One more dellegation of volunteer vets will visit Paxos from the 2nd of May 2009 until the 12th of May. A team of 2 vets and 2 nurses will be mainly working at Mr Kondaris's house behind Remego Bar in Gaios on a daily bases but they will also be making appointments to work in other villages upon request.
PAWS Newsletter
STERLING WORK IN DIFFICULT TIMES
Many thanks again are due to the vets and nurses that continue to volunteer to work in Paxos. James Forbes, our star performer from the Antipodes, visited twice in 2008 and is going again in 2009. He was instrumental in setting up our temporary surgery and is greatly respected and loved by the locals. Other vets and nurses that visited in 2008 were: • Claire Millard and Eva Petersen of Southampton • Michael Kingdon of Truro • Mhairi Cameron from the WVS in Bournemouth. Approximately another 200 cats were neutered during these visits, which included many consultations and health checks. All the vets have written up interesting and positive reports, which can be read on application to Linda or Lindsay.
THE SURGERY Throughout this venture Katerina and Giorgos Kondaris have kindly rented us apartments to accommodate ourselves, plus the vets and nurses that work for us. Originally working conditions were ‘al fresco’ with a makeshift canopy erected on the balcony during unfavourable weather conditions. However in 2008 Katerina allowed us to use their single storey garden apartment as a temporary surgery. This facility transformed our work – not only improving hygiene and sterility issues but creating a much more acceptable environment for both our volunteers and their patients. We would also like to thank Katerina and Giorgis for frequently storing our drugs and equipment safely between vet visits. Their continued support and kindness is greatly appreciated.
BENEFIT EVENING Early in 2008 Susan and Richard Lee won first prize in our raffle. This was a holiday in Paxos donated by CV Travel. We were delighted that they planned their visit to coincide with our benefit event held at Genesis restaurant on September 27th. Although the attendance at this event was disappointing, the evening itself was very successful, and supported by several locals and Mayor Bogdanos. The evening included an excellent 4 course meal and Greek entertainment by the wonderful Ioanna and her traditional dancers, followed by a more light- hearted display from Alekous (the owner of the restaurant) and some of his staff. Susan Lee, when reviewing the dancing, wrote that “the excitement and participation of the dance story grew as the tempo quickened until eventually flames leapt about the dancing feet! Music played late into the night and everyone was invited to join in with some of the locals displaying nimble feet and great skill in their solo displays.” During the evening we sold raffle tickets for a top quality Canon camera (won by Alekos as a reward for all his hard work!), and we would like to thank everyone who attended for their generous support.
FUND RAISING AND PLANS FOR 2009 Unfortunately, due to the collapse of XL Airways, we were hit hard financially in 2008 as we had to rebook several flights at a much greater cost. Although we have tried to obtain compensation, none has been forthcoming. With the continuing gloomy economic climate, 2009 is also proving difficult as grant applications and appeals are not so successful. However we would like to thank the Greek Animal Welfare Fund and the Shuman Trust for their donations of €500 and £1500 respectively. To our delight Ian and Elizabeth Bleasdale (the wonderful cartographers of Paxos) designed a Christmas card using the PAWS logo and sent us £140 of subsequent donations received from well-wishers. All monies received will continue to fund the vet visits, buy drugs and equipment as well as contributing to the winter feeding programme across the island.
VETS ON THE PARK in Cheltenham surprised us by picking PAWS as their chosen charity for 2009. We shall be working together throughout the year planning various fund raising events such as dog shows, sponsored walks and Summer BBQs. The practice has also intimated that they are hoping to send some vets and nurses to Paxos as volunteers. Our sincere thanks to Alison Jones and her team. Work is about to begin as the first set of vets make their way to Paxos in April. We have other visits planned in June and September but are hoping that several more can still be arranged. Please contact us if you are interested in helping and, in doing so, be part of an improving animal welfare scheme on a beautiful island. Paxos Animal Welfare Society Lindsay Geddes and Linda Parker Tel/Fax 01242 230860, lindsayig@yahoo.co.uk, lindaparker343@btinternet.com
