Hello, I’m Dana Petras, author of Ratnapped.

Since 1999, I have been visiting Serbia, my beloved parents’ country of origin. While Serbia holds a special place in my heart, no place is perfect. One issue I’ve noticed since my first visit is the significant number of abandoned and stray dogs roaming the streets. In some villages, I’ve even heard distressing stories of people attacking stray dogs.

One memory that stands out vividly is a phone call I received from my twin sister, Anna, while I was in New York. She was in tears after witnessing a dog being struck by a speeding vehicle. The driver fled the scene, leaving the injured dog behind. Hearing the dog’s cries and seeing it limp toward a nearby field, Anna immediately sprang into action, bringing the wounded animal to the nearest veterinarian.

The poor dog had a broken leg and was bleeding from the mouth. Thankfully, I was in a financial position to cover the cost of surgery, which was successful. Anna, with her unwavering compassion, named the dog “Miracle” because her survival truly was nothing short of miraculous.

Finding a suitable shelter for Miracle was another challenge. Despite the obstacles, Anna’s determination never wavered. After much effort, she found a wonderful shelter run by a kind and compassionate woman who provided not only a safe haven for Miracle but also genuine love and care for every animal she helped.

A few months later, Anna encountered another dog in need—this time, a stray with a gunshot wound that had shattered its pelvis. Once again, she rushed the dog to a vet, and I wired funds for its surgery. Although the bullet could not be removed, the vet determined that physical therapy could help the dog regain mobility. Thanks to Anna’s dedication, the dog recovered and found a long-term home.

More recently, Anna took it upon herself to care for a dog and a cat she frequently saw wandering the streets. Their irresponsible owners often left them without food or water for weeks at a time. Heartbreakingly, Anna later discovered that the dog, Hana, had endured severe abuse, including repeated pregnancies from stray dogs, tragically resulting in the loss of several litters.

When Hana gave birth to two adorable puppies, Anna rose to the challenge once again. She tirelessly cared for them and successfully found loving homes for both puppies and the kitten. Hana, the mother dog, is now safe in a shelter, waiting for adoption and a chance at a brighter future.

Anna’s compassion didn’t stop there. She also rescued two more dogs, Sofia and Albert, who are currently staying at the shelter alongside Hana. Our goal is to find loving homes for these three wonderful dogs in the United States.

To support this mission, a portion of the proceeds from my merchandise sales will be dedicated to these charity efforts. The funds will go toward providing food, shelter, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, and vaccines for animals in need. Every purchase from the Serbian Street Paws Project directly contributes to giving these dogs and cats a second chance at life.

These experiences have inspired me to establish a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and caring for stray and abused dogs in Serbia. Together with a passionate team of women, we are determined to make a meaningful difference in the lives of every dog we can save. To sustain this mission, I am committed to donating a portion of my business proceeds to support the nonprofit’s work.

While the problem of stray animals in Serbia is significant, it’s heartening to see that many Serbians care deeply for animals. In Pancevo, a city in Serbia, there’s a coffee shop that welcomes stray dogs, allowing them to rest inside during business hours—especially valuable during the harsh winter months. Additionally, a local pet shop offers food and a safe place for dogs to sleep overnight. More and more people in Serbia are walking their dogs on leashes, not just in cities but in small villages as well.

Still, the problem persists, as dog shelters in Serbia are frequently at capacity. This is why I have decided to funnel a portion of my business proceeds into rescuing and caring for Serbia’s stray and abandoned dogs and cats.

If you feel inspired by this cause, I invite you to support the Serbian Street Paws Project by purchasing our merchandise. Every purchase directly contributes to the care of these animals, helping provide them with the love, care, and shelter they so desperately need. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives.

Thank you for your compassion and generosity.

Sincerely,

Dana Petras