Day 5: Photo Gallery 3 May 2008
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Day 4: Photo Gallery 2 May 2008
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Day 3: Cats, Dogs, Goats and Tortoises 1 May 2008
by Will
The surgery dealt with cats, dogs, goats and a tiny tortoise today. It has been the busiest day so far. Word about the surgery has been getting around and the phones were ringing non-stop all morning with people wanting advice, arranging times to bring their animals in, or asking for animals to be collected and brought into the surgery.
Late in the morning, a cat was brought in with a tumour that dominated the side of his head. White cats can suffer badly from sunburnt ears and the melanoma that can result during Symi’s hot summers. Often, amputation of the ears is an option, but sometimes the cancer is quite advanced and has spread to other parts of its body and is inoperable. After a long consultation with the vets where different options were outlined and explained, the lady who brought the cat in made the difficult decision to put it to sleep. It is never easy to accept that there is no hope left, and I have never found myself in the position of having to end one of my own animal’s lives. My sympathies go out to her, and the other people that I know were very fond of this cat.
The next patient was a cat from Pitini with a long list of problems. Most pressing was the state of its claws. These were misshapen and many of them had curved around and punctured the pads of the wee thing’s paws. Tassoula gave the cat a much-needed manicure, a big shot of antibiotics, vaccinated it against four nasty illnesses, and treated it for a bad fungal infection in its ears and nose. After washing and drying the cat, Christos and Tassoula gave its owner a prescription for medicine that can be obtained via the pharmacy in Yialos to continue its treatment over the next few weeks.
Late in the morning, a cat was brought in with a tumour that dominated the side of his head. White cats can suffer badly from sunburnt ears and the melanoma that can result during Symi’s hot summers. Often, amputation of the ears is an option, but sometimes the cancer is quite advanced and has spread to other parts of its body and is inoperable. After a long consultation with the vets where different options were outlined and explained, the lady who brought the cat in made the difficult decision to put it to sleep. It is never easy to accept that there is no hope left, and I have never found myself in the position of having to end one of my own animal’s lives. My sympathies go out to her, and the other people that I know were very fond of this cat.
The next patient was a cat from Pitini with a long list of problems. Most pressing was the state of its claws. These were misshapen and many of them had curved around and punctured the pads of the wee thing’s paws. Tassoula gave the cat a much-needed manicure, a big shot of antibiotics, vaccinated it against four nasty illnesses, and treated it for a bad fungal infection in its ears and nose. After washing and drying the cat, Christos and Tassoula gave its owner a prescription for medicine that can be obtained via the pharmacy in Yialos to continue its treatment over the next few weeks.
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There is a very gorgeous black cat that lives next door to the surgery, and it is a frequent visitor, enjoying a good head-scratching or a nap on one of our laps. After its check-up on Day 1, the owner has been very kindly bringing a constant supply of homemade cheese pies and biscuits to the surgery every morning. Her son-in-law also came into the surgery today for advice about his goat which has a case of mastitis.
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Missie, one of the 3-legged cats that live down in the harbour, was taken up to the surgery for her vaccinations in the afternoon. She is a lovely little thing but wasn’t too keen on the car journey, bless her. Once at the surgery she calmed down and allowed herself to be thoroughly examined and vaccinated before a marginally less-distressing return journey.
In the early evening, we collected a trio of very noisy cats from Pedi for check-ups and vaccinations. One of them had a nasty infection in her ear and had to be sedated before she could be treated. The other two sat in their cat-boxes being very noisy as she was then given a thorough clean-up.
In the early evening, we collected a trio of very noisy cats from Pedi for check-ups and vaccinations. One of them had a nasty infection in her ear and had to be sedated before she could be treated. The other two sat in their cat-boxes being very noisy as she was then given a thorough clean-up.
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Last patient of the day was a very young tortoise… it’s cute, I’m sure you’ll agree. Its shell is still quite soft and the girl who found it wanted to know the best things to feed it and how to care for it.
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We are all very tired after such a long and busy day and we are looking forward to a good night’s sleep before tomorrow. The first patient of the day has already been “booked in” and we expect to be as busy as today. As the “official driver” for FAROS, I would like to give my own thanks to Kostas Sykallos of Symi Tours for letting us use one of his hire cars for free; without it, things would be so much more difficult and Kostas’s generosity is very much appreciated by all of us.
