Corfu Donkey Rescue

CDR - Web Log

February 2010

Tritsi, Kiana and Makis arrived in January. Tritsi is in good condition but very nervous and doesn’t want anything to do with us. What has happened to her in her life, to make her so mistrusting can only be guessed at, like so many donkeys we take in. Makis is a tough little donkey with no serious problems, just a lovely character. Kiana came to us from a villager who is 83 years old and could no longer ride her. Kiana is emaciated and has some sort of respiratory problem. She hardly ate at all and I really thought she would die. But with much care and attention and trial and error with feeding, her appetite has improved and we are hoping she will recover. She is a bright little donkey with an interest in life so it is a real pleasure to see the improvement. Sadly our vets do not have the experience to deal with many of the donkeys problems so it is down to us to do what we can.

Kiana

Then in Feb we received a call to help a donkey abandoned near Agrofoi. We collected the donkey from a man called Theodore who had found her. So we named her Thea. We reported her movement to the local police in case her owner was traced. Then we were given Rambler, she has a very bad case of laminitis and we hope she will pull through soon. Fengari arrived, she is a beautiful white donkey and her name means moon.

The cavalry arrived in mid Feb in the form of 2 Dutch volunteers; Chantal and Diana, and 2 Dutch students; Kelly and Miranda, so at last the donkeys have enough people around to get that extra special attention they need. This week the weather was so mild that we took all the rugs off the donkeys again. Yesterday they all received a good brushing, they loved it. They looked so smart it was hard to recognize them but such a pleasure to see. Our Dutch team are super and it is a pleasure to have a full complement of people to help, for the first time since October last year.

The photo shows the 3 men who bring some of our hay supplies from Doukades, a lovely trio who constantly gabble away in Greek and we understand very little. They are very reliable. Stephanos is the boss and we are happy to give local people work and business. It all goes to keeping good relations at the new shelter.

Sadly we have another ’horse’ story.

At 4.30 am in the morning on Sunday 14th February I received a call from a Greek lady Maria. She said her boyfriend, Theodore, had witnessed a car accident with a pony at 2.30 that morning. The pony was badly damaged. The driver of the car drove away but Theodore, the boyfriend stayed to see if he could help. He called the police. They came out and tied the pony to a telegraph pole and tied two other loose ponies to another place and then they left. They said that the problem with the ponies was not theirs. Poor Theodore did not know what to do so telephoned his girlfriend Maria, to call a vet. Maria tried 2 vets and no-one would pick up the phone. They tried an Animal Rescue Charity and they also did not answer – how deep these people sleep! Then she tried Corfu Donkey Rescue. I answered. I always answer the phone in the middle of the night, it is obvious it is an emergency if someone calls at 4 in the morning. Maria asked for numbers of more vets which I gave her. I also said that if no vet would answer to call me back and I would come out. I couldn’t do much but I could give pain killers until a vet was reached. Half an hour later Maria called me, no vet would answer the phone. So I left hastily, sleepy dogs in tow. I was horrified to see the extent of the injury. The front leg of the pony was smashed and the bone was sticking out through the skin. The pony was in terrible pain and shock. I put 3 blankets on him as he was so cold and injected the pain killers. I then called my vet Dino and he answered and said he would come as soon as he could get there. I went to a friend in the nearest local village to see if he knew the owner. He came out and recognized the pony as one he had rescued 2 years before. He was so upset as he had got this pony really well and then given it to another Greek as a companion for his horse. This Greek had then sold it (to make money) and sold it to a bad person. We know who owned all 3 ponies now but no-one would speak with them, they were too afraid. By 7.30am the pony was put to sleep and at last out of pain. But he suffered excruciating pain for 5 hours.

Theodore wanted me to write this story as he was desperately upset. Accidents happen he knows but he said it was the complete lack of interest of the police who left the scene that upset him most. The inability of 6 vets and an animal charity not to answer the telephone and the fact that the Government Services were not available to take the body away, it was Sunday. Theodore was also in despair that in the 3.5 hours it took for his girlfriend to find CDR, me, there were many people who drove past him and the pony, slowed down to stare, but not one, offered to help in any way, except, by chance his friend Dimitris passed by and gave him support. The lads did not want their photo taken, modest as they are, but I sneaked a quick picture of them.

