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Do you know about dogs and cats in Greece?

I wish I had known before going. There is a problem. Not so bad in Athens, where the stray dogs are very chubby and seem content. But out, towards Patras, Ioaninnia, Kalambaka, even toward Delphi.
The attitude is changing I think, but there is still a problem. One thing I wish I had been told before I went... You can bring strays home. It is actually not complicated to adopt. You fall for a stray, take him to the nearest vet for shots and paperwork. The trick will be to figure out if he is a stray or belongs to someone. There was a puppy in Perama I assumed belonged to someone. By the time I figured out he was stray, he was gone. Vanished. And I am haunted. Ask right away if that stray you fell for really is stray, then make the plans to adopt if you can...

Posted by
23177 posts

That is crazy. With all of the animals that need to be adopted in the US and you are going to bring from Greece with all the additional problems of getting on a plane and entry into the US.

Posted by
9 posts

Not really crazy. Just letting people know what options are available. They do not have to adopt, but if they are moved to do so, they may. I learned on my trip the hard way, I had no idea there was a problem of strays in Greece, until I was there. And while there, internet connections were not great, unless I was in a bigger city, so I could not find any info. I'd hate for someone else to go through it as well. Greece is beautiful, and the people are generally very warm and welcoming, but this is an aspect I wish I had been aware of prior to going.
You may not like the info I am sharing. It does not change the fact there are many strays, or the fact that if someone is moved to do so, they have options, and there are people who can help.

Posted by
32171 posts

Sheryl, I know exactly what you're referring to, as I also found it very upsetting to see the number of dogs and cats without a home. In some cases (ie: near the Agora in Athens), they seem to be fed and reasonably well cared for, but in other areas that's not the case (I could provide some examples, but would rather not). Even though some are cared for, they don't have a home or companionship, which is still very sad. During my time on Santorini, a shop owner pleaded with me to adopt one of the local Dogs, but at that point in my trip there was no way that was possible (I did briefly consider it as the Dog was really nice - her name was "Marina"). I had the same thoughts as others have mentioned here - why adopt animals from Greece when we have so many needing adoption here? I still haven't decided on my answer to that question. Sorry to hear that you've received some "nasty-grams". I'm glad that you mentioned this topic. Time to give my Dog a hug! Cheers!

Posted by
689 posts

Feral dogs and cats are a problem in a lot of places. I was in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of southern Spain last fall and met a beautiful Shepard who followed me around town and was generally my buddy for a few days. I thought it was a "town" dog but I was told no, coastal residents who don't want their pets anymore dump them up in the mountains, where they generally starve to death. The coastal residents assume, oh, someone will adopt them, and if not, they'll live off the bounty of the land, neither of which is the case. As sad as it is, I doubt many people will want to ship a dog home when there are so many unwanted pets in shelters here. There are places in the US where feral dogs are still a problem--ever been to the Navajo Indian Reservation? Yikes. It's awful, full of starving, 3 legged, one-eyed dogs that swarm you are scenic overlooks begging for food.

Posted by
9 posts

Oh dear. I really wish folks would actually read my whole post before calling me crazy and sending nasty private messages and so on. Yes, strays are a problem everywhere. No, you do not have to adopt from Greece. You can adopt anywhere there are strays, which is everywhere. But it is an option. There are rescues you can contact also in Greece. The info is out there, but in Greek, so research prior to the trip. The local vet will also be able to help, if they speak english or you speak greek. Most people are so friendly and helpful in Greece, you may be able to convince someone to interpret for you. I fell in love with a puppy in Perama. I did not know what to do. I could not get online to find help. If I had been prepared ahead of time, I would have known what to do. I am sharing this info so others may have it. What they do with it is up to them. I am just sharing the info so people will be prepared. I am not saying you should adopt from Greece. I am saying it is an option, if you like. I hope the short sentences and small words will help. Please no more nasty private messages.

Posted by
4406 posts

"...nasty private messages..." Seriously?!? Is this the 3rd grade?!? People...really... Sheryl, had your thread been about your 'boodlust for trapping and eating' these poor creatures...OK, I could see the PMs...BTW, I understand being haunted, definitely, but I try to remind myself that there's only so much I can do and it's not like there aren't opportunities every day to do some good somewhere else...Unfortunately, there's plenty of 'good' that needs to be done everywhere. I appreciate the info, doubt that I'll ever have the opportunity to use it, but appreciate it nonetheless...Who knew? Thank you. (and many places have animal rescues that you can support from the comfort of your keyboard - many cultures don't place the same value on dogs, cats, horses, etc. that others do, so the support you'd expect to come 'from home' doesn't...you can adopt animals from these places and they never leave their familiar surroundings, but they now get plenty of food and medical attention AND SPAYED/NEUTERED.)

Posted by
8293 posts

My advice to Sheryl is to never go to Thailand. Much worse than Greece, I assure you.

Posted by
9 posts

Thanks Ken and Eileen. At least I know there are a few out there who have a clue and know how to actually read... :) I definitely recommend Greece. It is gorgeous, and the people were really friendly, it is too bad you do not think you would/could go... It is worth it....

Posted by
3696 posts

Stray, hungry and sick animals don't understand borders...
like a lot of other social ills....its a global problem. (nasty PM message just means the person does not have the nerve to state it in 'public'... very sad)