New England Helps Greek Strays

WHY NEW ENGLAND HELPS GREEK STRAYS: The incidents of animal cruelty and abuse have reached epidemic proportions in countries like Greece where, culturally, companion and working dogs are not regarded as they are here in The United States, Canada and most parts of Europe. Without humane societies or animal shelters, thousands of homeless Greek dogs do their best to survive on the streets, beaches, and rugged countryside. They are unwanted, unloved and considered common pests, especially during tourist season when the international community might bear witness to Greece’s “dirty little secret.” Though technically against the law, dogs and puppies are routinely poisoned, shot, beaten, drowned, and hung as means of population control. Perpetrators are rarely identified and almost never prosecuted. OUR GREEK PARTNERS: Most people in Greece do not actually harm stray and homeless dogs. But some people have reached out to help them. Our group works exclusively with The Achaic Society for the Care of Animals. Our sister organization is credentialed in Greece as a legitimate animal welfare charity. The ASCA staff and volunteers risk ridicule, hostility, and retaliation by the few who resent their efforts on behalf of the dogs. But their dedication, in spite of the horrors they’ve seen, is a testimony to the strength of their character and gentle, loving souls. These rescuers are the strays’ first line of defense and often show them the first kindness they have ever experienced from humans. Once rescued, dogs are under the protection of ASCA and are seen by a veterinarian, vaccinated, tested and treated for parasites and spayed or neutered if they are old enough. They remain in Greece until a home is found for them here in The States. During that time, they are evaluated, socialized with children and cats if possible, often housebroken and above all, receive lots of love, high quality nutrition and the chance to play and just be dogs without the stress and trauma of surviving on their own.