A heartwarming scene at a Greek café has captured the attention of dog lovers worldwide. The café, Hott Spott in Mytilene, Lesbos, opens its doors every night after closing to provide a warm and safe haven for stray dogs. A touching photo shared on social media shows these furry friends curled up on the café’s cushioned benches, enjoying a peaceful sleep.
According to Antonis, a waiter at the café, the tradition has been ongoing since the summer. He explains, “In the city, there are many dogs. When the bar closes each night, the dogs come and sleep here. We don’t have a problem. From July, every night there is a dog on the couch.”
Unlike in some other European countries, Greece takes a compassionate approach to managing its street dog population. These dogs are often microchipped, vaccinated, neutered, and cared for by the community instead of being corralled into shelters or euthanized. This cultural ethos of care and rehabilitation for stray animals is deeply ingrained in Greek society.
The café’s gesture exemplifies this ethos, offering a tangible example of love and compassion toward these animals. It’s a heartening reminder of the power of kindness and community spirit in making a difference in the lives of our furry friends.