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Bruno Yovich never expected his life to revolve around dogs. But everything changed after one small moment of connection. In a recent video, the founder of Save the Dogs opened up about how a single adoption led him down a path he never imagined—one filled with heartbreak, healing, and a mission that now gives hundreds of forgotten dogs a second chance.
His rescue organization, Save the Dogs, operates in Bosnia, where the situation for stray and abandoned dogs is heartbreaking. One city shelter, designed to hold 300 dogs, has become dangerously overcrowded, now sheltering more than 1,200 animals. Conditions there are dire, and for most of the dogs, it’s their last stop. Bruno and his team have made it their mission to change that.
One of the first dogs he rescued from that shelter was Embolo. Neglected and barely hanging on, Embolo’s condition shocked everyone. But under the care of Save the Dogs, Embolo began to heal. His transformation became a symbol of what the rescue stands for—offering dogs who have suffered the most a chance to finally feel safe and loved.
Bruno’s love for dogs didn’t come from childhood or past experience. It started with Mia, a French Bulldog he adopted on a whim. Before Mia, dogs weren’t a big part of his life. But she opened his heart in a way he didn’t expect. That one decision sparked something in him, and soon, he couldn’t ignore the suffering he saw around him. What began as one adoption turned into a full-fledged rescue mission.
Today, Save the Dogs has grown far beyond its beginnings. They’ve opened a second ranch that can care for up to 500 dogs, expanding their ability to help animals in desperate need. Right now, they’re caring for around 850 dogs across their facilities. Each one has a story. Each one is given a chance to write a new chapter.
The rescue team focuses on the most vulnerable cases, including dogs rescued from illegal fighting rings. These dogs come in battered and broken, both physically and emotionally. Many have never known kindness. But Bruno makes sure they finally do.
His long-term goal is to build a permanent sanctuary where rescued dogs can live out their lives in peace, surrounded by love. He doesn’t just want to save dogs—he wants to give them the kind of life they’ve never had, one filled with safety, joy, and belonging.
Bruno’s selfless heart proves that one person can make a difference in the lives of many. He didn’t start out as a rescuer. He simply saw suffering and decided not to look away. Now, thanks to him and the team at Save the Dogs, hundreds of dogs who had no future are finally getting the lives they deserve.
Their work isn’t just about rescue—it’s about giving hope, restoring dignity, and showing these animals that love still exists. And that changes everything.