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Serbia has the world’s best dog rescue

Got an extra $15 to spare? If so, consider sending it to Sasa Pejčić, of Nis, and his 450 closest companions.

The “happiest man in Serbia” runs an animal sanctuary that is a one of a kind sanctuary where hundreds of stray or abandoned dogs live together in one huge open space.

“I know exactly how each dog arrived at my shelter, I know their names, personalities,” Pejčić told Business Insider.

His mission to provide shelter for the unwanted dogs began after he found four puppies, abandoned in the woods near his home. After some time, Pejčić, who was out of a job, decided his new work would be saving strays full time.

He took over an old equestrian yard rent-free and set up his haven for his canine companions. Every dog receives medical attention, and unlimited food and water. The most valuable experience the shelter offers, however, is a safe environment and lots of love.

It costs about $15 per dog, per month to keep the sanctuary open, and works with an American organization The Harmony Fund, a U.S.-based organization helps to raise awareness of the project and does fundraisers to keep his operation going.

“Here they are loved and not expected to do anything other than to simply be dogs,“ Laura Simpson, founder of the Harmony Fund, told The Dodo. "Many are adopted out internationally to good homes, and others will spend their remaining days at the sanctuary.”

The dogs who remain at the sanctuary have a great life. They play together in wide open space all day, which differs from typical shelter protocol that keeps animals isolated and agitated.

“It is only when night falls that we put them in their cages. They are happy this way,” Pejčić told Business Insider, adding that all the dogs have been vaccinated, sterilized and have microchips.

The rescue is looking for donations now to facilitate preparing the kennels for the winter months and stock piling enough food for the animals.