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

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British TV company arrived in Ermioni to film the GreekSTRAYS

A dream come true.  Words alone cannot describe what this meant to us. Exciting, exhilarating, a dream come true, unbelievable, amazing, incredible, superb, which left us in a state of disbelief that this was actually happening.  Will be live on Channel 5 at some point in the summer or early autumn.  Here in our region and most of Greece, stray cats are viewed as vermin, are poisoned, are hissed at, stoned, targeted in the roads and much more.  Yet there was a British TV company who actually wanted to film stray colonies and instead of focusing just on the UK, they decided to visit Ermioni to see all our colony cats.   What did we expect?  We have no expectations at all, but if this documentary on the lives of colony cats enables us to receive the much need of continuous food for the strays and donations, then this in itself will be absolutely amazing.

For some if not all three of them, it was their first visit to Greece.  Sadly the weather wasn't brilliant, but it didn't deter them at all. We were a little apprehensive, because we didn't know what to expect, but they were absolutely such warm and friendly people and treated us more like friends.  Because of the winter season, there were only a couple of tavernas open, so we chose one at the front of the harbour, where we all enjoyed local beers, wine and local Greek cuisine.   Because they had had an early start, departing from the UK and the next morning was going to a very early start, we didn't stay out too long.  I suppose to some extent, we were anxious, because if it rained then there would hardly be any cats around. Also our strays are only used to us.  Would they welcome strangers?  Only time would tell.

The next morning, it was rise and shine very early.  For us, that was 04:00.  Our hope was that the colony cats would all be present. They certainly were outside our gate.  We met with the film crew shortly after.  They were all dressed in gear and it was bitterly cold, but at least dry.  We were geared up with mics and then off we went.  We waved Kalimera to the 05:00 bus and then noticed that the gift shop cats started to cross the road and approach our car. All our colony cats know the sound of our car, so this was our start, but then there were some doggies who wanted feeding as well.

The time spent at most of the colonies was endless.  I, in particular thought that is would just be a quick 5 minutes here and then within an hour or two, it would be all over.  But it wasn't. It was great hearing the sound of the strays munching at their food and in some cases, I believe purring too.  Because it was so dark in the morning, we had to keep our full lights on the car, but without the engine running.  When the time came for us to drive to one particular colony, the car wouldn't start.  Naturally we thought the worst, but is wasn't. When we had the break, we were able to organise some jump leads and everything was back to normal.

Even though mid morning the sun did shine, in the afternoon, it rained heavily.  It didn't dampen any spirits as the filming still continued, but the cats knew there were unfamiliar people and were afraid.  They were able to film us catching HOPE in view of us being able to save him. They actually got an insight into our activities as animal rescuers/carers for the cats and some of the stray doggies. We finished off with a lengthy interview, which afterwards made me think long and hard, especially all the costs associated with feeding and caring for colony cats.  A long day to say the least, but the exciting part is that some of our colony cats will be on British TV, which to us, will be amazing.  

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The strays at the taverna . . .

Mid August, as I was going into the local bakery, I came face to face with a local taverna owner:  "You have to take them, you have to take them, they are causing me problems with tourists at my taverna".  My reply was "NO".  I continued to say that if the old lady allowed me to continue to neuter the pussy cats within this area, instead of me being stoned and verbally abused, I will help. "That doesn't happen" was his reply and off he went smiling happily.

I was made aware of many kittens in this area at some point in July, by a waiter.  He asked whether I knew anyone who wanted 10/12 kittens.  Sadly no-one will help, but I did say I would feed, neuter them, get them human friendly and then try and find homes for them, but all of this will take time.  I kept my word in terms of feeding them every morning.  Sadly they weren't human friendly at all. Food had to be left and then it was a case of walking away.   It was going to be a long process, but everything was possible.

I did manage to neuter some of the older cats in this area too, but the mentality of the local people is hard to understand.   Their view is that once a cat has been neutered, then it cannot serve its purpose anymore of catching cockroaches, snakes, mice and rats.  How sad that this mentality STILL exists.  

Never mind, though, I had to continue and try and catch them in secret.  However after having the confrontation with the taverna owner mid August, shortly after, most of these kittens and older cats vanished!!!!! Only a couple remained.  They were not human friendly in terms of being able to handle, which meant that their extinction was probably by feeding them FOLAS, which is poisoned food.  

