The Danger of Grass Awn

A young cat with a serious eye infection was brought to our Center by her owner after first attempting to treat the problem at home with eye drops. Seeing no improvement, her owner realized that more intervention was needed and it turned out that a grass awn was embedded in the eye.

We managed to remove the awn and after treatment with antibiotic eye drops the cat is once again healthy and happy. Grass awn can be very dangerous for animals since it can embed in the eyes, the ear, the nose and even between the tender pads of the paws.

During spring and summer this is especially dangerous for dogs and cats and, so, if you notice an infection or even an irritation it would be wise to bring your animal to the vet so that the grass awn can be removed. We thank this young cat’s owner for being vigilant and we hope to spread the word about this danger.

For more information, visit https://thepethospitals.com/beware-grass-awns/ and https://www.thesprucepets.com/grass-awns-foxtail-protect-your-pets-3384937

Rebeca

Rebeca was found alone on the streets of Chora by a very kind child. He saw Rebeca sitting in a corner unable to move because her both eyes were completely shut, struck by severe infection. He immediately pick her up and brought her to our Center.

After 1 week of treatment Rebeca is completely healthy and she plays non stop. Her little friend visited our Center in order to see her and he was very happy to see her fully healed.

See a video of her making her super-kitten moves—https://youtu.be/18TWLK_Bsxw

Rebeca is now available for adoption! Please contact us at azi.amorgos@gmail.com if you are interested. Or help us with her nutritional and medical needs by making a small donation in her honor https://tinyurl.com/Donate-AZI

Tortuel

Some weeks ago, a young French couple vacationing in Amorgos came across a tiny blind kitten on the streets of Tholaria. They brought the kitten to our Center in Katapola and visited the kitten during the last two days of their stay. Saying goodby to this small being that they had rescued was difficult and they decided to adopt her and bring her to their home in Paris once she had recovered from her difficult time living alone on the streets.

This magnificent couple has traveled from Paris to Mykonos and now to Naxos where they received tiny Tortuel from our veterinarian. She is now living happily in Paris with her loving and wonderful new family. We are profoundly grateful for the kindness and generosity of those who help us in our ongoing work to make the animal kingdom of these islands a safe and healthy one.

Our work on Amorgos is dependent of your donations. Please help us help these helpless creatures and make a contribution today! https://tinyurl.com/Donate-AZI

In Memory of Michael Kovaios

Animal Zone International offers sincere condolences to the family of Michael Kovaios upon his death. Michael Kovaios served for many years in the local government as President of the former community of Katapola, as Mayor of Amorgos, as a Municipal Councilor and as a member and Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Municipal Port Fund of Naxos.

He was an active person with a strong personality and his contribution to our island was great.
He was always beside us when we needed him, helping us out as he could.

Have a nice journey Michalis; we will always remember you.
Our warmest condolences to his family.

* The family of the Michael Kovaios, instead of wreaths, requests donations made in his memory to the following charities: 

Hope Association
Piraeus Bank: 5017-005517-191
IBAN No.: GR 95 0172 0170 0050 1700 5517 191

Flame Association
Piraeus Bank: 5015-020-641423
IBAN: GR6301720150005015020641423

Vet Visit

Dr. Dimitris Vasalakis came to our Center in Amorgos this last weekend. Many of the island animals received the gift of his great veterinary care. Four donkeys and one turkey were given check ups and our own two dogs, Sissy and Liza, along with many of the island dogs, were groomed in preparation for the coming summer weather.

These visits from Dr. Vasalakis are vital since we have no permanent veterinarian in Amorgos, and, therefore, with full hearts, we give our sincere thanks for his great work.

Thank you Dimitris!

Announcement: Animal Action

In collaboration with Animal Zone International, the Equine Care team of ANIMAL ACTION  will return to our island this June in order to offer its services to working animals (donkeys, horses, mules) of residents of the island for two days: Wednesday, June 13th and Thursday June 14th. 

To anyone who has donkeys, mules, or horses who need care, please contact Animal Zone International by phone: 22850-71716 and 6974990045 or simply bring the animal to the designated points.

Both a veterinarian specializing in horses and the farrier from ANIMAL ACTION will deworm animals and will take care of hooves and animal teeth for FREE.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 13
AEGIALI
Time: 10:00 a.m. Over Parking Langada
Time: 12:00 p.m. Parking of Tholaria
Time: 13:30 p.m. Parking Ormos Aegiali (next to Lucky Hotel)
Time: 14:15 p.m. Parking of Potamos (Chodrolia)

CHORA
Time: 17:00 p.m. Parking of Chora (to the Health Center)

KATO MERIA
Time: 19:00 p.m. Vroutsi (parking of restaurant Georgalinis)
Time: 20:00 p.m. Kolofana (Agia Paraskevi)

THURSDAY JUNE 14
KATAPOLA
Time: 10:30 a.m. Agrokipio (Next to Exarchopoulos)

New Arrivals

During a trip to Syros, on an afternoon walk in beautiful Ermoupoli (the capital of Cyclades) we came across three abandoned kittens. Two of them appeared very sick but the third was in better condition. Desperate and not knowing what to do, we called our vet Manolis Vorisis who lives and works in Syros. Manolis sent a volunteer to take the kittens to the clinic where he works.

