MARI ----- Please click on the 'We need a home' link above to read about this sweet dog!!
News
Click to see our events!WOOF, our senior blind German Shepherd has been adopted by a loving family! BLUE, our visually-impaired kitty, has a new mom and is doing really well! HOMER, our visually-impaired Collie mix, has found his new family! ORPHEAS, our special needs German Shepherd, has been adopted by his foster mom and has made an excellent recovery following removal of the benign tumour in his mouth!SPITHA, our special needs Black Lab mix, has been adopted into a loving home! REX, our special needs Siberian Husky, arrived on April 27 ... Hurray for Rex!PANTELIS, our blind Shar Pei, will be joining his new family on November 14th!
Our Dogs Would Love to Sleep on a Kuranda Bed!
The shelter dogs would love a soft bed to sleep on while they wait for their forever home. The floor at the shelter is cold and a Kuranda bed would give them a warm, elevated bed to lie on during cold nights. Some of the dogs already have a Kuranda bed, but we don't have enough for everyone. If you would like to donate a bed at a special wholesale price for a another dog to sleep in comfort, please click here.
Video to Help You and Your Dog Deal with Behavioural Concerns!
Behaviour problems account for the leading cause of people relinquishing their companion animals, often resulting in euthanasia. Often people just need some help dealing with an issue. Petvideo.com, created by the founders of Petfinder.com and Petsincredible, can help with its free online training clips. Please take a moment to view this positive, reward-based training advice; it could avoid you having to give up your companion animal! Click on the link to find out more.
Please Be Responsible and Financially Provide for Veterinary Needs of Your Companion Animals!
A very important, but often overlooked, aspect of responsible pet ownership is being financially cover for veterinary costs when they arise.
Please consider the Petsecure Program to provide the financial assistance when your pet requires veterinary care. You'll have peace of mind knowing your pet's health needs will be looked after as it's a terrible decision when one has to euthanize their pet because they can't afford the cost associated with treatment that would otherwise make their pet better.
To find out more about the Petsecure Program, please visit www.tailsfromgreecerescue.com and scroll down the page.
Please Consider Being a Foster Home!
We are always in need of foster homes in the GTA and surrounding areas so our dogs have a place to stay until their permanent homes are found. This is a great way to help one of our dogs if you're not ready for a long-term commitment. Please contact us if you'd like to become a foster guardian.
Come Visit Us!
We don't have a shelter but, thanks to some caring people, some of our dogs and cats are in foster homes, while they wait to be adopted by their new family. Or, in other instances, the dog or cat is still in Greece and will come here when a family has been pre-approved and is willing to welcome it into their home on arrival. There is more information on all the dogs and cats available for adoption on the 'Dogs for Adoption' and 'Cats for Adoption' pages at www.tailsfromgreecerescue.com.
About Us
Tails from Greece Rescue is registered in Canada as a non-profit charity, offering a rescue & rehoming program for dogs and cats to a few private animal rescuers in Greece. These dogs and cats have had a rough start in life but are fortunate enough to have been rescued and now get another chance to be a loyal and loving companion with their new family. If you're not in a position to adopt but would like to support our efforts, making a donation will help us continue to help these animals find loving homes. Or, if you're unable to commit to having a dog or cat full-time, maybe our Foster Program would interest you.
Adopting a Friend
We do our best to match the dog or cat with a home that best suits its needs so we do not always adopt on a first-come, first-serve basis. We may consider several applications before making a decision, depending on the needs of the specific dog or cat, so we ask for your patience and understanding while the selection process is carried out.
The dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies and will have other vaccines/boosters, depending on their age and length of time in rescue, will have received defleaing and deworming treatments and will be microchipped. Some dogs/cats will already be sterilized while others will need to be done, at the adopter's expense, within 3 months of adoption. All are vet checked prior to joining they're new family.
The adoption approval process includes completion of an Adoption Application, personal and veterinary reference checks and a home visit as the final step in the approval process.
Adoption Testimonials
We are so thrilled with our experience in adopting Zoe (Aura). She has been with us now for almost 5 months and I am amazed at how she has fit in with our family. Her personality is exactly what we were hoping for - she is so smart, and has been a great puppy. Our son Noah has taught her to sit, shake a paw, beg, lie down, roll over and play dead! She puts up with a lot of teasing from our younger boys but never bites, and when we come home from being away she squeaks and runs around the house because she is so happy.
I would totally recommend adopting a dog from Greece. Even though we don't know exactly what Zoe might have gone through before she came here, she has adapted incredibly well to our lifestyle. She was very timid when she first arrived, but her pleasant personality quickly started to show. We are completely happy with our experience!! I've attached a few more recent pictures of her...
