Greek Animal Rescue

18/06/2026

Five years on a chain.
That was this little dog’s life.

No walks. No freedom. No comfort. Just a chain, day after day, year after year. And although keeping a dog permanently chained is illegal in Greece - despite the country actually having some of the strongest animal welfare laws in Europe - enforcement sadly doesn’t always follow the legislation.

But this is where our neutering programmes can quietly change lives in ways people don’t always see.

Errika recently contacted us after GAR funded 10 dog spay surgeries in her area. Among those dogs was this little lad. Through the programme, conversations were opened, help was offered, and his situation finally changed.

He was freed from the chain he’d spent five years attached to.

He has now been treated, blood tested, vaccinated, and is safe. Even better, he’s already being promoted for adoption, with the chance of a completely different future ahead of him.

People love rescue stories with a beginning and an end. But most rescue work looks more like this. Quiet interventions. Building trust in communities. Supporting local rescuers. Preventing more unwanted litters while also helping the animals already suffering in plain sight.

Neutering one animal is like throwing a stone into water - the ripples of change spread outwards in so many ways, all of them good. 💪🏻

Errika wrote: “We would like to express our sincere thanks to GAR for funding ten dog spay surgeries. This valuable support has made a meaningful contribution to reducing the stray population and promoting animal welfare. The programme was completed successfully, and we are truly grateful for your trust and support.”

Thank you to Errika for her hard-working, compassionate work on the ground - and thank you to every supporter helping make these changes possible. Neutering: the unglamorous, vital solution. Adoptions help a few. Neutering helps thousands. It doesn’t go viral, but it stops generations of suffering.

And if anyone might be interested in offering this lovely little dog a home, please contact Errika directly on: [email protected] - If this little lad’s story touched you, please like, comment and share - it does help him reach so many more people, and just one person is all it takes to see his story and change his life. ❤️

17/06/2026

One year ago, Dexter was found tied to a shelter fence.

Today, he's racing along a beach on a summer evening, tail wagging, taking everything in and making up for lost time.

At around 2 years old, Dexter is a bright, active boy who loves being out exploring. He's not looking for a quiet life of short walks around the block - he'd much rather join you on country walks, seaside adventures and all the everyday moments in between.

He's friendly, playful and enjoys the company of other dogs. Now settled into a UK foster home, he's showing everyone just what a lovely companion he can be.

Dexter does have one little quirk - he's curious about absolutely everything! That means he'll need secure fencing and an owner willing to help him learn his boundaries. He's a clever dog who enjoys using his brain, and with a bit of guidance he'll reward you with endless loyalty and fun.

He weighs around 17kg, stands approximately 43cm to the shoulder, and is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

Interested? Questions? Please call Gillian on 07795 170222 for a friendly chat or email us on [email protected] for an application form.

If Dexter made you smile, please like, comment and share – it really does help him reach the right person. ❤️

https://greekanimalrescue.com/adopt

#Υιοθεσία

16/06/2026

Alma’s life changed in just one day.

Alma lives at The Paw Sisters’ sanctuary in Halkida, where rescued dogs are given safety and care after difficult lives on the streets.

Then suddenly, something was very wrong.

Within the space of a single day, Alma developed a huge swelling on her leg. She was rushed to the vet, where blood tests and a cytological examination confirmed devastating news - a mast cell tumour.

She was urgently referred to specialists at the Vets4Life clinic in Athens, where she underwent major surgery. The tumour was extensive, and removing it left a very large wound requiring a skin graft to help the leg heal properly.

The Paw Sisters worked tirelessly to raise funds for Alma’s treatment, and GAR was able to step in and cover the remaining veterinary costs so the surgery could go ahead without delay.

Today, we’re very happy to say that Alma has recovered well and is back enjoying life at the sanctuary. ❤️

A huge thank you to The Paw Sisters for never giving up on her, to the vets who worked so hard to help her, and to everyone who supports GAR and makes it possible for us to stand beside rescuers when emergencies like this happen.

15/06/2026

They hear his moped before they see him.

Every evening, Nikolaos Kaimakidis rides through the industrial areas of Tavros and Rentis in Athens. When the factories close and the streets fall quiet, the stray dogs and cats come out - because they know the sound of his engine.

It means food is coming.

Without Nikolaos, many of these animals simply wouldn’t survive here.

He isn’t part of an organisation. He is just one person who cares enough to show up, night after night, for the animals living among the warehouses, roads and concrete.

Thanks to GAR supporters, we’ve been able to help Nikolaos again this year with much-needed food for the dogs and cats he feeds. Those waiting in the shadows won’t go hungry tonight. And that matters more than most people will ever know.