Sadly, the two sick ones could not be saved. But the third kitten (the tri-color calico), after 2 days of being hospitalized in the clinic, made a full recovery and came back with us to Amorgos. Her name now is Fani.

During the same period another kitten was found abandoned on the streets of Amorgos and was brought to our Center. We named her Frinta. The kittens are exactly the same age so they became immediately friends.

As you can imagine, they have a lot of energy and they do not stop playing. These two adorable kittens are available for adoption—please contact us at azi.amorgos@gmail.com if you are interested. They will thrive in a loving home!

Announcing a Vet Visit for June 2 & 3

ANNOUNCEMENT

Veterinarian Dimitrios Vasalakis will be in Amorgos on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 of June.

He will perform examinations at Animal Zone International's veterinary clinic at Pera Rachidi of Katapola.

Those who care for stray cats please contact us.

For more information, please contact either the veterinarian at telephone number +30 694 4278947 or AZI's program coordinator at telephone number +30 697 4990045.

Sparrow Rescue

Rescue of the Day

The schoolchildren of the Primary School of Katapola found a small sparrow that could not yet fly and realized it needed some help. They went to their teachers and let them know. 

We were called in to attend to the bird. While there we took the opportunity to say a few words to the students about how one cares for such a small bird. 

We returned to our Center with the bird to look after it, promising the students that we will keep them informed of the health of the little sparrow, with hopes that it would eventually be released. 

A GREAT BRAVO to the teachers and one BIGGEST BRAVO to the students. Today's lesson came to all of us from them.

Help AZI Raise Funds on GoFundMe!

AZI has created a GoFundMe page to raise money for pay for food and vaccinations for the cats of Amorgos.

Check it out here: https://www.gofundme.com/animalzoneinternational

And please help us spread the word! 

Arangon and Bobbie are adopted!

At the end of March, our 2 handsome, big boys Bobbie and Arangon embarked on a long journey— and beginning the next chapter in their lives. 

These two dogs were found abandoned when they were only 2 months old and sadly they spent the next 2 and a half years waiting for their forever home.

Just as we were despairing that that we would never find a home for them we received notice from the Dutch organization with which we cooperate regarding interest in these dogs. And we were so thrilled when the interest eventually led to adoption. 

On 23 of March Bobbie and Arangon traveled from Amorgos, where their lives had no future, to Holland, to start a life as a member of a family, inside a home.

We've heard nothing but good news about their new lives, and we wish a wonderful, happy life to the adopters and our lovely boys Arangon and Bobbie!

Additionally we are very grateful for the work of the Dutch organization Mirtos Animal Project https://www.mirtos.nu/. A big thanks goes to them, as they find amazing homes for our sweet animals. 

Seeking help with the garden

Do you have a green thumb? We need gardening help at our Center on Amorgos!

The garden is threatening to turn into a jungle. We welcome anyone who likes gardening and is willing to volunteer their time to help us at our Center in Pera Rachidi.

The work that is needed includes clearing vegetation, cleaning of area and painting. Any help you can offer is welcome!

JOIN US FOR THE INSIDE STORY OF SALVATOR MUNDI!

JOIN US FOR THE INSIDE STORY OF SALVATOR MUNDI!

Robert Simon, a renowned specialist of old Master paintings and board member of AZI, was a key player in the rediscovery and verification of the ‘last da Vinci,’ the painting now known as Salvator Mundi.

Christie's has called this painting “without question the greatest artistic rediscovery of the 21st century,” and, at auction last November, this masterpiece sold for an historic record of over $450 million.

On the evening of April 12th, Dr. Simon will recount his part in the fascinating story behind the rediscovery of Salvator Mundi, the last Leonardo held in private hands.

Join us at Sky Terrace, on the 54th floor of The Galleria, for an exciting evening of stories and magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline. Wine and Italian specialties by La Villetta will be served.

This event is a benefit for Animal Zone International, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to saving animals, improving the environment, and shaping tomorrow's future for island communities, beginning with the Greek island of Amorgos.

Thursday, April 12 at 8pm
Sky Terrace at The Galleria
117 East 57th Street, 54th Floor
New York, NY 10022

Buy your tickets here: https://salvatormundi.eventbrite.com

“It’s kind of scary—I wrapped it in a bin liner and jumped in a taxi with it.”

— Robert Simon, 2005

Ready for Release

Makis is Ready for Release

One of the kittens from Arkesini, who came to us during our sterilization program, was in such bad shape that we kept him at our center in hopes of helping him regain his health.

After two weeks of medication and proper nutrition, Makis has gained weight, was neutered and is now ready to go back to his home neighborhood.

