HOPELAND is from the people for the dogs.
In our program sounds will be surrounded by dogs - day and night. This way you will learn about their behavior and their character very fast.
The activities are all day long - twice per day we feed the dogs, twice per day we clean. In between we have multiple changes (exchange certain group of dogs) meaning while one group is out, the other one is inside. This assures a safe and quiet time for the dogs where they can enjoy the garden, roam around and sleep under the trees. When we are not working we spend our time brushing the dogs, walking them or making sure they get a lot of cuddles. Sometimes we learn them new tricks and day-to-day knowledge for a day like walking on a leash (especially important for the younger dogs).
We have meals all together throughout the day: In the morning after the first feeding is the breakfast; the lunch and the dinner we also eat all together. We can talk about the day, get to know each other and talk about our different cultures and connect.
Since the sanctuary and the dogs depend on the volunteers we take care of you. While there are little breaks in between work you will also get two days off per week where you can go to the beach or explore the cities nearby.
Yes, it can be challenging emotionally and physically sometimes. Especially the first few days will be...a lot. But it is nothing compared to the love and trust you will gain from the dogs. You will build a deep connection that eventually happens when you spend 24/7 with them giving you warmth and comfort. You will learn everything about these special animals: from preparing and feeding the food, cleaning and maintaining their and your living area to handling and teaching them in different and sometimes difficult situations.
One thing is sure: if you love dogs, you will never forget this place.
A typical day in Hopeland
7:45 (am) - do the first change and do a quick clean of the floors; one is going down to prepare the food for the dogs
8:30 (am) - another change
8:55 (am) - prepare for feeding (put every dog where they get feed)
9:00 (am) - feeding
10:00 (am) - breakfast; afterwards start the first “big” clean
12:30 (am) - lunch
13:00 (1 pm) until 17:15 (5.15 pm) - free time to cuddle or walk the dogs
17:30 (5.30 pm) - feeding
18:00 (6 pm) - second “big” clean
19:30/20:00 (7.30/8 pm) - dinner
All throughout the day we have the changes (exchanging certain dog groups with others) and some extra stuff (which is not a lot!).
We are always multiple people so we divide the tasks fair and equal.
Possible activities to spend your free time
In your free time you can explore Thessaloniki City; eat amazing food and see a lot of cool places. There are also other surrounding cities with beaches where you can go and relax under the sun.
You can also take walks with our dogs to the surrounding areas of the shelter, take walks on your own, climb or visit the nearby monastery/view-point.
We have good public transportation but you can also call a taxi or use one of our bikes here at the shelter.
There are many possibilities!
Breakdown of the Fees
The fees include food for the whole meal with possibilities of special requests. The food is enough for three meals per day. The trip to the grocery store is once a week.
You will a room in the shelter: it can be shared if you’re coming alone or private in case of a couple. The rooms each have one or more fans and some have a balcony.
The bathroom is shared.
We can provide a pick up from the airport or the Center of Thessaloniki on specific hours (except Sunday).
We can also provide a ride to and from the Center of Thessaloniki if, for example, you want to visit the city on your free day.
Airport Pick-Up
We can pick you up from the Airport in Thessaloniki. The drive to shelter is about 15 minutes with the car.
The accommodation
The accommodation is in the shelter either shared or private in case of a couple.
We have no air conditioning but fans in every room.
The bathroom is shared.
It is never completely quiet in the night since we live with dogs but they also have to sleep sometimes. The bedrooms upstairs are dog-free except for one bedroom downstairs.
It is basic but clean.
Food and Drinks
Once or twice per week we bring grocery. You can write us a list but everything has to be reasonable.
For extra stuff you need there is a little shop nearby. You can also ask us to bring it from the “big” grocery trip.
We buy anything you want (if it is reasonable) except alcohol and soft drinks.
Since our shelter runs 365 days a year, we also except and welcome volunteers all throughout the year.
In terms of arrival times and places:
If you arrive at the airport or in the city we can pick you up. There are also busses driving from Thessaloniki to Souroti, where our shelter is located. It would be best to arrive before 10 pm in the evening and after 7 am in the morning since otherwise everyone is sleeping.
Exceptions can be talked about!
Dog Sanctuary Supporter
Our Dog Sanctuary is a place where the dogs can roam free. They live in the house where you are staying; a unique experience to learn about the dogs and connect with them
$75/week
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