Operation GreekSTRAYS
Why set up Operation GreekSTRAYS? Living in Greece, I have realised that there is a huge need towards animal welfare and the general plight of stray animals within Greece. With this in mind, I have decided to set up Operation GreekSTRAYS which could be viewed by some as impractical, some might even think it's impossibe, crazy or utterly stupid! But if you are passionate about something that is close to your heart, then you will try and explore all options available, besides car-boot sales and market stall sales, to try and raise the much needed funds. This would help to alleviate the suffering, and the desperate need for the continuation of sterilization and neutering, and more importantly, to continue in feeding the many hungry strays. My mission is to raise enough funds to help the cause of animal welfare of most GreekSTRAYS within Ermioni and the Ermionida area. Recent polls showed that the average life expectancy of a Greek stray is 18-months.
Through social media, newspapers, communications and being aware of what is actually happening in Greece, one just cannot understand the desperate help needed for the plight of GreekSTRAYS. This happens in other countries too, but my focus is on where I live. Stories are horrific, images are heartbreaking and the questions I keep asking myself is why? How can people behave in this appalling way to inflict horrific pain and suffering on a helpless creature is just totally beyond me. Through many networking channels, one becomes aware of how many people are asking for financial assistance towards veterinary fees, towards re-homing and towards help in general. Astonishingly everything is higher priced than in Europe and the U.K. In our case, we were originally expected to pay between 80-120 Euros to neuter a stray cat by a vet in Porto Heli. Luckily for us, we have recently managed to secure a good deal with a sympathetic local vet, now based in Kranidi, who does the job for a fraction of the old price.
Donations are hugely needed for GreekSTRAYS
Account name & bank: GreekSTRAYS - Lloyds Bank Sort Code: 30-65-22 Account Number: 78074260
PayPal: elaine1156@gmail.com
With the present economic crisis, certain people cannot afford to feed or keep their pets. Many animals are being dumped and binned. Rescuing the plights of cries from wastebins is an ongoing battle. There is no control. Within the area that we live, new strays regularly appear. New animals that appear are always blamed on people from a nearby island or the capital Athens, bringing them over during the night or dumping them when they visit this area.This may be true in some cases, but not all. As a result, unwanted puppies and kittens are born, who if lucky can be saved, if not, they are binned, drowned, suffocated or just left abandoned. When these dogs or cats become a 'problem', they are then poisoned. The pain that any animal endures when poisoned must be horrific, the Greeks themselves refer to this ritual as the 'Poison Chalice'. This practice continues year after year by certain sadistic people, probably devout Christians who don't believe in neutering animals.
Greece is a beautiful country and the climate is one of the best. But the country has a bad reputation in terms of animal welfare. Many tourists have vowed never to return, as they cannot bear to see the conditions or cruelty inflicted upon these strays. Or having no contact to turn to in getting help when they find an animal in distress. Local municipalities have a duty and responsibility towards the plight of stray animals in their area. However, for whatever reasons, even with government funding, this just does not happen.
We chose to live in Greece for whatever reasons. However, not until you actually live in a country can you totally appreciate what actually goes on. When we travelled the world, like most visitors or tourists, you only get a snapshot of what goes on there. Mainly, we only see and remember the good moments, however, people also witness some tragic situations, a memory they will never forget.
Even in the area that we live, I have been the victim of horrible verbal abuse as a result of animal welfare. Can I ever forgive these people for what they did to me? Maybe in time, I will. There is forgiveness in my heart towards them, but if I did forgive, I do not think I could totally forget. They were very cruel and harmed the animals. Words alone cannot describe what it actually did to me at the time. It is one of the reasons why I wish to build the first animal 'home' in this area, to provide a safe haven for GreekSTRAYS.
There are many charities in Greece, and I believe there are charities in other countries that are trying to support the plight of stray animals. Sadly, many of these charities have their own problems, and also need help and support too. But I have found that many charities often tend to look after their own, and rarely help others, due to financial constraints. However, many charities do work hard, but lack the resources of foster homes, money, and lack of people to support the cause. People might verbally express a concern towards a Greek stray and state that they are 'animal lovers'. But when you ask them to do something to help, they then keep quiet or find an excuse. I remember a couple who complained of actually spending 3 Euros a week on 6 tins of cat food. At the time, I couldn't believe what I was hearing, as these were people who spent so much money on regularly dining out in restaurants and drinking litres of wine . . . so selfish! 
I know through social media there is a wealth of sharing, supporting and inspiring for whoever and for whatever reasons. I am quite lucky that I have had the opportunity to meet some great people. All from various parts of the world and not necessarily passionate about animal welfare either. Some with extremely high professional backgrounds, who I admire dearly, and some super friends who have been supportive with some of my needs in terms of animal welfare. With this, I get an excitement that tells me that with Operation GreekSTRAYS there is a good chance of success, as I will get support from many, but it will take time to evolve. There is so much money and wealth in the world, yet with the plight of stray animals, they are often overlooked. "Only if we understand can we care. Only if we care will we help. Only if we help shall they be saved" ~ Jane Goodall
Donations are hugely needed for GreekSTRAYS
Account name & bank: GreekSTRAYS - Lloyds Bank Sort Code: 30-65-22 Account Number: 78074260
PayPal: elaine1156@gmail.com
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