The Skiathos Dog Shelter: "Skiathos is a small, beautiful island in the North Western Aegean. Like most countries in Southern Europe and the Balkans, Greece has a serious problem with stray dogs and cats. They formed packs and people were afraid of them. Eventually some concerned residents got together and opened a shelter in Skiathos town – unfortunately it quickly became unmanageable. The local monastery (Evangelistria) offered a piece of land well out of town. And so the Skiathos Dog Shelter was created. That was in 1995. The first years were very difficult. Numbers soaring to 170+ dogs in the shelter. It became a case of ‘out of sight out of mind’, and the only visitors to the shelter were people dumping dogs (and cats). Over the years contacts were made with international animal organisations and individuals who helped with veterinary care, building projects and food. Visitors discovered the shelter while exploring the island and began offering homes to the dogs and cats. We began a dog-walking programme and opened the shelter to the public, which brought more people. Some visitors were so touched by our situation that they went back to their own countries and formed groups, which now find wonderful homes for our dogs and cats and more. It’s a struggle sometimes to keep going. The shelter has no electricity or running water. But it is a happy place where many dogs are loved for the first time in their lives – and a stepping-stone to their new lives with a home and a family." Facebook: @TheSkiathosDogShelters / Website: skiathosdogshelter.com
The Sanctuary Angels sent £200 to The Skiathos Dog Shelter as part of their £2,000 Summer Appeal for Animals 2021.
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