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SPRING BENEFIT — TUESDAY, May 7th
SPRING BENEFIT — TUESDAY, May 7th

Rescue Stories

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Puppy for adoption

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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.

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A Mother and Baby Arrives

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One recent morning Litsa, AZI's coordinator in Amorgos, received a call from a woman about a young cat and her kitten. The mother-cat is not more than a kitten herself at 7 months old and she did not know how to care for her kitten. She gave birth in a hen house where the ground was dirty and cold and where the kitten was at risk of being stepped on. The woman noticed this and tried to move the kitten and his mom to a warm nest many times, but the mother kept moving him back to the hen house. Also the mother cat left the baby alone for long periods of time during the day and he was not getting enough milk, so we brought the baby and his mother to the center. We will keep the mother and kitten together in a crate for a few days so that the kitten will have a chance to nurse and grow strong. Then, we will move them to the office to give her a rest and where Litsa will keep an eye on them. When they first arrived, the poor kitten was so hungry and cold he purred so loudly when he finally had his mother close by, giving him warmth and nourishment.

We named them Bonnie (the mother) and Clyde (the baby). Once the little one has been weaned and the mom has been spayed, they will be released back to the area from where they came.

UPDATE: July 3, 2014--Mom Bonnie and baby Clyde were released today. After being at the center for about a month, baby Clyde has grown up and learned how to eat by himself. Both were given treatments for fleas, ticks and worms, and Bonnie was vaccinated (Clyde is still too young). They were returned to their home area, which is a big garden outside the village, full of trees, and safe from cars or poison. We'll miss them but wish them well.

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Another Baby Goat Rescue

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On Saturday afternoon, volunteers in Aegiali called Litsa, AZI's coordinator. On a walk to the beach, they found a baby goat, only few days old, and all alone. Thinking that its mother was nearby they left it, but two days later they found the baby goat at the same place, and this time, she was clearly weak from hunger. Anastasia and Giorgos undertook to feed her with a baby bottle and put the word out. A wildlife care center in Aegina came forward and was interested in adopting her. They recently rescued another baby goat from Athens, and they wanted to adopt another one to give their goat some company. We thought that this was the best offer for our little rescue too, so we sent her over. Here are some photos of our latest rescue and her new friend.

EKPAZ’s baby goat Feggaroula, who will become Anabell’s friend.

EKPAZ’s baby goat Feggaroula, who will become Anabell’s friend.

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Loulou's Story

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Gorgeous Loulou was found a year ago (March 2013). She was suffering from respiratory disease and continuous diarrhea. Thankfully, after long-term treatment, she got better, and she now is the white beauty that you see in the bottom photo. She was also vaccinated and spayed and is currently living at AZI's center, waiting to be adopted to a forever home.

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Baby Goat Rescue

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We have two new baby goats in our care: Thodora and Melenia. *** Thodora was first spotted on the mountain by Angeliki, the president of the Filozoiki. Although Thodora was alone, Angeliki thought that her mother was nearby. But the baby goat had an injured leg, and that was a concern, so Litsa, our coordinator, went to look for her but couldn't find her.

She did, however, find the owner of the baby goat. He told Litsa that he noticed the injured leg for few days. Litsa offered to have the goat treated at the center, and when she was better, the baby goat would be returned to its flock. He agreed and later brought the baby goat over.

We consulted with our vet who gave instructions for her treatment. Day by day her leg is showing improvement and she has started to take small steps with it. In the beginning she was a fearful, wild animal, who was hiding all the time. Now when she hears Litsa's voice, she starts to reply and she comes directly. Litsa tells us she is a very funny little goat!

*** On Sunday, February 23rd, we received a call from a girl in Chora who had seen a baby blind goat in the middle of the main road from Chora to Aegiali.

She had informed all the shepherds who have flocks in the area but after three days and the goat was still there, she turned to Litsa for help. The goat was at a great risk of being hit by a passing car. Immediately Angeliki and Litsa went to rescue the baby goat, who was given the name Melenia.

She was brought to Litsa's garden where she joins Thodora. Our vet was consulted about how to treat Melenia's eyes. We suspect that she was not born blind because she is a fat, healthy baby. It is more likely that due to a sickness she recently lost her vision.

We hope that she will be able to see again one day. Right now, she is still afraid but as she grows comfortable in her new, safe home, we're certain that will change, just as it had with Thodora.

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A Victory for Liza

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Liza when found

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.

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P3220121_sm-300x225.jpg

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, 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.

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Two Tiny Orange Tabbies

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Artemis
Artemis
Fidias
Fidias

A couple of new very young kittens have arrived at the center and are slowing gaining their health and strength.

Artemis, with the beautiful blue eyes, is a female kitten brought to the center as a 1-month old. A kind young man found her and wanted to keep her but his landlady had a different idea about that. He brought Artemis to our center and even offered to do some voluntary work there, which we welcome wholeheartedly.

