Day 3 of the 12 Adoptable Pets of the Holiday Season - Ruza from SErbian Street Dog Rescue

Ruza’s name means Rose, and everyone who meets her says she’s truly a rose with no thorns. This happy, energetic 2-year-old girl was found at a well-known dumping ground alongside her mother. Thankfully, a trusted friend of our rescue stepped in, brought them to safety, and provided full veterinary care—including spaying and updated vaccines. Her mother, Lala, will be coming to Canada this holiday season to join my family. We hope to next find a perfect home for Ruza.

Ruza is now thriving at our property, where she spends her days playing with other dogs, greeting every person with enthusiasm, and radiating pure joy. She’s friendly, social, and loves being part of a group.

At about 10 kg, she’s a great size for an active home. She gets along beautifully with other dogs and would make a wonderful second dog, but she’d also be perfectly content as an only dog with a family who can give her attention, structure, and love.

Ruza is ready to blossom in a home of her own. If you’re looking for a bright, loving companion, she may be your perfect match.

About Serbian Street Dog Rescue:

I’m here today to share a little about the Serbian Street Dog Rescue, a small but deeply meaningful project for my family and me. In Serbia, where my family is originally from, there is a huge problem with stray and abandoned dogs. Many are born on the streets and never know safety, and others are simply tossed aside when they are no longer wanted. Sadly, these dogs are often viewed as pests—unadoptable, unworthy, and invisible.
Our rescue exists to prove the opposite.

On our small enclosed property, we provide a safe space with both indoor and outdoor areas for the dogs we’ve taken off the streets. We focus on spaying and neutering, providing full veterinary care, and, just as importantly, socializing them so they can eventually thrive in homes of their own.

Over the past 2 years, we’ve also begun working closely with three incredible volunteers in Serbia: Inda, Jelena, and Dušica. They run a larger rescue called Male šape velikog srca (Small paws, big heart) and they have been doing rescue work for over 20 years. Their dedication and experience have been invaluable—they are the ones on the ground rescuing dogs from dangerous situations, providing immediate vet care, and helping us identify dogs who truly need a second chance. We are grateful to call them partners and friends.

My mom herself brought over three dogs from Serbia that she adopted, and they’ve become the center of her world. I have Millie, one of her rescues, here with me today. She is the most loving, cuddly, sweet girl. She was found with her daughter wandering the city center in search of food and shelter. And now, She is living her best life.

And this summer, we had one of our most rewarding moments: finding a home for one of our dogs, Cezar. Cezar was discovered with a severely disfigured leg from an unknown trauma. After vet assessment, we made the decision to amputate, and once he healed, we brought him to Canada. He is now living his absolute best life with his new mom and dog sister—we still receive updates, and every photo reminds us why we do this work.

These dogs aren’t “pests.” They aren’t disposable. They are loyal, loving, resilient souls who simply need a chance—and that's what we are here to give them.

Thank you for supporting our mission and for believing, like we do, that every dog deserves a home.

to find out more and to enquire to adopt Ruza, Email [email protected]