CDR - Web Log

16 December 2011
As I type, there is thunder in the back ground, many hours of this noise threatening bad weather to come. We have however, been very lucky with the weather the last 3 months, it has been unusually dry and warm, so no complaints. The donkeys seem in good health these days with no sick donkeys or serious worries at the moment, so we are enjoying the calm and hoping it will last much longer.

However, it has been a horrible last few months. Bearte, featured in the last blog, died after extensive dental surgery. We must rethink how much we are to put them through, as regards dental treatment, in future. Some days later, I went in the early evening to check the donkeys and found Zachari (blind) in a terrible state, rushing around in circles banging his head on the walls, when I went to stop him, he just crashed to the ground. He would get up again and then repeat the process. The time had come to let him go. About a week later, Mari, who lived with Zachari and shared a stable with him, she is also blind, seemed to give up on life and so we let her go and join Zachari. You may recall that Mari and Zachari shared the same stable, they would share the same bucket of food, they would walk into each other and have no problem with this, other blind donkeys kick like crazy if either of these events occurs. But these two just seem to have a marriage made in heaven and therefore it was not surprising one could not live without the other.

A great shock was Sidoni, who had been with us only about 4 weeks. She was in the tent area and seemed very healthy and happy. One morning Paul called me and showed me that Sidoni had walked out of the tent and collapsed. She was obviously seriously ill and in great pain. What looked like stomach contents were coming down her nose. In 20 minutes she was dead. It was quite traumatic and very upsetting to lose such an apparently healthy donkey so suddenly. We can only guess that she had severe intestinal problem. This can happen in horses and donkeys, and death can be swift. In Sidoni’s case she was lucky it was so quick, you may recall my horse Jake, who suffered horrendously for 36 hours before death took him.

After a few weeks, we suddenly started to get donkeys refusing to eat their bucket feeds. Temperatures’ heart beats and respiration were all abnormal. I called in Spiros the vet who was to take blood tests from some. While he was taking blood from Dance, she collapsed and after half an hour was dead. The next day, Ketsi died. We had Vidos put to sleep. That night Dolche died. The next day, Zois and Rambler were put to sleep. Over the next week, more donkeys became ill but thankfully we managed to get the rest of them over the problem – about 22 in all were taken ill. We narrowed it down to a problem with the hay supply (a new supplier). Maybe there were poisonous plants in it. Needless to say the hay was all burnt within 24 hours of the donkeys becoming ill. The ones that became seriously ill were the weakest ones whose bodies could not fight the extra battle. Ketsi had Cushing’s Disease, recently diagnosed through a blood test done in Germany, we were waiting for the tablets for treatment to arrive. Sadly it was too late. Vidos and Zois were fighting a losing battle with their own physical problems when they were struck down.

Hoping everything was over and we could all relax again, our lovely singing donkey Poulis became ill. At first it looked like gas colic, but there was no response to treatment given by a visiting English vet. It was apparent it was far more serious and after 6 days we let her go, it had become painful.

I have to admit, that after all that, I was beginning to think – what am I doing here? Am I really doing any good at all? One feels so helpless without the ‘back up services’ we take for granted in our own countries – expert veterinary help. At least they can tell you what you are dealing with and what to do.

After consultation with a Swiss veterinary practice, they did confirm, based on the symptoms we gave them, that it was highly likely to be some kind of toxic poisoning. Of course, we won’t be buying off that hay supplier again and are warning other equine owners to steer clear. The problem on the Island with hay is that the farmers neither know nor care what they are cutting, they just cut and bale anything that grows. As much as possible and for as long as we can afford it we are buying trifili hay from the mainland, this is professionally grown and cut, and the donkeys love it. It is however 3 euros per bale more expensive. It works out at 64 euros a day just for the hay.

Spiros who buries our donkey casualties told us that 2 years ago he was called in to bury 4 very valuable cows that had died after eating some hay. So we are not alone and maybe there are many more unknown owners who have unwittingly lost an animal for similar reasons.

But I did manage to cheer myself up a bit when I looked back at our database and realized that we have had some donkeys a long time. Ira takes over from Zois as the longest serving resident here, she came in August 2005. Then Axia, Cloud, Ktzina, Lieke and Xara all came in 2006 and Circa, Dina, Krini and Skia in 2007. All of these donkeys have major problems and were not expected to survive very long. And of course this does not take into account some of our donkeys that were sent abroad and still live on. The Ezelsocieteit have many of our old donkeys and they look so well. See Facebook to catch up on some of these. So yes, I don’t think I’ll quit just yet?

