All know the way; few actually walk it. ~Bodhidharma
There are two kinds of animal activist… those who endlessly talk and do nothing, and those who by taking action not only save lives but directly contribute to make the world a better place.
Paul Loader is one of those….
If you are anything like me, you may have, at times, fantasized about doing something truly remarkable, something life changing, and doing so for a cause you truly care for.
Tomorrow morning Paul Loader will do what so many of us can only dream of doing by running a full Marathon to raise funds for Greek Animal Rescue (UK), a charity dedicated to alleviate the suffering of the Stray dogs of Greece.
During 42 kilometers Paul will experience doubt, fear, pain and the anxiety of not knowing if he will reach the finishing line. During the race his mind will go to what sports people know as the Zone, a place free of thoughts, where the only thing that matters is the moment.
Paul won’t race alone on the starting line. Right by his side, invisible to everyone, he will be accompanied by the spirit of Zorba, his first rescue.
During the race, their thoughts will take them back to the hills of Greece, to empty white washed villages, where hundreds and hundreds of animals await the arrival of a hero, a rescuer that offers then a second chance in life.
Tomorrow the entire Let’s Adopt community will accompany Paul and Zorba in their race for the dogs of Greece. Run like the wind Paul.. run like the wind…
Please show your support by contributing to Paul’s race HERE
belle idée, dommage qu’il n’y aie pas paypal sur sa page !
En tout cas je lui souhaite bonne chance pour sa course
Handsome AND compassionate . . . definitely a winner, 😉 On behalf of the voiceless everywhere, THANK YOU Paul! May you reach the end safe, happy, and even stronger!
With you every mile. When young, belonged to nine cycling clubs. Pedalled 104 miles one day and was sick on both ends. The thing that ‘ve learned that helps me in arduous physical events is controlled breathing, lots of sleep. My g
hero. In support of you, in support of thecause.
Very nicely put, Victor!!!! While Paul will be running the run of his life, in memory of Zorba and countless dogs who were not as lucky as he was to be rescued. Tomorrow will be a very special day!! We will have a get-together by the seaside (Ferring in West Sussex), most of us getting there between noon and 2.30pm, including Paul and Titch and their 8 ‘Greekies’…. of course we will be there with our 7 and at least 20-30 more GAR supporters will come with their adopted Greekies…. and a number of adopters to be when the next group of dogs comes over. In total we expect at least 50 people, 40 plus adopted dogs from Greece and several of their English cousins and to be chasing each other on the beach. we will also set up a table with GAR literature and merchandise and another table with refreshments and vegan ‘sausage & burger’ rolls, plus lots of other goodies….. The weather promises to be great….. a perfect day, a perfect party…. can hardly wait…. but I better get on with getting the last few bits together…..xx
Thank-you. I feel so inadequate sometimes although I do what I can. You’re a real trooper!
Viktor what can I say?
Thank you so much for your kind words.
Anyone who knows me or has ever spoke to me knows of my passion for animals. I would do anything for them. I went to Greece just over 10years ago now & what I saw there changed my life forever. Of course there are many parallels to Turkey in the way animals are viewed & treated. Coming from the UK I was very unprepared to see animals treated in such a way 🙁 I witnessed dogs poisoned, hung, starved run over etc As upsetting as it was I had 2choices to either walk away or accept I would be constantly heart broken but that the animals needed me. I of course took the harder option 🙂 these poor innocent animals wherever they are from ALL deserve a chance at life, to be happy.
After almost a year in Greece I accompanied 56 dogs back to the UK to their new homes.
If anyone would like to see a little snippet of what Greek Animal Rescue do please send me a friends request & I will tag you with a video 🙂
Since returning to the UK me & my partner now drive to Greece & back to rescue more dogs & bring them to new homes in the Uk. We are currently back up to 8 Greek Rescue dogs.
As Viktor mentioned tomorrow I am running in memory of Zorba, he was the first Greek stray I sent from the shelter during my time volunteering in Greece, his new human mum became my partner & we started our extended fur family.
