Who are we?

We are Anna and Tollo - two women from different generations and backgrounds who both moved to Athens, Greece in the last 5 years. Anna is an expat from the UK although Greek in origin. Tollo is an expat from Switzerland of Afghan origin. We met through our dogs becoming friends in the park and led to us becoming united in the fight for the welfare of Greek strays. Neither of us were used to seeing such animal suffering in UK and Switzerland, so we had to act. We have therefore made it our goal to stand up for animals in Greece who have no voice themselves and to help as many as we can.

What are we trying to do?

Compared to many other European countries, Greece has many strays (dogs and cats) which are still seen, by the majority of residents, as pests and are often poisoned or kittens/puppies wrapped in plastic bags and thrown in the rubbish/trash.

For those that survive, living in the streets is always accompanied by numerous diseases and illness. Almost all the stray animals are in need of medical treatment. This situation is heartbreaking for us and for many other animal lovers. It happens mainly because of the multitude of repeat births and resultant homeless animals that cause overcrowding and spread of diseases.

What is required is a government led neutering and release programme where all existing strays are neutered and released back into their colonies which at the very least reduce overcrowding and disease over time - unfortunately the Greek government is underfunded.

We have already taken care of numerous cats, dogs and birds from our small flats in Athens at our own expense. Unfortunately, we no longer have the capacity to take in more animals, since space and finances are limited. This is where helpers, volunteers and donations provide a lifesaving help.

Is another aid organisation really necessary?

Yes! The number of suffering street animals in Greece is so enormous that the existing aid organisations are simply overloaded.

Tourists also know the problem very well. You find a sick or injured animal and want to bring it to a local animal shelter or animal welfare organisation. However, they are often sent away because the reception facilities are usually already overcrowded. We found ourselves in exactly the same position and had to leave a suffering animal behind with a broken heart.

Our goal and purpose

Our goal is, quite simply, to help as many animals as possible with shelter, medical needs and ultimately find them loving forever homes.

Fortunately we were able to find a perfect location with lots of green space from existing contributions. But to turn the land into a proper shelter, we will need additional financial help and support.

We are hoping to make an enclosure for needy cats and dogs with separate spaces for different requirements (those with contagious illnesses, nursing mothers, general population, etc.).

We have been quoted 5000 euros for the enclosure.

Anything you can contribute would make a huge difference to many lives. Not to mention the support it would give in continuing this very worthy project.