And of course we are still taking in new donkeys, though this seems to have slowed down a bit lately. But welcome to Siska, Sokraki and Petrati. They are all old and a little underweight but don’t seem to have any obvious serious problems, thankfully.

Siska

Sokraki

Petrati

Nikita is still going strong, she yells continuously for food whenever anyone is near the kitchen. She may be the smallest but she is certainly the noisiest and can put in a good 2 hind legged kick out when anyone goes near her when she is eating. Bliss is doing well but unfortunately she has bad teeth problems and it will be 6-9 months before we get a dentist out again.

Cloud and Axia are doing very well, after their special treatment by the Swiss vet team. Cloud has now got used to her new ‘hooves’ made from vettec and is walking much faster. And I am happy to say, that although it has been a long long time coming, Angeliki is doing better than she has done for over 18 months. How long this will last, we cannot say, but she is certainly much happier for now. I am delighted, a lot of work has gone in to making her well and comfortable again, and I know some thought I was wrong to keep her. But I guess, that after 450 donkeys passing through, I have some little intuition and I can tell when they have had enough and want to pass on. But today Angeliki surprised even me. I had just changed her foot bandage, untied her and was going to straighten her rugs. I didn’t get the chance she was out of the stable at a cracking pace and cantered off down the field. Now I haven’t seen her canter from the day she arrived?

We also have 2 more new arrivals of a different kind. I always wanted to save a turkey from the Christmas dinner plate. This year, the opportunity came and of course, I could not have one lonely turkey, so took two. They are really great and it is so nice to see them running together. They live with the rabbits and neither species seems bothered by the other.

The Turkeys

We still have water problems. We have had no running water since 13 November. The local council is bringing in water with the small fire truck every few days. The Dimos say the problem is serious, they cannot afford to fix it so they will not fix it!!. It is impossible to run a shelter without running water. For health and hygiene reasons alone for the donkeys not to mention myself. In the New Year we will kick up a fuss (no point now, just before the holiday season). We would never have bought the land if we had known we would not have running water, so something must be done.

On the last blog, I put out an appeal for new rugs for the donkeys. We are happy to report that Hans and Andrea, volunteers this year from Switzerland, donated 400 euros for this and a Greek Clothing Company from Athens (they don’t seem to want to give their name) donated 500 euros. So we are able to purchase 22 new rugs.

Bliss in a New Rug

Voulis in a New Rug

In October, Paul my partner came again for 5 weeks to help with the maintenance. He did so many jobs as well as helping with the general care of the donkeys. We now have a concrete wall across the tent (complete with access ramp) to stop the rain water running in. The big American Barn was sprayed with a preservative treatment (environmentally friendly of course) and field shelters were repaired. A drainage system of sorts was dug out to make sure heavy rain water runs off the fields. He made tables/stands to carry the weight of our priceless water storage tanks and many other jobs. Paul comes twice a year, at his own expense and being self employed he also loses nine weeks work/income at home when he is here. We really appreciate this.

Preserving the Barn

Paul building the new wall, and the water tanks

Derek and Rachel who were here for the 6 months as volunteers did a fund raising event in UK (see FB) and raised 500 pounds. Angeliak Mestwerdt who adopted our adorable Bella did a Christmas Market in Germany and raised 1200 euros.

Rachel, Mark and Derek with Turner

About two weeks ago, two black and tan rabbit hunting dogs were abandoned at the bus stop by the shelter. They were not catchable, so nervous were they. So we fed them day and night and hoped they would settle down and trust us. Five days ago I found one very sick. I took him into the shelter and called the vet. But the dog, that I named Misty, died that night. It was apparent by the symptoms the dog had eaten poisoned food. Of course we were then very concerned for the brother, who was even more shy. But he seemed ok and we kept feeding him. Still no luck to catch him. However, today for the first time he was not around when I went to feed him. I can only hope that he is ok and I will see him tomorrow. So many Greeks cannot stand it if they see you feeding strays. You are subject to awful abuse and of course, if you are seen, it encourages them to poison the animals. It is so important not to make it obvious what you are doing when feeding strays. Better to go at night.

