Where are you STAVROS?

STAVROS

Never a day goes by when I don't think about STAVROS.  Where is he?  How is he doing? Has he settled?  What is his life like now? Updates for me are hugely important, because even though he is no longer in Greece with me, I still love and care for him so much, wherever he might be.  I gave he the opportunity of a new life in Germany. Sadly the actions of the foster mum, has been cruel, hurtful, unjust and a sense of betrayal towards me.  Her actions have been totally out of character, which has caused me to think the worse of STAVROS. One being, is he still alive?

STAVROS

His story is one of sadness, but with my swift actions, this pussy cats life became more hopeful.  It was at some point in June '14, where I received an email from a holiday maker who had just left Ermioni.  It seems Patrick had tried to contact many people, but it is the same story, people just ignore pleas for help where animals are concerned.  Patrick was a sailor and whilst they were in Ermioni, they befriended a little white waif at the taverna they ate at, who had curled ears and wasn't in the best of health.  I was given clear instructions and the exact time of when this little cat would be around.  So that same evening, cage in hand, I went and yes this little cat was wandering pathetically and this time there would be no food left for him.  I realized when I picked him up as to how gentle he was.  Into the cage he went and home he came, followed by food, which he ate heartily. The next morning he was taken to the vets for medical examinations and then to where the largest colony of cats were.

YANNI

Because Patrick had befriended him, it was he who choose the name STAVROS. A proper Greek little stray with a name to match.  Time moved on and he became better.  He also got another little friend who I rescued from the vet in Nafplio.  This little boy was found by French tourists and really they couldn't help him anymore apart from taking him to the vet. After he became better and had been neutered, I was asked whether I could help?  Naturally I help where I possibly can and did take this other boy, who I named YANNI and he was a good friend for STAVROS.  They played together and I think because both of them were sick in different ways, in their own cat ways, they helped each other.

Time moved on and I had an opportunity to send both of them to Germany to be re-homed.  This foster lady, had in the past helped me re-home other strays of mine, including some puppies, so I never had any doubts with them going.  I prepared them and the day came for them to leave Greece finally, which is also a very sad time for me, saying Goodbye to my beloved strays.  Because they were going by road, it took a little longer than by plane, but thankfully they arrived safely.

I received images of their arrival to Germany and they looked beautiful. They went to another foster lady, but at this particular time, I asked them to reserve STAVROS.  Patrick the sailor who befriended him wanted him in the UK. He couldn't confirm anything sooner, because he was in rented accommodation, but then the day these 2 pussy cats left Greece, Patrick contacted me to give me the news that they had bought a new house and could take STAVROS.  I was delighted, even though I knew there would be another journey ahead for him, which would be a little distressing.   The foster ladies in Germany would not agree to this at all.  I couldn't do anything and was so sad. Anyway, I then received news that YANNI had a cough and had diarrhea.  This just seemed to be going from bad to worse.  As an animal rescuer, you do what you can with the resources you have. Never would I contemplate sending sick animals anywhere.  They were both given clearance by the vet, so were able to travel.  But going to another location whereby a long journey had been  involved can create havoc for a stray.  I received more distressing news about YANNIS.  He was bleeding from his back end, whereby the German vet thought he might have FIP.  What next I thought? Naturally I was heartbroken.  This was not what I expected.  Finally it had been identified that YANNI had a bad infection, probably caused by the long trip.

YANNI was the first who was re-homed and it was only after 3 months that the new family sent me two images of him in his new surroundings.  In terms of STAVROS, I got nothing.  Every month, I wrote asking for updates on his progress in particular and where he was.  The reply from the foster mum was just very casual.  In the past, immediately I got images sent, but it took over 3 months before I finally received anything.   With STAVROS, I received 2 images after three months and to date, that has been all. Eight months down the line and nothing further.

What people need to appreciate is that I spend lots of time and effort with all my strays.  I could do what most people do and that is turn a blind eye and ignore their plights, cries and pleas.  I don't.  I spend a fortune on their well-being, feeding, on their transportation wherever they may go, yet to be blocked and receive no communication, or no updated images of my two beloved GreekSTRAYS, hurts me so much.

I vow, that there is always a solution and when I have a little more time, I will track STAVROS down and find him.  I need peace of mind to ensure he is alright and with a lovely family.  It is hugely important.  I also appreciate that new adoptive families might not wish to share any further information with me, and wish to remain private.  If that was the case, then I wish they would have told me.

YANNI & STAVROS BEFORE THEY LEFT GREECE

http://www.ermioni.info/content/animal-welfare
http://www.ermioni.info/things-to-know/donations
https://www.facebook.com/Greekstrays
http://www.ermioni.info/things-to-know/animal-welfare