Day 2: A Royal Visit 30 April 2008
by Will
Tassoula and Christos, Symi’s volunteer vets, had a second day as busy as the first. The first operation of the day was on Fanouris (Nou, for short), Mikroulis’s brother. The pictures from yesterday showing Marios’s neutering will have shown you what to expect when a male cat is neutered. I have been astounded by the level of care and attention to detail that Tassoula and Christos consider essential and important; Nou was is good hands. After the careful process of sedation, I got to witness Nou receiving the final third of the “back, sack and crack” that has gained considerable popularity. I’ve never spent any time considering the best way to prepare a cat’s scrotum in advance of it being emptied. The simple way is to pluck… with the fingers. Christos winced with every tuft of fluff pulled out; Tassoula told me that male veterinary students hate doing it but the female ones don’t mind so much...
Nou’s operation was easier than Marios’s as he was considerably better endowed and this makes the op less fiddly. Christos showed me how the vessel that carries the sperm away from the testicle can be used to tie off the vessels that supply it with blood. Very clever.
While Nou was recovering, Nagia brought in the delightful Boubis to have his vaccinations. He’s a sweety.
Nou’s operation was easier than Marios’s as he was considerably better endowed and this makes the op less fiddly. Christos showed me how the vessel that carries the sperm away from the testicle can be used to tie off the vessels that supply it with blood. Very clever.
While Nou was recovering, Nagia brought in the delightful Boubis to have his vaccinations. He’s a sweety.
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The main event of the day, however, was a Royal visit; Princess Plop Alexia I, well known to SymiGreece readers of old, came in for her jabs. I can report that she behaved very regally throughout the procedure. Tassoula and Christos wore special jewel-encrusted velvet gloves, of course.
After a busy afternoon, the final visitor of the day was Rocky. Visitors to Symi who have ever walked through the shops past Syllogos Square in Chorio will know Rocky well. He is the growly mutt that blocks your path and gives you a hard stare if you ever try to go further than the Old Pharmacy, but he’s not really that bad. Tassoula gave Rocky a thorough inspection. She is, I believe, the only person to have ever given Rocky a full scrotal examination. Rocky behaved himself very well throughout, his mummy holding his head and stroking his nose.
After a busy afternoon, the final visitor of the day was Rocky. Visitors to Symi who have ever walked through the shops past Syllogos Square in Chorio will know Rocky well. He is the growly mutt that blocks your path and gives you a hard stare if you ever try to go further than the Old Pharmacy, but he’s not really that bad. Tassoula gave Rocky a thorough inspection. She is, I believe, the only person to have ever given Rocky a full scrotal examination. Rocky behaved himself very well throughout, his mummy holding his head and stroking his nose.
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There has been a steady stream of people bringing cats and dogs in for vaccinations. These have to be repeated in a month’s time to confirm the animal’s immunity. After my own experience of vaccinating my cats in February Tassoula has inspected my own injecting technique to make sure that at the end of May, I am competent enough to do the rounds and get these done.
Day 1: Prepared for Surgery 30 April 2008
It was the Big Day today and after the last few additions, the very first FAROS surgery formally opened at 10:00am. Christos and Tassoula were very pleased with the way we have managed to equip the surgery (all thanks to their guidance of course) and we were told that compared with other islands without a veterinary practice, the FAROS surgery is one of the best they have ever seen (check it out for yourselves by clicking the photos below!).
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Within a few minutes, the first FAROS patient (a gorgeous grey cat brought in by a resident in Yialos) arrived for her vaccination. At about 11:30am, there was a Municipal announcement on the tannoy system reminding everyone about FAROS and the vet surgery including opening times (10-2 and 5-8 for the remaining of this week, including Saturday). Day #1 was an overwhelming success. Despite the planned "working hours", Tassoula and Christos worked from 10:00am until 9:30pm with only an hour and a half break for lunch as people kept coming in and we didn't want to turn anyone down. However, we had to ask the owners of two dogs that arrived later in the afternoon to bring their animals in the morning as the vets were busy on an operation.
At about midday I watched how an animal (young Marios in this case) should be prepared for surgery, which included:
- the different types of anesthetics (and time!) that are required depending on the animal's specific characteristics,
- the time needed to properly sterilise surgical equipment inside the dry-heat steriliser
- the use of sterilised gloves, surgical drapes, scrubs, etc.,
- the pre-surgery preperation including the use of clippers, a catheter and oxygen supply.
