RINGWOOD charity Friends of the Strays of Greece is holding an auction to raise funds to help abandoned animals in Greece to a better life.

Robbie is one of the charity’s success stories.

He was abandoned as a puppy in a bag outside an overloaded animal compound at 20 months old and spent his early life on a concrete floor in a rough pen.

Un-socialised, he lurked at the back of his pen and when Lyn and Mark Purden of the charity went to visit A Greek shelter in May last year, Lyn saw the little dog and tried to approach of him.

He crawled towards her on his stomach, frightened but friendly.

In October the same year Lyn and Mark returned again and the little dog was still there.

Lyn said: “He’d spent all of his 18 months life in a compound, but then many spend years in shelters or on the streets in misery.

“ He came towards me and wagged his tail. He’d never been out for a walk, never had affection.”

The little dog was microchipped, vaccinated and blood tested to prepare for his pet passport and arrangements were made for him, and others, to go to new homes in England.

In August 2009, Robbie arrived in the charity’s van via France. He had travelled from Athens to Belgium by air, overland through Europe and by ferry to his new home at Ashley Heath near Ringwood, where Lyn and Mark live. Four weeks later, Robbie joined 40 other Greek dogs and a further 80 local dogs in a sponsored dog walk to raise funds and food for his former friends in Greece. The response brought in about 600kg of dried food on the day. Within two days, the charity’s van, driven by Mark Purden, set out with food and veterinary supplies. There was a dual purpose for this journey as nine former street dogs would be returning to new homes.

The efforts to save dogs and cats found in horrendous conditions continues all year round, and the majority will remain in Greece. It is only by homing some in Britain and other European Countries that sanctuaries are able to take any more in.

The charity auction will be run by BBC TV’s “Flog It!” host Paul Martin, who is patron of the charity.

It will take place on November 14 in the Meriden Modena Showrooms, Wallisdown, Bournemouth, and will feature such delights as a pleasure flight, a week in the Outer Hebrides, and an assortment of ideal presents for Christmas.

Lyn Purden said: “We feel that those who love animals and who want to promote their business to a quality audience would find this a suitable venue to display a sample of their wares or service. And, of course, it means you can buy gifts for Christmas and support needy animals at the same time”.

Lyn is hoping the proceeds of the auction will feed an increasingly hungry cat and dog population through the winter until the Spring when the tourists return to provide them with some sustenance.

Tickets for the auction are being sold in advance at £5 each, including a catalogue and glass of wine, and the event starts from 7pm to allow viewing and for bids in the silent auction.

Bidding starts at 8.30pm with Paul Martin as Auctioneer. To book your seats or for information please call 01425 478757 or 01425 472672 or see www.straysofgreece.org.