get in a great mood. I have an adorable German Shepherd named Hela and we get into all kinds of adventures together.

My name is Aelita and I have been an Editor for Bored Panda since 2019. I spend my days working with my amazing team and making articles the best they can be. Fantasy and magic have always ruled over my world, from movies to TV shows, to Video Games to tabletop games like Dungeos and Dragons, I try to find magic in every part of my life. Writing is a big part of me too, I hope to publish a fantasy novel one day. I also enjoy playing guitar and singing, as music always help me to get in a great mood. I have an adorable German Shepherd named Hela and we get into all kinds of adventures together.

What do you think ?

deathrose 3 years ago

Again, this is how I ended up with 4 cats and a dog and many more I've found homes for. I just can't turn an animal away, it breaks my heart.

40points

Zedrapazia 3 years ago

You're a good person

24points

Load More Replies...

Ella Blackwood 3 years ago

Oh, this poor, sweet little baby! How can anyone do such a thing to a helpless, innocent little puppy like that? Thank god for Goran for being so good and kind and for rescuing this poor abandoned little pup! I am so happy for them both!

24points

Natalie 3 years ago (edited)

If more people stopped trying to do the ego-feeding grand gestures and instead focused on doing the small acts of heroism that are right in front of us the world would be a much better place. Nicely done, that man.

23points

Lauren Caswell 3 years ago

Goran Marinkovic is the kind of person this world needs more of

7points

West World Employee 7 3 years ago

Animal hero!

3points

Brian Bennett 3 years ago

It is really uplifting to hear of a person who is living up to the word mankind. In this world of lets screw the other guy no matter what the reason. It's great to hear of someone who is doing things for unfortunate animals to receive noting but love in return. When you think about it love is a great return. Mr. Goran you are a MAN way above men.

2points

Christina Uhlir 3 years ago

"Until you have been loved by an animal you will never truly understand unconditional love."

1point

Load More Replies...

Stephanie IV 3 years ago

Well done, Goran & Smesten! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

2points

RandomBeing 3 years ago

what a handsome pup!

2points

Christina Uhlir 3 years ago (edited)

This sad world needs many, many more people like Goran......and deathrose, and......

1point

Elizabeth Molloy 3 years ago

More people need to be like Goran. What a legend!

1point

Ekaterina Sidiakova 3 years ago

People like this are the best ever! Absolutely adore them. Thank you kind human

1point

Katinka Min 3 years ago

Poor wee pupper. The worms in his body must have weight more than he did. So glad, he found a home and had the chance to grow up as a happy dog.

1point

Ellie Rosser 3 years ago

Goran is a next level dog parent. His setup looks awesome!

1point

Weim Central 3 years ago

Thank you to people like Goran who see something worth saving not thrown away like the items near where Smesten was found. I wish nothing but happiness and joy for the two of them and nothing but pure hell for the humans who threw away this puppy.

1point

Sean Harrison 3 years ago

If only homeless people were treated as well as we treat homeless dogs.

1point

Christina Uhlir 3 years ago

Sean Harrison, you do not know what are you talking about, homeless, stray animals are poisoned, shot, beat to death, die of starvation - prolonged, painful death. Please, never ever compare animal suffering to human - so often self inflicted suffering, because there's no comparison.

1point

Load More Replies...

angel love 3 years ago

Love love

0points

Pup_Fluffy 3 years ago

This is what i call a good person

0points

Jane Florence 3 years ago

Awwwwwww, how someone could dump that little pup is beyond me…my friends dog was rescued from a bin bag that someone had thrown in the local canal! Soulless, heartless people, ESPECIALLY anyone who’s do this in the UK where there are plenty of places to take unwanted animals…

0points

Hollysmom 3 years ago

This, and these type of stories break my heart. Thank you all resuers

0points

Ronualdo 3 years ago

The photo of him sleeping next to a shoe is so heartbreaking. Glad he’s doing great now. You sir deserves more blessings!!!

0points

Sue Lynn Chan 3 years ago

I was planning to adopt a dog, but I would like to know .....Can a first time owner adopt any pets?

0points

Christina Uhlir 3 years ago

There's always first time for everything, Sue. It depends on you, on kindness, how much you desire to save an innocent life.

1point

Load More Replies...

Nadia Zaharieva 3 years ago

May God bless you, Goran!

0points

Leigh Boatright 3 years ago

Poor thing. Did the old lady who lived in a shoe lose her pet?

0points

Mauve Mouse 3 years ago

Sure is dusty in here...

0points

TheReader19 3 years ago

Although he was saved, that didn't stop me from crying 😢

0points

Suzy the observer 3 years ago

Love.

0points

Carnelian 3 years ago

Aw, poor pup. I so happy someone found him, just look at him now!!

0points

Andreia Ojk 3 years ago

Goran, u r the best!!!

0points

Susan Green 3 years ago

Poor little angel. Look at him now though! Thank you for saving him.

0points

Mazer 3 years ago

It’s too bad veterinarian care is so expensive or I would adopt three dogs and three cats ASAP

-1point

Taco Da Guinea Pig 3 years ago

FOR THE SAKE OF PETE YOU DON’T NEED TO TAKE PICTURES JUST SAVE IT

-2points

Christina Uhlir 3 years ago (edited)

Maybe those picture will motivate others to do the same and they will not get pets from damn cruel, greedy breeders.

1point

Load More Replies...

Truth Monster 3 years ago

The interior of that shoe looks mighty clean for being "out in the elements". Also, its far more likely that the puppy was attached to the shoe because it smelled like his/her humans than "using it for shelter".

