Old friends and new will gather this Sunday to participate in a sponsored dog walk through the picturesque Dorset countryside in support of an animal sanctuary for stray and abandoned animals on the Greek island of Skiathos.
The four-mile stroll will start at 10:30 a.m. from The Hare and Hounds in Waytown. Participants will be treated to light refreshments before and after the walk. This charitable event is organized by Beaminster couple Sue and David Wells, who have been supporting the Skiathos Friends of the Animals sanctuary since the mid-90s.
Supporting the Shelter on Skiathos
The proceeds from the event will go directly to the Skiathos Friends of the Animals shelter, which provides veterinary care, treatment, and a chance for new homes for the many abandoned cats and dogs on the island. Later this year, Sue and David will travel to Skiathos to personally hand over the raised funds.
“The goal is to provide vital vet treatment, care, and find homes for the animals in need,” Sue explained. “Some of the animals have already been rehomed in West Dorset.”
The Wells’ Long-Standing Commitment to the Cause
Sue and David first became involved with the sanctuary during a visit to Skiathos in 1995. Upon discovering the shelter, which was home to more than 200 animals, they decided to offer their support. Sue recalled, “The problem they had back then was huge, and we felt compelled to help. We’ve been involved with animal charities all our lives, and this walk has always received strong local support.”
Sue explained that the funds raised through the walk help cover expenses such as neutering, medical care, vaccines, and food for the animals. With recent changes in EU regulations, it has become more difficult for UK-based vets to work on the island, further increasing the shelter’s costs.
A Lifelong Commitment to Animal Welfare
Sue emphasized that the attitudes toward animals have changed significantly over the years, with the local community becoming much more caring. However, since the pandemic, fundraising has become more challenging. “But we will keep plodding along,” she said.
This event continues to receive generous support from the community, and Sue and David are hopeful that this year’s walk will be another success in their ongoing mission to aid the animals of Skiathos.