A heart-breaking photo circulated online. It was a picture of a broken and exhausted German Shepherd sitting on top of a grave in Serbia. The internet came to the conclusion that the dog was trying to dig a hole to stay close to her late owner. However, this was far from the truth.

When the story was first reported, the public made the assumption that this animal was someone’s pet. Dogs are famous for their loyalty and they have been known as “man’s best friend” for centuries. The story was widely shared on social media sites, people were overcome with sympathy for the grieving animal.

But the real truth behind the viral photo is something no one expected. These photographs were taken in Serbia by an amazing woman named Vesna Mihajloski who is an animal activist and rescuer.

She was moved by what she saw but, as she spent more time watching the animal, she discovered that the dog was not attempting to dig any deeper. In fact, the dog appeared to be more concerned about something underneath the grave’s headstone.

In the photos below, follow along the mother dog’s journey as she and her puppies receive the care they desperately needed. Slowly but surely, thanks to Vesna and the heroes who stepped in to save them, the courageous canine family began to regain their health, and the transformation is astounding. The puppies are growing into playful, energetic, and goofy pups!

With just a little bit of compassion and kindness, this mother and her babies will now live the lives they so deserve.

This is not a story of death, but of life.

Animal rescuer Vesna Mihajloski realized this is a mother dog who dug a hole under the grave to create a warm and safe den for her four tiny puppies.

Vesna took the dogs home and immediately began caring for them. No longer were they forced to seek shelter in a graveyard.

Fortunately, the puppies were on their way to a full recovery!

The canine family began to regain their health as they were fed and provided with medical care. Vesna put together a soft bed with a warm blanket, they would no longer have to hide in a hole in a graveyard. Vensa was so moved by how this new mother managed to care for her babies that she simply named her “Mama”.

It was clear to the team of rescuers that Mama took great care of her babies, and always made sure they were safe and warm. Mama never left her puppies’ side, but welcomed Vesna’s help.

With just a little bit of compassion and kindness, this mother and her babies will now live the lives they so deserve. As you can see, the German Shepherd puppies are growing into playful, energetic, and goofy pups!

Mama couldn’t be happier or more grateful. No more graveyards, no more digging holes for her puppies — just love, care, and warmth.

The puppies quickly grew to love their safe home and gradually began venturing out to explore and play with their toys.

Thank God that what began as a seemingly tragic story ends with a sweet surprise.