Last year I went on an 11-night cruise of Italy, Greece and Turkey. One of the many highlights of this amazing trip was our stopover in Santorini, Greece. Almost everyone has seen pictures of Santorini and its famous blue domed churches. In fact, I can think of only a few landscapes more breathtaking in the world. However, we were surprised by another feature of the island as soon as we landed. The dogs.
Being rabid (pardon the pun) animal lovers and the owners of three dogs, we are naturally drawn to animals when we travel. We were surprised though to find many stray dogs on Santorini, namely in the cities of Fira and Oia. I had always heard of the famous cats of the island, but never the dogs. Sure enough though, they were everywhere – seemingly stray. We quickly befriended what seemed to be a young shepherd mix and were sorry to leave him behind. After asking some people, we were told that they were ‘island’ dogs and were taken care of by the people of the island communally.
Well, as it would turn out, that’s only partially true. They are most definitely island dogs, but they certainly aren’t taken care of. Unless the dog is owned by someone, then it is not taken care of and many times is actually abused and sometimes killed. The animals thrive in the summer months, when tourists flock to the islands and feed them and make sure they’re ok. However, as soon as the last vessel laden with camera toting tourists leaves, the dogs are on their own.
What does this mean for the traveler? Not much I’m afraid. We can’t fly in and airlift the dogs out, nor can we make sure they are taken care of year round. And I certainly don’t think people should avoid Santorini, as it truly is a remarkable place. However, this should act as an example to all who travel that not all is what it may seem and certainly not what you are told. When you travel, keep your eyes open and try to see past the shiny veneer of the postcard image.
How sad! I would have wanted to take the dogs home, too. There is nothing more pathetic than abused and mistreated individuals who can not defend or take care of themselves. This applies to both children and animals.
Thanks for opening my eyes to the plights of dogs in other countries.
Wow, so sad about the dogs in Santorini. Thanks for sharing!
Do you know if there are any animal shelters on Santorini? As travelers we could donate some time or money when we travel to the local shelters to help these furry friends.
I know, this really does break my heart. There is an organization that you can support though. The Santorini Animal Welfare Association http://www.sawasantorini.org/
I came across your post due to being in santorini now and I love animals no one told me about the dogs and let’s just say they put a massive damper on my honeymoon as I go home each evening sobbing after dinner because some helpless dog looks at me like ” please love me” and I want to I really want to bring one home to the states it’s truely painful for me and I don’t know what to do to help
Perhaps, as another tip, to visit in the shoulder or winter seasons, so if you like taking care of stray animals as some people like myself do, you can be there for them when times are rough!
I, too, was impressed by Santorini’s dogs. After the second day, a black lab became our voluntary escort, waiting at the top of the ridge as we ascended from our cave house. On seeing him sleeping at a shop entry, I inquired of his welfare and was told the dogs belong to no one; they belong to everyone. A small dish placed to collect condensation from an air conditioner was a continuous source of cold drinking water. Dishes of dog food (biscuits) were seen here and there. A small vacant area separated from the street by a low fence seemed to be the community toilet. The dogs were friendly, and seemed to be in good health. Presumably, reproduction is controlled by spaying. There were some indications of a kind of hierarchy and maybe even a territorial preference among the community members. I am truly saddened to read that once the tourists are gone they do not fare so well.
Reproduction is NOT controlled by spaying. The plight of the animals in Greece is a real dark mark on the country. Animal abuse is rampant and many are neglected.
As we traveled around the world, we had similar experiences in many countries. Around South East Asia, there are so many abandoned cats and dogs that at time it’s heartbreaking to look them. We always try to give them at least some food and water, as we know that we can’t do much, since we’re just passing trough the country :(
I adopted on. He was the best and wisest dog I’ve ever met. He lived with me for 16 years. I highly reccomend adopting.
What’s written above is exactly true! For me, the dogs of Santorini are more than beautiful.
It’s not to understand that such a super rich island is not able and willing to take better care of these wonderful creatures. This trow a bitter shadow on this island and it’s people! Imagine what only 1 € of each tourist could do! Margarita was the first vet on the island is doing a lot also the important reduction of reproduction. The tourists could put more pressure on the government… I’m not sure what happened with the Santorini Welfare Association.
In 2009 I adopted a wonderful lovely hunt dog puppy, it was 3 months old and homeless and sick. It was a deep love from the very beginning – the veterinary Margarita made all vaccinations and documents for the little one! I called this beautiful soul LANCELOT and he brought so much joy and happiness in my live that I could not imagine anymore how my live has been before he came to me. He lightened up my live and my soul!
I love him endlessly – for 8 years we were so happy together until last year, on the 17th of October 2017, LANCELOT died. Today it’s 5 months ago and still my tears don’t stop and I miss his soul endlessly. In one week, I will return after so many years, to Santorini for only one reason, I want to find the reborn soul of my beloved LANCELOT and hope and wish to find him there again where we once met… may God lead our souls to the right path…
If you should ever go to Santorini and you fall in love with one of those wonderful dogs, don’t hesitate to adopt him, go to one of the island vets, they will help you with every thing and your adopted dog can be send weeks later to you in Europe. God bless you all. Love, Heidi