Misty

And some weeks ago, our volunteer Cheryl told us about a dog she had seen on the Paleocastritsa road in a pretty bad state. I went to collect her and never has a dog rushed so fast across a road to be rescued!! She would have jumped through the car window if she could. Sadly she was not physically able to due to some serious problems with the hind legs. Anyway, we kept her at the shelter for the next week. Within 24 hours she had made it a home from home and was running the place. Cheryl agreed to foster her at her house as we needed to restrict her exercise. Uta from Tierhilfe Korfu, was trying to get her a place in Germany quickly, so she could get the expert vet help she needs. Suffice to say, on Boxing Day, she flies to Germany and will be well taken care of. Cheryl and Colin have done an excellent job as foster parents and she looks wonderful now, but just needs those hips looking at.

Eve

Depsite the sad times and our losses, we can continue the work and keep helping more animals and be thankful for that. CDR is continuing to grow and make improvements for the donkeys. All this is due entirely to the support you all give us. Thank you. Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year. We hope to see many of you again in 2012.

The warmest place in the winter for the cats, is on the backs of the donkeys?

Some of the other residents at the Donkey Rescue	.....and we havnt even got the sandwiches out yet!!!!
Silas - a more recent rescue	...and a longer term rescue Eleni - looking 'Scary'

October 8th
We have had a brilliant and busy summer. So many visitors and lots of old friends returning and great volunteers. The weather has been good as expected but we are lucky to get a breeze most afternoons to stop us from being too hot. I have included some photos of volunteers, chosen only because I took the photos or they were sent to me. So if you would like to be included on the next blog, please send me one of your favorite photos. Thanks to everyone who has helped us this year, you’ve been great and we have loved meeting you all and getting to know you. Please come back next year?

Volunteers Anja and Tessa	Volunteer Charlie	Volunteers Ted and Sue
Volunteer Derek as often found!!!

Since it has been 5 months since the last blog (sorry) and there is a lot of news, I am going to keep it brief otherwise I will never get it finished. So short blog but lots of photos to tell the story.

Sadly we have had some losses, Beatle, Serres, Thalassa and Alati in July. Also Tabitha one of our cats ‘disappeared’ shortly after Tom went missing. We then found Ouzo dying, despite all the treatment we could administer for poisoning, he did not survive. Parga got colic and despite 7 days of treatment she did not respond and so was put to sleep. She was a favorite of many. Our stoic old soldier, Atlanti was also put to sleep. One morning she needed help to get up and when we got her up we could see why. One of her shoulders had ceased to work. But amazingly this wonderful donkey insisted on hobbling out of the stable to lie down in her favorite place outside. How she did it I will never know, it bought tears of admiration and astonishment to my eyes. They are all much missed.

We welcomed into the shelter Nikita, Milia, Kaluha, Effi, Dance, Krissoula, Sidoni and Bearte. Nikita and Dance are tiny donkeys and very thin. Effi has COPD, Kaluha is thin also and Bearte. Sidoni is not so old but has hoof problems. Krissoula is probably the healthiest of them all, but very old.

Milia

Bearte

Two weeks ago we welcomed back Laura, the dentist and Aris the farrier both sponsored by the Tierschutzbund, Switzerland. And I am delighted to say the TSB have generously agreed to sponsor our dentist and vet again in 2012. Plus they have paid for more consignments of food for old donkeys. All this help is amazing and our sincere thanks. The food has made a big difference and they have put weight on much quicker. Hopefully the new donkeys with the teeth problems will soon fatten up a bit now they have received their dental treatment.

Laura, Ali and Sue	Laura - Giving Dental Treatment	More Detnal Treatment
Teeth	Aris - the farrier	Aris - the farrier
Laura and Aris, the farrier and dentist sponsored by TIERSCHUTZBUND, Zuerich

I am also happy to say that we had very special visitors last month. We took in a donkey named Fragoula two years ago. The owner was very ill and his wife could not cope with his poor health and looking after their donkey, so the daughter asked us to take Fragoula in. For the first time ever, a family came to visit their donkey and check she was ok. Some owners really care for their donkey, that’s for sure.

Rachael with Fragoula who has Colic

Fragoula and her family

Lucy the mother of the eight puppies we had was rehomed in Germany by Gerd who also took Major Mouse one of the puppies with severely deformed jaw and leg problems. After much water therapy, MM is reported to be doing really well.

Major Mouse and Lucy in their new home

Turner, Effi and Fuzzy all have COPD (emphysema). Finally we got a nebulizer to aid their problem. So far Turner is the only one bad enough to need treatment. He isn’t keen on it but I do believe it has helped him. However, I would warn people who want to purchase this item to be careful. Although we paid 250 euros for it, it is made and designed with the cheapest plastic that falls to bits and comes apart so easily. The company who made it insisted we had to pay for the replacement parts. This machine is definitely unsuitably made when you considered it is for an unpredictable equine not an understanding human.

