Save the stray dogs and cats from the streets of Trifilia, Western Peleponese, Greece

Details

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  Description

  Under the beautiful stars, lies a safe haven for stray dogs and cats.
  
  We are a small non-profit shelter in Greece, and a Dutch based foundation.
  Our shelter is located in Trifilia (Western Peleponesse) and our main goal is to decrease the amount of strays dogs and cats. We also rescue the street dogs and cats that are in need and give them a safe haven to live.
  
  Unfortunately the streets are not safe, because generally in Greece the people treat the animals different and dogs and cats get dumped when they are of no use (*sick, pregnant, pups, etc) or get poisoned when they are just roaming the streets. Litters and sick dogs get found every day. This is a very big problem in Greece, which is not sufficiently dealt with by the Government and local small shelters, like ours, try to make it a better life for the ones in need.
  
  We do this mainly by rescuing those in need, taking them to the vet, treating them and if possible release them to the place where they were found. When dogs are not fit enough to be returned, they can live on the safe haven and we put them up for adoption. We also Trap Neuter Release (TNR) to keep populations in check.
  
  Our minimum stay is set at 3 weeks BUT we notice that WA's are including their travelling to Greece and from Greece in this time. This is actually to short a time, as you also need to be educated the first 3 days to know how to go about your tasks at the shelter and you need to show the next WA how to go about things before you leave.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Charity Work

  Language practice

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  You will learn how to tend to the dogs and cats from A to Z; From grooming to administering vaccinations and other medication. You will learn to 'speak' the dog language, how to approach and catch a dog or cat in a proper way.
  
  You will learn what is needed to get dogs ready for adoption.
  
  You will learn much of the Greek culture, food, language and others, since it is a authentic Greek area, with a rich history and lots of archeological sites in the area to visit.

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  Help

  Taking care of the dogs and cats on site; this means feeding, providing water, providing medicin, grooming, checking general health, making sure the animals are completely cared for. This also means cleaning the kennels (getting rid of feces).
  
  Daily cheks on security of the kennels (checking for holes and flaws in the structure and repairing when needed)
  Cleaning the property and the living area of litter. Cleaning the kitche area (also the fridge), the shower/bathroom/toiletroom.
  
  Socialisation and training of the dogs. This means walking on a leash, sitting and observing the character.
  
  General maintenance. This means building doghouses, secure the kennels and fix any broken things on the property.
  
  Mapping. This means making video's, pictures and keeping a logbook. We need pictures and video's on a daily basis to be able to do our work as a team in the Netherlands. This is really very important, so we need to have a daily communication with our Workaways.
  Transport. This means accompany dogs to the vet and the airport.
  Keeping our tools etc on the premisis safe, lock them away neatly in the same spot you found them, so it will be easy to locate for the next person that needs it and will not be destroyed by dogs playing with it.
  
  We are looking for a steadfast person, who can hold her/his own.
  He/she should have experience with dogs and preferably stray dogs.
  Experience with carpentry is a major plus!
  He/she should be mentally and physically fit, since the work is repetitive and hard. This person whould not be afraid to get dirty and is pro-active and hands-on.
  And finally, people who are comfortable with being in contact with us in the Netherlands on a daily basis. Why? We need to be able to promote our dog/cats and we need to be able to have a good knowledge of what is happening in the shelter, so we can raise money through fundraising.
  
  We are looking for people who want to stay for longer periods, like 2 months, but certainly not shorter than 3 weeks, BUT we notice that WA's are including their travelling tó Greece and from Greece in this period. This is actually to short a time, as you also need to be educated the first 3 days to know how to go about your tasks at the shelter and you need to show the next WA how to go about things, before you leave.

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  Languages spoken

  Greek: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  Dutch: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  A simple appartment with a shower room and a washing machine in a village near the shelter. The caretaker of the shelter lives on site in a caravan.
  An appartment with 4 beds (1 double, 1 1,5,1 single (bunk)bed). For the days you are working we can provide a meal for you at the shelter, cooked by the caretaker, or give you a compensation so you can buy a meal.

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  What else ...

  There is a car available on site, but this is mainly used to go to the vet etc with the dogs, the car is in poor condition and not suitable to use to go on a tour. On your days off you can go to see archeological sites, authentic villages, beaches and you can hike in the beautiful untouched nature in the vicinity. There is public transport in the village or you could rent a car or moped, or use the bike at the house. You can also make use of a taxi.
  On only 10 minutes walk from the shelter, there is a bus stop that takes you to Kyparissia, Kalamata or even Athens.
  On only 10 minutes walk from the shelter, there is a small village with all kinds of taverna and fast food establishments (pita gyro. etc.), this is also where the appartment you could stay in, is.
  On Fridays there is a (fresh)market in the village near the shelter and on Sundays a bigger market in the village where the Workaway place is situated.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Space for parking camper vans

  The camper can be parked outside the property for a day or 5, but we are pretty much off grid. We also have someone where you can park at about half an hour drive from the shelter. You do need to chip in for the use of electricity and water there if you use it. It is also possible/allowed to park your camper in Kalo Nero, right at the beach!

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  Can possibly accept pets

  But only if your pets will not enter the shelter. So for instance pets that travel in a campervan. There are no pets allowed in the Workaway appartment.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 3-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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