Lannate, will this problem never end?

Sunday morning and Charlie and I went walking near the General hospital. Charlie was my constant companion of two and a half years, an enthusiastic, effervescent and trusting miniature terrier, in love with everything and everyone in the world.

An hour later, Charlie was dead after suffering a cruel and horrific death at the hands of a callous and cowardly poisoner, killed by an illegal substance so lethal that merely to lick or even sniff it in an odourless, colourless solution was enough.  Had she been bigger she might have survived but she was so vulnerably little.

I write this letter not to stir the conscience of the mean-minded coward who made little Charlie suffer so horribly; small chance of that I imagine,  but rather to raise again  public awareness of this continuing problem and to let her death serve as an object lesson to other dog owners in Paphos.  Had I had an antidote kit, we might possibly have bought enough time to save her.  I didn’t. I knew nothing of them.  Are they legal, if so, where does one acquire one?  Too late for Charlie, but perhaps that knowledge might  save another dearly loved companion..

Also I would like to take the opportunity to thank the heroic efforts of the team at Paphiakos who fought so hard for Charlie’s life. Knowing that everything that was possible to be done was done,  even though I suspect, they had little hope from the outset. This was a great comfort to me, so too was their genuine empathy and shared grief after the event. They really do a wonderful job and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.   So sad their help was necessary.

Linda Woods,

Paphos