02/06/2026
This is a farewell post for Garry before we say our final goodbye.
We want to remember him for who he truly was: a fighter. A dog who endured so much throughout his life and still managed to find joy, love, trust and happiness.
Garry was the first abandoned dog to arrive at our shelter in August 2023. We first met him in Marathias, the village where we lived before moving into the shelter. The first time we saw him, we said “when we are ready, you will come with us.”
When we finally settled into the shelter, Garry was safely caught by Maria and Kostas and brought to us. From the beginning, he was diagnosed with leishmaniasis, which had already affected his kidneys. He immediately received the care he needed: kidney supplements, special food and regular medical monitoring.
Before coming to us, Garry had been taken to a vet by a volunteer, where it was discovered that he was microchipped to a hunter. The vet had advised the hunter to report Garry as "lost" in order to avoid potential consequences for abandoning him.... Another story of abandonment, another dog discarded when he was no longer considered useful.
The volunteer later learned that Garry had been mistreated and beaten and it was clear that he should never return to those hands. When Garry came into our care, the hunter agreed to transfer ownership, offering excuses about having given him away to another hunter who had then abandoned him. At that moment, the only thing that mattered to us was that Garry was finally safe.
The exhausted, worn-down dog who arrived at the shelter transformed within days. Garry came alive. He played like a puppy, endlessly and enthusiastically, with more energy than dogs half his age. He followed us everywhere, but he would not let us touch him. He did not understand that our hands would never hurt him.
After several days, he finally allowed us to pet him. He froze. He simply didn't know what was happening. Slowly, he began to trust us. Then one day, he stood up on his hind legs and wrapped his paws around us in a hug. We could hardly believe it. We had finally won his trust.
Garry became the heart and soul of the shelter. Nothing happened without his approval. He was affectionate, curious, bossy with the other dogs and always determined to know everything that was going on. Rain or shine, hot or cold, he was always right behind us, supervising every situation.
He never stopped playing with his beloved balls and never missed a chance to show his jealousy when we gave attention to the other dogs. He grabbed every moment of happiness life offered him. Garry was the happiest dog we have ever known.
We often joked that Garry thought he had died and gone to heaven. To him, the shelter was heaven.
He fought his entire life. Against neglect, cruelty and illness. He was a true warrior.
The void his loss will leave behind is impossible to describe. Nothing here will ever be quite the same without Garry.
We still haven't said goodbye. We still haven't fully accepted that we have to.
Because of your support, Garry was given every possible chance and received the best care we could provide. The response to our fundraising efforts was overwhelming and we will always be grateful for that.
Today, Garry is tired. His body has reached its limits and he is being sustained only by machines. We do not want to force him, once again, to endure something he no longer wishes to endure.
He has fought enough.
Now, we want him to leave this world with the same dignity and courage that defined his life.
You will rest in power little sheriff!!
You were loved beyond words and you will be missed beyond measure.
Garry Lou Lou thank you for trusting us! Thank you for every moment you let us share with you. Forever in our hearts!