Then it's the operation itself, and the necessary after-care at the end.
The vets were not here to impress us with how quickly they could do an operation or "cut corners" in any way whatsoever when it comes to an animal's wellbeing, but instead they made sure everything was done properly, professionally and safely for the animals they took into their care.
To get an idea of what happened inside the surgery when Marios was there, have a look at the photos below (for a larger version, click each photo!). The photos go up to when Marios was ready for the operation; I was far too squeamish to film the op anyway!)
At about midday I watched how an animal (young Marios in this case) should be prepared for surgery, which included:
- the different types of anesthetics (and time!) that are required depending on the animal's specific characteristics,
- the time needed to properly sterilise surgical equipment inside the dry-heat steriliser
- the use of sterilised gloves, surgical drapes, scrubs, etc.,
- the pre-surgery preperation including the use of clippers, a catheter and oxygen supply.
Then it's the operation itself, and the necessary after-care at the end.
The vets were not here to impress us with how quickly they could do an operation or "cut corners" in any way whatsoever when it comes to an animal's wellbeing, but instead they made sure everything was done properly, professionally and safely for the animals they took into their care.
To get an idea of what happened inside the surgery when Marios was there, have a look at the photos below (for a larger version, click each photo!). The photos go up to when Marios was ready for the operation; I was far too squeamish to film the op anyway!)
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It's been a very busy day and we expect to have an even busier day tomorrow as many people have already called to book their animals in.
Stay tuned for more news and photos!
Stay tuned for more news and photos!
Vet Surgery Opens in Symi 29 April 2008
Tassoula and Christos, the first voluntary FAROS vets arrived on Symi this afternoon and the surgery will formally open at 10:00am on Tuesday morning in Kyriaki Studio in Horio (by Syllogos Square, second house to the left on the road that starts from Rainbow Cafe, about 50 metres away).
Please bring the animals you care for (pets as well as strays) to the surgery for a check-up, vaccination, neutering, general advice or a minor operation.
There are a few more things that need to go in the surgery in the morning, but we at FAROS are very pleased that we have managed to equip the surgery with everything it needs to operate properly in such a short period of time.
As you already know FAROS aims to bring Greek voluntary vets to Symi to set up a free surgery at regular intervals (hopefully as often as once a month) to provide care for the animals of Symi (pets, strays and also work and farm animals) and we are already working towards the next vet visit at the end of June. Announcements will be made shortly.
Even though the vets offer their services free of charge and the accommodation and boat tickets are donated to FAROS by Symi businesses (Kalodoukas Holidays and Symi Tours), the cost of each visit is funded solely by voluntary donations.
For this first visit we have equipped the surgery at a cost of over 2,000 euros. Much of what we have bought can be used again at subsequent vet visits, and we estimate that each of these visits will cost FAROS about 1,000-1,200 Euros.
Please help us maintain the free vet service to Symi by donating whatever you can. Any amount, no matter how small, will go towards helping the animals and guaranteeing regular and free vet visits throughout the year.
Here are some examples of the cost involved:
Initial set-up cost
- Autoclave (dry-heat steriliser) : 240 Euros
- Oxygen cylinder: 210 Euros
- Oxygen supply mechanism: 99 Euros
- Electric shaver: 140 Euros
- Cat trap: 90 Euros
- Cat baskets: 18 Euros each
- Heating Pad: 30 Euros
- Resuscitator: 45 Euros
Costs at each visit
- Return flight to mainland: 120-150 Euros
- Anesthetics: 50 Euros per bottle
- Sterile surgical drapes: 1.30 Euros each
- Antibiotics: 4 Euros each
- Stitches: 4.50 Euros each
- Non-woven swabs: 4.50 Euros per box
- Vaccinations for cats or dogs: 5 Euros each
- Tracheal Tubes: 8 Euros each
- Catheters: 60 Euros per box
- Disposable syringes: 20 Euros per box
- Refill of Oxygen Cylinder: 40 Euros
As you can see even 5 Euros is enough to vaccinate a cat or a dog for a year!
If you are on Symi, you can leave your donation at the surgery during this week. You can also contact us directly or make a donation online by clicking the DONATE button below.
Thank you very much and hope to see you at the surgery this week!
Please bring the animals you care for (pets as well as strays) to the surgery for a check-up, vaccination, neutering, general advice or a minor operation.
