:: Testimonials ::

The plight of dogs and cats in Rhodes

Dear sir/madam,

I recently visited Rhodes for a holiday and was very distressed by the indifference of the Greek people towards its stray and abandoned dogs and cats.I was staying at an hotel in Kallithsea and found an orphaned kitten outside the hotel which was sick and dehydrated, in addition the kitten was being plagued by visitors at the hotel.Thankfully after a sleepless night regarding the future wefare of the kitten, I read by chance the tourist notice board in the hotel which highlighted the problem and gave the tel no of the municipal sanctuary for dogs and cats. I immediately rang and spoke to Maria a volunteer who listened carefully and then advised me to take the kitten there for assessment and urgent attention.

I am so grateful to the centre for there help as I felt completely helpless.I gave a donation to the centre but I realise that they require tremendous on going support in order to maintain the animal welfare service.I intend to make a regular monetary contribution to the centre but I would also like to offer my assistance as a hands on volunteer, as I believe that at the end of the summer season help is required with dealing with the homeless animals.The roaming free spirited dogs also touched my heart strings as there temperaments are superb particularly with respect to the heat and when surrounded by lounging tourists. I suppose to survive the summer, they learn to blend in with the scenery hardly ever barking or misbehaving.

Needless to say my two dogs would never survive such a lifestyle as they are far too spoilt and demanding.Unfortunately I am allergic to cats and was therefore unable to offer a home to the kitten, although I understand that visitors to Rhodes and neighbouring islands have actually adopted dogs and cats to their homeland.Although I was informed that UK adoption is by far the most difficult and complex to arrange.However it is a consideration of mine in the near future after meeting one dog at the centre called Timmy who I was told was difficult to re home for different reasons (age being one).

Michelle Ryan