However, this man, deeply affected by the plight of these desperate street dogs, decided to step in. His name is Theoklitos Proestakis, or simply known as Takis and he was a dentist in the town of Lerapetra, on the Greek island of Crete. Fortunately, a visit to the city's peripheries put him face to face with the dramatic situation. Dozens of dogs were there starving. Helped by some friends, Takis began bringing food and water to the poor animals.

But, the dogs were not safe to live there, so the man came up with a plan. And that's how "Takis Shelter" was born. With more than 33,000 metres of olive groves, the shelter is a safe place for these abandoned dogs. Here, rescued dogs find a safe haven to heal, gain their strength, run free and play.

Despite his generosity, things haven't been easy for this kind soul. Takis had to deal with complaining neighbours and the costs. Having already given up his job, he now faced with the mountainous task of feeding and caring for the dogs under his care. As an ultimate solution, the Good Samaritan sold his home and car to pay for running the shelter. Today, he lives in the shelter he created, sharing his life and meals with the dogs he has saved.

So far, Theoklitos has saved the lives of over 300 animals and re-homed close to 200. And with the word spreading, the shelter is receiving now a helping hand from people who used to know Takis as well as from strangers. Despite all the obstacles, this kind hearted man never lost his hope to give those abandoned animals a better life.