Due to volatile economic conditions throughout Europe, Mayor Bogdanos and his council requested that we organise only two veterinary visits to Paxos, at the beginning and end of the season. We were delighted that Russell Lyon and Zoë Tomkinson made a return visit in April and that dearly beloved James Forbes worked once again for us at the end of the season. On this occasion James was assisted by our youngest ever volunteer, 16-year-old Jenny Sadie, a charming and competent A-level student. 

Although we provided only 4 weeks of veterinary care, 186 animals (mainly cats and dogs) were seen predominately for neutering, but also for other consultations, procedures and emergency treatments. This included a tortoise, 2 sick donkeys and a biting chicken!

As always Katerina & Giorgis Kondaris were very helpful with accommodation, but because of the pressure of other visitors and refurbishment, it was necessary to transfer the surgery to an adjacent building. Setting up in the new location was a considerable challenge and could not have been achieved without the indomitable help and ingenuity of Ray & Suzy and our sincere thanks go to them. The vets worked mainly from this temporary surgery, but when requested also worked at other sites around the island.

    FUNDING AND SPONSORSHIP

Despite the continuing recession, we have been extraordinarily fortunate with the support and generosity we have received from a wide variety of sources.

CV TRAVEL, our original sponsor, was once again extremely generous by offering half price accommodation in one of their beautiful villas. This was greatly appreciated as it allowed us to offer hospitality and host meetings with supporters of PAWS.

We also received grants from The Shuman Animal Welfare Fund (£1500) and The Marchig Fund for the Animals of Greece (500 Euros). The Shumann Fund has very generously offered us support for the next three years, for which we are exceedingly grateful.

Vets on the Park in Cheltenham held several fund raising events and collected over £350. They also very kindly offered training during the summer to Jenny Sadie, which was an excellent introduction for her into the world of veterinary care. Many thanks go to Alison Jones and her team who are always extremely helpful and supportive.

The PAWS collection boxes on Paxos this year exceeded expectations with the star box coming from Spitakimu in Lakka. We greatly appreciate the support from everyone who donated.

| 23/01/2011 | Print |