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WHAT OUR VOLUNTEERS SAYS

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TESTIMONIALS

"we had the chance to spend the last three weeks at the shelter, and it's been a truly unique and amazing experience!Deep in the cretan hills, this shelter is located in a breathtaking part of the island, and it was a huge pleasure to wake up every day to this beautiful scenery.
The work itself was very simple and satisfying, and all was made crystal clear thanks to the amazing work of Annie, who is in charge of much of the logistic at the shelter.

Everyone we met here were amazing and were very giving, and this is especially true regarding Nikos, a truly wonderful human being, and certainly one of the most giving and selfless person we have had the chance to cross paths with.

All in all, this workaway far exceeded our expectations, and we most definitely recommend it to anyone going to Crete:) "

Mahëva and William
 

"This was my first Workaway experience and I loved my time here! I was here for 3.5 weeks in total over May-June.
My main responsibilities involved cleaning dirty enclosures and water buckets, general maintenance of enclosures (e.g. occasionally fixing holes in fencing) and feeding, but we were also free to take dogs for walks, brush and play with them and help with painting kennel signs if we wanted to once the main work was done.

The shelter is set in a beautiful rural location surrounded by olive groves and hills - in my time off I enjoyed exploring the surrounding area and walking to the nearest town, Kalo Chorio, where there are two restaurants to eat at and a small convenience store at one of them.

I also enjoyed working as a team with the other Workaway volunteers! We had fun cooking meals and spending our free time together, and were largely in charge of organising our schedules between ourselves and coordinating taking time off.

Nikos and Carol dedicate their lives to looking after the dogs and it’s evident how much they love and care for every one of them - they are both incredibly generous and kind-hearted people. Thank you for this great experience!!"

Bec B
 

" The dogs are amazing and the whole shelter is built on a passion to help the dogs.
Many people, especially Nikos, sacrifice a lot to make sure that the dogs are happy and healthy. It's a wonderful place and It's great to meet new people from around the world. The work is also not too much, its approximately one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening. most of the day is free, so there's lots of time to bond with the dogs.

I am grateful for the experience, thank you."

Eliza
 
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"I have spent these last three weeks at this dog ​​shelter and it has been a unique and unforgettable experience.
Dogs are amazing and Nikos is an exceptional person who gives absolutely everything in his day to day life for them.

If you really like dogs it's not a hard work at all, and the other volunteers are really lovely and interesting people. I really taking this place in my heart, I will miss this it soo much and will be here again very soon! thanks you so much for everything!
see you soon!"

Paula

"Absolutely incredible! That was my first Workaway and I'm not disappointed at all!
I said that I'll stay there for a few weeks maybe two or three but I stayed there for two months!
Nikos is an incredible person and I learned a lot by his side.
And of course the dogs are all so nice and friendly. I really enjoyed my time there and now I feel that I'm a member of the family, the Familia! Don't hesitate to go to the shelter because that's a great experience but don't forget to bring clothes you can get dirty because the dogs have no mercy ;)

This place is a real paradise and a perfect mix between hard work and spend time with dogs. A real pleasure!

To end it I want to say: Love you Familia!"

Marco

" I've had the opportunity to spend a month at this amazing place. It was my first workaway experience and I can tell you it was unforgettable! You get to meet so many different dogs with their own story and personality.
Everyday it was a pleasure waking up to this scenery and helping these amazing animals. In return you get all their love and gratitude, which is all you need <3
Let's not forget all the wonderful people you get to meet! Of course Nikos himself, a unique human being with so much love, dedication and respect for the dogs. He is an incredibly generous and caring person that makes you feel like you're part of the family.
I'm very grateful for the team I got to work with, they were all beautiful, interesting and kind-hearted people.
 
I will never forget this magical place and I'll be back ;) "

Emma W

"I don't even know where to begin.

The trip to the place was my first workaway experience and the first trip I ever made on my own.

I was here for 4 weeks in March and had one of my best months.

Nikos, Mike, Alexandra and all the other Workawayers (Annabell, Alex, Helena, Paula & Job) made the time unforgettable.

And then of course, the dogs. Of which each one, out of the 225 dogs, is just adorable. Each one has such a big heart and so much love to give.

The work is more than fair and if you help each other you have endless free time to spend with the dogs.

I can only recommend the shelter to anyone who, like everyone there, has a big heart for dogs and nothing against dirt and some work.

The dogs will give you back everything you put in.

Thank you very much!"

Alicia











 

" I do not even know where to start.
Three weeks I got to spend at the place but it felt like a beautiful eternity and it was an absolutely amazing experience. I miss it every day. Nikos is such an inspiring kind person.
My fellow volunteers were also awesome and we were a great team. I loved the work, spending time with the dogs; they are all so loving you can't help but be happy around them.
I can't wait to come visit again. I miss everything so so much. Life was simple but it made me realise that I don't need much to feel alive, happy, in peace, loved. These four-pawed souls deserve nothing but love and appreciation.

If you truly love dogs, you will love the Shelter. It's in my heart forever.

Thank you Nikos and familia <3"

Annie

"I stayed at the shelter for 3,5 weeks and i dont that i will find a place like this again, it was just really incredible.

Nikos loves the dogs so much and the atmosphere that this guy created because of it was just nothing i ever came experienced.

The other volunteers where amazing, the dogs, the hills around the shelter, its a place i really want to come back to, and i will in a few months from now."

Job
 

"I’m so happy I chose this shelter.

I fell in love with all of the dogs and their own personality.
Furthermore, I had a wonderful time with Nikos and Caroline and the other volunteers.

Nikos and Caroline do everything in their power that the dogs and the volunteers are always happy. It’s amazing how they understand the dogs.

My time there flew by so fast and I’m pretty sure I’ll come back!"

Marleen

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