S.K.
We adopted a brother and sister... described as black lab mix; they were just 3 months old wandering the streets...we have named them Sam
and Bella. Our babies arrived at the Toronto airport cargo terminal in Feb 06 along with two other puppies and two other sets of anxious parents.. no one left that day dissappointed. Sam and Bella have come to live with my husband and myself and their slightly older and larger
sister Madison (3 year old female Shepherd). Sam and Bella had their first birthday in Oct 06. I cannot begin to describe the personalities of these two small people, at first timid and unsure..and now adventurous, playful, curious, and loving. There is not a day that goes by that they don't
make us laugh about something. Our intention was not to have three dogs...but after the loss of our beautiful boy, Harley (bull mastiff/shepherd x) the summer before, we were determined to get a
brother for Madison.. but when I saw the two puppies on the website.. to be adopted seperately, we decided to take them both... we travel in a pack now...I would highly recommend the adoption of a Greek rescue pet to anyone that is considering an addition to their family... these little people are anxious for someone to call their own and to love. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Tammy & Norman
Hello Dianne. Maggie is doing much better,she still has p and vinigar in her. it impressed me very much that you actually drove all the way to Waterloo to see that Maggie has a good home. About adopting from Greece, why not? It is the nature of the dog which matters, ie old person might want a small happy docile dog, a big country home maybe a big dog. the breed doesn't matter. I like mutts; most dogs will respond to kindness and a good home. Maggie needed a home. She was and is not very easy, but it will work out for her and us. So yes, adopt a dog from Greece, neuter an animal so that dogs are wanted and will not suffer. Bye for now,
Manfred and Barbara
A whole new and exciting experience ahead of us, not knowing what
type of personality we would be greeted with and the challenges that we
would face when rescuing Alexander (who is now known as Mr. Furley).
Ken and I had well prepared for this moment and for the rest of our life
to commit to not only a 4 month old puppy, but a 4 month old puppy who
we have never met in person from across the world! We still to this day
have made this a permanent commitment for the rest of his life.
After a long 17 hour flight from Greece to Canada it was pleasant
meeting with our new family member. Such a long flight and stressful on
the pup - way to hang in there Furley!!! He was 4 months old when we
met for the very first time. The process was driving Ken and I crazy
because we were so very anxious to have this little guy with us in our
home. For those who already know I am an obedience trainer, this has so far been a walk in the park, pardon the pun! By that I mean that he has been a little angel and we are very fortunate to have this mild mannered pup! Thanks to those in Greece who loved him up so much, made it very easy for us! We have run into a few temporary health issues along the way but nothing that we couldn't handle and nothing that we aren't prepared for because those things happen in life!
I know that not all rescues are easy, however I know that they also are a
challenge at the same time a rewarding one at that. It requires a close
eye and constant attention with the responsibility of the new owner.
The first night Furley was in our home, he was up every hour, throughout
the night, due to the time change from here to Greece, so was I! It did
take a little while for the adjustment, however again, something that we
were to be prepared for! It doesn't matter where the new family member,
dog/puppy or kitty comes from, whether from an adoption agency, rescue
group, previous owner, foster home, etc....I can only stress how
important it is to keep a close eye and constant monitoring of the
dog/puppy or kitty to ease the new family member into your life style
and yes, for certain your once habitual lifestyle changes slightly. I
can say that I enjoy walking everyday and going on jogs, hikes, and
meeting other dogs now that we have him! Gives us more motivation to do so and relieves Furley from being stressed out due to lack of exercise
which is so very important too! It prevents anxiety and bordom which
when a dog or pup is bored, this means they will and can be destructive
due to lack of attention from the owner.
I can only recommend for people interested in adopting a dog or cat, or
whatever the case may be, that they do their homework first and consider
if this is really the life-time commitment that they are ready for. Research is the best way, and having a loving, responsible home. Stay open minded to everything that may be involved and things will work out,
especially for the furry little family member most of all, because
material items are replaceable, living things are not. And yes, most certainly I would love to adopt more and plan to in the future!
I have to admit that Ken and I were nervous at first, as time went
on...we felt that this was meant to be even before having him here with
us. We now have all the confidence in the world. Thank you folks for
making this happen and I have to say that it has very rewarding, also
adds to our conversations when people comment on how beautiful our
Furley is!
Wanda & Ken
Surfing on Petfinder I found this adorable little puppy named "Margo". I read her profile and she was found on the beach at a young age in Greece. It was instant love, she was so cute with her big brown eyes and sweet face. We had recently lost our dog of 11 years and were looking to add some love to our family.
