Symi Animal Welfare (SAW) report Spring 2016

Handing you over to SAW today for their spring update with some photos they sent too. Here’s the message and a more personal, sadder, note from Suzan.

Symi Animal Welfare     Spring Report,  2016

After a very dry winter in the South Aegean, the early Spring weather has  been warm &  sunny, so the islands’ feline population has fared very well during this mild winter, with so little rain fall that we have had to place water containers out for the cats near to the feeding stations, to ensure that they have enough to drink with their food.

Stray cats being looked after at Nimborio
Stray cats being looked after at Nimborio

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the S.A.W. volunteers for their efforts and the time they have given to help with our winter feed programme over the last five months. If any new residents on the island would like to help us for next winter, then please contact Suzan or Antonella, we are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers.

The WFP (Winter Feeding Programme) is our highest annual expense, in Nov 2015 the total order for the cat food supplies cost €1,450. A huge thank you to all our generous supporters from many countries whose donations make it possible for us to continue with our task of helping the Symi cats to have a better life.

Symi cats, Greece Simi
Symi cats, Greece Simi

We would also like to thank our dedicated team of suppliers, namely Hatzipetros Bros. Supermarket, Yialo; Sotiris Supermarket, Chorio; and Valandis Animal Feed Suppliers, Kampos, Chorio.

Regarding a vet visit for this year, we are at present looking for new premises which would be suitable for this purpose. We would prefer the location to be in the port area, which is where we are searching for a property with the help of some Symi locals, as it is essential to have a place first, that is approved by a vet, and by the Symi Town Hall Authority before the animal charity we work with in Greece, (9 Lives) can offer us a vet visit, hopefully for the Autumn this year.

We continue to have a special arrangement with one of the Rhodes vets for cat neutering and we can assist any island resident who wishes to take up this offer. All they have to do is, contact us first, and we will set it up with the veterinary.

Symi cats, Greece Simi
Symi cats, Greece Simi

In the Spring we know we will soon hear the patter of tiny paws, so we would like to remind everyone that new kittens should not be taken from where their mother has left them; she has not abandoned her litter, and will soon return to feed her babies.

Well, it will be Greek Easter soon, (or Pasxa) which this year is the first week in May, the most important religious holiday here, and, as the island gears up for another new season, everyone is busy sprucing up the place, painting & decorating, and many residents are returning from a winter away. The Symi cats are looking forward to the opening of tavernas & restaurants and the arrival of the early season tourists as that means more food scraps for all our feral felines.

We hope to see many of you this year on Symi.

Wishing everyone a very Happy Greek Easter, Kalo Pasxa ! From the SAW Team,  Suzan, Antonella, Tove, & Hazel.

This month we are very sad to announce the passing of a very special dog. His name was Kamberis, he was our farm dog,  he had been trained  to work with sheep & goats,  tireless & obedient, always ready & listening for that one whistle to call him into action,   he knew every goat that belonged on the farm, and would drive away any huge male  ‘foreign ’goats  if they invaded his territory. He was our best help on the farm, and only those who own working dogs can understand how lost we feel without him.

Kamberis
Kamberis

He was so gentle & caring with all the small & vulnerable, from tiny kittens to baby orphan lambs & goats…. and best friend to our 6 farm cats. He was our guardian & loyal friend, he is irreplaceable on our farm & in our hearts. Sadly, he died from poisoning from an unknown source… Despite veterinary advice & medicine we could not save him. Hhis grave is on the farm, under  the pine trees overlooking the Aegean Sea. He would have been 7 years old  in August. He was the best dog that we could ever own, taken from us so suddenly .We will remember  him forever. R.I.P.  KAMBERIS

Suzan Rashid &  Filimonas Tsakkiris,
Filimonas ‘ Farm, Ayios Dimitrios, Symi island, Greece.

Kamberis
Kamberis

You can contact Symi Animal Welfare here.