There are a few more things that need to go in the surgery in the morning, but we at FAROS are very pleased that we have managed to equip the surgery with everything it needs to operate properly in such a short period of time.
As you already know FAROS aims to bring Greek voluntary vets to Symi to set up a free surgery at regular intervals (hopefully as often as once a month) to provide care for the animals of Symi (pets, strays and also work and farm animals) and we are already working towards the next vet visit at the end of June. Announcements will be made shortly.
Even though the vets offer their services free of charge and the accommodation and boat tickets are donated to FAROS by Symi businesses (Kalodoukas Holidays and Symi Tours), the cost of each visit is funded solely by voluntary donations.
For this first visit we have equipped the surgery at a cost of over 2,000 euros. Much of what we have bought can be used again at subsequent vet visits, and we estimate that each of these visits will cost FAROS about 1,000-1,200 Euros.
Please help us maintain the free vet service to Symi by donating whatever you can. Any amount, no matter how small, will go towards helping the animals and guaranteeing regular and free vet visits throughout the year.
Here are some examples of the cost involved:
Initial set-up cost
- Autoclave (dry-heat steriliser) : 240 Euros
- Oxygen cylinder: 210 Euros
- Oxygen supply mechanism: 99 Euros
- Electric shaver: 140 Euros
- Cat trap: 90 Euros
- Cat baskets: 18 Euros each
- Heating Pad: 30 Euros
- Resuscitator: 45 Euros
Costs at each visit
- Return flight to mainland: 120-150 Euros
- Anesthetics: 50 Euros per bottle
- Sterile surgical drapes: 1.30 Euros each
- Antibiotics: 4 Euros each
- Stitches: 4.50 Euros each
- Non-woven swabs: 4.50 Euros per box
- Vaccinations for cats or dogs: 5 Euros each
- Tracheal Tubes: 8 Euros each
- Catheters: 60 Euros per box
- Disposable syringes: 20 Euros per box
- Refill of Oxygen Cylinder: 40 Euros
As you can see even 5 Euros is enough to vaccinate a cat or a dog for a year!
If you are on Symi, you can leave your donation at the surgery during this week. You can also contact us directly or make a donation online by clicking the DONATE button below.
Thank you very much and hope to see you at the surgery this week!
The FAROS Poster 26 April 2008
The first FAROS vet visit will formally open in less than 3 days' time and the posters announcing the details (in Greek) have been put up today around Symi. The vets will operate a free surgery starting on Tuesday 29 April at Kyriaki Studio in Horio (by Syllogos Square, second house to the left on the road that starts from Rainbow Cafe).
FAROS has done all that is essential for the vet surgery to operate safely and legally including purchasing all surgical/medical equipments that are needed as well as medicines, vaccinations, etc. The cost of the first visit will be around 2,500 Euros. If you would like to donate to the FAROS Symi Animal Fund, please click the “DONATE” button below; it only takes a few seconds.
The surgery will operate from 10-2 every morning and 5-8 every afternoon, though the opening times are flexible. If you want to bring an animal outside those hours, please contact FAROS and we will do our best to arrange a suitable time for you.
FAROS has done all that is essential for the vet surgery to operate safely and legally including purchasing all surgical/medical equipments that are needed as well as medicines, vaccinations, etc. The cost of the first visit will be around 2,500 Euros. If you would like to donate to the FAROS Symi Animal Fund, please click the “DONATE” button below; it only takes a few seconds.
The surgery will operate from 10-2 every morning and 5-8 every afternoon, though the opening times are flexible. If you want to bring an animal outside those hours, please contact FAROS and we will do our best to arrange a suitable time for you.
Growing Support 22 April 2008
Two days ago I went to Rhodes to collect Wee-D (the cat that broke her leg and had to be taken to Athens for an operation - see "The Cost of Saving a Life" blog update on the 13th of April). She was standing on the vet's table with a shaved leg miaowing loudly which I interpreted as happiness to see me though the vet told me she hadn't stopped talking since her arrival from Athens the night before.
She had travelled by taxi to Rhodes port, then on a 15-hour ferry-trip to Pireus and a taxi to the surgery for the operation. She stayed at the surgery for 3 days while she was being supervised and then travelled all the way back to Rhodes and home to Symi. The experience must have been traumatic to say the least for a cat that has never been further than a few metres away from my yard!
