July Report

[Symi Animal Welfare]

Someone asked the other day - "Now that you don't arrange a vet visit, what exactly does Symi Animal Welfare do?"

Our prime concern has always been to look after the welfare of Symi's street animals and now that we have postponed UK vet visits, it leaves much more time to concentrate our efforts in that direction.

During the holiday season, we receive so many calls/messages from concerned visitors distressed by the sight of a thin dog, a 'motherless' kitten, a limping cat or dog tied up on a short rope...

Whenever possible, these situations are looked into by one of our volunteers and any appropriate action taken. One or another of us is constantly caring for or monitoring a street animal along with however many rescue animals we look after permanently in our homes!

Only this week one of our team rescued a tiny kitten which had fallen from a roof - luckily for her (not so much the bar owner she landed on!) apart from shock, the only injury was a bashed, bloody nose. She was full checked-over, cleaned up, fed and given water, kept safe and warm overnight then, the following morning, returned to her mother and siblings.

Earlier in the month a tourist, leaving the following morning, alerted us to a kitten approximately 8 days old which had been separated from the mother.

A great time 'mummy-searching' later proved fruitless so a volunteer offered to take the wee kitten home and hand-rear him. He was immediately 'adopted' by Sylvester an ageing neutered tom, who took over the grooming role. Now, a few weeks later the kitten is fit and strong with both a feline and cat mum! These are just 2 examples of the caring nature of the Symi Animal Welfare team.


During July it has been necessary to replenish our drug supplies so a list of the most essential items was drawn up - the pharmaceutical shopping came to over 700 euros. Virtually every day we are asked for general medications for ear mites, worms and fleas, antibiotics for minor wounds, treatment for gungy eyes and, unfortunately, antidote against poison.

Until a few years ago, certain drug companies would donate medicines but in recent times they have suffered cutbacks like everything else. As you will appreciate, it can be difficult to administer treatment to a feral animal, but if it is young or sick, the job is easier and thank goodness, some of our team really have a 'pied piper' scent!

So, in answer to the question, we are always involved with something, caring for the street animals of Symi. We rely totally upon donations and we thank you all for your generosity. For details of Paypal please see [url]http://symidream.com/updates/saw/index.html#don" target=[/url] or send a cheque to:

Hazel Fennelly and Gillian Bennett
Symi Animal Welfare
PO BOX 13
Symi 85600
Dodecanese
Greece

Finally, if you are living here during this hot, thirsty period, please think of the animals. A clean container of water in a shady and safe spot will be most welcome!

Melanie, Claudia, Tove and Hazel