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In Loving Memory: Maki

There was a little kitty on a beach with no name. Tigre, so discreet that you could almost walk past her without noticing her. Yet she hid a heart that glowed.

She approached me without fear, with that immense sweetness that only wounded souls still know how to offer.
There was a little saliva dripping from her mouth because of her illness. But she was so tender that I could see nothing else.
She’d get on my towel, I’d moan… and then I’d give in. I’d wash her afterwards. I’d give in to love.
I didn’t even know her name was Maki.
I didn’t know the beach was called Kalamaki. And yet, everything was already tied up.
She led me to the Artamiti volunteers who took care of her.
Since then, they’ve become very dear friends of mine.
And this place also acquired a beautiful place in my life. And on my skin.
When Maki began to feel unwell, the volunteers welcomed her into their home. They made her a corner, a cocoon, cared for her, loved her. Until the end.
This morning, they escorted her to the vet in tears.
And I, from afar, cried too.
Maki is no longer here.
But she is here, forever.
On my tattoo is the Squid.
And if there’s a beach, it’s because there was Mackie.
She taught me that you can be hurt and still be full of grace. And kindness.
I’ll never forget her.

-Anne Laure-

By Pia

I found Artamiti by googling after getting no response when I reported abandoned puppies to the municipality of Epidavros. So I was so happy to hear of this little charity, which has organised sterilisations and care for the animals, as best they can.

They have even designed and built safe feeding stations for the cats. These have in turn been decorated by local school children. Absolutely beautiful! I was so happy I could donate to a charity that is really helping to solve the problem. Thank you, Artamiti!

By Bill

I visited Greece three times from the USA. It is unusual for me to see so many cats and dogs outside on their own. The animals are very charming but it is also very sad to see injured, sick, and hungry animals. Artamiti provides remarkable practical immediate and long-term relief to cats and dogs in Epidavros.

Their volunteers work with a real heart for the animals. They know they have a friend in each one of them.

About Maki

When I first came to Epidavros, I went for a swim at Kalamaki beach. That’s where I met a sweet, friendly cat with a mouth injury. I started feeding her and cuddling with her every day—we quickly formed a bond. I fell in love with her gentle spirit.

I met the volonteers of Artamiti and since, I try to help with the costs for this little sweet who calls Maki ! I came back quite often at Epidavros and it is with pleasure that I help Artamiti to feed the cats When I am here. I have seen the progression of the association and how they do their best for straight animals here. They sterilize (which is such important) and they have the wonderfull idea to put Feeders. I Hope they Will have more feeders again because it is incredible to see how cats are such on a better way today. What Artamiti does is incredible, a work for everyday with only help of volonteers and donation from people. So Please help us too, as you can. There is no little help ! Everyone is important and the love of cats gives us a wonderfull and beautifull reason to continue to help them. I am very happy that the association exists and to know them and our Maki !

-Anne Laure-

About Port

For the past nine months, I’ve had the privilege of hosting a quiet, resilient soul named Port. She came into my life after a traumatic accident with a car, which left her in need of a safe space and special care.

Port is from Epidaurus, where she was hit by a car. After three weeks, she was found by the volunteers of Artemiti, who saved her from her injuries. I saw the post about her and decided to adopt her, bringing her to Kalamata, where I live.

Port’s world is now a room where she is safe from the outside, where she can heal and regain her strength at her own pace. Despite the hardship she’s faced, Port remains calm and peaceful—always observing the world around her with a deep, steady gaze. She doesn’t ask for much. A warm corner, some gentle strokes, and her quiet companionship have been the small things that I’ve come to cherish. Her stillness has a quiet beauty that draws you in, and when she does interact, it’s in the softest, most graceful way.

Port has shown me the true meaning of patience. In the time we’ve shared together, I’ve learned that healing isn’t always fast, and sometimes the quietest moments hold the most meaning. She’s been more than just a guest in my space; she’s become a reminder of how important it is to offer care, time, and love without expectation.

-Yiorgos-

About Lovie

Lovie came into my life two months after I lost our house’s guard dog from old age. I knew I would adopt him from the first moment I saw his photo.

In the cardboard box full of blood, when the Artamiti volunteers were fighting to keep him alive, while trying to raise 1,400 euros in donations for his repeated surgeries. When a foster family was requested, I didn’t hesitate for a moment, because I couldn’t bear the thought that this dog, who was lucky in his misfortune, would suffer even more. I went to the vet simply to tell him that he would never return to the streets again, because he had his own home, our home.