She is recovering well and she is even more talkative. She doesn't like being left alone and despite the two pins in her leg, she hobbles about all the time trying to be next to me.
She had travelled by taxi to Rhodes port, then on a 15-hour ferry-trip to Pireus and a taxi to the surgery for the operation. She stayed at the surgery for 3 days while she was being supervised and then travelled all the way back to Rhodes and home to Symi. The experience must have been traumatic to say the least for a cat that has never been further than a few metres away from my yard!
She is recovering well and she is even more talkative. She doesn't like being left alone and despite the two pins in her leg, she hobbles about all the time trying to be next to me.
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While I was at the vet surgery, I told the vet all about FAROS and our work to bring voluntary Greek vets to Symi. He was thrilled with the idea and offered his unequivocal support. He even asked whether he could come as well as one of the next FAROS voluntary vets (he has been working on similar schemes on the island of Kastelorizo). But he didn't just wish us well; he was very keen to help out and offered to order all aneasthetics for us at a trade price which was extremely generous of him.
The vet has been particularly pleased that our initative is not just for the strays but also includes pets and farm animals and agreed with FAROS about the importance of raising awareness and encouraging people to take animals to the vet by offering a free service. In the past days, I was also told of two more vets on Rhodes that have expressed their support for FAROS. Having Rhodes vets would reduce travel costs substantially and we are thrilled that our ever expanding list of voluntary vets now includes vets from Rhodes.
The vet has been particularly pleased that our initative is not just for the strays but also includes pets and farm animals and agreed with FAROS about the importance of raising awareness and encouraging people to take animals to the vet by offering a free service. In the past days, I was also told of two more vets on Rhodes that have expressed their support for FAROS. Having Rhodes vets would reduce travel costs substantially and we are thrilled that our ever expanding list of voluntary vets now includes vets from Rhodes.
FAROS Music Night 19 April 2008
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The very first FAROS event took place last night at Syllogos restaurant in Horio.
We were honoured to welcome the Mayor of Symi, Mr Lefteris Papakalodoukas, who joined us at Syllogos on behalf of the Municipality to reiterate his and the Municipality's support for FAROS. A big thank you to Nontas (voice and guitar), Lefteris (voice and bouzouki) and Kostas (accordeon and violin) for playing for FAROS for free for 3 hours. Thank you also to Lemonia and Lefteris for being such wonderful hosts. And of course thank you to all of you who came last night and to those who bought an invitation even though you couldn't come. We are already planning a series of FAROS events over the summer but for a glimpse of what happened last night, have a look at the photos and click the videos. Enjoy!! |
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FAROS in the News 17 April 2008
The local Greek newspaper "The News of Symi" (Τα Νέα της Σύμης), published by the Municipality of Symi, has published a press release about the FAROS initiative including information about the first vet visit on the 29th of April as well as the fund-raising event at Syllogos restaurant on Friday. FAROS has sent a press release announcing the initiative to all local newspapers. The "News of Symi" has been the first one to come out this month and we are very pleased that they have managed to publish it despite the very short notice.
The FAROS Leaflets 16 April 2008
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As of today, the brand-new FAROS leaflets are available from several places around the island including the Municipality of Symi, the Post Office, banks, travel agents as well as bars, restaurants and shops in Yialos and Horio. There is a Greek as well as an English edition of the leaflet and both are now available to download as high-resolution Acrobat .PDF files so you can print your own copy. Each file is 7MB so please be patient!
A big thank you to Symi Art for the wonderful artwork!  
Invitations for Friday's fund-raising event at Syllogos restaurant are also available around Symi. The invitation/entrance fee is 18 Euros and includes a meal with starters, salad and a main course (including an option for those who are fasting) and live rembetika and popular Greek music with the band "To Sinergio". If you are on Symi this Friday and want to support FAROS, you know where to come. If you can't make it to Syllogos, you can always buy an invitation to support us. Thank you! |
The Cost of Saving a Life 13 April 2008
What happens when a Symi animal needs emergency vet care?
Without a vet on Symi, the dilemma is between taking the animal all the way to Rhodes by boat, which is usually a very distressing experience (for both the animal and the carer), or watching it suffer trying to keep it as comfortable as possible while it improves - or dies.