Thank you for helping us support people like Nikolaos - the quiet rescuers who keep going when no one is watching. ❤️

14/06/2026

“I overthought getting a dog for ages… then a couple of glasses of wine and a photo of some vulnerable Greek puppies changed everything.”

Three years later, Katie says adopting Gunner through Greek Animal Rescue was one of the best decisions she’s ever made ❤️

Gunner came to the UK through Greek Animal Rescue after being rescued as a young puppy in Greece. These days he’s living exactly the kind of life we hope for all our dogs - sniff-heavy walks, secure field adventures with other rescue dogs, pub visits, sofa snoozes, and a human who understands him for who he is.

And honestly… he sounds very much like a classic Greekie 😄

Part scenthound, fully opinionated. Once his nose switches on, the rest of the world tends to disappear. Recall is optional in Gunner’s mind if there’s something interesting to investigate, so Katie learned early on to work with his instincts rather than against them. Long lines, secure fields and routine have helped him thrive safely and happily.

That’s something we care deeply about at GAR. Rescue dogs do not need to be “perfect” to deserve love and understanding. Sometimes successful adoption simply means recognising the dog in front of you and building a life that works for both of you.

We often hear people say, “surely any home is better than life on the streets.” We understand why people feel that way - because they care. But rescue is rarely that simple.

When an adoption goes wrong, it’s heartbreaking for everyone involved. At the centre of it is a dog or cat whose whole world has been turned upside down all over again. Another journey. Another loss. Another period of confusion and stress. We never want that for the animals in our care - or for the adopters who opened their hearts and homes to them.

That’s why we take matching seriously. Not because we expect perfection, but because we want adoptions to last. Dogs like Gunner remind us that successful rescue isn’t about finding any home. It’s about finding the right home - one where a dog can safely be themselves, quirks and all.

Katie also said she felt reassured by GAR’s adoption process and checks, knowing they were there to make sure Gunner would be safe, understood and properly cared for. Three years later, seeing him settled, adored and living such a full life is exactly why we do what we do ❤️

Thank you, Katie, for giving Gunner the life he deserved - and for embracing every stubborn, sniffy, expressive part of him 🐾

You can follow Gunner’s adventures here: https://www.instagram.com/mastergunner

If you’ve adopted a Greekie or GreeKitty through GAR, we’d love to hear your story too ❤️
www.greekanimalrescue.com/adopt

13/06/2026

Meet Shiva… a gentle girl learning that the world can be safe 💛

Shiva is around 3 years old, a beautiful hound mix with long velvety ears and the softest, most thoughtful eyes. Medium-sized at 17kg, she carries herself quietly and gently — never demanding attention, just watching the world carefully from a distance.

When Shiva was found, she was trying to protect her puppies the only way she knew how: by hiding them away and keeping humans at arm’s length. It took two days to safely catch her. Life had clearly taught her to be cautious.

Now her puppies are safe, and for the first time, Shiva has the chance to be cared for too.

She’s still a shy dog and will need a calm, patient home where she can settle at her own pace. Shiva won’t be the dog who rushes over for cuddles on day one. Trust comes slowly for her. But beneath that uncertainty is a gentle, loyal soul who simply needs kindness and time to feel secure.

She’s not high energy or demanding — more the sort of dog who would love peaceful walks, a quiet routine, and somewhere soft to finally relax without fear.

Shiva will need an understanding adopter willing to let her move forward in her own time, without pressure. Watching a dog like Shiva slowly begin to trust is something very special.

She is:
• Around 3 years old
• 17kg, medium-sized
• Vaccinated and microchipped
• Not yet neutered
• Medium energy

When you adopt through Greek Animal Rescue, you’re not just giving a dog a home, you’re gaining our rescue backup for life. It’s our promise that no matter what happens, we’ll always be here for Shiva, and for you. Every organisation homing rescues to the UK should offer this level of lifelong support - sadly, not all do. We believe it’s a vital part of responsible rescue. ❤️

📍 Available for adoption in the UK
👉 https://greekanimalrescue.com/adopt

Interested? Questions? Please call Gillian on 07795 170222 for a friendly chat or email us on [email protected] for an application form.

Those soft honey-coloured eyes have spent long enough watching the world from a distance. Please share Shiva’s story and help her find the safe, gentle home she deserves.

If Shiva made you smile, please like, comment and share – it really does help them reach the right person.

#ΥιοθεσίαΣκύλου

Send a message to learn more

12/06/2026

⏰ FINAL CALL - Entries Close This Sunday! ⏰
GAR 2027 Calendar Photo Competition

Could your adopted Greekie or GreeKitty be one of our 12 stars of 2027?

