Out of all the places I’ve travelled to, I don’t think I’ve been to anywhere and seen so many cats as I have in Greece. My latest visit was no exception but this time I also noticed a lot of very friendly and enchanting dogs, not forgetting the donkeys, like the one that carried me up to Manolas.

Under the guise of sharing some cute pictures of some of the many four-legged friends I met on Satorini, I’d also like to tell you about the great work that Santorini Animals Welfare Association do, so please read on.

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This little cutie popped up to say a timid hello in Manolas on Thirassia
and just around round the corner this lovely dog found us very curious.

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It all got a bit too much for this sleepy cat in Oia but he put a smile on many a passer-by’s face.

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 My equine ride and friends on Thirassia.

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Cats in Santorini, Greece

 A beautiful cat in Pyrgos and a friendly little dog in Oia. 

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Cats in Greece

 This lovely fella joined us for breakfast each morning by the beach in Kamari.

Cats in Greece

All the animals I saw seemed well cared for, not least because of a wonderful non-profit organisation, the Santorini Animal Welfare Assocation, SAWA for short.

It was founded in 1993 for the purpose of protecting Santorini animals, from neutering stray dogs to rescuing and caring for retired donkeys and mules. They have also done a wonderful job supporting the rights of working animals such as the donkeys found in many villages climbing up and down the hillsides with a tourist on their back.

If you are an animal lover and wish to support SAWA you can become a member for just 20 euros a year. But there are many ways you can help, from volunteering during your holiday, adopting a stray animal or even by escorting one being re-homed abroad.

At present they are facing many challenges and need your support now more than ever.

Visit their website for more information, SawaSantorini.org and like their Facebook page to keep up-to-date with current events.

 

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