I contacted Dianne and inquired about adopting her. She told me her whole background and how the animals were treated in Greece and I knew that it was something I had to do. We filled out the adoption application and were accepted.
We were a little nervous about her flying here from Greece and of course, never having met her. Dianne was very supportive and answered all question and put us in touch with others who had adopted also. We waited anxiously at the airport for her arrival and we were thrilled when we first met her, she was so sweet and loveable, a little dirty, but nothing a bath could not fix.
Now 6 months later Margo has grown into a loving member of our family, she is so happy to see us when we get home and is a wonderful addition to our family. I would not hestitate to adopt another dog from Greece if we had the space.
Lisa
My husband and I adopted our second dog, Olympia, on December 5, 2004. Olympia is a mix breed (best guess is a hound-shepherd mix) and she was approximately six months at the time of adoption. Our first dog is a greyhound and my husband was set on adopting another greyhound. I on the other hand, was regularly checking out local rescues and in the process came across Olympia. She was placed with Barkin’ Rescue in the London area and was listed as young. My husband and I both did not think we could handle a puppy but I kept my eye on her anyways. When she was still at the rescue a month later (due to needing to be placed in a home with another dog) I convinced my husband to at least agree to meet her. The rest is history!!!! When we went to pick her up from the foster home she immediately jumped into the car and sat on the back seat….ready to go to her new home!!! Olympia adjusted to our home very quickly, much faster than our greyhound did. Although she had energy throughout the day, she slept through the entire night. The one difficulty we had initially was training her to walk on a leash …. Oh and a few towels, blankets and stuffed toys that she took a bite out of. This was puppy behaviour and hasn’t been seen in well over a year. Although my husband was initially hesitant to adopt Olympia, he now favours her and she has become his “Daddy’s girl”. She is also very strongly attached to our greyhound and is super friendly with everyone who visits. I couldn’t imagine our lives without our little Greece Monkey!! Our experience with the Tails from Greece Rescue and Barkin’ Rescue has been so positive that we have traveled to Mississauga twice from London with our dogs so that people could meet Olympia at the All About Pets Show. I would highly recommend adopting through Tails from Greece Rescue and would do so again myself without hesitation.
Rhonda
Best thing I've ever done! Leni is such a great dog and I would (and do) recommend adopting a dog from Greece.
C.W.
When I saw the pics of Frixos and his siblings my heart melted...how could I by-pass a chance to give one a good home. I did end up adopting Frixos. I remember being so excited about meeting him after his long journey. Upon meeting him I knew it was worth it even if I hadn’t “seen” him in person till that moment. He had a bit of a shaky start---got sick on the ride home and was afraid of many things like the stairs, certain bushes and garden gnomes and a few other things he didn’t quite know what to make of. He has always been my puppy; he followed me to the bathroom and whined at the door; he would only take long walks with me -- he actually still only will walk with me on long walks. He is a big sweet puppy who loves his people and especially his baby (our 1 year old son). He truly is a joy to have. Would I ever do it over? Actually we will be getting another puppy for him to have a friend, through Tails from Greece Rescue sometime in the future.
Lacy
Adopting a dog from Greece has been a good experience for my family. Iggy has been with us for a few weeks and he is a very loving but somewhat fearful puppy. Our goal is to develop him into confident dog and he is quickly learning voice and hand commands. His fear is tested every day by cars, bikes, loud noises and strange people and has started to have a curious interest in these things instead of being afraid. It will take a few more months, but with patience and positive reinforcement, Iggy is going to be a very outgoing pup. He has a few skin problems that we are taking care of with medication and ointment. These problems are due to stress on a puppy and will go away over time.
Iggy is amazing with all dogs and cats. We can't believe how calm he is when meeting other dogs on walks and in the park. He is a comedian in the home and makes us laugh every day. We would consider adopting from Greece again, and fell in love the day Iggy showed up! I'm sure Iggy is grateful to be with us and we couldn't see our family without him.
Kaleigh
I have had a positive experience adopting a dog from Greece. It is different from other dogs I have rescued because not meeting the dogs ahead of time lend a larger degree of uncertainty. I did a lot of research and knew the type of dog I was getting, and was sure she was the dog for me, the only exception was she was smaller then I thought she would
be. She has proved to be a very sweet special little girl who we treasure. I would adopt another, if the right dog was to come along.
I do not recommend these dogs to inexperienced dog owners, because I know they will need adjustment time and people who do not have a good understanding of dogs will not allow for that. I think the Greek dogs can be more complex then local dog adoptees, because of the change of climate and culture.
