Dejan Gacic has such a big, loving heart for animals.

It was around 20 years ago when Dejan and his late mother Svetlana began feeding strays in their village of Cumic in Serbia after they found a puppy in an elevator.

Mother and son opened an animal shelter in 1997, calling it the “Vucjak Shelter.” Unfortunately, Dejan was left as the sole caretaker after his mother passed away.

“My mother was a person with a strong personality and a strong character,” Dejan said. “She abandoned her social life and moved to the village to live with the dogs. My mother and I were inseparable. I’m still talking to her and informing her about all of the issues and obstacles I face daily.”

But with Svetlana gone, Dejan was left to care for thousands of animals.

“In Serbia, the situation with stray dogs is dire,” he said. “Every day, people abandon their dogs. Every day, I get several calls from people who want to get rid of their dogs.”

Vucjak Shelter’s mission is to “save every animal, and provide them with food, shelter, love, safety and medical care.”

Dejan purchased land in the Gledic Mountains back in 2014. It was there that he built a sanctuary for wolves. Serbia’s national animal was on the verge of extinction thanks to poachers.

Dogs are let loose on the property so they can run freely.

“All the dogs here are free to run,” he said. “There is no dogs on chains. Twenty-four hours, they are free.”

Dejan wanted to accommodate all the animals so he bought a home away from people. He needed all the space so he can take good care of them.

The shelter has taken in so many animals due to the pandemic, and Dejan does feel the strain. Vucjak Shelter relies on donations from generous hearts.

Thankfully, the people of Serbia go out of their way to help the shelter.

Dejan rarely takes a break since there’s so much to do.

“I love my dogs, they are my life. I’m trying to give everything to get more animals adopted to make more space for these animals. For most of my adopted dogs, I see photos every day… they have great lives. I wish that many dogs find new homes,” he said.

Dejan’s efforts have not been without challenges. He was arrested months ago over false claims of animal cruelty. The Serbian government tried to take control of the shelter.

Nick Villalobos, a long-time supporter of Vucjak Shelter from the US, heard about the unjust charges so he started a petition to help raise awareness for Dejan.

The petition got 13,975 supporters. In July 2021, Nick announced that the charges were dropped. Dean lost 20 pounds but he’s now home with his family. Great news!

Visit Vucjak Shelter’s website or on Instagram and Facebook for updates. The SPCA website is also helpful should you want to reach out and help.

Watch the video below for more on Dejac and the shelter!

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Source: My Positive Outlooks, YouTube