I wanted to write this story because I wanted to thank publically Theodore who did stop and did everything he could to help this animal. He would not leave until he knew the pony was helped in some way. I hear many stories about the Greeks and how cruel they are and uncaring. But this is one story of a Greek couple who did care and did everything they could to help the pony. They are few and far between but I must say here, that in my work, I have met many caring Greek people. And I thank God for them. Maybe there are many more out there and maybe they do try to help an animal in distress but either they do not know who to call, or the phone is not answered. Maybe a lesson here for all of the charities on the Island, we must be more accessible.

May 8th has been designated by PETA as International Day of the Donkey. Fund raising and awareness events will take place all over the world. We are arranging with the authorities to take a donkey into the centre of Corfu Old Town to raise awareness of our work. So many locals still don’t know about our work. Two years ago I was in the town shopping and got to talk to a sale lady. She not only didn’t know about CDR but did not realize there were any donkeys on the Island.

El, Nadia and Mirthe, Dutch friends of ours and past volunteers here are holding a fund raising event for CDR on this day at The Ezelsocieteit near Zeist. Hopefully, if you live nearby you can visit and support them. Perhaps you can be inspired to hold an event too. We have so much money to raise to pay for everything at the new shelter along with the running costs.

I am happy to report that one of our dogs, Elsa, is now safely in a foster home in Germany. We have decided to keep Charlton. Since so many people think he is a Staffordshire mix dog, and we know there are many problems for this breed in Germany, I decided against sending him. He is a complete nut case but so adorable and I have become really fond of him. Bella is still waiting for that perfect home with a fireplace and a few children to cuddle up to. We have added a puppy, called Dax, to our menagerie. I went to the garage to buy petrol and they gave me the puppy free – in UK we usually get a set of glasses as a free gift! Dax has taken to shelter life very well and has no fear of anything and of course, has learnt all the bad habits of our older dogs already.

Dax

Things are progressing with the permits and licenses for the new land, they need to do an Environmental Impact Survey and an archeological dig first. All these different departments take their time but we are told we will have the building permissions and electric by April/May. We have some good news regarding the stables but will reveal all when it is confirmed.

Update
27th Feb – sadly our dearest Kiana died yesterday morning. The day before she was not so good in the morning but we helped her up, gave her medications and she was soon fine, eating more than she had ever done before. But at 7am yesterday morning she was down again and within 5 minutes she had died. We are so sad she did not make it, but obviously there was the underlying problem that could not be known. During her 5 weeks with us she was spoilt rotten and had every comfort she could wish for and lots of love.

Chantal and Diana left this morning. They will be much missed. Two more hard working girls you couldn’t wish for and so much fun to work with. They brought their experience of working life on a city farm to CDR and we all benefitted. Our 2 students, Kelly and Miranda are doing very well too, they learnt the job very quickly enabling them to finish the chores fast so they can give the donkeys quality time with grooming and walks.

Finally we welcome the arrival of Karuna a few days ago. A beautiful beige donkey with the sweetest temperament but a coat so full of matted dried manure that it would seem obvious her previous owner had never cleaned her stable or her. But if that, apart from old age, is the only problem she has, she will have a happy time at CDR.

The new Donkey Tent

We now have 20 donkeys there and it has been reassuring to know they have plenty of space and comfort. One end is knee deep in straw for them to relax on. Having donkeys in 2 different places has been difficult as I knew it would be. I have to go 2 times everyday to check them and feed them. Sometimes leaving here at 6pm to drive there and check by torch light. But in the new field there is little they can harm themselves with and I do believe the whole ambiance of the place is conducive to a happier existence than at our old shelter. There is no mud for a start! Seriously, the new place has a very special feel to it, and I love to be there and can’t wait for us all to move.

