This Dentist Left A Successful Career To Save The Lives Of Abandoned Dogs

May 09, 2019 by apost team

Greece’s financial crisis has hit the country hard. With many finding it difficult to provide their families with even the bare necessities, dogs are being abandoned in droves in the struggling nation. Many once responsible pet owners are simply leaving their once loving companions to live on their own on the streets or in some of the nation’s wooded areas.

The difficult situation these canines face has made national news in Greece, and one dentist has decided to step up to help the desperate animals.

Theoklitos Proestakis, known as Takis by his friends, was once just a simple dentist in the small town of Lerapetra on the island of Crete. One day, while visiting a local garbage dump, Theoklitos was greeted by a horrific sight: numerous stray dogs.

Takis saw that many of the dogs were in very bad shape; most were very badly malnourished and some were even dying. His heart broken, Theoklitos decided to help the dogs, giving them food and water.

Theoklitos even spoke to some of his friends, getting them to help with veterinary costs for the animals in the worst health. As Theoklitos turned to the local government for assistance, he was shocked by their response. The municipal government simply wanted to euthanize all of the dogs for the nuisance they were creating in the community.

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Despite the setback with the local government, Theoklitos was determined to help the stray dogs. Leaving his job as a dentist, Theoklitos founded the Takis Shelter, a 33,000-meter facility surrounded by beautiful olive groves.

At Takis Shelter, Theoklitos helps the stray dogs, giving them a place to play, live, and heal from the harm they faced in their years of abandonment. Theoklitos has worked hard to give the sweet animals a home.

In addition to complaints from neighbors unhappy with his operation, Theoklitos faced a financial crisis of his own when he had to contend with sky-high veterinary bills. Selling his car and even his home, Theoklitos now lives at the shelter, completely devoting his life to saving the wonderful animals.

News of Theoklitos’s deeds have spread around the world, with new volunteers and donors arriving daily at the Takis Shelter to aid Theoklitos. Thanks to these amazing contributions, the Takis Shelter recently opened a new wing, allowing Theoklitos to help take-in more dogs and even cats now.

All in all, Theoklitos has saved 300 abandoned animals and found forever homes for 200. For his part, Theoklitos remains fully devoted to his good work, continuing in his mission to save the neglected and abandoned animals of Greece.

What do you think of Theoklitos and the Takis Shelter? Have you ever contributed time or money to animal rescue in your community? Let us know in the comments and pass this inspiring story along to your friends and family!