Zorba was diagnosed with cancer in 2008 (lymphoma) without treatment we were told he would be dead within 6weeks, with treatment best case scenario 10-12months. Zorba had another 28months with us & made such an impression on our vets who treated him that they started fund raising for Greek Animal Rescue. Not only that they now send vets out to Greece with us to do free neutering & spaying 🙂
Sorry to go on I just wanted to give you all a bit more info 🙂
Thank you all for caring x
The animals are lucky to have US ALL XX
Viktor, thank you for introducing us to Paul. Paul, thank you for what you do for the animals. I will be thinking of you tomorrow. I also will be sending you a friend request to see the video. It’s good to know people like you guys exist! xx
If I could be there to cheer you on Paul, I would! I love a person who is passionate towards animals. They are lucky to have you on their side. Run like the wind, run for them, run for Zorba! My thoughts will be with you this day knowing that Greece is a better place for our fur friends with your help and others like you. All the Best…..
Diane
Canada
BLESS YOU PAUL, YOU ROCK!
ANIMALS EVERYWHERE ARE HOWLING FOR YOU!
wonderful….. WHAT A GREAT MAN!!!! WISH THERE WERE MOORE OF THAT KIND!!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE………………………………….
such a kind lovely man good luck xx
good luck paul.thank you and the greek animal fund for rescueing greek dogs.
lets hope the passing of new legislation about animal rights in greece will be the
beginning of a better future for the strays of greece.
it has increasingly become very difficult to find greek homes for animals.
the financial crisis has its toll for the animals too.
its a pity we dont have in greece personalities like you and ivan larkhill,who will
publicly support the cause of rescuing strays.
as for you ivan,greece is not only hills and empty white washed villages.
greece was part of the ottoman empire for four centuries and we have been
heavily influenced on all levels,even the way we treat animals.
hope we meet you in greece someday.
very much respect to paul!! what a great man!
Great job , good luck my friend , supporting from Belgium and the Netherlands !
Wishing him all the success with his venture. May the wind be always at his back and the weather pleasantly cool!! Good Luck!!!
“Dog is man s best friend!!!” Go Paul Go!!! Best Wishes! God Bless
Good on ya fella. Nice one Paul! A man after my own heart, who doesn’t just talk the talk, but walks the walk. Thank you for not just caring, but for acting. Brilliant to see!! In Much Love and Peace to you Rosi Caswell Animal Whisperer
sei un grande amico, anche se sarai solo, hai fatto molto-non importa la quantità di persone, tu hai lanciato il messaggio e sei un grande personaggio-se potessi correre anche io e essere lì con te accetterei e sarei contentissimo-comunque ti ammiro molto
It’s MEN like you who rock the world for animals and humans alike! You are not the “all mouth and no action” type – and you set an example to so many of the couch potatoes out there! May your energy never diminish, and know that we are with you in thought and spirit!
Mashallah bless this guy. One of the best.
He is a real Man, because he not only is handsome but he has a loving and caring heart, and to me that is a real Man, just to say your a Man is nothing, its actions that make you who you are, way to go Paul!!!
Thank you all for your kind and supportive comments to Paul. You will be pleased to hear that he ran the marathon in 3hrs 11 minutes and came 127th out of 15,000 runners and raised enough money to give 6 other Greek dogs the same chance as Zorba had – a proper loving home in the UK where they can live in safety with the love and respect they deserve! The spirit of Zorba ran alongside him all the way, and your best wishes and support meant so much to him. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts xxxxxxxx
I belive in you Paul my life was without meaning till I saw you picture and the great things you have achieved I have started a fan club but as if yet have no members but think this will change when your work spreads like a cancer .My girlfriend left me coz I talk about you all the time. I was thinking ,could I have one of your cast offs so I could feel closer to you ? Any way good luck and run like an Adonis much love and endless repect! Xxx