Action For Animals

Lonely as few speak English (best to volunteer with fellow Brit. volunteer), vets not very communicative or friendly, long term volunteers are often moved about with accommodation, which can be unsettling, felt unappreciated as very busy and little praise, Silke can be difficult as she shouts when under pressure, not collected from airport, villa owner not expecting them on arrival, hours long with no breaks, transport dodgy and days off don't materialise until pushed for.

Very rewarding in that the animals so need help, a chance to learn basic veterinary procedures.

I am happy to be home. I did find it quite lonely there, especially as it was the first time i've ever been away on my own. It was much better when Mel came, and Jennie and Kelly. The main problem I had there was the accommodation. I had to keep moving all the time, I think I stayed in 9 different places. It was difficult because I was carrying a big suitcase with 3 months clothes in. But Gundi said it isn't usually like that.

Also, when I first arrived there on 6th Sep, we couldn't find anyone at the apartments. When we did, they said there was no room for me so I had to stay at Nostalgia villas for 5 days and then I was moved to Kalathas for 2 weeks. It was difficult on my first day because nobody was speaking English (Silke + Ines were both away). I think everything just needs to be organised better. Nobody ever told me what hours to work or how many days off I was allowed. I would have preferred to have more time off than I did. In my last 3 weeks when I was working at the shop with Silke I was working from 8am and got home about 8pm and I only had 1 day off. You're right, I did find it difficult to work with Silke as she kept shouting at me and I felt very unappreciated. Also, when working at the clinic I felt more like a nuisance than a help sometimes. I did find that the vets weren't very appreciative or helpful, as other volunteers have said.

I am glad I went, it was definitely an experience and i've come back more confident. I really loved the animals and would have bought some back if I could.

NOAH'S ARK THROUGH THE EYES OF PAST VOLUNTEERS