Little Sara has been adopted by a woman who comes to Amorgos from Athens every summer to work in a jewelry shop in Chora. She and Sara bonded right away and now they are never apart. We are so happy that they have become fast friends, and that Sara has found a loving new home.
Puppy for adoption
Sara arrived earlier this month, when we received a call from the Mayor about a puppy. A frightened puppy appeared at the school in Chora, so the teacher called the Mayor for help, and the Mayor called us to see if the center could take the puppy. We said yes, so the Mayor himself brought the puppy to our center. The puppy, which the schoolchildren named Sara, is a miniature of Lisa. We guess she is 3 or 4 months old, and it turns out she is a very smart and funny dog. When she arrived, her fur was full of fleas and ticks and she was shaking her ears as if something was bothering her, but she was otherwise in good health. Dr. Despoti gave her a check-up and to check if she has microchip or not.
We have looked for her owner, but no one has come forward. Now that it’s been several weeks, it appears she has been either lost or abandoned, so Sara is available for adoption.
She is currently living in the center and she has become best friends with Liza. We hope to find this very sweet dog a loving home soon.
Daisy in Holland
Daisy is a purebred pointer, about 6 years old, who was owned by a hunter. Because she hated the sound of the gun, she made a terrible hunting dog so he didn’t want her anymore. In April 2014 traveled to Holland to join her new adopted family. There are 4 other pointers in her new family, so Daisy fits right in. We are so happy that she now has a family to call her own!
Update on Bobby Marley
Bobby Marley and 14 other dogs were found badly neglected in Katapola, crowded in a dirty room. The Philozoiki was called by the local council to help. Bob Marley (now Bobley) was adopted in Belgium in November 2011 and enjoys his new life in the countryside with six dogs and two horses. Bobley’s owner wrote two books in which Bobley and local volunteer Lamia play an important role, and a third book is in the works.
Update on Kouros and Zoe
Kouros and Zoe were found abandoned in a parking lot in Katapola as young puppies. We took them in and found permanent homes for them in Holland. Now they are happily living with their new families!
Update on Yannis
Yannis was abandoned on Gramboussa, a tiny island with no sources of water or food. Yannis faced certain death had he not been saved by a kind fisherman who heard him crying on the beach. We named the dog Yannis in his honor. Once restored to health, Yannis traveled to Holland and was fostered until the ideal family was found for him. He is now living a happy, healthy life in the Netherlands and enjoys playing and spending time with another dog who also happens to be from Greece.
New photos of Micky in Holland
Micky is doing great with his family in Holland. Here he is on a recent walk at the park. We are so happy for him!
Micky's New Home
Micky traveled safely to his new home. We are sad to say goodbye to our little friend but after seeing photos and hearing from his new mom we are thrilled about his new life. Another happy ending!
Micky is adopted!
Micky
Micky is a 6-year-old Maltese mix that came to our shelter in May. His owner had passed away during the winter and no one else wanted him so Micky roamed around in Chora living under poor conditions. When he arrived, he was full of fleas and ticks and his hair was very tangled. He was difficult to approach and was very fearful. However, after a few weeks, he has become much more friendly and social.
Micky has found a permanent home in Holland. He will be transported from Amorgos to the Athens airport on Dec 10, 2013. Friends will fly with him to Holland. Micky's new family is a nice young couple who had a dog that died at the age of 16 some years ago. Now they are ready for another dog and they are looking forward to Micky's arrival. Bon voyage Micky! We wish you all the best!
A Victory for Liza
Liza when found
On March 21, 2013, members of the association Filozoiki Merimna Amorgou were informed that a dog trapped in yellow plastic cage had been abandoned on the side of the road near Chora, the seat of the Amorgos’ Municipal Government. The cage, was so small (30 cm high) that the dog could not stand upright and was forced to lie in its own feces.
Despite the objections of a police officer who claimed the dog was to remain where it had been found and actually returned to its owner (when found), the FMA volunteers rescued the dog. Later, when the dog's owner was located, he claimed that he had left the dog next to the car of a friend, while he went on an errand, and that the reason the dog was in the cage was to protect it from other animals. His claims and threats, as well as those of the policemen were ignored and the dog was brought it to the AZI Center in Pera Raxidi.
Removed from the cage the dog, a female, was entrusted to the care of a veterinarian. Her conditions were indeed deplorable. The dog was found to have low hematocrit (signs of anemia), poor nutritional status, dehydration, intense ectoparasite load with innumerable ticks throughout her body, mild leukocytosis (evidence of inflammation), and she tested positive for ehrlichiosis. She did not have a microchip and had not been vaccinated.
At the center, the dog, who was given the name of Liza, was treated with competence and care. She was vaccinated and micro-chipped and is now a healthy, friendly, and grateful animal.
The police officer not only did not follow law 4039/2012 and the orders from his employer, the Hellenic Police Department, as well as the recent circular of the Association of Greek Prosecutors, but, against all evidence, tried to convince the members of Filozoiki Merimna Amorgou that the dog's conditions were perhaps not ideal, but definitely acceptable.
Liza’s is one of the many instances of the cruelty against animals which the volunteers of the Filozoiki Merimna Amorgou are determined to vanquish. She was fortunate to be rescued from the hands of her oppressor, but clearly many are the people who do not have any idea of what it means to treat an animal in a manner that could be defined as both humane and civilized.
Liza, healed and happy
Liza’s owner was formally charged and on November 27, 2013, a trial was held in the three-member Misdemeanor Court of Naxos. He was convicted and sentenced to a 1 year imprisonment (the sentence was suspended, as it is customary for a first time offender) and to pay a fine of 5,000 euros. The court also ruled out the owner’s request to regain possession of the animal. Liza was assigned to the Filozoiki Merimna Amorgou and the dog will live at the AZI's center until a suitable home is found for her.