I really believe my "Greekie" took about six months just to get to know our language. Dianne does a great job and lends lot of support to the
adopters, after the dogs are in their new home, and makes the adopting process a great experience. I think these dogs are a little more special then other rescue dogs; they go from starving and being kicked on the Greek streets to warm loving Canadian homes, and I think they are thankful for it everyday. I know my little Greek girl dances whenever she
can.
Cathie
Matt and I are very happy with our puppy. She is now 1 year and she is doing very well. Matt and I have always said that we have lucked out with our little girl. She is great and we love her a lot. We would not hesitate to adopt another pet from Greece. We are having a great time with her.
Julie
ELLA (formerly FANNY) is just the most wonderful dog and we love her to pieces! She was described by her rescuer as being 'extremely loving', and she really is! We met ELLA the day she arrived from Greece, and although she was tired and a little shy, we could see that she really was a gem of a pup, so sweet! We brought her home that day! She took to her crate right away, and she has been very easy to housetrain too. ELLA and our other dog follow each other around everywhere, like two peas in a pod, and ELLA loves to follow our boys around too, always interested in what they're doing. ELLA greets everyone with wagging tail and kisses, and makes new friends wherever she goes. We cannot thank Dianne enough for bringing this wonderful dog into our lives; we truly do feel lucky!
Best wishes, Heather and John
Our family adopted a little Terri-poo, named Pitsa, last summer 2005. She is the best dog that I have ever owned. We couldn't have asked for a more gentle, friendly and loving dog. She makes our family complete. We found the questionaire in depth and our references were checked which helps to ensure the animals go to good homes. Overall, the process ran smoothly and we were very happy with it. I always recommend Tails from Greece Rescue to people who are looking for a pet and who I think would make good adopters. Thanks again,
Norma
Our experience with adopting Benny has been wonderful. He came with some baggage, but that made him all the more special to us. It has been wonderful seeing him blossom and becoming a happy little guy. I think the biggest obstacle for us was the fact he didn't know English - so he really didn't understand what we were saying to him - however, 1 year later, that is not the case. The other challenge was the fact that he was a street dog (from what we know), and putting him on a lead is tough as he just wants to run and pulls alot. Working on that still. It has been a heartwarming experience seeing him become the secure and happy dog that he is today. When he first arrived, he would cower under the bed at night and whimper; we figured it must have been tough at night alone in Greece; he must have had to fend off some pretty mean predators. Now, he likes to sleep under the bed, but it's a peaceful sleep. Another thing, when we first got him he didn't know how to interact with other dogs, he use to just lower his head and allow them to dominate, well he is now the boss - plays, fetches balls, interacts very well with most dogs. I would and I do recommend saving an animal, whether its from Greece or the local Humane Society. If you love animals, there is nothing better than giving one a chance at a better life. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Tula
I looked high and low at shelters in my area and could never find a dog that was deemed suitable by shelter staff for my family. I knew that I wanted to rescue an animal that was in need.
I have two kids and two cats and I was told that I would have to adopt a puppy but since I work full time it was hard for me to find one at the shelters. Every time I got there they were all adopted. It was very
frustrating because my kids were begging for a dog. We are a family of animal lovers. I was looking through petfinder one evening and found
the Greek dogs listed there. At the time I remember thinking it would probably be a hard process but it turned out nicely. My family applied and since we have young children a test dog came over to our house. Things went well and Dania arrived shortly afterward. The family and I
were overwhelmed with anticipation at her arrival. We fell in love with Dania the minute we saw her. We could tell from the pictures that she was cute but she was a real darling in person. Due to the long trip she was very jet lagged and so quiet and shy. It took her about a week to become comfortable with us and become playful and active. I was surprised that toilet training her was so easy. I think she only ever had one accident and I understand she was not trained in Greece. I have
found her to be highly intelligent and eager to please. I take her to a dog park regularly and not only is it good for her, it has been great for myself
and my family and even my parents. We have met so many wonderful people there. Ironically Dania also found a dog friend from Greece there.
People tell me that you can tell Dania adores our family. I feel sad thinking that she had to come so far to find a home. I am glad she entered our lives. She is a wonderful stress reliever and a best bud and
a great running companion.
I would recommend Tails from Greece Rescue to anyone that wants to rescue or foster a dog. Not only do you get a great dog you get to meet Dianne who has such a wonderful and kind spirit.
Kathie
The adoption process for Ruben wasn't standard as we know but Greg and I wouldn't hesitate to go through it again for him or another dog. He has brought a lot of joy in our life and has adjusted really well to living here. I found he was really well behaved and well mannered compared to other dogs that we looked at before researching Ruben at Tails from Greece Rescue. You were a great asset to us during the adoption and after the adoption, making sure things went smoothly. It was more hands-on than the Humane Society.