I cannot prove anything, but sadly this is my only explanation because this colony would never just vanish, unless a human or humans took action. It hurts that I wasn't able to give them a chance, or help them.  They were a lovely group of kittens, but sadly, no-more.  

What makes me even more angrier is that where tourists are concerned, an image of caring is portrayed, yet behind closed doors it is a totally different situation.  

Living in a Mediterranean country, animal welfare is totally horrendous.  Pain faces you daily.  You so much want to do your best to alleviate any form of suffering for the animals, to stop the unwanted pregnancies, but each time you face hostility, cruelty and continuous verbal abuse.  It will never stop.

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A stray cat called ZORRO

8 Jan '14 - a very well cat

I write this story about ZORRO, to highlight that whilst living in Greece, problems with animals can become frustrating, upsetting, painful, heartbreaking and financially draining. He is not a sole example, there have been other cases, which I shall write about at a later date.  However, because of his injuries, ZORRO is now with a fourth vet.  I haven't paid the third vet in Athens as yet either.  Equally, whilst ZORRO is at the fourth vet, I am not sure to his costs either.  Sadly, I don't have much choice and have to use the best resources where possible, taking into consideration the welfare of the animal.  But one thing is for sure and that is I cannot use the local vet, due to professional malpractice.  How can I ever find trust and compassion with my local vet, when the diagnosis at the time was ZORRO had a broken spine. Furthermore, his only options were for him to be put to sleep?

Playing with his brother SMOKIE

We use an open field and this is where our largest colony of cats live.  8 January ’14 we left ZORRO playing happily in the open field, together with his brother.  It was such a delight to see him rough and tumble in the grasses.  Like usual, the day after was the same routine of feeding all the strays in various colonies.  However, this time, there was no ZORRO.  We called and called and still no sign of him.  Naturally, all these strays are our babies and when one vanishes, the pain and anguish that sets in, is heartbreaking.  But then as we locked the door of the old house to go, he was spotted in the long grasses.  We ran over to him.  He couldn’t walk.  He was on his stomach.  What goes through your mind at a moment like this is everything.  The day before he was as well as anything, yet less than 24 hours later, he was sick.  I went back into the old house and got a cage and put him gentle inside.  I rushed to the vet, who again wasn’t there, but his brother was.  His brother called the vet and passed the mobile phone over to me.  “What is the problem Miss Elaine”?  “I have a very sick cat and I don’t know what has happened to him, he can’t walk”  “What do you want me to do Miss Elaine.  I have four appointments this morning .........?”  “OK, so when can you come” I asked?  Naturally at this time, I was crying.  I took the basket and didn’t want to continue speaking to the vet.  I was ready to go, but his brother took hold of the basket and told me the vet would call me to arrange a time.  So off home I went, but in a very distressed state. 

There was no return phone call, so at 1:30 pm, I went back to the vet, because I knew they closed at 2:00 pm.  From inside the waiting room, I saw the vet handle ZORRO in a very careless way.  I wasn’t allowed into the examination room.  After a while, which seemed like eternity, they both called me into the examination room.  “What is his problem” I asked?  “Not good Miss Elaine” the vet replied.  It seems they had taken an x-ray and it showed a broken spine.  But it was described as a broken spine going at an angle, not a horizontal break, which in their opinion was worse.  I was devastated.  “What are his options” I asked?  “He has no options.  He will have to be put to sleep”.  No not my ZORRO!!!! I rescued the three of them from bins and hand raised them.  I couldn't bear to put ZORRO to sleep.  My instincts told me to take him home, which is what I did, because I had to think this through.

Friday 9 Jan '14

In the meantime, I wrote to many people on the social sites asking for help.  A very good friend of mine, asked me to take an image of the x-ray, so that she could send to her vet for advice.  So later in the evening, my husband went back to the vet to take a photo.  He couldn’t, because the image was a blurr.  All cloudy and white the image was, so how on earth was the vet able to make a professional diagnosis based on a result like this?  So I had nothing to send my friend.  The next day, ZORRO was very sorry for himself.  Not the same boy at all.  I tried a vet in Nafplio to see if she had an x-ray machine.  But she didn’t.  I tried another vet close by.  He too didn’t have an x-ray machine.  This was ludicrous I thought.  How can professional vets operate without the need of an x-ray machine I wondered?  

