08-05-2025
Dog owner becomes UK fundraiser for Bosnian dog rescue from her home
Vicki Graddon, 56, adopted her dog Beni from the Bosnian rescue centre, Ceca's Rescued Paws, in 2021.
After Beni was injured, Vicki formed a close bond with the rescue owner, Svetlana, who nursed him back to health.
This connection inspired her to support the Bosnian charity from afar, raising funds from her front room.
Vicki said: "I sort of walked into being the UK fundraiser.
"My husband and I are pet obsessed.
"So when I saw Ceca online when we were looking to adopt a rescue, I met Svetlana and I could see she needed help – and that was that."
(Image: Vicki Graddon)
Before Vicki's involvement, Ceca's Rescued Paws was a one-woman operation in Bosnia.
Svetlana said: "I first started rescuing dogs in 2017.
"My father died the year before, and at the time, I was spending a lot of time with my mother, so she wasn't alone.
"As the days went on, I kept seeing more dogs come to my parents' street looking for safety.
"Because of the war, most other houses in our neighbourhood were empty, abandoned, and never to be returned to."
Svetlana explained the reality for dogs in Bosnia, adding: "Dogs are in a constant state of fear due to the crazy reality of Bosnia and my city of Prijedor.
"They're considered such a problem; you're rewarded with five euros for every dog tail you can bring to a city official.
"Can you imagine? Dogs live in fear for their own lives."
Vicki, who is no stranger to adopting animals in need, was inspired to help after adopting Beni and learning about the daily struggles of dogs in Bosnia.
She started a Facebook group and a fundraising page to help cover Ceca's day-to-day costs.
Vicki said: "Easyfundraising is a marvel for the cause.
"By shopping with retailers via the platform, myself and other supporters raise free cashback donations which go straight to Svetlana every quarter.
"She uses the funding to cover vet bills, food, dog beds, and even paperwork to make sure the dogs can be rescued.
"Without it, Ceca wouldn't be able to support as many dogs."
(Image: Vicki Graddon)
To date, they've received more than £300 via easyfundraising.
Fundraising opportunities like this made Beni's move to the UK possible, without which he'd still be in Bosnia without a loving home.
Vicki even went on to reveal her four-legged friend's newfound stardom in England: "We'd only had Beni for a couple of months.
"He's brilliant but has a cheeky side.
"I saved for months to buy a Mulberry bag, within days Beni had eaten straight through it.
"After I made a Facebook post about it, Mulberry kindly sent me a replacement and involved Beni in a marketing campaign.
"At the end of the day, Beni's an angel – he came from Bosnia with nothing but a kind heart, and I'm thankful people like Svetlana do what they do."
