AZI Inaugural Benefit
AZI Shelter News
After Paola the mare, and Pepperina the donkey, two new friends have arrived at the Animal Shelter created by AZI in Amorgos: Mona, a mule who is over fifteen years old, and Ntaizy the donkey who is - top this! - 30 years old. At meal times Mona becomes a bit aggressive… she has not been fed properly for many years. Ntaizy, on the other hand is very calm and likes to be stroked by visitors and even rubs herself against them. Here you see the four them getting along quite well together and enjoing some peace after so much abuse. It is really wonderful to see animals re-acquire some trust in humans and humans learn how to respect them.
All of them have been a great success, especially, with children, and most of all with Philozoiki founding member Vangelitza, who cannot keep away from them. As the family grows so do the needs to keep well foraged and clean… we need your help!
Philozoiki News
Easter Sunday 2012. At the market fair held in the main square of Katapola, members of The Society for the Protection of Animal Life in Amorgos set up a booth to sell handmade candles and biscuits. It was the first money raising event organized by the society, and it was a sensational hit.
None of the candles and biscuits went unsold. In photo number one Lamia, Simona, her daughter Lisa, Hariklia, Aggeliki, and Rania and Vangelitsa are seen making the candleware. In photo number three Gitwa, Lamia, Vangelitsa, Aggeliki and Simona enjoy a moment of well-deserved-after-sale relax . This type of fund-raising activity is a sure sign that the Philozoikiis no longer a fledgeling society of well meaning people, but a fully established reality that “means business.” Please join in the effort!
Stamatis's Generosity
Minoa Hotel
Guests: "Fine de la comedia. End of the show. We are checking out tomorrow. We love your cozy hotel, Stamatis, with all its plants that grow as sturdy as baobabs, and the praying mantis, and the view of the harbor, from the terrace, my God what a view! But we have to leave, so if you would please prepare our bill..."
Stamatis: "We enjoyed having you. Please come back to see us next year. By the way, I heard about your involvement with the Philozoiki, and I'd like to make a contribution. One night is on me. That is, I'll write a check to the Philozoiki in the amount you pay me for one night."
"Paolas," I Mean... Horses
The youngest daughter of Reverend Paraskevas, from the main Church in Katapola (Amorgos), has a whole stable of toy horses. She makes sure to parade them all before her father’s guests.
What’s the name of the one with the golden mane? "Paola," she answers. And the pony’s name? "Paola." And the dappled one? "Paola."
Wait a minute, are all your horses named Paola? “Nai, nai, of course. Paola is my name for hyppo. They are all called after the beautiful mare that was rescued from the hands of a local ogre. She now lives at the stable of the Philozoike, where I go visit her with my brothers and sister.”
A few years from now - at the moment she is 3 - she may learn that using a proper name in lieu of a common noun is a reverse case of antonomasia. Another Greek word? Please give me a break, she will say to her teacher. I care little for rhetoric: horses, I mean paolas, is what I care for.
Paper Ashtrays
Mr. Roussos is the new Mayor of Amorgos. Like his predecessor, Mr. Fostieris, he is very much in favor of Animal Zone's initiatives. He could not believe his eyes, however, when he realized that we had schlepped 2,000 AZI paper ashtrays all the way to his island. Flabbergasted as he was, he thought it was a great idea and asked for more!
““Whenever you can... We’ll take our butt dropping cigarette smokers by surprise. So many of our visitors, not to speak of the locals, must think of Amorgos as a vast ash-tray: they leave their smoker’s marks everywhere. These ashtrays are great, I will make sure they are distributed throughout. Disposing properly of cigarette butts goes hand in hand with caring for animals. It will be another step toward learning how to respect nature as a whole.””
In the meantime, Philozoike supporter and chain smoker Sophokles Prekas is setting a public example. And so is Stamatis who owns the Minoa Hotel and distributes our origami ashtrays to all his guests (just in case).
From Our President
It has been a transformative year in Amorgos. Oursponsorship of a local veterinarian has changed the life of many animals and of many people who depend on them. This generated much support and interest on the part of the community. New attention has been given to the animal health and well-being. We sponsored Dr. Despoti’s internship in one of the most prestigious no-kill animal shelters in the the US, PAWS Chicago. Since her return in March, Dr. Despotihastreated various animals in need and sterilized and released over 30 stray cats. It seems a small step but it makes a huge difference. And through these little steps we are transforming a way of being.
We thank all of you for your help and we count on your contributions to continue. Without your help we would not be able to make all of these small steps come together to transform the fate of so many neglected animals on the island.
Recently we were contacted by a tourist in Amorgos who noticed that cats were being fed in a dangerous road-side position. We greatly appreciate being informed of any maltreatment of animals witnessed on the island. We count on your continuous support. A small action can make a huge difference in the life of many animals and the environment in which they live.
It's Official!
