Wednesday 5 December '12
Over the weekend I learned that a friend of mine had somehow inherited 9 puppies, did I know I was asked? No I didn't but was sad, because I know how hard it is to look after so many puppies, but not only that, how hard it will be to find homes for them too!!! This particular friend, has always said that they will always help in time where possible with animals, which has always been a comfort to know, but maybe for one or two strays, but not 9. Anyway on the Monday morning, I rang her to see if this was true, and could I come and give her some food. She welcomed this. I also wanted to give her a small contribution towards the upkeep, but this was not accepted. Anyway, the puppies were such a delight. So friendly, so cuddly, boisterous and so playful. It seems that one litter was found at the back of the school here in Ermioni. A Greek neighbour alerted my friend to this. Naturally she couldn't ignore this situation, so she took them home. Sadly though, when she was emptying her rubbish in the large metal bins, there in a box, were 4 more puppies!!!!! What does one do? Ignore them and just let them die, or what?
No this angel, took them home too, but sadly one must have been in a very bad condition as it had to be put to sleep. Sadly one cannot save them all. I wanted to help, so I offered to take some images which would be posted on many social sites. This was arranged for the following Wednesday. The day arrived and images were taken, besides a little video clip. Together with her other 2 other big rescued dogs, her hands were definitely full.
However, driving down the country lane back to Ermioni, I noticed something white out of the corner of my eye, just laid there. I knew it was an animal, but I thought it was a dead animal. Reversing back and getting out of the car, the animal moved. Tears came to my eyes when I saw the state of this big white dog. So thin, rib cage visible, saggy skin and so very sad. Equally is appeared to have a bad leg and wasn't able to put any pressure on one paw. Could I get close? Definitely not!!! Would it eat, or was it too far gone? No, it was very hungry. Food was put out and this big doggy hobbled towards the food and ate everything. Oh that was a start. Now, where to from here I wondered? Luckily the camera was in the car, so we took images. Once home, I set about posting onto the social sites. Did I think I would get any help? No, because there are so many postings about rescues, so many sad cases, that I didn't stand a chance. People are pretty full with strays and for someone to take care of this doggy would be a miracle.
Do I believe in miracles? Yes I do, because I am a great believer that everything happens for a reason. I quickly got down to posting images and a little case study and gosh, I couldn't believe my luck. In less than 2 hours, a solution was found, to which I am hugely grateful. We don't have the facilities to care or nurse such a huge dog.
Thursday 6 December '12
Excitement was looming, as we were going to feed this big white doggy. Would he be there? What if he wasn't, what would we do? All sorts of questions were going round in our minds, but hey, we had to go and see. Upon arrival at the scene there was no doggy. My heart sank. Oh heck. Had someone poisoned him or seen us feeding him and got rid of him? Everything is possible. This is Greece. Out of the old house came a pretty friendly Greek man. In my broken Greek, I was able to make myself understood. He pointed us to the meadows. Walking further towards the meadow, there laid in the sunshine was the big white dog. It was so comforting to know that he was still about. I called out to him and he came hobbling along. I was so happy. This time it was even better than I anticipated. I was able to hug the doggy. This was so encouraging, there was hope for his recovery.
Friday 8 December '12
Today was the big day. I had decided to call this big white doggy HULK. He was going to his save haven to be nursed, loved and cared for. A journey that would take over 2 hours. How will we ever get HULK into the car. We didn't have a large box for him either, so I made him a bed in the back. I wasn't sure whether he would allow us to lift him or what. Anyway I went to the pharmacy first, to ask about some calming pills. I bought 5, as this is what was recommended. I gave HULK a very small amount of food with these tablets mixed in. Whilst he was eating his food, it was a case of trying to get a collar round his neck. The collar I brought was too small. Oh this is turning out to be a disaster. All I could think of was we have to take him today. Each time, HULK moved further away, each time we approach him and coaxed him, to try and calm him, but he was having none of this. Then out of the doorway, the friendly Greek man appeared, with a rusty chain. He seemed to be pretty skilled at doing this, because he managed to get the rusty chain round HULKS neck. I argued that it was too tight, but the Greek man kept repeating 'strong, strong'. HULK didn't just jump into the back of the car either. Poor lad, he fought. He growled, the teeth came out, the aggressiveness was apparent and he didn't like what was happening one bit. I felt so sorry for HULK, but this was the only way. Once the boot was closed, off we went. As soon as we set off, he just settled and slept all the way. Periodically we stopped, to give him fresh air and some water, which really he wasn't interested.
We were meeting the rescuer at a supermarket car park. We got lost and spent the best part of half an hour driving back and forth. To add to this, it was like being in London. What I saw though I liked, because certain parts reminded me of Surrey, England. Anyway, once we had greeted, off we went to the vets who was on standby. A very lovely, gentle caring vet. Between the rescuer and the vet, we knew then that HULK was in good hands and would be so well looked after. This was our last farewell to say good bye to HULK. We left him sleeping, but I think because of the calming pills I gave, HULK, he didn't seem too responsive. However, we had to go, so it was hugs and kisses to this big boy. He will survive, I know and we will see him again.
Saturday 8 December '12
HULK has been renamed to MAXIMUS because it seems he is the ghost of another maximus, who was in the same condition, if not worse, but has made a remarkable recovery. I know, I saw this miracle dog on Friday and he is gorgeous.
This picture is the most recent one of my beloved MAXIMUS, sitting, head high, still very sick, but hopefully will pull through. He has to and will make someone a wonderful pet. The red collar does suit him. I pray and hope for this little fighting soul. From the examinations the vet conducted, he was full of fleas, had gashes on his face, which suggest that these are either lashes or beatings, marks all over his body, his back hind leg is dislocated, and he is only 40-50% of his normal body weight. Will MAXIMUS survive? Yes.
MAXIMUS is going to need lots of veterinary care, which is hugely costly here in Greece. If anyone would kindly like to contribute to his care and well being, please follow the link below and mark as MAXIMUS. Every penny raised will go towards his welfare.
https://www.facebook.com/Greekstrays/app_362564237108797
http://www.ermioni.info/things-to-know/greekstrays-donations
https://www.facebook.com/Greekstrays
http://www.ermioni.info/things-to-know/greekstrays-donations
https://www.facebook.com/Greekstrays
