Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/animal-welfare-crisis-greece/
The homeless animal crisis around a municipal dump in Greece is much worse than we thought…
The Animal Rescue Site and Greater Good Charities started helping local animal rescue groups in the city of Xanthi, Greece, in late 2023 after hearing that over 600 sick and starving dogs were barely surviving at the local dump.
Since then, we have learned that the number of homeless dogs and cats in the region around Xanthi number is in the thousands! We need your continued support to save lives.
Thanks to your generous donations, we have provided nutritious food, medical care, and funded spay-neuter services to reduce the number of dogs. We have saved countless lives and even helped some find loving homes.
But there are many more in need of emergency care. Meet some of the dogs and cats below who desperately need our help to survive and thrive.
Hugo
Hugo was found in grave condition suffering from leishmaniasis, a parasite disease spread by infected sand flies that causes ulcers on the skin and infection to internal organs and can be fatal.
He also tested positive for heart worm disease. He is extremely underweight and malnourished with many of his ribs showing.
He is giving up hope and needs our help to survive.
Grandpa
Senior dog named Grandpa was found lying on the ground unable to move. Municipal workers, who feared he might bite them, were dragging him by the neck with a catch pole when a rescuer intervened.
Grandpa was wrapped in a blanket and placed on a cart and brought to a shelter. He was tested and is positive for erlichiosis, heartworm and leishmania. He has a long road to recovery.
Romina
Romina was found near death on the side of the road and missing an eye. She has clearly had a tough life and missed many meals. She arrived malnourished and severely underweight covered in parasites and matted fur.
She tested positive for Lyme disease and was so weak she couldn’t stand on her own. It will take months for her to recover and regain her strength. She is a fighter but needs our help to survive.
Anton
Anton was called “ghost” by his rescuers because he was so thin and missing all his fur that you could barely see him among the piles of garbage at the dump. They finally managed to capture him.
You could see every rib in his body, and he quickly devoured a bowl of food. Once he realized he was finally safe, he slept for days. He has a long road to recovery and needs our help to heal.
Amira
Amira was found in horrible condition with severe and rotting wounds on both of her front legs. This poor dog was suffering and at first the only option seemed to be amputation.
However, there is hope to save her legs with medication, tinctures, and lots of care. She is also extremely malnourished and has a long road to recovery.
Ronti
Ronti was abandoned at a local dump in Greece when he was just a puppy to fend for himself. He was found emaciated and missing most of his fur due to mange.
His rescuers took the sweet dog in and have started medication and are feeding him nutritious food. He needs our support to grow big and strong.
Jimmy
Jimmy was born at the dump in Greece, which is home to numerous dogs, with little chance of survival. He fought other dogs daily for food scraps and was found emaciated near a dumpster.
He was just skin and bone, frightened and hungry. He deserves to experience love and safety and find a family who will cherish him.
Siri
Siri was born at the dump and is the only survivor in her litter. The little pup was found covered in ticks and fleas next to her deceased siblings. She is missing fur due to mange and is severely malnourished.
She has never had a full belly and has endured so much heartbreak in her short life.
Rita
Rita was found near death suffering from leishmaniasis, a parasite disease spread by infected sand flies that causes ulcers on the skin and infection to internal organs and can be fatal. She also tested positive for heart worm disease and Ehrlichia.
She was found in a pile of garbage severely underweight and in need of immediate care. She will need months of intense medical treatment to beat the parasite diseases and regain her health.
Creeper
This sweet feline was brought to Let’s Be S.M.A.R.T., a cat rescue in Greece, as a stray. She appeared to be in good health until one morning she woke up and she was paralyzed from the waist down with labored breathing.
She was rushed to an emergency clinic where the medical team discovered she was suffering from heart disease and thromboembolism, a condition that occurs when blood clots obstruct a blood vessel. The vet also discovered a pulmonary edema, causing her lungs to fill with liquid. She survived but needs your help to heal.
Juno
The emaciated kitten was found on the street struggling to breathe. She was rushed back to the vet to be examined. She was diagnosed with severe diaphragmatic hernia—usually caused by blunt force trauma in cats—and needed immediate surgical intervention.
Help Juno recover and grow big and strong.
Noel
The sweet feline was found emaciated and near death in front of a coffee shop in Greece. She was brought back to a local cat rescue to be examined. The team discovered that Noel was suffering from painful mouth ulcers and many necrotic teeth.
Her temperature was so low when she arrived that it didn’t even register on the thermometer. She is resilient and already improving. Help her get the treatment she needs.
So many are dying. These poor, innocent animals are scared, starving, and many have never known the love and comfort of a safe home. Many, because of illness, will never have the chance. We need your help to save them.
$10,000 in matching funds have been pledged to support Greek strays, so your donations will help even more innocent animals.
Donate now to give these animals a fighting chance!
Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog
