Close up of Ruby
Ruby will be putting her best paw forward in the Strays of Greece annual charity dog walk on Sunday 22 September to raise funds for her needy doggy friends.
A former Greek street dog, she was rescued by the charity and taken to a shelter in Athens, where a fractured hip was diagnosed – and it was not a recent injury. Eventually she was selected by Lynn Purden, the founder of the Strays of Greece charity and the wheels were put in motion to bring her to England for adoption. Cherry Jeneson had been looking to adopt a dog and her attention was drawn to Ruby’s photo on the charity’s website. Ruby finally arrived in Ringwood in May with her pet passport.
Lyn says: “The situation in Greece is even worse than before. The financial crisis means that even those who fed their pets, no longer do so. So many more cats and dogs are being abandoned or left to die. More and more tourists are calling me to ask how they can help as they see the tragedy of cats and kittens rummaging through bins.
“A few lucky dogs are re-homed – but much of our work is neutering – and feeding dogs and cats left to starve. We’ve had a huge number of calls for our help from rescuers who simply don’t have the funds to feed the animals in their care.
“Unlike the UK, there are no Greek animal welfare organisations to help. Our annual dog walk brings in much needed funds and we hope lots of people will bring their dogs for a fun morning out.”
The charity dog walk has become a popular late summer event in which dozens of dogs and their owners enjoy the forest, with refreshments afterwards – whilst the dogs earn a rosette and a treat. To join Ruby and her pals, arrive from 10.30am until midday and register at the Forestry Commissions Office (opposite the One Stop Shop) on Horton Road, Ashley Heath (BH24 2EJ). There will be stalls, tombola, cakes, coffee and a barbecue. Everyone is welcome, with or without a dog.
Further details including a sponsorship form can be found at www.straysofgreece.org or phone 01425 478757.