Greg and I would definitely consider getting another dog from Greece down the road and we are very happy with our experiences. The experience to be able to rescue one animal from Greece's cultural attitudes towards animals and bring them home to a safe environment has brought many happy moments for us and Ruben.
All the best,
Colin
Calista (Cali) arrived in Toronto on September 23rd, 2006. Should I have adopted her? Did I do the right thing? ABSOLUTELY. Yes, I got the same question asked to me by many people. "Why didn't you adopt a dog from Ontario?" I did try. Without getting into a long story, one dog died of a virus and I was very sad to hear that as she was a beautiful two year old that had been given up, because her owner did not spay her, allowed her to have pups and kept a pup and got rid of her. The second dog I tried for went to another home.
I have had dogs for 44 years and have never been dogless until June 1st, 2006. My beautiful rescued street dog, Isabela from Cozumel, Mexico died of Pancreas cancer. I had only had her for 3 1/2 years although she was probably 8 1/2 or 9.
I swore I would never get another dog. Regressing a bit, I had an animal communicator talk to Isabela while she was still alive. I said I would never get another dog and this greatly upset Isabela. She thought I was blaming her for leaving me. So I made a promise to adopt another. I truly had no intention of doing it soon. Then I went to Pet Finders and there was Cali (formally named Dana). Imagine my surprise that she was a little beauty from Greece. More so, imagine my surprise of the animal cruelty that takes place in Greece. Well, I contacted Tails from Greece Rescue and asked about the adoption process. I think that was one of the best decisions I made because Calista (meaning 'the most beautiful one' in Greek) is sleeping on my livingroom floor. Yes, you have to fill out an application and yes, you have to prove you are worthy of the soul that arrives in Canada. They really do check because these dogs need stability, good food, a home and most importantly, a loving caring home that will love them as their forever companions.
As for Cali, she is about 11 months old. She was found on the streets of Greece when she was between 5 and 8 weeks old. She then lived in a shelter until she flew here in September. When she was found it was freezing cold. Her mom and one sibling were dead. Cali, Irma and her two brothers all reside in Ontario now. Irma flew with Cali and Irma has a wonderful home as I met Irma's mom.
What is it like to rescue an adopted dog from Greece? No different than adopting any animal in need. The only huge difference is you are choosing your next best friend from a photo instead of actually meeting them. Yes, I was a bit concerned. Isabela, my Cozumel street dog was a dog I walked while on vacation in Mexico. I did get all the way home before saying...I love that dog. Please send her to me. Sadly, her life on the streets made her immune system weak. I only wish she could be here with my beautiful Cali.
Cali is a work in progress. The ladies in Greece now call her "Crazy Cali". As they should. She is the sweetest little thing. She has had no socialization. In 6 weeks, she is playing with other dogs, going up to people and truly loving life. I have taken her on two organized Doggy hikes and she has had great fun. Two weeks ago, she saw her first lake. Yesterday, she went in the lake with the other dogs and played. "MOM" (that would be me) was so proud that I almost cried.
Here is her picture from the photography workshop. The professional photographer took it and it is on his website: http://www.flickr.com/photos/organa/278203764/
Would I do it again? Yes. Isabela was an angel and Cali is too. The only difference is Isabela was older and not healthy. Cali is younger and is finally realizing she is allowed to be a pup. So she ate my winter coat, a jacket, some books and on and on. I love her to bits and she knows she has a forever home. She always will. If I ever have to move and they say you cannot have pets...I will not move there. My pets are not animals, they are family. At the animal communication workshop hike yesterday, Cali told Claudia, the Animal Communicator, a few things. One of the sweet and funny things she told Claudia is when she goes to the kennel in a couple of weeks, she would like a framed photo of me next to her doggy bed. Now I have to have a little chat with the kennel because she will be having a framed photo of me next to her bed.
No, I am not wonky. I do believe in animal communication though. I do believe animals are way smarter than most people give them credit. I do believe in saving the helpless. I had no idea of the animal cruelty taking place in Greece. Would I adopt another pet from Greece.... Yeah!!!
Cali filled a hole in my heart. Not only is she everything...she is more! I love her and she loves me. Now....if she would only stop using my 18 1/2 year old cat as a squeaky toy....
Diane and Calista (Cali) Clarke
TAILS FROM GREECE RESCUE Toronto, ON M5E 1W5
Website: www.tailsfromgreecerescue.com Email:
diannealdan@sympatico.ca Click here for a list of pets at this shelter
