Jordan is adopted!

Jordan, our handsome, special boy was adopted by a very nice family in Athens. Two years ago, the same family had adopted another three-legged female kitten named Nala. But Nala was home alone for many hours because the members of the family had to go to work or to school, so they decided to adopt a second cat for Nala to have as company.

Litsa, our program coordinator, happened to know the family's cousin who saw our Facebook post through which we were looking for a family for Jordan, and she informed the family. Jordan seemed to be the perfect match for Nala. Jordan is missing his left hind leg while Nala is missing her right foreleg. Both are black and white, while Jordan is a boy and Nala is a girl.

The decision from the family came right away and it was positive. The references for the family were excellent and their cousin happened to be in Amorgos at the time so she could take Jordan back to Athens with her immediately. Εverything fit together so perfectly and Jordan became part of a beautiful family.

The first few days, Nala was a bit wary of him, but within a week they became best friends and were already sleeping together. Now they are inseparable and have turned the house into a big playground. Their mom is looking for a place to decorate the Christmas tree, as it might soon be taken down, and she is seriously considering hanging it from the ceiling.

Here is Jordan’s original story: https://www.animal-zone.org/news/2022/8/10/jordan-a-three-legged-kitten

And here you can watch a short video of Jordan with his new sister Nala at their home in Athens: https://youtube.com/shorts/k47eIGzOj_w?feature=share

Have a nice life, sweet Jordan!

Fall Sterilization Program 2022

Another sterilization program was completed with great success! Over a period of 10 days, a total of 213 stray cats (129 female and 84 male) were spayed/neutered from all over Amorgos, as well as 1 male dog. Additionally, surgeries were performed to remove cancer from the ears of two cats, as well as two surgeries for hernia repair, and, sadly, two euthanasias were performed for two very sick cats with late-stage cancer.

All animals were also vaccinated against rabies (except for those who were too sick), received anti-parasitic treatment, and were marked electronically (microchip). This program was made in collaboration with the Municipality of Amorgos and Animal Zone International.

We would first like to thank our amazing veterinarian Dr. Andrianna Alexandropoulou, for her unwavering support and assistance (and for the fact that she worked intensely to meet the needs of our community).

Also we offer sincere thanks to the Municipality of Amorgos for the continuous support and perfect cooperation, the local veterinarian Dr. Dimitris Simos for his cooperation, and for transporting and catching cats of Chora, our Chariklia Psaki who worked eagerly as a veterinarian assistant. We wish to thank our amazing volunteers Giorgos, Angeliki, Anna, Melina, Marianna, Kaliroi, Lamia, Lilie, Wentoula, Fani, Alexandros, Giannis and Rania who "plowed the island" and went up and down many stairs in order to collect and release cats as well as to assist in the clinic, and of course all the inhabitants of the island who helped each in his or her own way.

We would like to say that the participation of the residents in this program was wonderful and to apologize to those who were unable to be included in the program as literally it was raining cats. Thank you all!

This sterilization program is crucial for both the cats and the residents of the island. Without this effort, the population of cats would explode to unsustainable levels. Cats reach the age of reproduction very quickly at 6 months and can have two or three litters a year. When there is an explosion in the cat population, it is difficult to feed and care for them all, and they soon become parasitic and sick, suffering from malnutrition and common infections, and increasing dissatisfaction within the community. When the cat population is under control, we are able to give them proper food and treatments for parasites, so that their overall health improves which reduces their risk of being considered a nuisance pest. Suffering is reduced and harmony is achieved.

If you agree, please continue to support our efforts to improve the lives of the cats of Amorgos. Make a donation to AZI today. Thank you! https://tinyurl.com/Donate-AZI

Sterilization Program for Stray Cats

Friday, October 21 through Wednesday, November 2, 2022

The Municipality of Amorgos and Animal Zone International will carry out a sterilization program for stray cats.

We ask those who take care of stray cats in their area and those who are interested in participating to contact us promptly at telephone: 22850 71716 & 6974990045.

According to Law 4940/2022, article 52, sterilization of dogs and cats is mandatory except for the animals whose genetic sample of material (DNA) has been sent to the genetic storage and analysis laboratory pet material of article 13.

The participation of volunteers, mainly in catching and transporting animals, will significantly help us help more animals.

Progress Report 2022

Our coordinator Litsa put together the slide show below, showcasing some of our more difficult cases so far this year.

WARNING: some of the images are graphic and therefore may be upsetting to some people.