Turner on nebulizer

Turner in the Dog House

While Laura and Aris were here, we also had a visit of two Swiss vets and a farrier. They had come with their sponsor, Dr Fuchs to treat several special cases. Zois, Axia, Angeliki and Cloud all received expert veterinary and farrier care. Angeliki and Axia have ballerina syndrome and it had got so bad that their lives were obviously going to be cut short and soon. So surgery, cutting the deep digital flexor tendon in the leg, was performed on both animals and then the farrier designed them a ‘new’ hoof with the vettec material. Axia was amazing, she took off like a bullet immediately after the surgery, despite her leg being in a cast. She was really seeming to show off and is now in a much stronger position to protect her precious friend, Cloud. Angeliki also showed immediate improvement but not as pronounced as Axia, because she has other mechanical problems as well. But it was all going well until two days ago when we noticed that Angeliki could not put weight on the affected leg at all. She was literally hopping. After consultation with Patrick in Switzerland we had to hammer and chisel the vettec off the foot and there we found the cause of the problem, an abscess. We hope that soon Angeliki will be up and running again after we treat the abscess. Zois and Cloud both received vettec improvements to their hooves. This treatment will take longer to see results as they both have to adjust their minds and their anatomy to using their body in a different way. But hopefully all will be well soon. And to make a good day even better, Dr Tobias Vogtli sterilized all of our 9 kittens.

	The Swiss team of Dr Fuchs

Our sincere thanks to Dr Fuchs, Dr. Tobias Vogtli, Dr. Patric Luder and Joseph Pfaff (farrier). Also a special thank you to Soula from the new hospital here in Corfu who brings the portable X ray machine and thanks to her boss for allowing it.

It is rare that we get such good fortune to have experienced vets to help us out. Hence we do most of the treatment ourselves. And for this I must thank Rachel Etherington who never fails to come to my aid when I have a sick donkey that needs help. We can treat for colic, give IV infusions and IV injections. This in many cases saves lives.

Parga on infusion

And in the last few days Romana, Helmut and Marina from Austria arrived with a van full of goodies for the donkeys. Horse, dog and cat food, bandages, medicines, head collars, ropes, dog toys……and much more, wonderful gifts from various donators including Romana and her friends . Thank you so much to all of you and Romana asked me especially to thank

Food Store Crew

Van stacked ready for the Shelter

Van arrived at the Shelter

Mrs Patricia Kapeller from "Fressnapf" in St.Pölten (they gave dog, cat and horse food)

Mr Ebner of gas station BP in St. Pölten and Mr Wolf from BP gas station in St.Pölten (they gave free gasoline for the Van)

And a thank you must go to everyone who sends us parcels. They are so welcome with all the things that are difficult or too expensive to buy here! Please, if you are sending a parcel around Christmas time, please send to

Box 5210, Liapades, Corfu. Do not send to Hotel Nefeli as Dagmar will be in Germany for 6 weeks so we can’t receive the parcel. Thank you.

If we need anything at the moment, it is lightweight raincoats for the donkeys. We have lots of coats but they are too warm for the time of year, they don’t need these till January. But now many could do with a lightweight one to keep the rain off so they can be outside while the weather is not so cold. If you are interested in donating one to us, please contact me for the sizes needed. Also duct/gaffer tape is always useful and much needed.

We have had no water supply for over 2 weeks now. I have been told that DEYAK have run out of money and can't afford the spare parts to fix it. Since it is only the fire hose and the shelter and a few agricultural farmers use it, there seems to be no hurry to do anything. The local vice mayor has offered to bring water to us 3 times a week. Helpful as this is, we still have to lug containers from one place to another all day, this is exceptionally hard work for all of us and most time consuming. It is not really an option when at the end of the month Paul will have left which means us ‘women of a certain age’ will be left with the task!!

Thank you to everyone who is helping us in any way they can.

Soon we should have the Dutch translation up and the Greek, thanks to Jessica Schimmel and Maria Kyriaki.

And please think about doing some fund raising around Halloween, Guy Fawkes or Christmas. With no visitors during the winter we really struggle to keep going financially. We really need your help.

Till next time Judy

OK - now what?

On guard duty!!

Cat tasting Turner's Ear!!

