On July 3rd, 2021, the island of Cyprus was ravaged by wildfires, the inferno sweeping through five neighbouring villages, including Melini, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair. Homes were reduced to ashes, dreams were shattered, and the very land that once nurtured life was scarred beyond recognition. But amidst this devastation, a story of unimaginable courage and love emerged—one that shines as a beacon of hope for all who care about the plight of animals in the world.
Veronica Gerardini, a resident of Melini, was faced with a choice many would not consider. As the flames advanced and her neighbours fled, abandoning their homes and belongings, Veronica refused to abandon what mattered most to her: her 41 cats and dogs. These weren’t just animals to her—they were her family, each one with a story, a personality, and a soul worth saving.
While the fire consumed everything in its path, Veronica stood her ground, fighting back the flames with whatever means she had. The air was thick with smoke, the heat unbearable, and the roar of the fire a constant reminder of the peril she faced. Yet, she did not waver, even when the fire came perilously close to her fence. Veronica knew that if she left, her animals would suffer a fate too horrifying to imagine. In Cyprus and Greece, it is a heartbreaking reality that many animals are left behind in disasters, often tied up with no means of escape, left to endure the unspeakable pain of being burnt alive.
But not Veronica's animals. She fought for them, as fiercely as a mother would fight for her children. The flames licked at the borders of her home, the smoke choked the life from the very air she breathed, but she refused to give in. Veronica’s bravery was not just an act of defiance against nature’s fury—it was an act of profound love and responsibility. No-one could reach Veronica as the roads were jammed with cars, and the air heavy with smoke.
When the fire finally subsided, all her 41 cats and dogs were safe. Some bore the marks of the battle—burnt paws, breathing problems—but they were alive, and with Veronica’s care, they recovered. Veronica herself did not escape unscathed. The smoke she inhaled has left her with respiratory problems, a lingering reminder of the day she became a hero not just to her animals, but to all of us who believe in the sanctity of life.
Burnt vegetation on the property where Veronica lives.
Now, as we find ourselves in the throes of another summer season, the threat of wildfires looms large once again. Already, fires have begun to break out across Greece and Cyprus, devastating lands and threatening the lives of both people and animals. The summer months bring not only the heat but also the fear that these tragic events will repeat themselves, and that once again, animals will be left behind, forgotten in the chaos.
Three years later, that day still haunts Veronica, who says, “I will never forget…their frightened eyes.” Her story is a testament to the power of love and the lengths to which we must go to protect the vulnerable. It also serves as a stark reminder of the suffering that so many animals face in Greece and Cyprus, particularly during disasters. Too often, they are the forgotten victims, left behind in moments of crisis, their lives deemed expendable.
But we believe every life matters. And we believe in the courage of people like Veronica, who stand up and fight when others would flee. However, Veronica cannot do this alone. The recovery of her animals, her own health, and the countless other animals who face similar dangers every day require our help.
As fires rage once more this summer, we ask you to join us in supporting heroes like Veronica. Your donation can provide the resources needed to care for animals affected by fires, abandonment, and cruelty. It can help us continue to raise awareness and fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. Veronica’s bravery saved 41 lives that day—together, we can save countless more.
Please, give what you can. Every donation makes a difference. Let’s honour Veronica’s courage by ensuring that no animal is left behind, no matter the odds, and no matter the circumstances.
Veronic's Paypal: roni7181@gmail.com or Revolut: 99853584
Save Greek Cats and Dogs, Inc. is proud and honoured to support Veronica Gerardini who fight battles every day, with limited funds and resources, to save the cats and dogs of Cyprus.
Thank you for standing with us and being a voice for the voiceless. Your generosity keeps the flame of hope alive, even in the darkest of times.
Veronica Gerardini today
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