The New Land on New Years Day

That said, it is my plan to move lock stock and barrel in the 3rd/4th week of May. During that time we have a team of Belgium students coming over for a week to help out and so this makes perfect sense for the move to take place then – ready or not. Of course the stables etc won’t be completed by then but the weather will be good enough for all donkeys to live out if they want or live in the tent if they want. We will build around them, in between them, over them and under them as and when we have the money. But we will get them out of this old place so they can all appreciate the calming and beautiful setting of the new.

I wanted to thank John Cartier and his Greek friend; they have voluntarily helped to do many repairs to our stable and tools, repairs by welding. John even managed to resurrect our old little donkey trailer when I thought it was ready for a final journey to Corfu metal recycling! It will live on for a few years yet,

John and friend repairing the Donkey trailer

I also wanted to say a thank you to a lady called Edith from Germany who has sent several generous donations, however on the bank papers there is only a street address and so we have been unable to thank her personally. If you do read this Edith, we would love to have your full address.

I have had several emails and a phone call from various people, Greek and Scottish asking to buy or borrow stallion donkeys so they can mate with their female donkeys. Although we have some stallions, (only because we have no vet to castrate them) we do not encourage breeding. When you see the amount of unwanted donkeys selling for a few euros then I can see no reason to breed more. They live for up to 40-50 years and no person can ever ensure that their homebred will always have a loving a permanent home for life. We respect everyone’s right to breed should they wish but using the stock from CDR is not an option.

3 new donkeys came in during December, Timoni, Soukia and Nymfes. All have their problems, lameness of course the main problem, but all seem able to cope. Yesterday we received out first donkey for 2010 and we have called her Pagi. She was unwanted by her owner and happily for us she seems very strong and healthy. As soon as we can we will take her to the new place. It is so interesting to watch the new donkeys. They spend many days standing away from the others and just watching. I wonder what they think.

Just before Christmas we were asked to help a man who had taken in a horse that was very ill. The gelding was very thin, I called him Grandee. He had obviously been a well bred handsome horse, imported into the country. I had seen this horse in the summer and he was indeed magnificent. Now he was a walking skeleton. He was plainly very ill and although he wanted to eat he could not, whatever delicacy was tempted. For a week the man had tried every feed available and suggested to him.. A vet was not called as this would cost money and it’s a rare Greek who pays money for an animal unless there is a good chance he will recover the money. When we were called in it was plain it was too late to help and no vet on the Island had the knowledge or skills to know where to begin. When we told the man that the horse should be euthanized he refused. This would cost him money, the horse must be left to die he said. This we could not allow and offered to arrange and pay for euthanasia, which we did. I hope you agree we did the right thing for Grandee who though not a donkey was in much need of our help in his final days.

Grandee

2009 Overview
January started grimly with the loss of our beloved donkey Shine and throughout the year additions and losses. Each loss painful for us and each gain a joyous moment, another life to help if possible.

April saw the final signing of the contracts for the new land. The donkeys finally have a permanent home to live out their lives in peace.

Early May saw me go to Austria and Holland to see the donkeys that had been rehomed there in the last 3 years. Despite a few losses the remaining donkeys were happy and very well cared for in both shelters.

Late May the transport for Austria, Gut Aiderbichl finally left. 14 more donkeys destined for a new life. I had never given up hope despite the State vets putting every obstacle in our way – even inventing laws that did not exist! But I kept returning and telling them that “I will not go away until my donkeys have the export papers they need”. And so eventually the donkeys left for their new home in Austria, another battle won here. But there should have been no battle.

June was the month the new field was finally fenced and enclosed meaning we could move some 7 donkeys onto the land. The 12th was the day we went to court to fight for the right to stay at the old shelter until we could move to the new. June also brought Mark the farrier from UK to help our donkeys.

The summer months brought plenty of students, volunteers, visitors and old friends back to the shelter. It is a good time for the donkeys with all the attention and for those of us who do the work, to know how much it is appreciated. Sadly our dog Meli was stolen and 5 cats were poisoned.

September came and the decision of the court was beyond our expectations. We were given leave to remain at the old shelter indefinitely, albeit with a limit on numbers. A resounding win. No-one could quite believe it. The end of another 2 year battle.

