The day had started out like any other for Stilyana Gerova as she drove down a quiet road lined with tall trees outside Elin Pelin, Bulgaria.
The stretch was calm, the kind of place where few cars pass, and she thought she would be home soon.
Then her car jolted and rolled to a stop — a flat tire. At first, the inconvenience felt frustrating, the kind of problem that interrupts a peaceful afternoon.
But Gerova was about to discover that what seemed unlucky was actually fate guiding her toward a little soul in desperate need.
A Flat Tire Leads To An Unexpected Rescue
As she stepped out of her vehicle and prepared to deal with the tire, her attention was pulled toward the edge of the woods.
Something small and thin moved nervously among the leaves. It was a puppy, skittish and fragile, clearly starving.
When Gerova looked closer, her heart sank — a fast-food bag had wrapped itself around his neck like a cruel collar.
The pup had been digging through trash to survive and had ended up trapped by the very thing he hoped would feed him.
His ribs were visible, his eyes filled with fear, but there was also a glimmer of hope. In that moment, Gerova knew she could not ignore him. Her flat tire suddenly seemed like the best accident of her life.
From Garbage To Gentle Hands
Gerova, an animal rights activist and the founder of Breed Love Bulgaria, had spent years rescuing abandoned animals.
Sadly, she had witnessed countless cases of cruelty and neglect, but the sight of this trembling puppy struck her deeply.
She moved slowly, speaking softly so he would not run. After a few tense minutes, she managed to gather him into her arms.
The pup, still tangled and weak, leaned into her touch as if he already knew she was different from the others who had passed him by.
Once in the car, the little dog curled up and closed his eyes. It was as though exhaustion had finally caught up with him, but he seemed relieved to rest in safe hands. Gerova decided to call him Zaki — a new name for a new beginning.
Back at the rescue center, Zaki’s journey of healing began.
With food, warmth, and gentle care, he slowly transformed. Instead of cowering, he started wagging his tail when people approached.
Instead of hiding, he trotted forward with curiosity, eager to discover the world beyond hunger. His rescuers noticed he had a playful spirit that blossomed more each day.
Walks became his favorite adventure. Each step outside the shelter gates was a chance to sniff, explore, and feel the freedom he had never known.
And when the day’s excitement ended, Zaki loved nothing more than curling up in someone’s lap, soaking in the affection he had been denied for so long.
“Zaki is full of energy but also craves closeness,” the rescue team shared. “He has the perfect balance of joy for life and need for comfort.”
Waiting For His Forever Home
Today, Zaki is about a year old and thriving. He lives among more than 200 dogs and dozens of cats at Breed Love Bulgaria, but he stands out for his gentle charm and eagerness to connect.
He plays well with other dogs, is learning to accept cats, and has shown he is quick to adapt when given patience.
For an active family, he would be the perfect match — a loyal companion who loves long walks, outdoor adventures, and quiet evenings filled with cuddles.
Every two to three months, Gerova personally drives animals like Zaki across Europe to meet their foster or adoptive families.
The journey ends in Germany, where new families wait at the meeting point to welcome these once-forgotten souls.
When Zaki’s turn comes, he will travel with everything he needs: vaccinations, a microchip, an EU pet passport, and proof he is healthy and ready for a fresh start.
The only thing missing is the family who will promise him forever. Rescuers hope that someone will see his story and feel that pull in their heart — the same way Gerova felt when she spotted him tangled and alone by the roadside.
If you’d like to open your heart to Zaki or another pup in need, visit Breed Love Bulgaria’s website to learn more about adoption.
And if adoption isn’t possible, a small donation can still bring food, shelter, and hope to countless abandoned dogs waiting for their chance at love.