Fidias and his brother Friksos came to our shelter as frail 1-week old kittens. For some reason their mother rejected and abandoned them. They were found by a man who was concerned for their welfare and brought them to the shelter. Unfortunately, Friksos did not survive despite our best attempts. However Fidias is doing well and growing up.

These lovely kittens will be available for adoption in a few months. Won't you consider giving one of them a new home?

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Kittens kittens kittens

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These adorable kittens, including Chloe, were rescued this summer. Several were raised by the bottle. They will be available for adoption once they are over 2 months old. Are you able to give one of them a home? Visit the Adoption page to read more about our available cats and kittens.

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Chloe the kitten

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Chloe and her brother Cooper were rescued in May at 2 weeks old after their mother was poisoned and died. Sadly, Cooper did not survive but his little sister Chloe is stronger and we believe that she'll manage to pull through. Liza, our rescue dog, has taken on the role of the unofficial "nurse" of the shelter. She is seen here, offering comfort and warmth to Chloe.

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Meet Micky, Another Rescue

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Micky before

Micky before

Micky after a haircut

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.

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Liza's story, continued

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Liza at the shelter

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!

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A Rescue

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Liza when we found her

Liza when we found her

Cleaning up Liza

Cleaning up Liza

Liza healthy and happy

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.

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Special Cat Seeks Special Home

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Afroditi is a beautiful 2-year-old cat, whose back legs are paralyzed due to an old fracture. She arrived at the shelter in December, and is very shy and fearful, spending most of her time in the closet. With her immobile back legs, she walks on her knees, which results in cuts on her legs if she goes outside. Luckily, if she stays indoors, she does just fine.

We are hoping to find an experienced cat handler to foster her, someone who is willing to give her tender loving care and help her come out of her shell. She is a special girl and we'd love to see her become more confident and relaxed.

If you are interested in helping Afroditi, please contact us at info@animal-zone.org.

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Meet Donald and Ntaizi

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Donald and Ntaizi

Donald and Ntaizi

Siblings

Siblings

These two adorable black kittens are Donald and Ntaizi, who are brother and sister. As you can see, they have a very close relationship and love to be together. They were found on the road as kittens and arrived at the shelter mid-September 2012. Now, they are healthy 7-month-olds looking for a new home. They are a number of other cats are available for adoption. 

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January Cats

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Manos

Manos

Scoombi
Scoombi

Manos was brought in on January 21st. He is approximately 6 months old and has white shadows under his eyes. He is being treated with Neomycin drops and dewormed. Initially he was being treated in the habitat where he was found but doing this proved too difficult and he has been brought to the clinic for treatment.

Scoombi was found on the road and brought in. He is blind and was dehydrated when he was found. He has been treated with the antibiotic Baytril and physiological serum. At present he is being kept at the clinic.

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A Major Rescue Operation

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The nine puppies that constitute the Fluffy Family (as they have become known to those who visited them at the improvised kennel at the Municipal Camping site in Amorgos) can now add a third F, that of "Fortunate," to their denomination, thanks to the indefatigable work of Lamia, Elephteria and Juliette who rescued them from the most unusual, and hard to believe, circumstances. They were all born and forced to live in a minuscule apartment in Katapola, together with their mothers, and father, and brothers (fifteen dogs altogether) plus their masters, of course, and their child.

Despite the most unhealthy conditions for both humans and animals, it was not easy to convince their lawfully inconsiderate owners to let them go. No rational explanation will ever suffice to explain the mad attachment and the irresponsible carelessness  of the family that caused their own dogs so much pain and discomfort.  As we all see, education is urgently needed and AZI is sustaining an education program throughout the island.

Once the puppies were liberated, however, their stories have taken a radical turn for the better:  Spiro went to Poland; Asproula went to Thessaloniki; Theresa (almost blind), Pepito, Iggy Pop and Parizaki went to Holland thanks to Juliette. Bobby Marley and Leo have been “reserved” buy Dutch families while Jimmy Cliff will be fostered by Juliette herself until a proper accommodation can be secured.

 

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Belly Ache in Katapola

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Well this is what happened: this young fellow from one of the car rental places in Katapola, the one at the edge of the village, as you face the open sea, saw me wandering about without anything to eat and took me to his office. Then he went out and bought some can food. I thought I was in heaven. I had not seen so much food in months, actually weeks (I am a very young cat) and ate it all up if there was no tomorrow. After a while, though, I began to feel the effect of my binge.

I won't tell you the kind of pain and the scare it gave. I think it's worse than a tooth ache, though I haven't had any so far, and I should not be making comparisons. Clearly it was the wrong kind of food, except that my savior had no clue. He thought cat food was cat food and that was it. It goes to show that educational programs (and the right kind of food) are urgently needed. But I was lucky, in the end. The Vet came by and gave me a shot that put an end to my misery.

And I heard that AZI is raising funds to buy the kind of food it takes to feed me and the other kittens who might run the risk of being done in by the very people who intend to save us.