Wee-D (the cat in the photo below) is the sister of Wee-J (the small cat we lost to feline enteritis in February, and who, in a matter of days, has become the recognisable face of FAROS). She was hurt a few days ago but I don't know how it happened. It could have been an accident though there are many other less accidental explanations. She was in screaming pain while trying to walk, her back leg hanging low, and no weight was put on it as she was hobbling about. I took her to Rhodes yesterday and it was the first time (and I hope the last) that I have to take a sick cat in a basket on a boat. She began screaming the moment she was put in the basket, despite her being one of the friendliest and quietest cats I ever had. I was trying to comfort her by touching her face through the cat-box, but I doubt I achieved very much. On arrival to Rhodes, we took a taxi to the vet's which seemed to distress her even more. She wee-ed and pooed in the basket on the way.
She had an x-ray and it was confirmed that her back leg was broken near to the hip. She was also more than a month pregnant. It became apparent very quickly what the choice was; leave her with a broken leg that according to the vet would not mend by itself, with a risk of a serious infection and a life-long disability, or she could have an operation where a temporary pin is put in her leg so she can walk normally again. In both choices, the termination of the pregnancy would be necessary.
With a couple of hours, she was on her way to Athens and is now there for an operation in the morning. It will cost 500 Euros. Despite my unhappiness (and constant worry) about leaving Wee-D behind, I took some comfort in being part of FAROS. NO animal should ever have to experience the trip to Rhodes, and NO-ONE should ever be made to choose between saving an animal or spending loads of money.
Without a vet on Symi, the dilemma is between taking the animal all the way to Rhodes by boat, which is usually a very distressing experience (for both the animal and the carer), or watching it suffer trying to keep it as comfortable as possible while it improves - or dies.
Wee-D (the cat in the photo below) is the sister of Wee-J (the small cat we lost to feline enteritis in February, and who, in a matter of days, has become the recognisable face of FAROS). She was hurt a few days ago but I don't know how it happened. It could have been an accident though there are many other less accidental explanations. She was in screaming pain while trying to walk, her back leg hanging low, and no weight was put on it as she was hobbling about. I took her to Rhodes yesterday and it was the first time (and I hope the last) that I have to take a sick cat in a basket on a boat. She began screaming the moment she was put in the basket, despite her being one of the friendliest and quietest cats I ever had. I was trying to comfort her by touching her face through the cat-box, but I doubt I achieved very much. On arrival to Rhodes, we took a taxi to the vet's which seemed to distress her even more. She wee-ed and pooed in the basket on the way.
She had an x-ray and it was confirmed that her back leg was broken near to the hip. She was also more than a month pregnant. It became apparent very quickly what the choice was; leave her with a broken leg that according to the vet would not mend by itself, with a risk of a serious infection and a life-long disability, or she could have an operation where a temporary pin is put in her leg so she can walk normally again. In both choices, the termination of the pregnancy would be necessary.
With a couple of hours, she was on her way to Athens and is now there for an operation in the morning. It will cost 500 Euros. Despite my unhappiness (and constant worry) about leaving Wee-D behind, I took some comfort in being part of FAROS. NO animal should ever have to experience the trip to Rhodes, and NO-ONE should ever be made to choose between saving an animal or spending loads of money.
I spent the afternoon doing some FAROS-work. We have about a fortnight to equip a vet's surgery. We have an idea of what each individual vet visit will cost, but the initial purchase of equipment makes this first visit many times more expensive. My job today was to do some shopping around. I focused on the very long list of surgical equipment, machinery, stiches, tubes, catheters, bandages, syringes, surgical screens, etc. that the vets had given to me. I managed to find prices for most of them and will be making an order on Monday. I didn't get the time to look for medicines, anaesthetics, vaccinations, etc. This is for my next trip to Rhodes early next week.
FAROS will be publishing FULL accounts of everything we have received via donations and spent, so the cost involved is clear and tranparent but here's an initial list of the most expensive items so you have an idea of what we are up against:
- Autoclave (dry-heat sterilizer): 240 Euros
- Oxygen cylinder: 210 Euros
- Oxygen supply system: 99 Euros
- Stiches (75 pieces of various sizes): 190 Euros
- Surgical equipment (forceps, scissors, scalpels, metal box container, etc.): 136 Euros
- Stomach Tubes (8 of various sizes): 64 Euros
- Syringes (300 pcs) and needles (100 pcs): 63 Euros
- Various dressings: 60 Euros
- Disposable surgical screens (40 of two sizes) : 44 Euros
- Abocath catheters: 36 Euros
- Disinfectants (3 1lt bottles): 23 Euros
The cost of what I've managed to price so far is about 1,300 Euros and my revised estimate for the total cost of the first visit on the 29th of April (not including what has already been donated) is now closer to 2,500 Euros rather than 2,000 mentioned in my first blog. I haven't managed to get a price yet for a cat-trap/cage or an electric shaver and blanket. I will include these as well as medication costs in one of my next blog-updates.