Saturday morning came and ZORRO was declining rapidly.  His breathing was bad and I knew that I needed to get him somewhere.  Luckily through a contact in Nafplio, I was given a telephone number of a vet in Argos.  It was one that I picked out looking through the directory.  The journey was a 4 hour round trip, but ZORRO had to go.  The appointment was made for 7:00 pm that same evening.  We arrived early, because we didn’t know exactly where the practice was located.  It was a husband and wife team and immediately they could see that ZORRO was sick.  First test they did was a reflex test to see if there would be any resistance from ZORRO.  There was.  This test in itself suggested that there were no broken spine.  They continued to examine him and couldn’t really establish what exactly was wrong with ZORRO.  Finally they took some x-rays.  Not one, but many from different angles.  To see these professional caring people working on ZORRO was amazing.  More importantly, to learn that he did not have a broken spine was exhilarating.  The x-rays did show swelling on the top side of his spine, which probably was as a result of human violence.  This was Greece, so nothing was new.  This was how people treat innocent animals.  

We had to leave him at the vets in Argos and they were going to monitor and care for him.  Sadly though, at 03:00 the next day, he took a turn for the worse.  It was very much touch and go for him.  But he was given food and by mid morning, he was much better.  This was such a relief for us to hear.  A few days later, we were notified that ZORRO was eating soft food, urinating and opening his bowels and standing.  Hooray, there was hope for ZORRO, I thought.  A few days later, ZORRO could be released and was brought home.  So we thought about bringing his brother SMOKIE home, so that he would have a friend to play with.  Sadly as ZORRO started to make a little more progress, SMOKIE wasn’t interested at all.  So SMOKIE went back to the open field to join the rest of his large colony, which he was used too.  

It was a case of taking one day at a time, but even though a little progress was made with ZORRO, it was noticeable that he was only doing droplets in his litter tray.  The vet advised that we started with antibiotics, as an infection was suspected.  We were told that if there were no improvements within the next 5 days, he would have to have surgery.  Sadly the result was he had to have surgery as there were no improvements at all following the antibiotics.  Off he went to the vet, yet again for surgery.   The vet tried to fit a catheter to release his urine, but couldn't.

Following his accident, however it happened, it seemed that the skin had grown over his penis, but there could have been other things wrong too.  We were anxiously waiting for news on ZORRO’s condition and hoping that he would make a full recovery.  Only time would tell.  However, a couple of days later, the vet called and gave us the long awaited update on ZORRO.  He was having another operation, because the catheter was not the answer. They had found a cyst which had been sent away for a biopsy and had wrapped itself around his intestines.  Naturally, this cyst had to be removed urgently.  We did go in between to visit our little brave soldier and were told that he was the only cat the had managed to remove his catheter.  However, the good news was that his bladder was working and he was opening his bowels normally.

I had to fly back to the UK due to a family emergency.  When I finally returned seven weeks later, I noticed that ZORRO had lost weight and didn't look the same.  He seemed to be struggling to urinate again.  All I could see where tiny droplets in his box.  Furthermore, he was trying to urinate everywhere and not just in his litter box.  It was a total mess.  So it was another trip to the vet at Argos.  The vet looked him over.  I was then hurt by his next comment.  Basically because all the blood tests proved satisfactory, there was nothing further that could be done for ZORRO.  If he was urinating and it was causing a problem, I was advised to throw him out!!!!!  I could never do that.  I knew ZORRO was sick and I had to get him better.

I realised that I needed help urgently, but who would help me?  I wrote to a good animal lover friend of mine, who did help.  I took ZORRO and made the 2.5 hour trip to Athens to see her highly recommended vet.  His rear was examined and straight away she noticed that he had no hole to urinate out of!!!!!!! She sedated him, to make a more thorough examination and there was no option but for ZORRO to have further surgery.  But the question was, what type of surgery would he undergo?  It was decided that he would have a type of sex change operation.  Instead of a penis, he would have something similar to a female's genital area.  Oh the thought of all of this happening to him.  Because of the bank holiday, he stayed at this third vet in Athens, for nearly two weeks.  Sadly during his stay, his stitches came away and he had to have them re-stitched.  This was not as a result of him pulling them out either.  He had a bigger collar round his neck, so it was impossible.  Thank fully, the day arrived when he was able to come home.