Svenja and friend

14 June 2011
We will get the bad news over with first. Several weeks ago we found Rianne dead in a stable. There was no indication of why she had died over night and the days before she showed no sign of being ill. In fact she was one of the donkeys which were destined for a new home in Germany. A very popular donkey and a sad loss.

The transport to Germany had to be postponed due to the inadequacies of the state vet department. Their excuse was that the only person who could enter the details of the donkeys on their computer – was on holiday!!

But the good news is that on 7th June, 15 donkeys and the 2 ponies left for their new homes. All arrived safe and well and there are photos at the bottom of this page of the donkeys and ponies in their new homes. Our sincere thanks to Elke and Timo Schuster for taking in 13 donkeys, to Waldi and Klaus Hausmann Richter for taking 2 and to the Ezelsociet for taking in the ponies. We wish them all the best life and hope they bring much pleasure to everyone. I shall be visiting them all when and if I get the time off!!

Also a huge thank you to Tina and Jurgen Bolz for financing this transport. Without this, the animals could never leave the Island.

On the 8th May the gypsies turned up with a beautiful donkey but they said she had a problem with her shoulder. What they didn’t observe was that she was also suffering from an acute bout of laminitis. We named her Mandouki. She made it to the hay pile and lay down and stayed there for many weeks, only getting up to eat or drink. We gave her all the treatment for laminitis and lots of pain killers. Now I am happy to say she is walking about the entire shelter and showing a great interest in life. Her shoulder injury is not repaired and probably never will be so she still has a limp, but hopefully a long and happy life ahead of her.

In May Juergen Bolz came over with a car full of goodies for the donkeys and many useful tools etc. Also a solar panel outdoor shower for me? A few days later Juergen’s electrician, Gerd, came out and did all the lights and electrics in the barn and tent, all easily run by a generator. Thanks very much Gerd. Gerd also took a dog and puppy home with him. Juergen did many repairs and works around the shelter accompanied by Paul, Trustee of Friends of Corfu Donkey Rescue (UK) who arrived a few days later. Paul stayed for a month as usual and finished the fencing, the field shelter, put up my shower and repaired the trailer floor and a million other things that needed doing. If only he could stay here all year around, we really need some men about the place.Also Christina Harkness came out, another Trustee of FCDR (UK) to discuss matters of fund raising and prioritize on other projects that need dealing with. So it has been very very busy here. But I have lots of great students and volunteers here so I have had the time to deal with all the other things that need doing (including this blog?). The visitors are coming in and lots of friends are returning to see the donkeys and progress made. Everyone is very impressed and happy to see the donkeys in such lovely surroundings and obviously happy and content.

Tierschutzbund Switzerland has sponsored a ton of very special donkey food from Germany which will arrive in a few days. Food for very old donkeys with few teeth! We will let you know what they think of it.

the special food arriving from Germany

Our thanks to Agni Animal Welfare Fund for taking care of the castration of 3 of our kittens and for worming all of our cats. It has been a busy time for us with kittens! Martyn and Jiska from Holland took two home with them, but 3 more came in and then we found a Mum and 2 kittens dumped on the side of the road. The kittens have cat flu and were in a bad way, but hopefully they will survive, though one has lost an eye.

July
Sadly my wonderful cat, Kafi Garfield died this week. I had him for about 7 years. I had a special relationship with him. He was such a laid back cat and nothing bothered him. He wouldn’t hurt a fly – too lazy or just too smart to waste energy running around. He totally ignored all the puppies that surrounded him these last weeks and licking his face – they seemed to know he was special too. They didn’t do this to the other cats. He gave me a lot of pleasure and so many laughs over the years.

Kafi Garfield

Kafi Garfield

Sadly also, one of our young cats, not even a year old, has disappeared. Poor Tom, we wonder where he is and what happened. His brother Jerry misses him so much as do I.

Our friend Uschi visits us often especially in the winter. She has made a face book page as she takes loads of photos. She took many of the donkeys leaving the shelter and getting on board the transport. If you want to keep up to date more on what is going on you can check in on Friends of Corfu Donkey Rescue Facebook. Most of the writing is in German but she can answer in English if you have special requests or want information about the donkeys.

We took in 13 puppies this Spring, 8 were dumped on with their mother, 2 were found in a box by the road and another 2 found on the road a few days later and then another one was found a week later. It has been fun having them around and watching them grow and their characters develop but they have really got in the way! And destroyed a lot of things and made a mess. We are not geared up for dogs and puppies. All but four have found homes in Germany and we hope soon to be puppy free, so we can concentrate more on the donkeys.