Congratulations to our friends and collaborators, Vangeliou, Anna, Isabella and Rita. PMAA (Philozoic Merimna Association of Amorgos) is an officially registered organization now. Finally! We look forward to continuing our collaboration and bringing news of your efforts to all of the supporters of AZI.
Paola and Pepperina from the day their hooves were clipped and cleaned. Roza, a German ex-vet assistant who now lives permanently in Lagkada, showed us how it’s done.
Dr. Maria Despoti at PAWS Chicago
Dr. Despoti in Chicago
AZI sponsored our resident veterinarian, Dr. Maria Despoti for a two-week learning visit at the extraordinary PAWS Chicago. Since its founding in 1997 by Paula Fasseas, the number of homeless dogs and cats killed annually has dropped more than 50 percent. During her visit, Dr. Maria got to experience the practical philosophy and mission to build a no-kill Chicago for homeless pets. Her studies focused on the needs of the patients--to relieve disease, suffering, or disability while minimizing pain or fear--all with the most up-to-date medicine and medical technology.
First Sheltered Place for Animals on the Island
The stable
Great news!!! During the past summer the Mayor of Amorgos graciously accepted our invitation to offer a piece of land as the first shelter for some animals of the island. AZI has sponsored the construction of a new stable on the land. Designed and constructed by Antonio Marvos, the stable is set on the slope of a lush, green field and has the capacity to house several large animals. Paola the horse and Pepperina the donkey are the two first residents. It is thanks to Evangelio, Katerina, Rita, Theodosi, Anna and Dr. Despoti that Paola has recovered so well and Pepperina, at almost 30 years old, has found a new home to spend her last years in old age. Despite the occasionally kicking around, they are always close together both calling each other when they are separated for a while.
Horse and donkey
This is significant step in the life of the island as it is not common to have fencing and shelter for equines. The preferred method of restraining is to hobble the animals by tying their legs together, to keep them confined. Thus, most importantly this construction marks the beginning to the end of the cycle of neglect and abuse.
Everyone is welcome to visit and learn how to care for the animals. Educational programs at the stable will teach children empathy, compassion and how to care for pets and farm animals. Tourists will find a tranquilrepose here which will promote a more welcoming atmosphere to the island.
Good News — AZI Sponsors a Vet for Amorgos
Oct 2010—Working with the mayor and government council, Animal Zone has moved forward on our plan to hire a vet for the island of Amorgos. Dr. Maria Despoti, a young veterinarian from Thessaloniki, arrived in Amorgos in mid-October 2010 for a two-month trial. For us, this means gaining ground in our goal of maintaining a healthy cat population, and providing regular healthcare for the neglected dogs, goats, mules and all other animals on the island. So far, she has worked closely with the local animal group PMAA for all regular and emergency animal care, such as caring for Paola the mare, treating a cat with crushed feet, vaccinating the dogs up the mountain as well as the two puppies that have been recently saved. We are pleased to hear that as the Amorgosian community learn of Dr. Despoti’s presence, they are bringing the stray animals from their distant villages, in particular the village of Lengarda, to the AZI clinic for sterilization, vaccinations and basic healthcare.
We hope to extend her contract for a year. As you can imagine, expenses for retaining a vet, the medicine and vaccines needed for the animals, and other costs of operating an animal clinic require a lot of money. This is our main goal for raising money now. We believe having a vet available on the island will completely transform the lives of the animals as well as the community.
AZI’s New Clinic!
Sept 2010 — For the past year, Animal Zone has worked tirelessly to set up a veterinary clinic in the village of Xilokeratidi, supplying it with much needed medical equipment. In order to keep the clinic open and available to the community, we need your help—please make a donation.
Prior to this, the only vet facility that was available was provided by the municipality, and was not more than a space (no equipment), in the village of Chora, which is a great distance away. Our new facility, open since January 2010, is located in a rented basement of a local pensione, and serves all animals of the areas of Xilokeratidi, Katapola, Rachidi and Nera and all other animals that are brought to it. Without the completion of this facility, it would not be possible to have a vet come and take care of all the regular and emergency medical care for the animals of the island.
A New Local Association Is Formed
Sept 2010 — We are thrilled to announce the formation of the Philozoic Merimna Association of Amorgos (PMAA), an association of volunteers who are dedicated to the protection and care for all the animals on Amorgos, from the strays to the domestic and productive animals. This is a dream come true. This group will be our interlocutor on the island and will not only help to identify and prioritize issues but also ensure that the solutions adopted are fully implemented. AZI is currently offering PMAA financial support as they begin to get organized.
Manolis
Fall 2010 - One of the founding fathers of Philozoic Merimna Association of Amorgos (PMAA), Manolis has been feeding approximately 50 cats every day for a number of years. Some across the street from his house, some at Nonda's orchards about 2 miles away and some behind the Saint Georgios Balsamitis Hotel in Xilokeratidi. When Manolis goes home from work many cats show up from no where to greet him.