It was a long journey back from Athens for him and I did so feel sorry for my poor little darling.  Once home, both TWINKLE and PIXIE ran away.   They are my two girlie cats.  Equally for ZORRO, he was greeted by four new arrivals, which he didn't like. Tiny rescued kittens found in bins.  I bathed him, because he was soiled badly.  He fought, which was natural, but then allowed me to continue.  As the days went by, he was urinating more.  Everywhere and also in his litter box.  Nice to see that there was lots instead of droplets this time.  Then as time moved on, I noticed that there was a terrible stench coming from his genital area.  He certainly wouldn't allow me to clean this area.  He growled and became a little aggressive.  No doubt he was in pain.  I tried to investigate and noticed that his stitches had opened again.  But this time, I could not go back to the vet in Athens, as she was on a business trip.  So it was agreed that I would take him to a great vet in Nafplio.  Communications took place between the vet in Athens and the vet in Nafplio, to ensure that the re-stitching was done correctly.  As I write, he is still at the vets and should be out at the weekend.

He is far from recovered and his medical costs, I envisage will be pretty high.  My main concern is for ZORRO to get better and back to how he was in January '14.  I am not sure this will be possible, but only time will tell.

ZORRO'S story is one where it highlights some of the problems with animal welfare, especially when there is no professional, competent vet locally.  Ermioni does not have a vet at all and maybe this might be my long term goal, to see if there is a way for a professional vet to practice here.  The bills that I am presented with for animal welfare are huge.  I am not a wealthy person and sacrifices are made to help these innocent souls. Many would turn their backs on the plight of these strays.  For me, this is not an option. I could never forgive myself and the guilt would live with me forever.

Today, as I write the story of ZORRO, I have ten rescued kittens which are all so demanding.  Two lots of kittens were found in bins, whereas the third lot of kittens were rejected by their mother.  Then there is TWINKLE who has her own story to tell and her injuries were as a result of humans as well.  Then there is PIXIE, who was taken to the vets one particular day and left there.  Besides these at home, there are over 100 pussy cats in various colonies that we feed and care for.

Life in Greece is never boring.  There is so much to do and certainly, every day is a new challenge, especially where animals are concerned.  The pain, anguish and heartache will always continue and the distances to travel, to find professional help is challenging.

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DINA and her babies AMBER and CHARLIE

One day, I took a walk along the back streets. Unbeknown to me at the time, I was in the wrong place at the right time. By the large metal bins, I heard a horrendous piercing sound. Approaching closer, there was a plastic bag. Inside this bag, were two tiny newborn kittens, only a couple of hours old if that? Oh the bloody Greeks! Who would do this? It was a common occurrence and one that still is. I had a friend that lived close by. I knocked at her door and explained what had happened and she agreed that they could stay with her until I got something prepared for them.  

A few days later, I was having some cats neutered. Most caught or trapped are always very wild in their cages. However one cat seemed to be behaving in a very different way. She was human friendly and wasn’t scared at all. She was sat upright in her cage and seemed to be looking round. Looking for what, I didn’t know at the time. But I had learnt that in the area where I found the two tiny babies, some Greeks had a cat that had given birth to two kittens. These Greeks were religious old sisters, who attended church regularly. One sister said that their cat went away to have her kittens; the other sister said that the kittens had died. I wondered if these two kittens I found wrapped in a plastic bag were actually the kittens that belonged to the cat that was sat upright in the cage waiting to be neutered? 

I followed my instincts. I went to collect the kittens and even though, my friend had them for a few of days, they were failing. It was just something about this cat in the cage that didn’t add up. It must have been her babies. I didn’t know what to expect either. Outside the cage of the mummy, I put the tiny kittens down and waited for them to cry, as I wanted to see the reaction of the older cat. It would have been a risk putting them together, but I had to try. I carefully opened the cage door and gently put the kittens inside.  

Mummy growled and hissed, but then she started to lick the tiny babies. She washed them and then turned over onto her back to allow the little ones to suckle. Even though they had been apart for five days, she had milk and gave them a good chance. This cat could not be neutered. She had a duty to perform and would be neutered at a much later date. The bond between these three was absolutely amazing. I had to put them all in a huge cage, with a litter tray at the end, so that the mummy cat could at least go to the toilet. I called the mummy DINA and her babies AMBER and CHARLIE.  

A few days later, I went to see the 2 Greek old sisters and was shocked.  They were very religious, went to church every Sunday, but still found it a normal practice to bin 2 tiny live helpless souls, by putting them in a plastic bag and throwing them into the bin to die!!!!  They knew exactly who I was and were very shocked.  All they could say was 'simoni, simoni meaning sorry.  Being sorry was not good enough.  Going to church and praying, yet doing what they did was unforgiveable.  I gave the babies a chance.  They grew and became the three of the became a beautiful family.  The little ones were lucky, because they crossed the waters to wonderful adoptive parents in Holland.  