Puppy feeding time

We have also been inundated with kittens. They are not such a problem as they stay in the stables and take care of themselves. However, we never abandon any animal in distress, we do what we can to help. But all this is extra burden on our finances.

We took in some more new donkeys as well; Roula and Voulis, Both came to us from owners who no longer wanted them. Roula was in a bad way, very thin and covered in excrement from a winter in a stable. She was very shy and afraid but now he is cleaned up, putting weight on and a loving donkey. Voulis was also very nervous when she came in but got a lot better and happier around us. That was, until she got ill and I had to give her injections every day for 6 days. Now she runs when she sees me?. But in time she will get over it, they all do.

Roula

Voulis

We have just heard that Hector, the rescued hunting dog (see last blog) has heart worm and is in a bad way. We pray he will make a full recovery. Alice and her family have done wonders with Hector and he is looking so good, such a shame to have this problem when he has already been through so much.

So much happens in just a few months here. It is never dull. Sometimes it is very sad and frustrating. But we deal with it and move on, there are so many other donkeys needing our help. We cannot afford too grieve for long, there is always work to do. But we have so much support from all of you and that keeps us going as well, thank you.

I was sad to learn that Elizabeth Svendsen died on 11 May. She started a donkey charity in UK about 30 years ago. It grew into a huge organization and helped thousands of donkeys at a time when they were suffering a lot in the UK and continues to do so in many parts of the world (sadly not our donkeys though). It is a sad loss for the donkey world but we know the work she began will carry on well into the future. It is the biggest and richest donkey charity in the world.

Our lovely setter Bella finally went to her new home in Germany. She is with the Mestwerdt family and is thoroughly spoilt. She has her dream home, two people all of her own to look after just her! It was sad for me to part with her after 18 months, but I knew she would be much loved and well cared for and get the attention she so needed. We also have up to date photos of two of our other dogs that were rehomed in Germany, Bob and Wispa.

Bella in her new home - throughly spoilt!!	Bella - 'what luxury compared to the stables'
Wispa with her new owner	and finally Bob - beside the seaside

Well I am sure I have forgotten many things, but that is it for now, more next time. Have a great summer and thank you for helping us help the donkeys, dogs, cats and anything else we can help?

Merle and Piratus in Holland

Steel and Raki

The donkeys arriving at their destination in Germany

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May 2011
Spring seemed to come early this year and the donkeys have benefitted greatly from the warmth and sunshine (so have all of our helpers?).

Kerkyra is now happy with Piraeus and baby Tassos. Kerkyra finally calmed down nearly a year after his castration and can be seen every day play fighting with the 2 youngsters. It is lovely to see so much action from our younger animals. But we have not put Kerkyra with any females – just in case.

Kerkyra, Piraeus and baby Tassos

Poulis our little old donkey whose story we told in the last blog has now become a fully fledged member of the herd. For the first three months he wouldn’t come out of his stable for no reason we could work out except maybe the weather! After a few weeks of sunshine Poulis decided to come to the main door of the stable and stare out. Then finally, days later, he took his first steps outside. Now he is always out in good weather but always first in at breakfast and tea time. We always know it is time for food as he makes the sweetest noises constantly until he is fed.

Alfi (nee Agros) has remained sweet and gentle and is always seeking attention. Mistral is doing very well after a short but serious illness. She has become very strong and is no longer the scared little donkey she was. Serres who has suffered from chronic COPD is much better now. The COPD donkeys seem worse in wet weather. Serres is now inside the shelter and has calmed down a lot. (He is a stallion with both testicles inside, so cannot be castrated here) But he is so much happier with the other donkeys even though he is always on a long rope, in case he tries to mount one that comes too near. But he seems content to be close to them and they always chase him off if he bothers the ladies. Thalassa is doing well and moving about a lot more but still seems to have problems with his feet. Poor Angeliki is not doing so well, she has never fully recovered from the foot problems she came in with, and we are watching her carefully and thinking maybe it is time soon to let her go to rest. Mari and Zak, our two crazy blind ones, really do get on well together now. It is, at last, a marriage made in heaven.