As you can clearly see, these animals need our help! Some are suffering needlessly. For us to continue to do the work we do, we need your help! Won’t you make a donation today? https://tinyurl.com/Donate-AZI.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Jordan, a three-legged kitten

JULY 2023—Little Jordan, only three months old and weighing just over 3 lbs (1.5 kilo), was hit by a car, and sadly one of his legs was completely dislocated. Since he lives on Amorgos and there is no surgeon here for emergency care, there was no possibility of saving the leg, and unfortunately, it had to be amputated. He was sent to the vet on Naxos and then returned to Amorgos in our care. We’re happy to report that he is doing well, getting used to walking on three legs, and has the sweetest meow!

Soon he will be healthy again and we will look for the best home for him. But in the meantime, we are asking for your help to cover the cost of the surgery. Please help by donating here: https://tinyurl.com/Donate-AZI. Thank you!

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The cats of the monastery of Chozoviotissa

Recently, a kind-hearted tourist named Martina called us, concerned about a cat living at the monastery of Chozoviotissa. We reached out to the people who live and work at the monastery and discovered that the cat colony there badly needed treatment against internal and external parasites. Using funds from previous donations, we had already purchased ampoules and pills for treatments against cat parasites. So an appointment with the monastery was made immediately.

On Tuesday, May 24, very early in the morning (in order to be there when the monks feed the cats), our program coordinator Litsa together with our wonderful volunteers Ute and Edouard visited the monastery of Chozoviotissa, loaded ampoules and deworming pills.

Christos, who takes care of the cats, was waiting for us with 14 of the 16 cats who reside at the monastery. All were treated for internal and external parasites except for the 2 who were absent that morning. (We left Christos with the ampules and pills for them.) One of the cats was suffering from a respiratory disease so she also received a 10day antibiotic that will help her to recover. Advice was also given regarding proper nutrition which will help to keep them healthy.

We thank all the people of the monastery and especially Christos who lovingly cares for the cats that live there.

We are also grateful to our supporters because it’s thanks to them we were able to buy the necessary treatments and proceed with this action promptly.

Athos and Avgi are adopted!

Dear Athos (from the Three Musketeers) and Avgi, Almost 4 months ago when you arrived you were just a bunch of little creatures. Not even one week old, with your eyes closed, you could fit in our palms. Α "human" took you from your mom and threw you in the street like you were rubbish. It took us one entire month of intensive care (and loss of sleep!) to start eating on your own.

Now, almost four months later, you are two chubby monsters and today a new life opens before you. Today you say goodbye to Amorgos forever and begin the journey to your new home and life. You have been adopted by the best family and you will soon be hanging out with another Amorgian kitten, Siouti, who has no idea yet what awaits her. We will miss you! But despite the grief of separation, we are very happy for you because you could not have landed in better hands.

Ute K. and Edouard A., thank you from the bottom of our hearts for once again opening your home and your hearts to creatures in need. Thank you for what you have offered us and the animals of Amorgos. Have a happy and great life together! Have a good trip our little monsters and have a good start in your new life!

Mitsos

August 2021—Mitsos is a cat who lives in Agia Anna, Amorgos. About one month ago visitors to our island contacted us to report that he was suffering from a large wound under his ear and urgently needed medical care. We picked him up and after cleaning the wound began treating his ear. During his stay at our Center, he was also sterilized and dewormed and today, after now that his ear has healed, he was returned to his neighborhood.

When Litsa, our program coordinator, released him near his home, he ran off. But 10 minutes later, after exploring the area and realizing that he was back at home, he came running to find Litsa and did not stop showering affection on her. Litsa felt that he was thanking her for her care. And yes, animals have emotions and they prove it to us every day. This gratitude and love that they show us is the driving force that keeps us going.

Four Kittens

July 2021—Not 1, not 2, not 3 but FOUR newborn kittens were rescued recently.

It appears that the kittens were taken away from their mom and left in a box in Ormos of Aegiali. They were crying through the night into the next afternoon until a goodhearted girl realized that they needed help and decided to take action. She bought milk and started to feed them and then called us. Soon the kittens came under the care of Litsa, AZI’s coordinator, who took over their care, including feeding them every 2 hours.

The kittens are now about 1 week old and the first one is starting to open his eyes. They are 3 boys and 1 girl and we named them Porthos, Athos, Aramis (the 3 bodyguards) and princess Avgi. When they reach the appropriate age they will be available for adoption. They are extremely sweet, round, fluffy balls who purr nonstop.

We’d like to mention here that Animal Zone International and the Municipality of Amorgos offer free spaying/neutering for the island's stray cats to the residents of Amorgos. Keep in mind it’s much better and more humane to prevent unwanted kittens than to leave them to certain death. And thanks to all who support us in our mission of humane animal welfare.

UPDATE Nov 2021: Two of the kittens have been adopted! See the story here.

Siouti is adopted!

June 2021—Siouti was only 2 months old when she was found by our friend Iannis in the middle of the road to Aegiali, in a deserted location. Unfortunately she was already quite blind due to a bad eye infection. Iannis took care of her for as long as he could but because he travels often he could not keep her so Siouti came to our Center.

