New England Helps Greek Strays
Our Mission
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.
Adoption Policy
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.
ADOPTING A GREEK DOG:
Adopting a Greek dog is a gift. These dogs are special, magical, possess something intangible. It takes a leap of faith to bring a dog into your home based on little more than a photo and a brief description. But when you see your dog, you’ll know -- in your heart. Suddenly, getting this dog from halfway around the globe is the only thing you can think about.
We screen potential families very carefully and home visits are required before an adoption application is approved. It is our responsibility to keep these dogs safe. Our Greek rescue partners are trusting us with “their” dogs’ lives.
There is no cost to you in getting the dog here. Our adoption fee is $400.00 and covers the dog's medical expenses and care while in Greece. If the dog is 4+ years, the adoption fee is reduced to $200.00. All dogs are pre-screened and vetted prior to coming to the US. If they are 6 months or older, they will be altered unless other arrangements are made.100% of our adoption fee goes back to Greece for in-country travel, food and vet care for the dogs.
We provide the perspective adopter with as much information as we can regarding the dog they are interested in adopting. And then we are there with continuing support to all adopting families. It is extremely important not only to NEHGS but to the Greek rescues that we work with that we receive updates and pictures as often as possible.
All NEHGS dogs are adopted out under a contract that requires the dog be returned to us if the placement should fail. No exceptions.
Lastly, we ask that our adoptive homes provide us with updates and photos of our dogs as often as possible.
Whether adopting or fostering a Greek Stray, your new family member will be an ambassador for other Greeks. He or she will introduce others to the plight of stray dogs in Greece.
For every dog placed, another is rescued. Every adoption makes a difference.
Thank you~NEHGS
802-349-7921 ~ nehgs@gmavt.net ~ “like” us on facebook~