Sadly we lost three donkeys in quick succession at the end of January. Shinto became very ill followed by Limani and Taz. We asked the vet to take blood samples as they all had the same symptoms and we thought it could be a virus. Shinto died after three days. I called the vet to ask him to put to sleep Taz and Limani as they were suffering. He came on Tuesday evening. I asked him what the results of the blood tests were, did we have a virus to cope with? It was vitally important we knew so we could try and stop more getting ill and isolate any that showed signs. He told me he hadn’t even sent the blood samples – two and half days after he took them. I was very angry and told him so. He then just walked out and left me with two dying and suffering donkeys. Taz and Limani died that night. Needless to say we will not be using that vet ever again.

Mig and Glika who had been in a foster home for four years, came back to us for a winter visit while their foster parents took a much needed long Winter break. Mig had lost a lot of weight before he came and I was worried about him. We gave him much tlc, special foods and medical help and his foster parents visited often when we told them he was not well, but sadly he died. He was a very old donkey. But he had four wonderful years with Dirk and Christine in his very special home on the west coast. The last of our losses was dear Kyrenia who came in with a broken leg from the gypises. She was making a good recovery and we were very hopeful. Sadly however, the strain on her front legs from taking so much weight, became too much and one front leg just packed up and was useless. We very sadly had to have this beautiful young donkey put to sleep.

The good news is that our new vet told us about a lady who has a portable x ray machine and in future we can have our donkeys injuries x rayed to see how bad their problems are and make more informed decisions about their injuries and whether we can help. This is so important for us and the donkeys.

On February 15th, Spiros our friend, told me about a hunting dog in very bad condition up near the old shelter. I went to find him and saw him lying on the grass by the side of the road. He looked dead but there was a glimmer of life left. I rushed him off to the vet. He was suffering from starvation and hyperthermia. A dog’s normal temperature should be around 37 degress, this dog’s was 25 degrees. The vet said he had not had a proper meal in 15 days – his mouth was full of grass. After 2 hours of warm infusions, hot wattle bottles and a hair dryer, he started to come round. We were told to take him home and give him another litre of infusion and see whether he survived. He didn’t think he would. The next day he was looking a bit better, he tried to eat. He had terrible sores and wounds over his body, which were deep. Our volunteer Alice, took one look at him, when she arrived in the morning, and said “I will take him”. After many weeks of special care, you will see from the photo that Hector is now a much loved and healthy dog. A happy ending.

Hector as he was when found	- just skin and bone
and covered in sores	Hector - five weeks later

On March 11th Aris the farrier arrived from Crete and that day and the next trimmed the feet of 73 donkeys and 3 ponies. What an amazing man! He found several with white line disease, abscess’s and other minor problems – due to the winter rain and mud and stones. All were successfully treated over the next weeks. Aris was sponsored by The Tierschutzbund Charity in Switzerland, our sincere thanks.

12th March saw the arrival of Valerie (USA) and Paul and Robyn (Canada) all 2nd year veterinary students studying at Glasgow Vet University in Scotland. They were our first vet students to visit us. It was a great 2 weeks, they worked so hard and were so helpful and knowledgeable. They learned a lot about donkeys during their visit and thought it well worthwhile to come. They helped with all the care of the donkeys feet, learned how difficult it can be to bandage donkeys who are not obliging or whose wounds were in very awkward places; Ira had an abscess on the end of her nose and Ktzina had sores under her arm pits. They also brought me a street dog, Sadie, who they said was very thin. When I saw her I laughed, because Sadie was actually very fine but they said in their country this would be considered thin. I showed them the photos of Hector and then they understood, things are very different in Greece. Anyway, although I didn’t want another dog, we have dear Sadie in the pack until we find her a loving home. A few weeks earlier, Snaggle arrived, a cocker/setter type. She just turned up at the gates asking to come in. She is adorable and of course we will find her a home too.

Robyn and Paul with Zachari and Mari

On 1st April we finally got our building license!! Yipee. We are now fully legal and can apply for electricity. It is a big moment for us and the end of a long, long fight with the authorities. They finally acknowledge what we do, why we do it and approve! All that is except the state vets, but that is another story.

In March Natalie arrived, an Animal Care student from Holland. She came on her own which was very brave. She leaves in a few days and will be missed, she is very hard working and reliable and never complaining – well only about the lack of sleep when she rescued 4 kittens whose mother had been killed on the road. The kittens need bottle feeding every 4 hours! We hope they survive.

On the 9th of April we collected Irakleis (Hercules) from his owner, an old Greek lady who said she could not ride him anymore as she hurt her back – he was her ‘car’. The poor lady was crying when she parted from Irakleis, she loved him so much and had had him 7 years. He has settled in and is very sweet tempered. He has to go outside in the day as he doesn’t eat hay or his special foods. He prefers the grass like he is used to. He will get used to it all eventually.

