Recently, we received an email from the Czech Republic that touched our hearts.
The owner of a beautiful Šarplaninac named Mara expressed their wish to share just one photo of her on our website.
We have very strict criteria when it comes to publishing photos or videos of our dogs online, as we strive to ensure they meet the breed standard as closely as possible.
Simply put, we pay attention to the details.
However, this was a unique and deeply emotional situation. We were truly moved that, among so many portals, forums, Facebook groups, and other platforms, the owner chose to place their trust in us.
In agreement with the owner, we decided to go beyond just sharing a photo!
Instead, we wanted to honor Mara’s story – a story of resilience, love, and the unbreakable bond between a dog and her family.
Mara was a fighter who overcame a difficult past to find a home filled with warmth and care. In her short time with her owners, she became a beloved member of their family, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts.
Below, we share Mara’s story – a tribute to her courage, her gentle spirit, and the joy she brought to those who knew her.
The Dream of a Big Dog
My partner and I have always wanted a big dog. We’ve talked about it for seven or eight years.
However, we only adopt pets from shelters, and we knew we needed to be in a stable place to properly care for a big dog.
So, we weren’t sure when we would find our big dog.
Finding Mara: A Shelter Dog in Need
One day in 2023, my partner was browsing a Prague Facebook shelter page and saw an amazing, adorable Šarplaninac up for adoption.
Mara had been abused, abandoned and left with a chain around her neck.
She was hungry, alone and her only source of water was frozen. She was luckily found and brought to a shelter.
There, she was pampered and loved by everyone—they saved her life.
She was two years old. We applied for her, went through interviews, and were approved.
It was then that we realized she was actually coming from a shelter near the Šar Mountains.
Two days later, she arrived in a truck, and our lives have been better every day since.
Gentle Giant Personality
Mara was the epitome of a gentle giant—bigger than most dogs around, yet scared of her own shadow, her reflection, trees, the wind, tunnels …
The list goes on. She was our very own Scooby-Doo.
Despite her hard past, she never let it harden her or make her aggressive.
People would initially be intimidated by her size, pulling their dogs away protectively, but as soon as they saw her play and realized how sweet she was, they fell in love.
She especially loved playing with tiny dogs.
Overcoming Fears and Winning Hearts
We already had a blind cat and a rescue dog, and we were worried about how she would integrate.
But they all became friends and lived together beautifully.
She was a shepherd dog through and through.
If you were on a walk with her, she was always walking behind you making sure you were still there, checking that everyone was okay.
Shepherd Instincts and Stubborn Streak
She could be extremely stubborn and independent, fully aware of her strength.
If she wanted to go a certain direction on a walk or do something specific, you had to convince her otherwise.
One time, she found a full, uneaten kebab—still wrapped in tinfoil—at the park.
I had to wrestle it from her, and I still smile thinking about that moment.
A Heartbreaking Diagnosis
She was diagnosed with acute leukemia and given just two weeks maximum to live.
We were heartbroken. She was so young and had been improving so much—growing more confident every day, her loving, carefree personality shining through.
Her health gradually declined over the next 7 days so we decided she shouldn’t suffer anymore.
We gave every food she ever wanted, hugged and walked her all day long and on Sunday we euthanised her (February 9, 2025).
She was happy and peaceful in her home and passed away in her sleep.
Adopting Shelter Dogs
To anyone considering adopting a Šarplaninac — do it. They are incredibly loving and protective of their family.
You could not ask for a better dog.
To people reading this, give your pet a hug, bring them for an extra long walk, play with their favourite toy.
Appreciate them, they are gone before you realise it.
A Final Goodbye to Mara
And to Mara the Sarplaninac: We love you so much. We are so sorry we never got to take you on the road trips we always planned.
Take you to the mountains and forests. There is never enough time but we always thought we had more.
I’m sorry for the times I got frustrated when you were scared—thank you for forgiving me and being so sweet. You were always the best girl.
You’ll always be Miss Sarplaninac.
I’ll end with one last sentence: To know Mara is to love her.
