We thank Derek Robins for all his help and care and for writing this beautiful article!

October 14, 2018

In early October, I visited Greece for the first time. It was a last-minute trip to the island of Hydra, taken at the recommendation of a friend. Given its proximity to Athens, no need for a car, and fewer tourists compared to the more famous islands, Hydra was a no-brainer. Although I was excited to learn about Greek culture and island life, little did I know my favorite part of the trip would be spending time with some wonderful cats and becoming involved with Hydra Ark.

Cat Care: TNR & Treatment

Over the last years HydraArk has significantly reduced the overpopulation of the island’s cats and improved their overall health. Our organization has achieved this through an annual program of spaying and neutering. Over 700 cats have been sterilized, over 250 have been vaccinated and given antiparasite treatment, and over 25 have been adopted. The Marchig Animal Welfare Trust, based in Switzerland, funds most of the sterilization program for cats and subsidizes the fee for the veterinary surgeon. The remaining costs are entirely covered by our generous donors, and our members volunteer to man the clinic throughout the 3-day neutering sessions.

We would like to thank Animal Action Greece, GAWF and its amazing team of Kleopatra Triantafyllou, Aris Vlahakis, Thodoris Kourniaris, Andrew Judge, and Alex Thiemann for the three days they spent with us. More than 95 equines were carefully checked. Many had their teeth floated; others had their hooves attended to. Several equines needed special attention for different issues. This is the tenth year the Animal Action team has come to Hydra. Each visit, the days they spend with us are filled. Close to 900 equines have been taken care of over the decade.