In Greece, animals are needlessly suffering through neglect, abandonment, starvation and illness. About eight years ago, I met a woman who has been selflessly helping them her entire life but now she desperately needs help to continue her work.

The problem

Greece has one of the largest populations of stray cats and dogs in Europe. While it is often cute to have a little dog or cat companion while on holiday, the reality of life as a stray and unwanted animal is that of suffering and constant struggle to survive and find food and shelter. The average life expectancy of a stray animal is about two years. With Greece’s current economic situation an increasing number of animals are forced to fend for themselves as their owners are no longer able or willing to care for them and simply abandon them somewhere.

Who is Hannelore?

Hannelore has cared for injured, infirm or otherwise vulnerable animals her entire life and has attended to many thousands. She has initiated and assisted in countless rescue missions and surgeries across Athens, Kos, Corfu and Livadia. In 2006 she built the animal shelter from which she operates today. She alone runs this shelter as a no kill refuge for abandoned cats and dogs. Under her care, no animal will be put down if alternate means of treatment for them is possible. In addition, she does what she can for the regions stray animal population too in terms of medical attention. This is difficult and expensive work.

What has changed?

The dramatic effects of the austerity measures in Greece have made an already bad situation far worse for vulnerable animals. Despite that the shelter is now being home to about 60 resident dogs, Hannelore recently lost her only significant form of financial support. The shelter does not receive municipal support and donations are almost exclusively from foreign supporters. These donations are used to cover basic day-to-day costs to ensure the continued existence of the shelter and the wellbeing of the animals. Her crucial work is becoming more and more difficult each day.

What am I asking for?

Financial help… the most effective way to make a difference to Hannelore’s dogs and the shelter. Without it the shelter is at risk of closing down and leaving the current residents and other animals without protection and support. They will be forced back out into the streets or fields and simply will not survive.

How do I fit in all this?

I volunteer every year by working at the shelter. I also help raising funds and always look for donations, financial or else (meds, blankets, dry food, etc). There is no internet access nor time for Hannelore to have an internet presence which means I also help with administrative duties, such as updating Facebook and potential sponsors/donors.

If you can spare a few £££ it would go such a long way. Every penny will benefit the dogs and cats in Hannelore's care.

I really appreciate your support. Thank you for any donation you are able to make.

I would also be grateful if you would share this story with family, friends and colleagues via social media and encourage them to donate anything they can to the amazing work Hannelore does.

Thank you so very much!

Susann.