Thomas Rescues Shelter
**Free places from 10 December ***
If you love animals and want to have a deep connection with them, this is the place to be!You will live in a guest house surrounded by the shelter dogs , that roam free in designated areas. That will give you immediate and everyday access to the dogs and you will be able to learn quickly their characters and interact with them all day. You will also have opportunity to observe the dogs in socializing and their interaction and the dynamics of the groups. There are also other animals as cats and goats and chickens and you have the chance to interact with them. Living in the shelter is a learning experience and an in depth tour in the animal welfare work of volunteers in Greece. Challenges and difficulties exist but immense rewards too. The shelter is located in a non residential area and you can do walks with the dogs in nature. In 15 minutes car ride you can visit the sea and the organized beaches of a highly touristic area of Greece. There is bus connection with Thessaloniki and with other cities in Chalkidiki, mainly with Nea Kallikratia, the bust stop is in walking distance from the shelter.
The airport is a 15 min car drive from the shelter. We provide pick up from the airport, during the week at daytime.
Nea Kallikratia is the seaside city, which is nearest to the shelter, it is a 12 min car/bus ride. There are organized beaches and local restaurants and social events available there.
There is also a village in a 15 minutes walk from the shelter, where there are bakeries, mini markets, coffe shops and pharmacy.
We are a small animal welfare organization and we are dedicated in helping the animals in need and treat them like family. We expect to become a big family with the animals and as a team to help running thes shelter and changint their lives.
To participate in the project, you do not need any previous experience. Only the joy of working with animals and the ability to work well in a team is necessary.
We expect our volunteers to be punctual, flexible, physically fit, attentive and keen to learn.
In return we will be there to support you and to show you how to complete your daily tasks to get the most from your stay.
No special equipment is required. Only clothes and shoes appropriate to the season in which you are travelling. Winter - conditions can be cold and wet and therefore muddy. Summer - the weather is hot and humid and much time is spent outdoors. Whatever the season - ALWAYS wear sensible shoes that give support and comfort.
Typical day
The dogs are divided into 5 sections –and we also have goats
Each of our volunteers take part in the daily duties, based on their experience. For example:
• Food preparation,Feeding, Pick up the feeding bowls
• Administering medication
• Cleaning the living areas
• Providing water throughout the day
• General observation and daily caring
• Cleaning and feeding of the other animals (goats, cats, chickens)
• Walking the dogs
- Supervising the goats on their pasture
The sanctuary is situated in a rural/ non residential area so it's generally peaceful and tranquil. There are simple cooking facilities and in the 60 qm house is where the 6 foster cats of the shelter live.
So expect to have cat therapy sessions while you are staying in the shelter house. The guesthouse has no TV and no Radio - on purpose. But is has good and free internet. (wifi) You are expected to be quiet and not noisy.
We are always looking for skilled craftsmen, artists, photographers, social media specialists or caretakers - there is nearly nothing we won't find helpful. Your stay will be 2 to 6 weeks - time to leave your footprint here.
Essentials are honesty, truthfulness and reliability. We expect you to communicate open and non violent. We prefer quiet and clean people. It is a non smoking area and house, no drugs, no noise, no excess of alcohol. If you are in a camper, you have the opportunity to camp outside the shelter , it is a safe area.