When you first visit the Dog Shelter you are struck by the comparative quiet. The dogs are interested to see visitors and excited, but quickly settle down and appear relaxed and contented. The puppies gambol and play and then quickly fall asleep in heaps one on top of the other. The big dogs lie in the sun and doze placidly. There is no howling or frantic barking, neither is there any dirt or unpleasant smell, all of which is a tribute to the hard work and good care given to these dogs by the volunteers at the Shelter. This is their home and they are happy. Most of these dogs have never before known any kindness, companionship or freedom from fear, hunger and thirst. Most have never had a bed to sleep on or have had the freedom to move freely. Most have been caged or tethered and ill-treated all their lives.

Here they are walked daily and allowed to run off their high spirits in the fields around the Shelter. Each one is exercised regularly, fed and groomed. Their kennels are cleaned and their bedding changed. Health problems are treated. They gain weight, their coats become shiny, they are healthy and happy. Their trust is won by kindness and a regular routine and their individual personalities have a chance to develop. Each dog is intelligent, friendly and eager to please its human leaders.

Just into the New Year and the Dog Shelter has received its many discarded Christmas presents. Puppies are unwanted and abandoned once the novelty has worn off and the new owner has tired of the routine of feeding, grooming and housetraining. Puppies are as much trouble as young children and need just as much love and care. However to many people they are "just animals" and therefore without needs or feelings and can be tossed aside without a thought. The lucky ones end up at the Dog Shelter where efforts are made to find responsible caring homes for them. The unlucky ones are thrown out to fend for themselves and to die.

A bitch comes into season at about six months of age depending on the size and breed. Twice a year she will produce a litter of anything from two to twelve puppies, and she will go on having this number of puppies for most of her life. The only way to reduce the numbers of unwanted dogs is to have a bitch spayed before she has her first season. This is a routine operation and she will never again come into season or be of interest to male dogs. The temperament, personality and possible hunting ability of the bitch is completely unaffected by this operation. It also reduces the possibility of uterine and mammary cancers in later life.

The number of good homes available is very limited and it then becomes the responsibility of the volunteers at the shelter to have these unwanted puppies put to sleep. This is always a heartbreaking decision, but space is limited and the number of dogs seeking refuge is never ending. Until individuals take responsibility for their animals and have their bitches spayed the ever increasing numbers of unwanted dogs will continue to multiply at a rate beyond control. The same situation applies to the pathetic stray cat population which is another phenomenon of animal neglect seen in Cyprus.