SLOVENIA'S 5 CORE VALUES

Andreja and her husband travel a lot and are happy to share their travels with friends. On this evening, it was also mentioned that Andreja is saying goodbye to her retro travel suitcase after many years. Oh, the places it has been and the things it has seen. Martina immediately perked up her ears at this and was already picturing her new and experienced travelling companion in person. In the company of her noble and even more experienced husband, of course. But when Andreja showed her this mega retro piece of history, Martina's ears lit up. Of course, soon afterwards she became its proud new owner. Andreja was happy to give it to her.

Martina couldn't sleep that night, excited about her new retro suitcase. She had already planned in her mind where they were going and what they were going to experience. Then she remembered that she had left it in her car when she returned from dinner. She jumped out of bed and rushed back to the car park in front of the block, just in case someone had stolen it. 

And when Martina stepped out of the tower block, there was a real butchery slaughter. A loose and probably abandoned giant dog attacked a small poodle from an elderly neighbour. The dog, in the spirit of the fight, was lying on the ground, tangled in its leash, limber and frightened. The neighbour lay down, but the little poodle did not give in. The two dogs fought on without mercy. 

Martina did not hesitate for a moment and jumped in between. She wanted to get away and save her neighbour and his beloved poodle. Of course, the puppies did not understand her intention. The giant furry one, in particular, did not give in one bit. But neither did Martina. A fierce fight broke out. Martina's intervention was not without consequences, as she received several wounds. The giant dog had no intention of robbing her, but was hungry for the poodle. Several times unsuccessfully, so that Martin's wrists in particular were unfortunately only collateral damage. 

The giant dog finally gave up and barked in fright. Martina, of course, took care of her neighbour first. He then rushed to the vet with his poodle. Martina rushed to the car to get the retro suitcase and get him to safety, and finally took care of herself. There was no other option; it was to the emergency room. The battle wounds were not innocent. The doctors took care of them, but healing will take time.

Wounds will heal. And Martina says that if she were in the same situation again, she would do the same. She will always help her fellow human being.

It is in moments like these that we realise how important it is to be human to human. To have each other. To care for the elderly, the weak... To give selflessly. They will be eternally grateful. More importantly, they will know that they are not alone. That there will always be someone to look after them, to protect them, to help them. Maybe one day we will be in their shoes too.

Mojca Guzelj, 13 Aug 2025