October brought the architects plans for the design of the new shelter. Things were beginning to take shape. Also the Dutch team from the Ezelsocieteit with a farrier and dentist and volunteers and friends to help the donkeys once again. Also Paul, Tina and the Richter family arrived and this meant many repairs were done to see us through the winter in the old shelter and a small field shelter was built at the new place (all with 2nd hand materials costing nothing) which meant we could move another 5 donkeys.

December brought the tent from Austria and meant we could have in total 19 donkeys on the new land. We have 5 more to move but the problem is we use the trailer as a storage for our food supplies which means it is out of action unless between deliveries. Nothing is straight forward here.

Also news from UK that our application for charity commission status in UK is finally completed and hopefully we will have full UK registration in a few months. We will keep our UK supporters informed on this.
Although we will move to the new land next May it will take time to set up and build the new shelter. This is not just for financial reasons but because we must do this legally and this is often where time is a problem. Things move slowly and for each set of progress we make with licenses and permits to build etc, this costs us money in fees. If we don’t have this money we cannot make progress legally. We will be asking the government for help. We will be asking you all for help. But I am sure, for those of you who visit us this year and see our new land and the hope it holds for the Corfu donkey’s future, you will see for yourself that it is a very worthwhile cause. Many of you will have followed our progress over the years and see how far we have come.

Thanks to you all I am very optimistic for the future of CDR and all its inhabitants. For 5 years we have been at this old shelter, please help me see it through the next 5 years at the new, and see what a difference we can all make. Happy New Year to you all.

3 Dogs Needing Homes
I don’t normally ask for help with rehoming dogs but this winter 3 dogs came my way and I have had to take them in to save their lives. It is very difficult for us here to cope with all the dogs and the donkeys; it has not been easy at all, not to mention the additional expense. I also feed several street dogs and all this food adds to the expense. When we take in cats as special cases, Agni Animal Welfare Fund, whose main remit is cat protection, always offer their help and have even set up a monthly standing order to help pay for the food. Unfortunately the dog charities refused to help us by taking these dogs in. Though I should add that Cheryl does take any puppies I find and Tierhilfe Korfu did agree to sterilize Charlton and a mother and daughter owned by a poor Greek family.

Charlton
He is a robust castrated male, cross bred dog about 2 years old. He was left chained up to the gate at the new shelter several months ago. From his behavior it would seem he has spent his life chained up, everything is new to him and very exciting. He is exceptionally friendly with people and dogs. He is bottom of the pecking order and if my own 2 dogs attack him he rolls over and submits immediately then comes running to me for reassurance. There is not a bad bone in his body, a truly super dog but will need some training to curb his exuberance. He is great with children but because he is strong and excitable he will be better with older children.

Bella
I found on a dirt track just off the main Paleocastritsa Road. Immediately she jumped in the jeep and became my shadow. She is a setter or spaniel. She has obviously had several litters of puppies previously. She is no trouble at all. But a nervous little soul who seems to think everyone and everything is out ‘to get her’. If you want a medium size, light weight, loyal dog who is more than happy to curl up on your lap or in your bed, Bella is for you. Excellent with children, she just lives for cuddles. She is a hunting dog and when cuddles are short she loves running, her one faux pas, if you like gardens, she likes to dig for frogs, mice, insects etc.

Elsa
I found her in exactly the same place as Bella. She was a bag of bones and near to death. She also has a problem with her front leg which is broken in 3 places. These are old breaks and cannot be repaired here, maybe in Germany? However, it does not stop her leading a perfectly normal life. She also has Leishamania but since putting her on a daily dose of tablets she has improved no end. She is looking 100% better now. She is also very sweet and loyal and excellent with children. Tierhilfe Korfu have a foster home in Germany for Elsa but we need a flugpaten for her or someone travelling to Germany by car to offer to take her so she can get that important treatment for her leg.

Elsa on arrival

All the dogs are happy to ride in the car together, most days I take all the dogs, 6, it’s a bit crowded but try leaving one behind when I go to the new shelter each morning. They are good with other dogs, cats and donkeys.