Animal Action in Amorgos

Over three days in June, a total of 55 equines—37 donkeys, 10 mules and 8 horses—were seen and cared for by the Animal Action team in the following areas: Vroutsi, Arkesini, Kolofana, Langada, Tholaria, Ormos, Chora and Katapola.

During the program we were informed about an unwanted old mule (40 years old) that the owner no longer wanted. The mule had broken his hip, which fortunately healed, but prohibited the mule from continuing to work. So for his retirement, the mule will come to AZI’s stable and we welcome his addition.
 
The team also examined a two-year-old stallion who was kept with his legs tied together. This practice of tying the legs is seriously detrimental and can permanently damage the legs. Instead, the team offered advice about a better way to tie a horse, using a halter and collar. A halter and collar was bought for the owner, and we hope that he will use it and that the quality of life of the horse will improve.
 
The residents of Amorgos have embraced the program and they eagerly await the annual visit of the Animal Action team.

We want to thank Animal Action for sending the team: Michali Gagani, a veterinarian specializing in equines, the farrier Gianni Mprastiano, our volunteer Lea Voegeli who offer us great help, and Panagiotis Psychogios (the Pensione Panos) who hosted the vet. 

A big round of thank yous also go to the owners of the many animals who participated in the program.

Animal Action at work in Amorgos, Greece, June 23–25, 2016

Equine Care

On the flyer below, translated from Greek, and distributed on Amorgos:

In collaboration with Animal Zone International, the Equine Care team of ANIMAL ACTION – GAWF 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 three days: Thursday, June 23rd, Friday June 24th and Saturday June 25th. 

Whoever has donkeys, mules, or horses who need care, please contact Animal Zone International 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.
                   
THURSDAY JUNE 23—KATO MERIA
Time: 18:30 p.m. Vroutsi (Georgalini Parking)
Time: 20:00 p.m. Arkesini (Cafe)

FRIDAY JUNE 24—AEGIALI
Time: 10:00 a.m. Over Parking Langada
Time: 13:00 p.m. Parking Tholaria
Time: 15:00 p.m. Parking Ormos Aegiali (next to Lucky Hotel)

FRIDAY JUNE 24—CHORA
Time: 18:00 p.m. Parking of Chora (to the Health Center)
     
SATURDAY JUNE 25—KATAPOLA
Time: 10:30 a.m. Agrokipio (Next to Exarchopoulos)

A School Visit

On June 10, 2016, Anastasia Voulgaridi and Efi Pavlidou, two volunteers, visited Aegiali’s primary school to talk about the well-being of animals with the children. This year's presentation focused on the animal farm industry and considering the choices we make about what we eat. As Amorgos is an island in which religion plays a large role, the relationship of Christianity and animals was also discussed.
 
On this visit we were very pleased to award to the winners of last year’s art contest their prizes—brand new bicycles! The winners were students of first and third class of the primary school, and we hope they enjoy riding their new bikes.

The two winners receiving their new bikes!

Rescue of a Common Buzzard

In February, a common buzzard was rescued from a hencoop in Ormos on Aegiali. The bird remained with us for ten days, at which point it was examined by Dr. Vassalakis and was discovered to have a wing fracture that had not been obvious at the beginning of its stay. We decided to send the bird to the Rescue Center for Wild Birds, “Alkioni,” in Paros, and by March it had come back to Amorgos healthy and strong and ready to return to its natural habitat.
During its stay at “Alkioni,” our own bird was examined and treated along with a second common buzzard that had been rescued and sent to Paros. Both birds were treated successfully and were released back into the area of Aegliali.

We want to thank the local volunteer, Jennie Arvaniti, who rescued and sent our bird to us. We also want to thank another volunteer and member of the local animal welfare society, “Panagiotis Pshogios,” who helped to care for the bird while at the same time sharing with us his extensive knowledge of wild birds. As well, we would like to thank the Aegean Wildlife Hospital, “Alkioni”——who took care of the two birds as well as for their excellent cooperation during these many years. Finally, we would like to thank Dimitris Synodinos (Amorgos Diving Center) who was the rescuer of the second bird and was able to release both of them back into nature.

For more informations about Common Buzzards here:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_buzzard

Christos Adopted

In October little Christos was adopted by a family in Holland, who had previously rescued a stray dog from Athens. They are clearly enjoying each other's company!

Charlie (Koutcho) says Hello from Holland

Koutcho, now Charlie, was adopted in Holland in 2009, when he was about six years old. He is now a senior dog at 12 year old, but still very handsome (see photo of Charlie with his tie on). We're so happy to get an update from you, Charlie!

Happy Holidays!

Spay/Neuter Program Continues

AZI continues with its ongoing spay/neuter program for feral cats in Amorgos. Last week 105 cats sterilized (59 females and 46 males) the Aegiali area. We'd like to thank Dr. Angeliki Degleri, her sister Dr. Gina Degleri, Dr. Antonio Sessa and all the other volunteers who help AZI with the project.

Hotel and Spa Vacation Packages to Amorogos!

Aegiali Hotel

We are getting excited about our upcoming fundraiser on November 4th! Auction items are coming in; spectacular art and photography including works by Eric Amouyal, Mark Kostabi, Jan Meissner, Kathy Shorr, Charles Traub and William Wegman. Also many vacation packages from hotels in Amorgos such as the Aegiali Hotel and Spa (photo below) and the Hotel Minoa.

Buy tickets at www.azi2015.eventbrite.com. 

See you there!

Little Nano

View fullsize

Little Nano was found on 16 of September. Litsa, our coordinator, heard a kitten crying while walking her dog. But because the kitten was located inside a garden, she left it and returned to next day to check on it. The kitten was still crying so she found the owner of the property and received permission to search the area. Little Nano was found under a plant crying nonstop, no mother around. She appeared to be only a couple weeks old. Back at the AZI center, little Nano received care and nourishment from a baby bottle at first and is she is starting to eat by herself. She is a happy and sweet kitten and she will be available for adoption in 1 month.

The Argos Fall Benefit 2015

View fullsize

Fluffy, another blind kitten

Fluffy is another blind kitten who arrived in August from Aegiali. Sadly, she lost both eyes from a bad infection. A man found her in the trash can and called AZI. At our center she is receiving care in the form of antibiotics and eye drops. She eats very well and has started to play. We think the chances are good for her to become a healthy, strong cat.

Welcoming Anna and Maria

Anna

Maria

We are pleased to welcome two retired donkeys to our shelter. Both come from Chora and are too old for work. Anna arrived Aug 5th and came from a poor farming family. She carried many loads up the mountains in her lifetime and deserves a happy life in retirement. Maria arrived on August 27th and is still adjusting to her new life at our stable. She worked hard has a young donkey but more recently was not working so she has a bit more energy for her age. We hope she will make friends with the others at the stable and enjoy her retirement.