This is your last chance to enter our FREE photo competition and celebrate your rescue pet while helping raise funds for animals in need across Greece.

To enter, simply email a high-quality, uncropped photo of your rescue (no humans in the picture, please), along with your name and your pet's name, to Liz & Steve:
📧 [email protected]

📅 Closing date: Sunday 14th June 2026

Independent judges will shortlist 15 entries, and our final judge will select the 12 winning photographs to feature in the calendar. We'd especially love to see seasonal-themed photos – Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, Easter or Christmas.

Our popular £5 calendar square fundraiser will follow, giving supporters the chance to guarantee their pet appears in the calendar while helping cover printing costs.

Thank you for helping us celebrate the wonderful rescue animals who have found loving homes, while raising vital funds for rescue work in Greece. ❤️

12/06/2026

Back on the beautiful island of Aegina again today ❤️

These photos from Sarah Blais in Vagia sum up so much of what rescue in Greece really looks like in 2026. Not dramatic rescues or viral moments - just the daily, relentless work of making sure animals survive today, while trying to stop more suffering tomorrow.

Food support keeps hungry dogs and cats going right now. Neutering means fewer puppies and kittens born into hardship in the months and years ahead. One deals with the emergency in front of us. The other tackles the root cause.

As we always say: Adoptions help a few. Neutering helps thousands.

Real impactful change begins in clinics and classrooms. And alongside that, rescuers still need practical support like food, medication and parasite treatment simply to keep going.

Sarah told us: “Thank you so much for all the support you have given for TNR and food for the animals in Aegina. It's truly appreciated and the wind beneath our wings.”

That support comes directly from all of you. Greek Animal Rescue is run entirely by volunteers, with no salaries or offices, so every donation goes straight to helping animals on the ground.

People love rescue stories with a beginning and an end. But most rescue work looks more like this. Quiet, ongoing, practical and absolutely essential. Please help us continue this vital work in Greece:

https://greekanimalrescue.com/help-and-donations/
PayPal: [email protected]
NoChex: https://secure.nochex.com/charity/default.aspx?cID=E09665833A28

11/06/2026

A lovely thank you from Maria Thalalaiou near Kozani, who travels across four villages to feed and care for around 70 stray animals. ❤️🐾

“I would like to express my warm thanks to the organisation for your valuable help in providing food for the strays I care for in my wider area. I go to four villages and the number of animals is close to 70.

"It is the first time that GAR has helped us! Thank you very much 🐾❤️🙏. I hope there will be more such activities in the future.”

These photos show the reality behind messages like this. Quiet village roads, hungry dogs waiting patiently, puppies growing up on scraps, cats surviving where they can.

For many of these animals, the food Maria puts down each day may be the only proper meal they get. Feed support may not be the most visible part of rescue, but for rescuers covering large rural areas like this, it makes an enormous difference.

Thank you to everyone helping us support people like Maria across Greece. You are directly helping animals survive.

Please help us continue this vital work:
https://greekanimalrescue.com/help-and-donations/

PayPal: [email protected]

NoChex:
https://secure.nochex.com/charity/default.aspx?cID=E09665833A28

10/06/2026

Benny-Boy: the puppy who should have died… but didn’t.

Last year, at just 12 weeks old, Benny-Boy was hit by a car and left at the roadside. No help. No second glance. Just… left. But thanks to your support, he got the surgery, the care, and the chance he deserved.

And now? He’s here. Waiting. 💛 Not broken. Not fragile. Just a big, gangly, slightly ridiculous teenager with legs that don’t quite know what they’re doing yet.

A proper lummox.
Goofy. Affectionate. Full of life.

The kind of dog who leans into you for a cuddle and somehow forgets how big he is. The kind who checks on the younger dogs like a proud big brother. The kind who should already be in a home… but somehow isn’t.

So what’s the catch?
There isn’t one.

Benny-Boy is:
✔️ Fully recovered
✔️ Friendly and social
✔️ Good with other dogs (or happy as an only)
✔️ Ready for an active UK home

He’ll arrive neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and with our full rescue backup for life. And that matters. When you adopt through Greek Animal Rescue, you’re not doing it alone. We’re here for Benny-Boy, and for you, every step of the way - including access to a qualified behaviourist if ever needed.

Because that’s what responsible rescue looks like.

What we don’t understand is this:
With his story, his character, his heart…
why is he still waiting?

📞 Interested? Questions?

Please call Gillian on 07795 170222 for a friendly chat
📧 Or email [email protected]
👉 https://greekanimalrescue.com/adopt

Please share Benny-Boy. Because the only thing missing is his person. 💛