The incidents of animal cruelty and abuse have reached epidemic proportions in countries like Greece where, culturally, companion and working dogs are not regarded as they are here in The United States, Canada and most parts of Europe. Without humane societies or animal shelters, thousands of homeless Greek dogs do their best to survive on the streets, beaches, and rugged countryside. They are unwanted, unloved and considered common pests, especially during tourist season when the international community might bear witness to Greece’s “dirty little secret.” Though technically against the law, dogs and puppies are routinely poisoned, shot, beaten, drowned, and hung as means of population control. Perpetrators are rarely identified and almost never prosecuted. Most people in Greece do not actually harm stray and homeless dogs. But some people have reached out to help them. Our group works with several rescuers in the Athens area. These individuals risk ridicule, hostility, and retaliation by the few who resent their efforts on behalf of the dogs. Therefore, we respect their wishes not to be named. But their dedication, in spite of the horrors they’ve seen, is a testimony to the strength of their character and gentle, loving souls. These rescuers are the strays’ first line of defense and often show them the first kindness they have ever experienced from humans. Once rescued, dogs are seen by a veterinarian, vaccinated, tested and treated for parasites; they are also altered if older than seven months. They live in foster homes with other dogs and cats, are housebroken and loved until it’s time for them to come to New England.
Adopting a Greek dog is a gift. These dogs are special, magical, possess something intangible. It takes a leap of faith to bring a dog into your home based on little more than a photo and a brief description. But when you see your dog, you’ll know - in your heart. Suddenly, getting this dog from halfway around the globe is the only thing you can think about. We screen potential families very carefully and home visits are required before an adoption application is approved. It is our responsibility to keep these dogs safe. Our Greek rescue partners are trusting us with “their” dogs’ lives. Once we’ve matched several families with dogs, a group is transported from Greece to New England. There is no cost to you in getting the dog here. Our adoption fee is $300.00 but we are willing to work with the families. If the dog is 4+ years, the adoption fee is $200.00. All dogs are pre-screened and vetted prior to coming to the US. All dogs that are 6 months or older are spay/neutered prior to coming to the US. Puppies adopted before they turn seven months of age will need to be altered when old enough. 100% of our adoption fee goes back to Greece for travel, food and vet care for the dogs. All NEHGS dogs are adopted out under a contract that requires the dog be returned to us if the placement should fail. No exceptions. Taking in a Greek stray is taking on a cause. Your new family member will be an ambassador for other Greek dogs. For every dog placed, another is rescued. Every adoption makes a difference. We provide the perspective adopter with as much information as we can regarding the dog they are interested in adopting. We provide continue support to all adopting families. It is extremely important not only to NEHGS but to the Greek rescues that we work with that we receive updates and pictures as often as possible.