"The creativity and design are stunning; I don't know how you came up with this idea!" "This is so cute!" "It's amazing!" As soon as the delegation of mainstream Serbian media reporters arrived at the central greenbelt of Suzhou Creek Bay, they were instantly captivated by the "Scruffy Puppy," Shanghai's latest viral sensation.

At the invitation of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, senior journalists and photographers from Radio Televizija Srbije (RTS), Tanjug News Agency, TV Informer, and Pink TV began their visit to China in mid-May.

On the afternoon of May 10, the delegation visited the central greenbelt of Suzhou Creek Bay in Shanghai to cover the Jing'an International Flower Show, as part of the Shanghai International Flower Festival. They also captured the scenery along Suzhou Creek.

Love at first sight! Serbian media captivated by the scruffy charm

"I was amazed the moment I saw it! There are flowers everywhere, and from here, we can overlook all of Shanghai. The view and the atmosphere are incredible."

Sandra Bogdanović, a journalist from Tanjug News Agency, captured the puppy from various angles with her camera.

"It's so creative to use flowers for such shapes. In Serbian towns, we have stone bird sculptures, but this is the first time I've seen such a large animal made of flowers."

Cameraman Aleksandar Palajić constantly adjusted his shooting angles.

"In Belgrade, we have floral giraffes, but I've never seen a floral puppy!" he said with a smile, a self-professed flower lover. He felt this "animal-floral" landscape was warmer than typical urban greenery. "The crowd here shows how much everyone is charmed by it. Dogs are humans' best friend, and this beauty is truly moving."

Milica Škorić from TV Informer was deeply moved by the spring atmosphere at the Suzhou Creek Bay. "Shanghai has given me so many surprises. The city is filled with flowers and trees, but I didn't expect to find such an adorable 'star' here."

Cameraman Nemanja Vučković also shared his tips with colleagues and other visitors. "Shoot from the overpass for a panoramic view of the puppy and the entire Suzhou Creek Bay. Alternatively, standing directly in front of the puppy between the giraffe sculptures creates a perfect composition."

He mentioned that although he had photographed many floral designs in Serbian gardens, this was the first time he found himself stopped in his tracks by a puppy.

Shanghai's viral puppy gets Serbian nicknames

Upon learning that names for the "Scruffy Puppy" are being publicly solicited, the visiting journalists eagerly suggested names in Serbian style.

"I'd like to call it 'Rocco'!" Aleksandar Palajić was the first to suggest. "Inspired by the movie Rocky, it means small but strong. Just like this soft-looking puppy, it actually hides great power."

Sandra Bogdanović offered two gentle choices. "It could be 'Lucky,' for good fortune, or 'Jasmine,' which perfectly matches the flowers it's made of."

Milica Škorić added with a smile. "Dogs in Serbia are often called 'Jackie,' which is classic and cute; or 'Cookie,' because it looks just as sweet as it sounds."

Nemanja also suggested, "A boy could be named 'Jackie,' and a girl could be named 'Jessica.' Both are the reigning champions in the dog parks back in Serbia."

Cuteness knows no borders: A floral puppy witnesses China-Serbia friendship

"On this trip, we want to showcase the real China from multiple perspectives, including culture, technology, and urban development," said Milica Škorić. The floral puppy at Suzhou Creek Bay showed her another side of Shanghai—a city that balances the vibrancy of a global metropolis with the serenity of daily life. "The Chinese people's love for nature and their care for life are evident in these details. I must bring the story of this puppy back to Serbia."

As witnesses to the ironclad friendship between China and Serbia, the journalists captured more than just flowers and puppies; their lenses also framed the shimmering Suzhou Creek, the greenery lining the streets of Jing'an, and the joyful smiles of residents in the spring. This "Scruffy Puppy" has also become a highlight of their journey documenting Shanghai.