As you can see from the above, every single Euro that is donated to FAROS is extremely useful and will go a very long way to helping the animals of Symi.
On top of everyting else we need to get cat and dog baskets. The cheapest cat basket costs 26 Euros and the cost for a dog basket can be three times that. There will be a need to have as many cat and dog baskets as possible during the vet visit (mainly to be used for recovery of the animals that have been operated on). FAROS is appealing to ANYONE on Symi who has a cat and/or a dog basket and is willing to lend them to us for the duration of the vet visit that begins on the 29th of April. If you do have a cat or a dog basket, please contact FAROS.
Thank you very much!
FAROS will be publishing FULL accounts of everything we have received via donations and spent, so the cost involved is clear and tranparent but here's an initial list of the most expensive items so you have an idea of what we are up against:
- Autoclave (dry-heat sterilizer): 240 Euros
- Oxygen cylinder: 210 Euros
- Oxygen supply system: 99 Euros
- Stiches (75 pieces of various sizes): 190 Euros
- Surgical equipment (forceps, scissors, scalpels, metal box container, etc.): 136 Euros
- Stomach Tubes (8 of various sizes): 64 Euros
- Syringes (300 pcs) and needles (100 pcs): 63 Euros
- Various dressings: 60 Euros
- Disposable surgical screens (40 of two sizes) : 44 Euros
- Abocath catheters: 36 Euros
- Disinfectants (3 1lt bottles): 23 Euros
The cost of what I've managed to price so far is about 1,300 Euros and my revised estimate for the total cost of the first visit on the 29th of April (not including what has already been donated) is now closer to 2,500 Euros rather than 2,000 mentioned in my first blog. I haven't managed to get a price yet for a cat-trap/cage or an electric shaver and blanket. I will include these as well as medication costs in one of my next blog-updates.
As you can see from the above, every single Euro that is donated to FAROS is extremely useful and will go a very long way to helping the animals of Symi.
On top of everyting else we need to get cat and dog baskets. The cheapest cat basket costs 26 Euros and the cost for a dog basket can be three times that. There will be a need to have as many cat and dog baskets as possible during the vet visit (mainly to be used for recovery of the animals that have been operated on). FAROS is appealing to ANYONE on Symi who has a cat and/or a dog basket and is willing to lend them to us for the duration of the vet visit that begins on the 29th of April. If you do have a cat or a dog basket, please contact FAROS.
Thank you very much!
Live Greek Music for FAROS 10 April 2008
I'm very pleased to announce that FAROS will be holding its first fund-raising event next Friday 18 April at the Syllogos restaurant in Horio starting at 8:30pm.
There will be an entrance fee which will include a meal as well as live entertainment. The band "To Sinergio", which plays in Kantirimi every Saturday night, has agreed to play for free in support of FAROS. A big big thank you to Nontas, Lefteris and Kostas!
If you are on Symi and want to support FAROS in its work to bring voluntary vets to Symi all year round, please come along! Lemonia's cooking together with good-quality rembetika and popular Greek music should make the event a memorable evening!
We will organise a number of events over the next few months so if you can't make it next week, you can always join us later on this summer!
There will be an entrance fee which will include a meal as well as live entertainment. The band "To Sinergio", which plays in Kantirimi every Saturday night, has agreed to play for free in support of FAROS. A big big thank you to Nontas, Lefteris and Kostas!
If you are on Symi and want to support FAROS in its work to bring voluntary vets to Symi all year round, please come along! Lemonia's cooking together with good-quality rembetika and popular Greek music should make the event a memorable evening!
We will organise a number of events over the next few months so if you can't make it next week, you can always join us later on this summer!
The New Symbol 8 April 2008
The organisation of the first vet visit on the 29th of April is well under way and in addition to all the practical considerations regarding getting hold of all the necessary equippment for the surgery to operate, we are also getting our act together for advertising and disseminating what FAROS aims to achieve. We now have a brand-new logo to go with the new initiat