We confirmed that Siouti was completely blind; additionally she tested positive for Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). Luckily that didn’t stop her from being adopted by a wonderful couple in Holland.

On 16th of June, Siouti traveled to her new country and is now a Dutch citizen. Her new mum Ute loves Amorgos and has been coming here for about 10 years. This year she decided to spend her holiday in Amorgos by helping animals, which was wonderful for us since she decided to volunteer at our Center. It was then that she met Siouti and fell in love with her. After a week her partner Edouard joined the group, and he fell in love with Siouti as well.

Siouti lives now in a beautiful house in Amsterdam and although she is completely blind has already become completely accustomed to the environment. Here is a message from her mum:

Hello Litsa, all is fine with Siouti, she also came to sleep next to us last night. She is settling well, it’s amazing how quickly she knows the house, where the doors are, where to jump on or off, it’s incredible!

Here are 2 short videos of Siouti at her new home in Holland:

Update on Georgia

June 2021—From the streets of Athens to AZI's Center in Amorgos, then from AZI's Center to a beautiful home in Holland, Georgia—now called Dumpy—was a blind, sweet kitten we rescued in the summer of 2020.

Now, she has become a Dutch citizen and has a wonderful life in a warm home with a very big loving family. Here are some of the recent photos we received from her mum.

See her original story here: https://www.animal-zone.org/news/2020/8/21/georgia

Spay/Neuter Program Spring 2021

The Spring sterilization program was completed successfully. A total of 145 stray cats (81 female and 64 male) were spay/neutered from all the villages of Amorgos, as well as 2 male dogs from AZI's shelter.

The program was made in collaboration with the Municipality of Amorgos, Animal Zone International, and Aegean Cats / “We live together” (www.welivetogether.gr).

We would first like to thank our amazing veterinarian Dr. Manolis Vorrisis, the founder of "We live together" (based on the island of Syros) for the uninterrupted support and assistance. Also we offer sincere thanks to the Municipality of Amorgos for the continuous support and perfect cooperation, the veterinarian Dr. Anna-Katerina Bacher who came from Thessaloniki to work for our sterilization program, the local veterinarian Dr. Dimitris Simos for his participation and impeccable cooperation, our Chariklia Psaki who worked eagerly as a veterinarian assistant, our amazing volunteers Giorgos, Anna, Mata, Melina, Lamia, Evangelia, Ventoula, Maria, Sofia, Fani and Alexandros who "plowed the island" and went up and down many stairs in order to collect and release cats as well as to assist in the clinic and of course all the inhabitants of the island who helped each in his own way. Thank you all!

This sterilization program is crucial for both the cats and the residents of the island. Without this effort, the population of cats would explode to unsustainable levels. Cats reach the age of reproduction very quickly at 6 months and can have two or three litters a year. When there is an explosion in the cat population, it is difficult to feed and care for them all, and they soon become parasitic and sick, suffering from malnutrition and common infections, and increasing dissatisfaction within the community. When the cat population is under control, we are able to give them proper food and treatments for parasites, so that their overall health improves which reduces their risk of being a nuisance. Suffering is reduced and harmony is achieved.

Regarding the contradiction which speaks of interference in the nature of the animal, our veterinarian Dr. Manolis Vorrisis points out that “for us, the cat is not a wild animal, but a pet. We intervene because we want her near us. Just as we intervene in our own lives with medical procedures etc. to benefit our health, we also intervene in hers.” To us, it’s clear that it is the right thing to do.

If you agree, please continue to support our efforts to improve the lives of the cats of Amorgos. Make a donation to AZI today. Thank you!

Lemonaki

Lemonaki gazes at her childhood photograph which was taken at our program coordinator’s home nine years ago. Back then, she was a tiny underfed two-month-old kitten found in Katapola square in Amorgos.

But, through grace and good luck, she was adopted by an amazing couple, Malin and Emilio, where she now lives a safe and happy life in Sweden and treated like a queen.

Thank you Malin and Emilio!!

Update on Bolec and Lolec

The latest rescue of two orphaned kittens, Bolec and Lolec, has been a great success. (See their original post here.)

These two are very happy, affectionate, and playful and would be a wonderful addition to a warm and loving home. What about yours? They will entertain you nonstop!

AZI Slideshow

The video below shows some of the sweet cats and dogs (and a goat!) we have rescued so far in 2020. So many kittens came to us sick and malnourished and now they are beautiful, healthy cats. Some have been adopted but many others still need a loving and safe place to call home.

We can do this with only with the help of our supporters like you. Your contributions are crucial, so please give what you can. No donation is too small! Each creature that comes to our Center gets a chance at a better life. We tend to the sick, feed the hungry, and search out good homes for as many as we can.