Today Dina is still in the open field and as gentle as anything.

ERMIS the barrel dog finally arrived in Austria

ERMIS the  barrel dog

In 2013, we befriended an innocent soul called ERMIS, through meeting a Germany lady by the name of Theresa.  ERMIS was a barrel dog. What more could I say. A chain no longer than one metre and living conditions were absolutely appalling.  The weather in Greece can be bitterly cold and very wet. For ERMIS, his shelter was an outdoor metal barrel, which many times, was surrounded by water.  Day in, day out, we passed and gave him food.  I was scared of him.  I looked into his eyes many times and tried to reach out to him.  Why were people so cruel I wondered?  He had no friends and definitely no social interaction either.  One thing I certainly knew was ERMIS had to be saved, but how?

We met Theresa casually one day in October '13.  She was coming out of the bank and we were passing the bank.  She had a house in Ermioni which she hadn't visited for over 10 years.  In the past, when she had visited, it appeared she cared and re-homed many stray dogs.  She was passionate about them.  We became acquainted and she wanted to rescue not one dog from Ermioni, but many of them.  She kept referring to a good friend of hers in Germany by the name of Melanie, who was looking for a huge house, with land, to re-home all these stray dogs that Theresa was going to take back with her.  Sadly, Theresa went back to Germany and all the logistics of the animals was left to us..  However, as time went by, we learnt that Theresa did not have any facilitates to re-home any of the stray dogs that had been prepared for travel.  She was too frail, too weak and basically didn't have the finances.  This was a huge set back, because these dogs could not be dumped back on the street.  They had to go.

My angel Melanie

I became more involved with Melanie, as the departure date to Germany had been set for these dogs.  But they had no homes to go to as previously discussed with Theresa.  However, as time went by, Melanie was able to find a suitable charity in Germany, who helped and offered to re-home these dogs.   Melanie was superb.  She was my angel, because without her, this mission would not have happened.   She had been a good friend of Theresa's for 30 years or more.   She knew her capabilities and sadly these dogs definitely could not go to her.   Instead they would go to a private charity in Germany, to which Melanie made a huge donation.  From there, they would be re-homed. These were the easy ones to group for travel, as they had played and roamed the streets of Ermioni together.

With ERMIS it was going to be very different.  He was still on a chain and I had to get the owners to agree in letting him go.  Yes he did have owners, who basically didn't care about him.  But this was reality in Greece.  Some animals are loved and yet for some, it is a harrowing time for them.  I had to save him, but how was I going to get him away?  I spoke to the owner, who basically was going to think about my request. Why think about something, when in my mind it was the best thing for ERMIS.  The owners weren't giving him the love he deserved, he wasn't getting fed, nothing was in his favour and it was very sad seeing him like this.  He was even beaten.

ERMIS and his little son JUNIOR

Off to Athens

Luckily a day passed and the owners agreed, at which point I knew I had to act quickly, otherwise the owners might have demanded some money from me.   There was already a plan in place and that was he would go to a private pension in Athens, to develop his social skills and give him the love and care he so deserved.  However, what I noticed prior to taking ERMIS was that JUNIOR was chained up very close to ERMIS.  This was father and son being together.  I walked away and didn't think anything more of this.  I just thought that JUNIOR was there to give ERMIS a little company prior to his departure.

The scheduled day, which was a Wednesday arrived.  It was the day ERMIS would be going to Athens. How would he react?  Would he go obediently into a dog box?  He would be scared, that was for sure. We met Alexandros from the pension at the owners. The owner helped with getting ERMIS into the dog box. Harsh words and a kick up the backside, what else was ERMIS supposed to do?   Oh I really did feel sorry for him.  I couldn't cuddle him either, because he was afraid of me, and I was afraid of him too.

ERMIS with his girlfriend

He arrived at the pension and was given food.  So hungry he was, that he immediately gobbled 3 kgs of meat and could have eaten more.  From this pension, he was cared for, loved and his social skills were developed.  He stayed at the pension, until the day came when he was ready to go to a forever loving home. As time went by, it was confirmed that ERMIS had been harmed, as he had some wounds on his head.  He was scared of noises and he hated the sight of shovels.  He got on well with other female dogs, but not male dogs.  He was fine on a lead, but could not go running alone.  We knew with all this information, that he would not be safe with children, unless they were strictly supervised.  He also made friends with another female dog, which was nice to read and see.

