Born and raised in the picturesque town of Ierapetra, Maria Fragkouli’s life has always been intertwined with the well-being of animals. Her journey is a testament to resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication.

Maria’s love for animals runs deep. From a young age, she cared for them, nursed them back to health, and offered them a second chance at life. But it was a series of pivotal moments that led her to change the course of her life.

A severe illness tested her strength, and the heart-wrenching loss of her beloved stray dog to poisoning left a lasting mark. These experiences, combined with years of witnessing the daily struggles of stray animals, fueled Maria’s determination to make a difference.

At the time, Maria managed two thriving clothing stores, and she opened their doors to rescue animals seeking shelter. But as the number of strays in need continued to rise, she knew she needed to do more.

In 2016, Maria took a courageous step and began fostering 40 stray dogs, using her backyard as their initial haven. During this time, she affectionately referred to these animals as “my souls,” a term that would later become the namesake of her shelter, ‘Strays of My Soul.’

Maria’s dedication extended to hundreds of stray cats and some dogs who preferred the freedom of the streets. Sheltering animals in a densely populated area came with challenges, leading to legal disputes with neighbors due to disturbances.

Determined to provide a safe haven for these animals, Maria transformed a family property into the ‘Dog Village’ in the mountains of Ierapetra. Here, she continued her mission, combining Allopathic and Homeopathic Medicine to rescue, sterilize, and treat many stray dogs and cats.

Her ultimate goal remains to socialize and prepare these animals for loving forever homes. What drives her is an unshakable love for life, a profound connection with nature, and the immense joy of witnessing animals thrive after being rescued, rehabilitated, and adopted.

None of this would be possible without the love, assistance, and financial support of many compassionate individuals.

As Maria and ‘Strays of My Soul’ continue their journey, they know that you, our cherished supporters, will be there by their side. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless animals in need. Thank you for being a part of our mission.