Background

Greece is home to an estimated 693,000 free-roaming dogs, many of whom have been abandoned due to cultural resistance to sterilisation, often viewed as interfering with the course of nature. This attitude leads to unwanted litters being discarded in remote areas, leaving countless puppies to fend for themselves. On the island of Lesvos alone, countless dogs are abandoned each month, facing hunger, disease, and danger without rescue efforts to protect them. 

Our Partnership 

Since 2015, Wild at Heart Foundation has partnered with independent rescuer Vassilia Mavraghani, who runs Lesvos X-Strays single-handedly. Vassilia dedicates herself to rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for free-roaming dogs, offering medical treatment and sterilisations, regular meals, and a safe environment where they can recover and regain trust.  

The Difference Made So Far

Wild at Heart Foundation provides ongoing monthly support to sustain Vassilia’s vital work, covering the costs of food, medical care, and shelter maintenance, ensuring that the welfare needs of every dog in her care are met and that they have a safe place to call home. 

In 2019, we launched a renovation initiative to improve the shelter’s facilities, made possible through funds raised by Lesvos-based artist Matthew Usmar Lauder’s art exhibition. With additional generous sponsorship from Butternut Box, a two-pen renovation was completed in 2024, transforming the shelter and greatly improving the comfort, safety, and wellbeing of the stray dogs who call it home. 

Building the Future with Your Support

Our ongoing focus in Greece is to support the dogs of Lesvos X-Strays by ensuring they have reliable access to food, medical care, and safe, comfortable shelter. Continued funding enables Vassilia to rescue dogs in crisis and give them the safety, nourishment, and love they need to heal and thrive. 

Every contribution we receive helps us to transform the lives of abandoned and neglected dogs worldwide, giving them the care and compassion they deserve.