Unfortunately, the situation in the area of Arkesini, as well as the entire region of Kato Meria, is not good. The stray cats there are starving and we have heard of many poisonings.

We wish to bring stability to this area but we can't do it without your help. Please donate and join our efforts to create a better life for the stray cats and kittens of Amorgos.

No amount is too small. Please give today!

Dr. Manolis Vorisis

Animal Zone International and the people of Amorgos and all the islands of the Cyclades are grateful for the magnificent work of Dr. Manolis Vorisis.

Dr. Vorisis has made cats of the Cyclades famous around the world, and his standards for veterinarian surgery and animal care are incomparable. Long ago, Dr. Vorisis went out into the streets of these islands and, witnessing the desperate needs of a multitude of stray animals, decided to devote his life to creating safe and beautiful havens for these fragile creatures.

Beginning on the island of Syros, the capital of the Cyclades, Dr. Vorisis worked to transform dangerous areas where homeless cats gathered into safe and beautiful gardens, his mantra and slogan being, “The ugly shall become beautiful.”

Dr. Vorisis believes that it is important to change the way we humans see and interact with members of the animal kingdom and so he began to organize volunteers who were willing to knock on doors in the neighborhoods to talk about the ways in which it was possible to change the lives of these struggling felines.

Since 2017 Dr. Vorisis has spread his message beyond Syros and now he is the scientific director and advisor at the clinic run by Animal Zone International here on Amorgos.  His advice and support gives us the courage and inspiration to continue our fight to make a better life for the animals with whom we share our island.

During our spring sterilization program, not only did Dr. Vorisis sterilize sixty-three cats in two days, he also helped us clean and revitalize our own garden. He helped to prune our trees and plants to allow more light to enter that area, creating a welcoming, safe and beautiful haven for the cats of Amorgos.

As the good doctor says, “We must create beauty in our world.” We feel Dr. Vorisis is an amazing human being as well as an amazing veterinarian, and we are proud to partner with him in this important work.

Thank you Dr. Vorisis from all of us on the island of Amorgos!

Spring Sterilization Program

AZI's sterilization program was a success! We surpassed our goal of sixty cats by three: the final count was sixty-three cats in two days.

Thirty-four females and twenty-nine males are now protected against producing the scores of litters that leave too many fragile kittens suffering from malnutrition and infection across our island.

Most of the cats came from the area of Katapola. Two were from Saint George Valsamitis, six were from Arkesini, and one came from Tholaria (Aegiali).

We want to thank all of those kind residents who helped us to bring these strays to our center—it was truly an all-island project.

All of the cats are now back in their home territory except for three sick ones who were too weak to withstand the operation. We are now treating their wounds with antibiotics and hoping very much that all three will soon be strong enough to bear the procedure and be returned to their home areas.

Animal Zone International along with the Municipality of Amorgos funded the cost of the vet Dr. Manolis Vorisis, his transportation, as well as the medications and surgical materials that were necessary to make this program a great success.

As well, we want to thank the lovely Pension Anna (http://www.studioanna-amorgoa.com/) for hosting Dr. Vorisis at their wonderful hotel. Thank you all!

SPRING STERILIZATION PROGRAM FOR CATS

Animal Zone International, in cooperation with the Municipality of Amorgos, will be conducting a sterilization program for stray cats on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 of March 2018. The cost of the program will be covered by Animal Zone International and the Municipality of Amorgos.

Owners who do not wish their cats to be sterilized are kindly requested to keep them in their home on the two days when the program is being conducted or to place a collar around their necks so that our volunteers will not catch them.

As a reminder, according to Law 4039/2012, article 5, item g: The owner of the dominant pet is obliged to take care of its sterilization if he does not wish to keep the newborn animals or can not dispose them to new owners. He is also required to ensure the microchip and the recording of his animal as well as to issue a health booklet, but also to place a metallic badge on the collar of the animal, which is provided annually by the veterinarians during the annual rabies vaccination.

AZI Dogs Video

A look back at the many dogs we have rescued over the years, in conjunction with the Amorgos Animal Welfare Society.

Aphrodite

Aphrodite arrived at our Center a few weeks ago, looking very unwell. She had serious infections in both her eyes as well as a respiratory infection. She had no appetite and was just skin and bones.

Now after a few weeks in our care, with proper nutrition and medical treatment, she has fully recovered and will so be able to return to her normal life. Doesn't she look gorgeous now? 

Ermis and Dias

Last May, two kittens were found left alone in a chicken coop and brought to our Center where they received health-restoring treatments. The Filozoiki's secretary Anna Maria brought the kittens home to live with her and her daughter Melina.

Melina fell madly in love with the kittens and named them Ermis and Dias. She sleeps with them, cares for them, and even sews clothes for them. What a thrill to know that Ermis and Dias have found love and joy in a safe and caring home.

We wish them all a long and happy life together. And a Happy Valentine's Day to all!