The defendant has appealed the decision and a new trial will be held in the courts of Syros. The sentence and the fine may be reduced, but the ownership of the dog has been denied once and for all. Liza will never have to face her torturer again.
It is a first, very significant victory, for all the good people of Amorgos who aspire to see their island freed from the insane and useless brutality of a handful of ill-mannered, arrogant and backward looking individuals, still strutting among them, as well as from the lethargic laissez-faire attitude of conniving public officers.
New arrival at the center
Fwtis is a 12-year-old Dalmatian who belongs to a pharmacist but is now living out his life at the center. Due to his advanced age he is deaf and has problems with his hind legs which makes walking difficult for him. He is a very sweet and calm old guy who enjoys his quiet new life with Litsa and the animals of the center.
Animals and Kids
Below, left: Stefanos, the son of the president of Filozoiki Merimna Amorgou Mrs Angeliki Palioura, has become best friends with the donkey Lambro. Stefanos takes Lambro out for walks very often, and Lambro stays very calm with him. Below, right: Maria comes almost every day to visit the center with her babysitter. You can see how much she enjoys the company of the animals. She and Liza, the rescue dog, are good friends. She also gives big smiles to the kittens.
More Photos from Amorgos
Luigi Ballerini, Deputy Mayor Stamatis Simos and Peter Fasseas
Paula Fasseas feeding Daisy, an AZI rescue dog
Donald, an AZI rescue cat, sleeping at our facility
Rita, member of the Philozoike, with her rescued dog Cicla in Muros, Amorgos
Litza feeding an abandoned kitten at our facility in Pera Raxidi
Enjoying the Island
Alexis and Josephina
The visit with the Fasseas family is going well and has been especially lucky for Josephina, one of the many stray dogs of Greece—she's been adopted by Alexis! As you can see, they have already become good friends. A dinner was given in honor of the Fasseas family, hosted by the Philozoike of Amorgos. Here are, from left: Peter Fasseas, Alexis Fasseas, Paola Mieli, Paula Fasseas. From the right are: Panaghiotis Coveos; Nicolaos Fostieris, the former Mayor of Amorgos; and Angelike Palioura, the president of the Philozoike.
Dinner in honor of the Fasseas by Pholozoike of Amorgos
Updates on Chloe and Mickey
Chloe the Kitten
Micky looking good
Here are some recent photos of our rescue kitten and dog, Chloe and Mickey. Both are doing great and are looking for loving homes.
Meet Micky, Another Rescue
Micky before
Micky after a haircut
Micky is a 6-year-old Maltese mix that came to our shelter about three days ago. His owner passed away during the winter and no one else wanted him so Micky roamed freely in Chora and lived in poor conditions. He was difficult to approach and acted very fearfully. When we got him, he was full of fleas and ticks and his hair was very tangled. Although he allowed Litsa to give him a bath, she reports he needs delicate handling and calm movements. He was taken to the vet to have a complete medical examination, and he was given a clean bill of health. We are searching for a good home for him (probably one without children would work best). Until then he will be staying with Liza at the shelter. May 27, 2013: Micky received his first vaccines and is becoming more sociable and less fearful. He's still looking for a new home. Please email info@animal-zone.org if you are interested in adopting him.
Liza's story, continued
Liza at the shelter
A complaint was filed on April 1, 2013 by the Filozoiki Merimna of Amorgos against Liza’s owner for abandonment, abuse and exposing the dog to danger. On April 17, 2013, the public prosecutor of Naxos announced a decision to initiate criminal proceedings against the owner and thereby allowing us to keep Liza in our shelter until a final decision is rendered. We hope that the verdict will remove from the owner legally and allow us to find a permanent and loving home for her.
In the meantime, Liza has been enjoying life with the cats in the shelter, and is proving to be a sweet and caring dog. We just love her and know she deserves the best!
A Rescue
Liza when we found her
Cleaning up Liza
Liza healthy and happy
On March 21, a call came in about an abandoned dog on the side of the road in Chora. Two volunteers went in search of the dog and discovered a dog in a clipboard cage (see photo). The cage was so small the dog could not raise her head and forced her to sit her own feces. We called the police immediately. According to Greek law, all dogs found on the road are considered stray and animal welfare associations are able to claim it. However, the policeman who arrived told us not to take the dog and wanted us to wait for the owner. We told him we'd wait 10 minutes and after that the owner could claim it from us with the proper paperwork.
The owner did not arrive, so we took the dog to our shelter. The dog was given an exam by the vet, and was diagnosed with poor nutritional status, dehydration, and having an intense parasitic load—ticks were all over her body. She was later found to have ehrlichia (no surprise as it is transmitted by ticks), and is currently under treatment.
We have given her the name Liza and she is doing well at the shelter. She is a very happy and sweet dog and we hope that when the time comes we'll be able to find a loving home for her.
A Big Thanks to the Volunteer Vets
Three vets from EDKE, Voluntary Action of Veterinarians Greece, came for a second time to Amorgos. During the weekend of March 2nd and 3rd, with their invaluable help, 45 cats and 2 dogs were spayed/neutered. All cats were given a thorough health exam and dewormed. The two dogs also received microchips and were vaccinated for rabies. Because of them and their efforts, the weekend was a great success. Thank you to Drs. Angeliki Degkleri, Themistoclis Michael, Attalidou Pigi as well as to Dr. Maria Despoti.
Iris and Laika are Adopted!
Sisters Iris and Laika were found by children last August as puppies. In January, they made the journey from Amorgos to Holland to be placed with their new families. We will miss them but are happy they have found real homes. Below are photos of Iris and Laika from the summer and on the recent trip to their new homes.
Iris1
Laika1
on the boat
iris at airport