A Government-Issued Decree Regarding Animal Welfare
Memo
Sept 2010 — In August 2010, an important document from the Office of Public Safety was circulated to the local agencies requiring the local police departments to take seriously the complaints of animal abuses or death they receive from individuals and groups. It appears that the Greek government is becoming aware of the negative press the country is receiving in response to the treatment of animals that is being witnessed by Greeks and tourists alike and commands that the local agencies take immediate action by investigating and enforcing the law.
It is significant that the official line is now to cooperate with animal rights groups such as our. It certainly helps when we have the Mayor on our side and joining our efforts.
Eye Infections
Gris
Fall 2010 - Widespread throughout the island, eye infections have caused the loss of one, sometimes both eyes in many cats. The problem could be partially solved by treating new born kittens and vaccinating them as soon as possible. Unfortunately there are far to many cats in the island, often leaving in locations that are hard to be reached. Furthermore, many people don't know how to handle these cases. We are studying ways to prevent the sperading of infectious deaseases and their transmission from parents to offspring. Also, we are educating cat owners about it.
An Affectionate Master
August 2010 - Animals in general are all too often the victim of their master's cruelty and carelessness. Shepherds in particular are notoriously mean to them. Yet there are exceptions. Here an affectionate master in love with his dog contacted Dr. Vassalakis to treat a tumor growing on the animal's paw.
The Continuing Work of Dr. Vassalakis
Summer 2010
Dr. Vassalakis, our traveling vet from Naxos, went to the island of Amorgos three times during the year 2010, to continue his work of sterilization, vaccination and emergency surgeries for the dogs, cats and other animals of Amorgos. He also provided passports to those lucky dogs who were to be adopted in Holland. To prepare a dog for travel outside of Greece, we must micro-chip, vaccinate, and apply for a passport for the animal. All of this adds up to about 350 euros per animal.
On the road, treating a dog with a broken leg
Setting up AZI clinic in Xilokeratidi
Anna Shares Spaghetti - A Change for the Better!
Anna and her family visit Amorgos every summer to take a break from their busy lives in the city of Athens. Anna’s mom also believes spending time in Amorgos is a wonderful chance for the children to experience life closer to nature. But in the past, the cats of Amorgos looked so sickly that Anna’s mother would not let her children near them for fear of disease. Now, after three years of AZI’s work in Amorgos, the cats are noticeably healthier. And with that knowledge, Anna’s mom is happy to let little Anna play, feed, touch and hug the cats near their summer home. Anna is pleased to have the opportunity to play with her furry four-legged friends!
Last year, when she was only 1 1/2 years old, Anna shared her bowl of spaghetti with a couple of cats from AZI’s program. This summer, see how much Anna has grown and the cats are happier and healthier too!
Updates on Dogs
August 2009 - Though much fewer in number than cats, dogs do not lead a healthier or happier life in Amorgos. Several dogs are kept tethered to a tree or post, completely isolated in very remote areas of the island, subject to mudslides, with no food, water or shelter. Their masters misuse them as shepherd dogs and believe that a mistreated dog responds more efficiently to their needs. They have no idea that properly trained sheep dogs do exist and can perform their duties routinely without having to be tortured and kept isolated. Eight of them, semi-abandoned by their masters, are cared for by Lamia, a very active volunteer. She visits them daily and gives them food and water. Animal Zone has provided wooden dog houses so the animals can have shelter from the weather which can become quite severe in the winter months. But upon visiting them and observing the unhealthy conditions in which they live, it is clear that much more needs to be done.
Let’s take a look at the life of the dogs under AZI’s care. There are some little lights visible in the dark, one only has to make quite an effort to see them and evaluate them. For instance:
The manager of the municipal camping where, thanks to the mayor, we have set up houses for the stray dogs Koutcho and Fovitziari, complained at the beginning of the tourist season about the presence of the dogs. He claimed that they barked so much that the camping guests could not sleep. Luckily, the mayor was not so easily convinced and replied that he would handle any complaint that would come from the camping guests themselves and no sooner. So our two dogs are still living their happy camping-life and even enjoyed some extra attention and/or food from camping guests. Fovitziari, the frightened one, definitely has gained more confidence and courage.
Where most passers-by (in their car or on their motorbike) enjoy the beautiful Amorgian landscape without a second thought for the chained dogs in the view, Vicky, a Greek woman from Athens, while enjoying her holiday on Amorgos, decided to file an official complaint about the situation of those poor dogs she saw chained-up along the road. She had done the same on the island of Karpathos and that case will be brought to court there soon, we hope (after three years!). However, within 2 days after the complaint was made, the dogs disappeared from their place and were found in a dirty, barren and desolated field, where the shepherd who owns the dogs often ‘parks’ a dog he doesn’t use for a while. Two out of the four dogs there did not have any shade and were forced to endure the burning August sun. When we saw the situation, we improvised some protection for them with some crates and pallets. They could hardly wait until we were finished to crawl into their shady spots.