In times of difficulty, people often prioritize worldly possessions above their animals; this is the predicament Greece is presently experiencing, and it explains why there are so many dogs that have been abandoned. Fortunately, a heroic guy took it upon himself to aid and encourage the adoption of more than 200 stray dogs.

Theoklitos Proestakis, popularly known as “Takis,” is a 44-year-old dentist who made the noble decision to give up his job so that he could spend the majority of his time saving street animals. This heroic guy founded Takis Shelter, which is situated in Ierapetra, Crete, around three years ago.

Because they lack the funds to provide for them in the form of food and veterinary care, families in Greece are being forced to abandon their pets. However, one guy has devoted all of his love to these wonderful abandoned animals without demanding anything in return.

Takis typically cares for dogs that are in poor health, but this does not stop him from reaching out to them because, to him, all dogs—regardless of their health—are precious beings in need. Takis extends his love and care to all dogs because he recognizes their value.

“One day I went to the dump and I saw horrible and crazy things there. There were many dogs, and they had broken legs, were starving, skinny, sick, and dying. He horrified me. I just wanted to help them. So I started to take care of them, provide them with food and water, I was so happy when they started to get stronger. However, the people who live in the neighborhood started to get angry with me and told me that they were going to kill the dogs as they were becoming a nuisance. So I started the shelter as a place where I could keep them safe.”

Takis normally looks after sick dogs, but he still reaches out to others in need since, in his eyes, all dogs—regardless of their health—are valuable animals in need. Takis cares for and loves all dogs because he understands how valuable they are.