Frinta was found in May, abandoned and crying, on the streets of Amorgos. She was very tiny, only about a month old, and our program coordinator, Litsa, cared for her until we could find Frinta a loving home. Very quickly her sweetness attracted a new family and she has gone to live in her forever home in Athens.
We are blessed to know that Frinta will live a safe and happy life after her difficult beginning.
When Potamoulis arrived at our Center on 20 of August, 2018 he was so weak that he could not walk, was completely dehydrated and just skin and bones, with a mouth infection and a severe wound in his tail with worms that were eating him alive. We were almost sure that he would not survive.
We immediately sent him to the vet in Naxos for a thorough examination and blood tests. His mouth infection was caused by eczema in the tongue and dental problems but he was so weak that we were concerned the anesthesia would be too much for him.
So Potamoulis came back to Amorgos and we followed a course of treatment for his health. When he became strong enough he went back to the vet in Naxos who cleaned his teeth, amputated the dead piece of his tail who we suspected was the main reason of his problems and neutered him. In 1 month the turnaround in this animal was enormous; Potamoulis soon became a big, healthy, strong cat.
Maria, the young woman from Aegiali who found him on the streets, couldn’t let him return to his old life so she decided to adopt him. Maria, thank you for saving Potamoulis!!
We hope that more people will follow Maria's example and instead of simply passing by a creature in need will take action and help in a rescue and recovery.
If you can help, please consider donating so that we have the funds to do our work, including sending the injured and sick animals to the vet and paying for medicine and healthful food. It doesn’t take much to make a huge different in an animals life.
Our next sterilization project will take place in the beginning of November (9, 10 and 11) and the only way to manage it is your generous help. Any amount of money from animal-loving people out there is most welcome.
In Amorgos there is no permanent veterinarian. Until there is a veterinarian on our island, we must either send them by ferry to the nearby island of Naxos, or arrange a visit from the vet, if need be. We then take care of them ourselves and release them back to their neighborhood once they are healthy again. For some who cannot live on their own, we do our best to find a forever home. Sometimes it happens quickly; other times it takes a while. Whatever the case, we make sure our cats are happy.
Twice a year we organize sterilization projects for the stray cats of Amorgos. We get help either from local or international volunteers while at the same time we try to find proper funding in order to pay everything necessary, as this is our biggest and most important project. Even more so when one thinks of the numerous cats that live on the island and whose welfare depends solely on us and the few people who help us.
While there are still people who are against neutering cats (even though they do nothing to help feed them or provide health care for them), we have adopted the global animal welfare community's recognition of neutering as the only approved method of controlling the stray population. Moreover, when we have to watch animals getting run over by cars or searching for food in the garbage bins, when we must resuscitate them when they have been poisoned or burry them when it has been too late, we realize that we still have a long way to go.
To continue our work with the two sterilization projects per year, we must seek more ways of funding. The cost of four projects (covering about 250 cats) is 4000 euro, and therefore we are creating this campaign to raise this sum. Please help us, donate here: https://gogetfunding.com/stand-by-amorgos-cats
Do you remember sweet Bobbie?
Bobbie was found abandoned as a puppy and spent the next 2 and a half years waiting for his forever home. On March 23rd Bobbie and his brother 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 his new life, and here is the proof...!
The morning and a parked car were hiding a pleasant surprise. We received telephone call saying that a kitten was hiding beneath a car and the owner of the car was unable to tempt the crying kitten out.
Once Litsa our coordinator arrived, with her knowledge of the language of cats, she began to meow and a baby boy came running out. Aeneas is a healthy long-haired boy with beautiful big blue eyes and he already shows signs of growing into a large and strong silvery grey adult.
It seems a pity to allow such beauty of live on the streets of Amorgos and, so, we are looking for a home for Aeneas. If you are interested, please, please contact us at: azi.amorgos@gmail.com
Update (10-18): Handsome Aeneas has found a forever home! He is living with a loving family in Athens. The daughter fell in love with him during a visit and the family couldn’t resist. We know them well and are so delighted that Aeneas will be with a caring family for the rest of his life. Updated photos are below.
It is not always easy to tell the stories of our rescues. On the island of Aegiali there was initially a resistance to our sterilization program but we have carried on to great success.
Unfortunately there are still cats who give birth to unwanted kittens and a few days ago three small babies were abandoned in a garbage bin. By grace and good luck they were rescued by a kind man who heard their cries and brought them to our Center. Two small girls and one small boy are now safe and healthy and living in a foster home.
When they are strong and old enough to eat by themselves they will be available for adoption. Their little lives have now been saved and we wish for each one of them a safe and loving home.
On June 13 and 14, a total of 54 equines—31 donkeys, 9 mules and 14 horses—were seen and cared for by the Animal Action team in the following areas on Amorgos: Vroutsi, Kolofana, Langada, Tholaria, Potamos, Chora and Katapola.
The team also spoke and distributed leaflets for the inhumane and illegal habit of keeping the animals' legs tied together. This practice is severe and can permanently damage the legs. Instead, the team offered advice about a better way to tie a horse, mule or donkey, by using a halter and collar. The residents of Amorgos have embraced the program and they eagerly await the annual visit of the Animal Action team.
During the days of the program one of our lovely donkeys at our equine shelter, Daisy, who was already very old became seriously ill. She could not stand upright so euthanasia was deemed necessary. Daisy was a very social donkey who became the mascot of our shelter. We already miss her a lot.
We want to thank Animal Action for sending their team: Kleopatra Triantafilou, a veterinarian specializing in equines, the farrier Gianni Mprastiano, our volunteers Lea Voegeli and Giorgos Zafiriou who offer us much 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.
Several days ago, we were contacted by two tourists who were swimming in the remote beach of Campi and who had discovered a seagull with a broken wing. Because they were not able to capture the frightened bird, we called Alkoni, the Aegean Wildlife Hospital in Paros and asked for their advice. Unfortunately, by that time, the bird had disappeared from the beach of Campi.
Days later the bird was finally captured by two men swimming at the Agia Anna beach. We were able to send the bird to Alkioni in Paros but unfortunately the news is not good. Miguel, as we now call him, must remain at the hospital along with fifty-two seagulls that also are unable to fly.
If Miguel is able to come back to Amorgos, one of our restaurants that is close to the sea must agree to feed this broken-winged bird and keep him close to the water that he loves so much.
Our appeal is that someone will adopt Miguel and even, perhaps, a few more of the birds who live at the Aegean Wildlife Hospital. It is great work that they do and they need help in this beautiful project that brings wounded and disabled birds back into their natural habitat.
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 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
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
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
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!
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)
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
