As with our previous program the surgeries followed strict protocols and all animals were kept in the temporary clinic for 24 hours after their surgery and prior to their release to their original colonies. In addition, all animals received anti-parasitic therapy and any wounds or infections that were visible were treated. Most animals had respiratory illnesses (expected this time of the year, especially in unvaccinated animals) and dental diseases due to their poor nutrition or presence of FIV. Any animals who were not stable enough for surgery were treated for their medical problems and then released back to their colonies (i.e their spay/neuter was postponed). 

   In addition to the above, each animal had their photo taken and a medical record created. The record includes information such as the name of the surgeon/vet who was on the case, medications administered and medical problems treated or diagnosed. This allows the team to easily access the information should their be any complications with the strays once they are returned back to their colony. All volunteers were instructed to monitor the cat colonies and report any problems to AWK for immediate intervention. AWK's founder, Dr. Katogiritis, has been adamant about maintaining this level of care for all strays who are treated by Animal Welfare Karpathos. It is AWK's belief that because these animals do not have legal human guardians, they deserve the best possible care, attention and love. 

 The week long education campaign began with an in class lecture to the fourth and fifth grade students of the Second Elementary School of Pigadia (Karpathos). The lecture was given by Dr. Katogiritis, on #WorldStrayAnimal Day. During that experience the students were introduced to what a stray animal is, how we can help stray animals found in the streets, the benefits of spay/neuter programs and what they can do to help.  

   The following days students from the Aperi Elementary School and the Junior High School visited the clinic in Aperi village. There, AWK's president Sophia Hiras and board member Maria Pavlakou showed them the clinic and the steps taken for a successful spay/neuter program. The students had the opportunity to learn about responsible adoptions, why spay/neuter programs are essential to the welfare of the strays, and how they can volunteer and assist in AWK's mission. 

AWK would like to thank school principals: Mrs. Kalliopi Ioannidi, Mr. Ioannis Loupis  and Mrs. Athanasia Vdokaki and the teacher Haris Spanomanolis for the collaboration. 

 Animal Welfare Karpathos relies on volunteers and donations for all of its activities. If it weren't for the dedicated work of kind people, non of the rescue work or programs would be possible. With that said, people across the island came together once again to benefit the strays.

  AWK would like to thank all the following volunteers (by alphabetical order): 

Trapping and releasing volunteers: 

Artemis Antoniou, Irene Fratzeskou, Vanda Galbava, Michal Galbavy, Ragnhild Haraldstad,  Kaliroi Amanezi Haniotis, Sofia Houvardas, Petra Huijden, Maria Loizou Ioannidi,  Vena Kamaratou, Michalis Kamaratos, Anthi Kritsiotis, Sophia Konstanti, Sophia Konstantinidi, Fani Koulourioti,  Fotini Lagonikos, Thalia Litou, Sophia Litou, Alexandra & Dimitri Litos, Maria Likou, Wilma Looye, Sophia Lyristaki, Stavroula Magiafi, George Magiafis, Christina Lehr Makhlouf, Sophia Hiras-Mircros, Father Lazaros Navrozoglou, Georgia Pakaki, Maria Pavlakos,  Luisa Ricaldone, Olivia Rossi, Anne Ruud,  Anja Van Rossum, Dr. Athanasia Simsiriki, Andreas Tsagkaris, Michalis Tsagkaris, Lucia Viglongo, 

Volunteer veterinarians:

Dr. Peter Brown and Dr. Anna Katogiritis

Volunteer licensed veterinary nurses:

James Kilgour  and Christine (Chrissie) Robinson