-Katerina-

By Sao Young

First of all, a huge Thank You to the volunteers of Artamiti!!! Their concrete actions for the well-being of stray cats in Palea Epidavros are numerous: neutering, feeding, installing feeders, providing kibble and water…

Recently, a wonderful project with local school kids drawing on the feeders was a huge success! Sensitizing kids to animal welfare from a young age can only be beneficial for all. During my two visits over the holidays, I saw firsthand that the stray cats are well-fed and cared for. Not being able to volunteer myself (being abroad), I’ve chosen to support Artamiti financially every month. Cat lovers, I highly encourage you to support Artamiti Epidavros Stray financially! Every euro counts, and even small contributions make a difference. Let’s give these amazing animals the support they deserve!

About Buddy

What can I say about Buddy, he’s like his name 😅, our best friend! He traveled from Epidaurus to Katerini to be part of our family! My daughter saw him in a post and went crazy. A beautiful baby who was found alone, abandoned and hungry! How could we just pass by?

Give the post another “like”? Although it seemed difficult to adopt him from so far away, with the help of Artamiti volunteers the impossible became possible! If I could describe his adoption in one word, it would be: BLESSING!!

-Katerina-

By Johanna

Miracles start happening often through one brave person. ARTAMITI – the charity for stray cats and dogs in Palio Epidavros is one of those miracles.

It all started with a lady who took care of a big number of stray cats – imagine about 50+ cats along the coast line of Palio Epidavros – on a daily basis, by feeding, providing medical care if needed, neutering as many as she could manage. She did this incredible work for years. Eventually together with lovely, committed people from the village this lady founded ARTAMITI and within two years only the group of Volunteers, of donors and supporters is growing in numbers. Warmhearted local people, foreigners living here in Greece, tourists who are as well animal lovers and support ARTAMITI on a regular basis. In all our diversities of cultures and personalities we feel linked by our love and respect for the animals – and here in Epidavros especially for the strays, who need our care and attention. And let me tell you, who is reading these lines, about the joy being a supporter of the animals, in whichever way, you might decide to become. To see the progressing wellbeing of stray cats and dogs. To see populations decrease by sterilizations and as a result, more relaxed, well looked after communities. Enjoy to watch this on photos or videos, as well as insights into our daily work, or when visiting Epidavros even in front of your eyes. Enjoy the contact with animals, who in their majestic wisdom obviously recognize your friendship. Even being fed already, many of the cats here in the village, would particularly greet you, walk for a while at your side, perform a little dance, each one different in their own and unique expression. Certainly not under any conditions, meaning food, as some people tend to think. It is heart touching when dogs, occasionally as well cats, find a forever home through adoption. We as a group of Volonteers, donors, supporters cherish any achievement for the strays, be it big or small! Me personally, I stick to my vision of a new world which will manifest through the growing consciousness of a big number of people… a world of togetherness and trust. Humans and all animals will co-exist in amity and peace on beloved and respected planet Earth. Let us be surprised how good this can get! Patience dear friends. We´ll get there! Johanna

About Chionati

Two years ago, my partner and I bought a lovely house in Agios Andreas, on the new road between Palaia Epidavro and Ligourio, on the river bank in the area of ‘O Gremnos.

Both of us being born in Greece but raised by in the Netherlands our bond with Greece has grown ever since we first came back in the late 1980’s. Having a home here was always like a dream, and once we did find one and renovated it, we realized it was such a small corner of paradise that, within a heart beat, we moved here permanently’and continue working with Epidavros as a base. Moving here also involved moving our two Norwegian Forest, Zenon and Dr. Katz cats from Amsterdam. Quite ironic, isn’t it, as we, with our Mediterranean blood were moved to the cold North, we ended up moving these Nordic princes of snow and ice to the scorching heat of the South. Even though they had never been outside in the Netherlands, they have adapted quite well, although the heat is sometimes unbearable for their abundant furs. Uncomfortable at first with our small colony of our adopted strays around the house (a delightful bunch of characters, especially after we had all of them neutered). As Zenon and Katz became quite the celebreties among our new Greek friends and the workers around the house, one of these brought me in contact with Ioanna since there was a cat in need in the port of Epidavros and asking if we were able to help out. I met Ioanna last April in the port and she told me about all the wonderful things you all are doing for the strays on the Epidavrian coast line. And then she introduced me to Chionati, the cutest little creature, snow white indeed with celestial blue eyes. However, not in a good shape as you all probably know. I was really touched by how trustful she was in Ioanna and immediately also of me, in spite of the atrocities she had had to endure in her young life. It was love at first sight, so we took her in, nursed her back to help and slowly she has taken her place in our own little colony. Getting to know Ioanna and Artamiti, I am very impressed by the dedication, passion and persistence with which all Artami’s volunteers are working together to create a healthy, safe and controlled environment for the strays. So I’m trying to contribute, within the limits of my capacities, where needed. As my time is quite limited, I make monthly donations to Artamiti’s neutering Programme, as I believe this has a long-term, sustainable impact on the health and well-being of the community of strays.