Animal abandonment is a growing problem across the world, and Greece is no exception. It has become normalized for people to abandon their pets when they are no longer wanted or useful.
Takis, the founder of Takis Shelter, an organization that rescues stray animals, received a call from a woman who reported that someone had chained a dog to a tree in the middle of nowhere. The woman didn’t know what to do, so she called Takis Shelter for help.
Takis and one of his volunteers immediately rushed to the area, and upon arrival, Takis was distressed to find the dog, Louis, chained to a tree with a bell around his neck. Bells are often used to prevent sheep from getting lost, so seeing one on a dog was surprising. Louis was in deplorable condition, and it was clear that he needed urgent medical attention.
Louis was happy to see his rescuers approaching him. He was evidently relieved that someone had finally come to take him away from his previous situation. Takis managed to remove the tightly wrapped chain around Louis’ neck.
But as they began to leave, Louis showed signs of fear. This could have been due to his confusion, as he was accustomed to the place and still expected his former owner to return. However, Louis calmed down after a while and even gave his rescuers a big smile.
As they were leaving, they noticed a car approaching. Takis confronted the driver and asked if he had any information about Louis. He warned the driver that he would call the police if he lied. The driver, who was a shepherd, explained that he had left Louis there to guard his sheep and scare off other dogs. The bell around Louis’ neck was used to keep track of his movements.
Takis told the man he would take his dog because Louis was not treated well. He also warned the man not to mistreat another dog, or he would involve the police. After that, Louis became a much happier and friendlier dog. Later, Louis’s previous owner contacted Takis and offered to help rescue other dogs in a similar situation.
Images credits to Takis Shelter
