Greece is a very well-known tourist destination, due to its natural beauty, archaeological sites, and beautiful landscape. Every year, it attracts many tourists.

What many people do not know, that behind this beautiful facade, there is an estimated population of 3.5 million strays wandering the streets in terrible conditions.

Local Greek Volunteers try their best to alleviate this tragic suffering.

Aphrodite Tsoukala moved near the huge Loutraki landfill in 2018. Driving around lost one day, enjoying the stunningly beautiful Loutraki forests Aphrodite came upon a horrific sight, the huge Loutraki Landfill, Garbage Dump — her life changed completely that day.

Seeing the condition of the dogs living there was a horrifying experience for her. She saw packs of dogs and puppies with broken bones and sores all over their bodies. Drinking from dirty puddles and scavenging in the trash. Many were starving, thirsty, sick, close to death, some were dead. An endless cemetery of dogs.

Who is going to go to a rubbish dump to take care of dogs?

Aphrodite alone. A lady who has been doing incredible work for years to find a solution, who has dedicated her life to this.

The dogs lead a tragic life. They are or they have become fearful, they are sick, wandering around, scavenging the garbage for food. Most importantly, they are not neutered so their numbers are increasing, the problem is then exacerbated. Due to the conditions, they find themselves in, exposed to all weathers, having no medication for ticks, fleas, and worms they fall ill. Leishmaniasis, ehrlichiosis, mange, skin diseases, sexually transmitted diseases are some of the most common diseases the “Garbage dogs” are suffering from. These dogs and puppies are doomed to a life of misery and pain. The sole volunteer at the site is a lady with a heart of gold, Aphrodite.

She began trying to take care of the dogs without much help from the local municipality or the government. She is provided with four sacks of dry food per week. Free neutering and some medications are provided as well.

She has captured, vaccinated, neutered, and treated as many dogs as she can.

She rents a small plot of land which is used as a makeshift Shelter.

She has no more space at this rented plot so, if a sick dog needs treatment now she has no alternative but to try and capture the dog, give it treatment in a crate, and release it back to the landfill. This breaks her heart.

Aphrodite’s dream would be to take all the dogs out of the landfill and give them the life they deserve, with a loving family.

To make the dream come true, a larger plot of land, with shelter, is needed. With more space, the “Garbage Dogs” could have a chance of getting fostered or adopted into a loving home.