Donate here: https://tinyurl.com/Donate-AZI

WARNING: Some “Before” images are graphic.

Bolec and Lolec

Recently two newborn kittens arrived from the area of Rachidi in Katapola. We learned of their existence because their constant crying was keeping people awake for several nights. Fortunately we arrived just in time. These two helpless kittens were not even a month old, malnourished, dehydrated, and clearly abandoned. It seemed that their chances for survival were slim. But, after five days of feedings of two or three drops of milk throughout the day, they began to eat on their own and gained strength and their health. Now, they are feeling better and starting to play together. We welcome them and wish Bolec and Lolec a long and happy life.

Melenia and Marianna

Marianna arrived in our Center in Oct 2019 when she was only two months old, a tiny undernourished kitten both blind and deaf and suffering from a number of neurological problems. Born in a garden in the area of Katapola, Marianna was cared for by the owner of the garden who had allowed a colony of cats and kittens to call his garden home. When he realized that Marianna had serious health issues he turned to AZI for help, and since then she has been under our care. Unfortunately, her eyesight and hearing were permanently damaged so could not be saved, but we felt that she was healthy and happy enough to be adopted.

Melenia had come to our center two months before Marianna, a tiny kitten only two months old with serious injuries from being hit by a car. She was given very low chances of survival but in spite of this, she proved to have great strength and a powerful will to live. Melenia had also lost her vision due to the impact but over time it returned and the only lingering result of her injury now is a slight limp. Her moving story is told here: https://www.animal-zone.org/news/2019/12/2/the-miracle-of-melenia

The stories of Marianna and Melenia merge with the story of two visitors to Amorgos from Germany. During their holidays two years ago they found a very sick cat in the streets of Aegiali and they learned about our center when trying to rescue this cat. Although we tried our best to save this cat, unfortunately, it did not survive.

Time passed, Kris and Lauren were ready to adopt a pet, they decided on a cat from our island in memory of the one they had tried so hard to save. We had only Marianna and Melenia available at that time, both special needs cats, but the caring couple decided to adopt both.

Due to the Covid-19 lockdown, the wait to receive these two cats was long but finally, Melenia and Marianna have joined Kris and Lauren to become one family. Our coordinator Litsa traveled with the cats from Amorgos to the airport in Athens and Kris arrived from Munich to take these two sweet cats home.

We give our heartfelt thanks to Kris and Lauren, a lovely and amazing young couple, and we wish the four of them a long and very happy life together. We will miss our sweet special girls but we know that they will be warm and safe and enveloped with love.

Update on Yupi

Yupi arrived safely in his new home in Belgium. The people of the shelter there will do their best in order to give this handsome boy the special care he needs. Thank you all!

Yupi

When he came to Animal Zone International’s Center, he was a bony creature with a respiratory problem and severe diarrhea. After a few days, we discovered he had a very serious condition — partial paralysis of the large intestine and a malfunctioning sphincter, which caused the incontinence and frequent infections, etc.

We’re told it was possibly caused by a stroke. But we know an animal in this condition cannot survive in the streets and adoption is not so easy for special needs cats. So we turned to a shelter in Belgium which is known to take on difficult cases.

Happily, Yupi was accepted and on 29 September 2020, he traveled to the Netherlands where he will stay for a few days before he heads to Belgium in order to be evaluated by experienced rescuers. We hope against hope that he will find his own home as he is an absolute cuddly sweet creature.

We want to acknowledge all the caring people who started the chain of events that saved him. From the tourist who picked him up from the streets of Tholaria, the volunteers who took care of him at our Center, Marina who accompanied him on the ship from Amorgos to Piraeus, Pepi and Daniel who picked him up from the port of Piraeus and hosted him at their house for a few days and accompanied him to the airport, Sophie and Jelle who accompanied him on the flight, Juliet who picked him up in the Netherlands, hosted him for a few days, and drove him all the way to Belgium to deliver him to the shelter who agreed to take him in.

This show of love and care makes us very optimistic, knowing there are many who do not remain indifferent and rather are willing to work together to help a small creature very much in need.

We hope that our little Yupi will be well —as well as possible. We wish you a good start in your new life and we hope that you will soon find your own family who will accept you as you are.

Ntinos

In July 2020, two-month-old Ntinos came to us suffering from an eye infection and respiratory disease. We began an intensive treatment that cured the respiratory problems but the infection left his eye with impaired vision. Still he carries on beautifully and the problem is not a serious one.

Soon we will return sweet Ntinos to his neighborhood unless someone is willing to adopt him. Life in a warm home is always better than the life on the streets, and as friendly kitty, we hope a loving family will come forward and give him the happy life he deserves.