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This is why it is so important for us to continue to our work in Greece. And the dogs that are pictured here are well off…there are so many more that are emaciated, sick or injured and need veterinary care. We are always accepting donations to help support our ongoing efforts with programs.

Special Dogster Report: Dogs of Greece Are Suffering Even More

Did you make a New Year’s resolution to travel more? Give something back or make a difference? Maybe both? How about a Humanitourism™ adventure with Inside/Out in 2011?  Check out our 2011 opportunities on the website.

A PET’S TEN COMMANDMENTS………

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10 On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

1+1=67,000.  One female dog and one male dog and their offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in 6 years.  This does not even take into account how many female dogs one male dog can fertilize.  It is easy to see why the problem of stray dogs worldwide is so overwhelming.  Within 6 months, stray populations can be reduced by 20% with effective spay/neuter programs.  The only solution to the problem of pet overpopulation is sterilization.  It is a realistic, achievable and humane goal.

More than 20 dogs and cats were the victims of poisoning last Thursday night in Arachova, Greece. The apathetic mayor apparently was reminded a year ago about his responsibilites and asked to launch a sterilization program (according to law 3170/2003) but his response was that the dogs are living just fine in their natural environment. Please write and protest politely about this and remind him of his responsibilities for stray animals and ask that this awful poisoning incident be investigated and the culprit punished. This is the mayor’s details: Georgios-Leontios Andreou, email address: arachova@otenet.gr , fax number 22673-50250, address Arachova, 32004, Voiotia, Greece. For the ones who want to complain by phone from Greece: 22673-50200

A friend of mine who does animal welfare work on Crete in Greece recently posted the following:  “In Greece one is more free, but then people do whatever they want and no one cares. I find that most Greek people have little or no sense of responsibility. They have the attitude; I want to do it so I will and I don’t care what my actions do to you.”

Unfortunately, this attitude seems to extend to animals too, which may be part of the reason for such tragic conditions for animals in Greece, all animals — dogs, cats, horses, donkeys.  They are suffering from all types of impacts of this, including inhumane treatment, neglect, abuse, abandonment and apathy.

I also notice this in the way litter and garbage are so prominent in the countryside, and even in the cities, in Greece.

Is irresponsibility a price of freedom?

We have an exciting new partnership for Humanitourism™ in Greece! Students from the university in Ioannina, where we will be continuing our animal welfare education program started last year, want to join with us in our efforts. This is so exciting because young people are the hope for change in Greece. Work side-by-side with these students who are making change in their own country. This is where the difference will be made. Consider joining us in this historic partnership in May.

We received a warm note of thanks from the folks at Nine Lives cat rescue in Greece.  Recently we obtained a donation of some flea & tick medication, which is always needed for both cats and dogs in Greece, and sent it over to the organization Nine Lives.  They are a wonderful group based in Athens Greece doing some great work with cats there.  We also had received some monetary donations to help us send it over.  A big thanks from all of us and the cats for the donations!

Dear Zoe
Yesterday i received the advantage multi for cats that you’ve sent us. Thank you so much, it s a great help to us and we ll use it immediately. Whenever you can sent us any kind of treatment we and our cats will really appreciate it.
Many thanks
Eleni Kefalopoulou
Nine Lives http://www.ninelivesgreece.com/

Update in the case of the puppy beaten in Ioannina Greece: The hospital president finally testified and the file goes to the district attorney for further prosecution on Wednesday. The eye-witnesses have given the name of the watchman who committed the beating. Local groups are pressuring for a harsh punishment. This case has gotten a lot of attention, including coverage on Greek tv, in part due to our Humanitourism™ partners in Ioannina. They are doing great work and deserve our support.

We’ve received a report from one of our Humanitourism™ partners who is caring for the surviving puppy of the hospital beatings in Ioannina.  The swelling in her head is starting to subside. She has a good appetite and if the bowl is held for her she can lap up some liquid food and swallow it. She is still very dazed and not in full control of her senses, though. She can stand and take a few steps but without much control of what she is doing. Just as when a person has a concussion, it will take a while before all the bruising in her brain subsides.  Despite everything she wants human company and to be held.