-3points

deathrose 3 years ago

Again, this is how I ended up with 4 cats and a dog and many more I've found homes for. I just can't turn an animal away, it breaks my heart.

40points

Zedrapazia 3 years ago

You're a good person

24points

Load More Replies...

Ella Blackwood 3 years ago

Oh, this poor, sweet little baby! How can anyone do such a thing to a helpless, innocent little puppy like that? Thank god for Goran for being so good and kind and for rescuing this poor abandoned little pup! I am so happy for them both!

24points

Natalie 3 years ago (edited)

If more people stopped trying to do the ego-feeding grand gestures and instead focused on doing the small acts of heroism that are right in front of us the world would be a much better place. Nicely done, that man.

23points

Lauren Caswell 3 years ago

Goran Marinkovic is the kind of person this world needs more of

7points

West World Employee 7 3 years ago

Animal hero!

3points

Brian Bennett 3 years ago

It is really uplifting to hear of a person who is living up to the word mankind. In this world of lets screw the other guy no matter what the reason. It's great to hear of someone who is doing things for unfortunate animals to receive noting but love in return. When you think about it love is a great return. Mr. Goran you are a MAN way above men.

2points

Christina Uhlir 3 years ago

"Until you have been loved by an animal you will never truly understand unconditional love."

1point

Load More Replies...

Stephanie IV 3 years ago

Well done, Goran & Smesten! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

2points

RandomBeing 3 years ago

what a handsome pup!

2points

Christina Uhlir 3 years ago (edited)

This sad world needs many, many more people like Goran......and deathrose, and......

1point

Elizabeth Molloy 3 years ago

More people need to be like Goran. What a legend!

1point

Ekaterina Sidiakova 3 years ago

People like this are the best ever! Absolutely adore them. Thank you kind human

1point

Katinka Min 3 years ago

Poor wee pupper. The worms in his body must have weight more than he did. So glad, he found a home and had the chance to grow up as a happy dog.

1point

Ellie Rosser 3 years ago

Goran is a next level dog parent. His setup looks awesome!

1point

Weim Central 3 years ago

Thank you to people like Goran who see something worth saving not thrown away like the items near where Smesten was found. I wish nothing but happiness and joy for the two of them and nothing but pure hell for the humans who threw away this puppy.

1point

Sean Harrison 3 years ago

If only homeless people were treated as well as we treat homeless dogs.

1point

Christina Uhlir 3 years ago

Sean Harrison, you do not know what are you talking about, homeless, stray animals are poisoned, shot, beat to death, die of starvation - prolonged, painful death. Please, never ever compare animal suffering to human - so often self inflicted suffering, because there's no comparison.

1point

Load More Replies...

angel love 3 years ago

Love love

0points

Pup_Fluffy 3 years ago

This is what i call a good person

0points

Jane Florence 3 years ago

Awwwwwww, how someone could dump that little pup is beyond me…my friends dog was rescued from a bin bag that someone had thrown in the local canal! Soulless, heartless people, ESPECIALLY anyone who’s do this in the UK where there are plenty of places to take unwanted animals…

0points

Hollysmom 3 years ago

This, and these type of stories break my heart. Thank you all resuers

0points

Ronualdo 3 years ago

The photo of him sleeping next to a shoe is so heartbreaking. Glad he’s doing great now. You sir deserves more blessings!!!

0points

Sue Lynn Chan 3 years ago

I was planning to adopt a dog, but I would like to know .....Can a first time owner adopt any pets?

0points

Christina Uhlir 3 years ago

There's always first time for everything, Sue. It depends on you, on kindness, how much you desire to save an innocent life.

1point

Load More Replies...

Nadia Zaharieva 3 years ago

May God bless you, Goran!

0points

Leigh Boatright 3 years ago

Poor thing. Did the old lady who lived in a shoe lose her pet?

0points

Mauve Mouse 3 years ago

Sure is dusty in here...

0points

TheReader19 3 years ago

Although he was saved, that didn't stop me from crying 😢

0points

Suzy the observer 3 years ago

Love.

0points

Carnelian 3 years ago

Aw, poor pup. I so happy someone found him, just look at him now!!

0points

Andreia Ojk 3 years ago

Goran, u r the best!!!

0points

Susan Green 3 years ago

Poor little angel. Look at him now though! Thank you for saving him.

0points

Mazer 3 years ago

It’s too bad veterinarian care is so expensive or I would adopt three dogs and three cats ASAP

-1point

Taco Da Guinea Pig 3 years ago

FOR THE SAKE OF PETE YOU DON’T NEED TO TAKE PICTURES JUST SAVE IT

-2points

Christina Uhlir 3 years ago (edited)

Maybe those picture will motivate others to do the same and they will not get pets from damn cruel, greedy breeders.

1point

Load More Replies...

Truth Monster 3 years ago

The interior of that shoe looks mighty clean for being "out in the elements". Also, its far more likely that the puppy was attached to the shoe because it smelled like his/her humans than "using it for shelter".

-3points

You May Like

“What’s Wrong With Your Dog?”: 50 Hilariously Derpy Dogs That May Make Your Day (New Pics)

Greta Jaruševičiūtė

50 Hilarious Pics That Prove Why Dogs Are Man’s Best Friend

Indrė Lukošiūtė

Had A Ruff Day? Here Are 87 Photos Of Cute Old Dogs To Make It Better

Natallia Pisarenka

Back to Homepage

More about Dogs

Related on Bored Panda

Related on Bored Panda

Trending on Bored Panda

Also on Bored Panda