HANDS OF KALYMNOS

ANIMAL REHOMING

Firstly, we must be happy that you are interested in rehoming a Greek dog.

Most of the dogs we rehome have been abandoned and left to live on the street, perhaps in a pack with other abandoned dogs. Therefore, they understand well other dogs, but have not learnt much else in their lives. However, this makes them more grateful for what they receive when they finally find a good home and more faithful to their new masters!

If you are interested in one of our dogs, we would like to learn a few more things about you. Please tell us about your lifestyle, ie occupation, size/type of home, size of any garden, who you share your home with, any children or other animals etc.

We will need your name, address, telephone numbers and e-mail address. Also:
- Which dog are you interested in?
- What characteristics are important to you in a dog?
- How many hours every day will the dog remain alone?
- How many hours every day will you have for walking the dog?

WHY ALWAYS A PUPPY?

Families with children always look for a puppy. Why? They seek an uncorrupted, compatible and sturdy dog that they can raise and form. The abandoned dogs from Kalymnos possess exactly the same qualities, whatever their age. Usually, they have not yet lived in a house, but have socialised well with other animals on the street. Through this, they usually already have a good level of tolerance and patience when in contact with children. Those that are not already house trained can quickly be taught to behave inside the house, ask to go outside to relieve themselves, and become accustomed to remaining alone at home.

With the more mature dogs, their character can already be judged having passed the puppy stage of development. So, you have more to base your choice of dog on than just its appearance!

Most importantly, you should remember that these wonderful dogs will always require a period of time to accustom themselves to their new home, surroundings and family members. Each dog is an individual. Some will settle in quickly, while others may take more time to adapt to its new life. You will need to be patient! Also, you should seek expert advice yourself and attend dog training classes. Attending these classes and also being allowed to play freely with other dogs will help your dog develop good social characteristics.

You should consider the following points before accepting one of our dogs:

The dogs that have not lived in the houses of care families on Kalymnos have either lived on the street, in the refuge or outside a house. They have never been inside a house and therefore are not house trained. Older dogs should learn to control themselves quickly. However, puppies from Kalymnos will be no different from puppies anywhere else in the world and will need patient training!
The dog will not have learnt to remain alone, having lived free on the street with other dogs. From the beginning, leave the room the dog is in and close the door. Return to the room before the dog becomes stressed, eg barks, and praise it. Slowly, leave the dog alone for longer periods.
Some dogs will need to learn to walk on a lead and perform their 'business' whilst on a walk. They may perceive the lead as a threat or not like their collar pulling around their neck. It may remind them of being tied up earlier in their life. Be patient! Perhaps try a harness instead of a collar or walking with other dogs.
Through bad experiences, the dog might be anxious and reserved towards people. As they meet more people and feel their warmth and love, they will slowly begin to trust again and become more outgoing.
The dog must become acquainted with new noises, eg vacuum cleaners, car alarms.
The transportation of the dog to you and its change of environment may cause it some stress. As a result, they may have diarrhea for the first few days. If it persists for longer, consult a vet.
The dog will be treated for parasites/worms, vaccinated, micro chipped and a travel document issued before leaving Greece to a level to satisfy the minimum entry requirements of your country's Government Ministry. We recommend that you take the dog to the vets a few days after its arrival with you for an examination. Take its Pet Passport/vaccination card with you to avoid any unnecessary treatments. The vet may recommend additional treatments for the dog over and above the minimum that was necessary to gain access to your country.
The dog will be delivered to you under a protection contract and after payment of a protection fee. We carry out checks on you before and after the dog is delivered to you. Usually, this will be a conversation with you at home. The protection fee will cover the costs of necessary treatments at the vets, documentation and transport.