On May 16th we are exporting 15 donkeys to South Germany and 2 ponies to Holland. This is being financed courtesy of The M & J Bolz Foundation who have helped us so much in the past. We will show you photos next blog of all the donkeys and ponies in their new homes. We are sad to part with them but happy for them that they get a new chance of a good life where they will get all the best treatment and care they deserve. Tasso, Paraskevi (Tassos Mum), Piraeus and Kerkyra are all going. We thought it best to send our 4 youngsters so they can have a more active life maybe for riding or driving. Here is no place for youngsters; it is a bit boring for them I think as we have no time to train them and they are getting a bit ‘wild’ like unruly school boys? Then we here can offer more places for the old and the sick. There are plenty more waiting to come to the shelter.

Tassos

A few weeks ago two donkeys arrived outside the shelter unaccompanied. It was obvious they were owned and had just escaped. So sweet that they found their way to the only donkey shelter on the Island. I had a fair idea to whom they belonged and called the local dealer. One it turned out was his donkey and he offered for us to take him as he didn’t really want him. That one was Monty. The other he said belonged to Nikos a local from the next village. This one had a head collar that was stuck in the back of his head. He was very frightened and in a lot of pain with totally over grown hooves as well. We had to sedate him to help and get the head collar out of the skin behind his ears. The head collar was pulled of along with all the maggots that had been festering in the wound. We insisted the donkey stayed with us over Easter while we tended the wound and got the feet trimmed. Nikos is notorious for ill treating and neglecting his donkeys which he has for no particular reason. It was from Nikos that I rescued nine donkeys severn years ago that were in appalling condition. We told Nikos that if we ever found any of his donkeys in bad condition again we would prosecute and we will. The donkey was, in the end, purchased by the dealer from Nikos and is now at the dealer’s yard waiting to be sold on again, I saw him yesterday, and his wounds are fine. He is young and healthy. We hope he gets a new home where he will be cared for better in the future.

Donkey with head collar stuck to his neck

The wound after cleaning

Maggot infested head collar

A lot of fund raising was done abroad this winter for the donkeys. Our sincere thanks to everyone for all you do for the donkeys in Corfu.

In Austria the police raised money for us at their Christmas event.

Tanja from Germany did a Christmas Fair

Dewi, Deborah, Annet and Cindy former students of ours held a fair in Holland

And finally another story with a happy ending which I forgot to tell you about in 2010. We came across a totally blind kitten that the vets advised we had destroyed. We decided otherwise. Terri was visiting her sister, Yvonne here in Corfu and they both came to the shelter to visit the donkeys. Yvonne immediately volunteered to take the kitten and try and help her. Well as you can see from the photos, Eyore is a very happy cat, now all grown up, sterilized and the eyes sewn up to protect them.

Baby Eyore

and Eyore as he is today, grown up and happy

Hot off the Press!

Many years ago Henk van der Does from Holland, who owns a tourist company for walkers and cyclists at Ag Ioannis in Corfu asked CDR to find him the “perfect, healthy, young, but well behaved donkey” to provide fun and rides for his guests. We found ‘Marley’ and she has lived up to all expectations. Most Winters, Marley comes back to CDR to stay with her friends and each Easter goes to live in the village with one of our old donkeys from here for company. The tourists go for rides and walks with Marley and she is much loved. Henk also owns a small publishing company www.blackolivepress.nl Now a book about a donkey and a small boy has been written and illustrated, the story inspired by Marley and Corfu.

The author Bibi Dumon Tak has very generously offered royalties of 1 euro per book sold, to CDR.

Also Henk has 50 signed copies of the book for sale and Henk has donated a further 3 euros per signed book sold, to CDR

Judy was also presented with a signed print of the cover of the book, a wonderful gift.

Unfortunately the book is only available in Dutch at the moment but if enough copies are sold then they may be able to print later in English. The book is hardback, beautifully illustrated and written, a wonderful gift for anyone with a passion for donkeys, Corfu and animal stories

Please look at the link below to read all about the book and the author and illustrator and how you can obtain a copy.

www.blackolivepress.nl/blackolivepress/Black_Olive_Press/Bibi_Dumon_Tak_-Mikis_de_ezeljongen.html

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That’s it for now, hope you all have a great Summer and hope to see many of you here again at the shelter.

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