A stray dog in Greece, living on the sun-drenched streets of Kos, came across Lena and Max, a German couple enjoying their vacation on the picturesque Greek island. The medium-sized dog, with eyes full of a gentle longing, began following them. He kept a respectful distance at first, then, emboldened by their soft murmurs, edged closer, wagging his tail tentatively.
“Look, Max,” Lena whispered, her heart melting. “He’s so sweet.” The dog, whom they instinctively named Koda, was affectionate and trusting, nuzzling their hands so they would pet him.
He followed them for a couple of miles (3 km), his persistence a silent plea. Unable to leave him behind, they spontaneously decided Koda would spend the night in their hotel room. Sneaking him past reception was a nervous triumph, but seeing him curled up contentedly on the floor made it all worthwhile.
@kodafromgreece We were on our way back to our hotel when this stray dog ran towards us. He was immediately friendly and yet submissive. At first, we thought he was a local dog, because people here on the island let their dogs run free, and he also had a collar mark on his fur. But when he kept following us and ignored other people, we knew this dog needed our help. We asked for help at our hotel, but they don’t see stray dogs as anything special and told us there was nothing they could do and we should ignore him. But leaving an animal that needed help and was turning to us was out of the question for us. Unfortunately, it was already evening, and the doctors and animal welfare organizations were no longer available… Part 2 on my Profile Donationlink 🥰: https://gofund.me/8c60bb7b #dogrescue #straydog #dogadoption #rescuedog
The following morning, their initial joy was tempered by the stark reality of Koda’s situation. They walked him back into town, hoping he might lead them to an owner or that locals would recognize him. But Koda was clearly a stray, one of the countless forgotten souls that roam Greece’s streets and islands.
The problem of stray animals in Greece is indeed significant, with estimates being that millions of dogs and cats live without permanent homes. This widespread issue stems from various factors, including a lack of widespread sterilization, irresponsible pet ownership leading to abandonment, and, in some cases, economic hardship forcing families to abandon their beloved companions. These animals often face harsh conditions, including hunger, disease, injuries from traffic, and even abuse.
Lena and Max knew they couldn’t simply leave Koda to fend for himself. Their vacation was ending, but their bond with him had just begun. The challenge was immense: how to get a stray dog from a Greek island to Germany?
They were fortunate to find a compassionate bar owner who, understanding their plight, agreed to foster Koda for 21 days. This critical period was necessary for Koda’s rabies vaccination to become valid, a non-negotiable requirement for international travel with pets.
Groups in Greece that care for stray animals
Koda’s journey highlights the complex process of international adoption, which typically involves thorough veterinary checks, microchipping for identification, obtaining a pet passport, and adhering to strict quarantine or waiting periods. Without dedicated individuals and organizations, such adoptions would be nearly impossible.
Fortunately, Koda’s story is not an isolated incident, and it sheds light on the tireless efforts of numerous animal welfare organizations across Greece. These groups, often run by passionate volunteers and relying solely on donations, are the backbone of animal protection in the country. They work relentlessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome strays, often operating under immense pressure and with limited resources.
Two prominent examples of such dedication are Takis Shelter on the island of Crete and Save a Greek Stray (SGS). Takis Proestakis, the founder of Takis Shelter, famously gave up his former life to establish a sprawling sanctuary for hundreds of abandoned dogs and cats.
His personal sacrifice and commitment to providing a safe, loving environment have garnered international attention, inspiring countless people to support his cause or adopt animals from his care.
Similarly, Save a Greek Stray, founded by Erietta Kourkoulou-Latsis, operates with a clear vision: a Greece where no animal is left to suffer. SGS focuses on comprehensive rescue, rehabilitation, and finding forever homes, while also emphasizing public education and the critical importance of sterilization programs.
These organizations, alongside many smaller local groups, are instrumental in implementing Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) initiatives to control population growth, provide vital medical care, and run adoption programs both domestically and internationally.
New law for animal welfare in Greece
The work of such organizations is complemented by recent legislative changes in Greece, which aim to strengthen animal protection. The recent animal welfare law introduces mandatory pet registration, digital health books, stricter penalties for animal abuse, and, crucially, mandatory neutering for pets (with some exemptions) to combat the root cause of the stray crisis.
While enforcement remains a challenge, this legislation represents a significant step towards a more humane future for animals in Greece.
After his 21 days with the kind bar owner, Koda, now fully vaccinated and with his new passport, embarked on his journey to Germany. He arrived at a loving home, a soft bed, and endless belly rubs, a world away from his unpredictable life on the streets of Kos.
Related: Pets Now Allowed in More Than 120 Archaeological Sites in Greece
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