Stray dogs are a problem in many countries, though how this problem gets dealt with may vary from culture to culture. Though America doesn’t have as many strays as some countries, ours often get picked up by animal control and end up in shelters unless someone has the heart to adopt them and give them a home. For a cafe owner in Greece, he’s dealing with stray dogs a little differently.
The cafe is called Hott Spott and is based out of Mytilene, Lesbos. Though it’s just your standard cozy coffee shop during the day, the location opens its doors at night to let in all kinds of furry friends who don’t have homes. The staff even lets the pups sleep on the couches to make themselves as at home as possible.
According to the restaurant’s staff, the city where the coffee shop is located has many stray dogs in it. As a result, there is a real need to make sure the problem is taken care of and that all of these animals are kept safe. While the cafe’s open-door policy is certainly warmhearted, it’s also a reflection of Europe’s different attitudes toward stray dogs more generally.
As the head of Athens’ Stray Animal Service explains, “In most European countries, they solve this problem with euthanasia. But Greek culture is against that. Our law is about rehabilitating the dogs.” The approach definitely seems to be working—and the dogs in question don’t seem to have any complaints, either.
Though the fine folks at Hott Spott are setting a great example, it’s important that more businesses try to follow in their footsteps. Dogs serve as incredible companions to human beings and have enriched our lives throughout the years—it’s only fair that we extend a helping hand to those of them who are in need. And after all, having plenty of cute dogs around can only be good for business, right?
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