As we celebrate 10 years of the Top Dog Film Festival, we’re not only honouring the joy dogs bring into our lives — we’re also recognising the extraordinary humans who dedicate their lives to protecting them. One of those people is Bruno Jelovic, known to many through Instagram as @thegodfatherofdogs and through his rescue platform @savethedogsbih.
Bruno has spent much of his life caring for dogs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the reality for many street dogs is harsh and unforgiving. What began as simply feeding hungry strays grew into something far greater — a mission to rescue, rehabilitate and protect dogs who had been abandoned, injured or left to survive on their own. Through Save the Dogs BiH, Bruno and his team have created real, lasting change for thousands of animals.
Rather than housing rescued dogs in traditional shelter kennels, Bruno’s team built expansive ranches — open, spacious environments where dogs can roam freely, socialise and live as naturally and joyfully as possible. It’s less a shelter and more a thriving dog community. Today, more than 1,000 dogs live under the care of Save the Dogs BiH, safe from the dangers of street life and given the dignity every dog deserves.
What makes Bruno’s story even more powerful is that this isn’t just his work — it’s his entire life. Bruno and his family live on the same property as the dogs they rescue. There is no clear divide between “home” and “rescue centre”. The barking, the feeding routines, the vet visits, the late-night emergencies — it’s constant. He has described it as noisy and exhausting, but deeply meaningful. It’s a testament to perseverance, compassion and a love for dogs that runs far deeper than words.
One story that captures Bruno’s determination is that of a dog named Kango. Found in dire condition on the side of a road — weak, injured and barely holding on — many doubted he would survive. But through patience, medical care and unwavering commitment, Bruno helped Kango recover. Today, Kango is strong, healthy and confident — a leader within the ranch pack and a living symbol of resilience and hope. His transformation represents the quiet miracles happening every day behind the scenes.
Through his Instagram accounts, Bruno shares both the triumphs and the heartbreaks of rescue work. There are moments of joy — dogs taking their first steps without fear, playing for the first time and learning to trust. There are also moments of loss and exhaustion that reveal just how emotionally demanding this work can be. But at the heart of every post is one unwavering message: every dog is worth fighting for.
As we mark a decade of celebrating powerful canine stories at the Top Dog Film Festival, Bruno Jelovic embodies the spirit of true dog advocacy. His work reminds us that beyond the films, beyond the festival screenings, there are people on the ground dedicating their lives to protecting the voiceless. Following @thegodfatherofdogs and @savethedogsbih isn’t just following an account — it’s witnessing compassion in action.
Here’s to the humans who devote their lives to giving dogs a second chance — and to the countless four-legged lives made safer, happier and full of hope because of them.
All images are from @thegodfatherofdogs and @savethedogsbih instagram accounts.