After a couple of months at the pension with Alexandros and his wife, ERMIS was ready to move.  Move where?  To a permanent home of course.  But who would take him?  Who would give him the chance he so deserved?  He wasn't the best looking dog either, but he was an innocent soul, who needed help.  I tried endlessly to try and find hope for him.  But I learnt he wouldn't be welcomed in Germany due to his breed. But no-one could define his breed, not even the professional vets!!!  This was another set back.  I had a friend in Holland, who I wrote to asking for help.  She was nice and has been very helpful to me over the years.  She did say it wouldn't be easy, but everything was possible.  I then learnt of a charity in Austria, who helped dogs in need.  I contacted them and yes they would help me.  Because of the language issue, it was left up to my guardian angel Melanie to do all the communicating.

THE JOURNEY

The day came when he would be finally flying to his new home in Austria. Sunday 30 March '14 and there was excitement all round.  His journey and that of his escort was paid for by Melanie.  Even for a journey like this, the transformation in ERMIS was remarkable.  He appeared to be a normal dog, in opposed to being a scared dog.   All aboard the aircraft and off they went.  Silvana from the pension escorted him, which was nice, because it meant when he got to Austria, there would be familiarity.

He arrived to Austria and received a lot of attention.  At the time, this was so nice to hear, because in Greece, his life had been horrible.  Someone loving a dog like ERMIS and sincere people wanting to help ERMIS was overwhelming.  Now his life is one of freedom, with other dogs, with horses, with smaller animals, space to run around in, and food.  No more barrel and chain for this rescued stray from Ermioni, Greece.  A new home will be found for him, with a loving family.  Not immediately, but after a short period, no doubt.

https://www.facebook.com/Greekstrays?ref=hl
https://www.facebook.com/Greekstrays/app_362564237108797
http://www.ermioni.info/content/animal-welfare
http://www.ermioni.info/things-to-know/greekstrays-donations

BLACK JACK SHOT DEAD!!!!!

BLACKJACK the black and white dog

Life for any animal in Greece is very stressful, traumatic, painful and very sad indeed.   A lonely existance with much hatred towards them.  Yet there are so many compassionate people that do try and make a difference to the plight of these helpless souls.  You see them sat on the road side, you see them wandering the streets, you start to think about when they will get food or water, or who might give them their next meal. Some are pathetically thin and probably do in many cases die.  Some can be saved, but for others, it comes at a time which is much too late.  

He had friends

The dogs in towns and villages generally stick together and the same applies to my small town of Ermioni.  Besides pussy cats, I have befriended many, had some sterilized, tried to care for as many as possible, but sometimes things happen which are totally beyond your control.  One such incident happened in the early hours of Thursday 19 December '13.  BLACK JACK was shot dead!!!!!  Two shots were made to this innocent soul, which hit his vital organs.  He had no chance whatsoever.  Sadly this is Greece.  It is not an excuse, but even if the culprit is found, nothing will be done and no prosecutions will take place.   Poor soul.  He was sadly shot by a shot gun and the cartridges were removed from the dead animal to avoid any evidence being left.

SHOT DEAD WITH A SHOT GUN

I remember a couple of months ago, as I was waiting at the harbour front with some dogs, waiting to take them to the vets, because they were about 4 lucky ones, that had new homes waiting for them in Germany, a motorbike rode along the road and BLACK JACK together with his friends charged after this bike.  This is natural to see.

Many dogs chase after cars and motor bikes, probably they think that their owners are inside.  For some unknown reason, the biker stopped and got off his bike and was enraged.  His daughter was totally disgusted with her fathers' actions, that she walked to school.  Anyway, I was still waiting for the pickup to come and collect the doggies for the vet.  What I saw next was horrifying.  The biker had come back with a large metal rope type lasso and was charging towards BLACK JACK.  I shouted at this arse hole and said NO!!!!  BLACK JACK was behind me and the man was in front of me.  Naturally he went away, but I sensed at some point he would return.  Was he the culprit?  No-one will ever know.

RIP BLACK JACK . . . YOU DID NOT DESERVE TO BE SHOT!!!!  

I LOVED YOU SO MUCH AND YOU WILL BE MISSED  xxxxxx

https://www.facebook.com/Greekstrays?ref=hl
https://www.facebook.com/Greekstrays/app_362564237108797
http://www.ermioni.info/content/animal-welfare
http://www.ermioni.info/things-to-know/greekstrays-donations