Whether you uploaded it in your story or not, there’s no way your heart didn’t break with the tragic events of wildfires this summer in Greece. I don’t think there are words to describe the images of horror were people were fighting to save their lives and their home which was entirely caught up in flames.
An incalculable number of animals were also among the victims. Many of those were left behind when their owners were forced to leave them or abandoned them, while others were lost. The efforts of non-profit animal welfare organizations and shelters to rescue immediately the animals while everything round them was burning, were remarkable. All these innocent creatures which are completely unaware of what arson and climate crisis mean are now in great need of our help and love. Most of them are waiting to be reunited with their family or find a new one.


I know that you who always wanted a puppy or a kitten and you’re also really sensitive; you’re ready to run and adopt the poor animals affected by the fire. But I am the annoying one here to remind you of every possible detail you need to take into consideration before adopting any pet. Because if you are like me who has killed more plants than a tsunami, perhaps it is not the best idea to immediately upgrade to a living organism that needs much more care than just watering to survive.
Make sure to keep these things in mind before adopting a pet:
1. What’s your real motivation? It’s clearly not enough to want a pet just because you feel sorry about it. There should be other reasons as well, such as companionship, motivation for physical exercise or even socialization.
2. Do you have the time and patience to give it the care it needs? Adopting a pet is known to be a long term commitment. Every day you need to feed it, clean it, play with it and take it out for a walk (sounds like a having a baby right?). If you work long hours or you’re a student with a lot of study workload, then you might find it difficult to find the right balance between your personal life and your pet’s needs.
3. Are you able to pay for its care? In order to offer your pet a quality life, you wouldn’t describe the cost as low. You should be able to pay each month for quality food, toys for their mental and physical exercise improvement and of course regular visits to the vet.
4. Is your house suitable for a pet? First of all if you are renting an apartment, you must first make sure that your landlord allows a pet in it, otherwise you’re in trouble. Also evry animal has different needs. Some small animals such as cats may be able to live in a small space while a large and active dog needs a big house to move around.
5. Finally does your family or roommates agree? If you are not living alone, you must first make sure that the people who live with you will be happy with the new member of the house.

If you have taken into consideration all of the above and believe that you are ready to adopt a little new friend, then I am sure you will become a supermom or dad!

If you are looking for adopting a lil friend in need, you can visit the following websites of non- profit animal shelters:

https://www.alittleshelter.gr/

https://www.dogsvoice.gr/

https://saveagreekstray.org/el/

https://www.cityofathens.gr/node/483

For you #NOTHINKER,
Eli