Charli, the founder of The Arc Animal Sanctuary in Lefkada, Greece, has always been passionate about helping stray animals in her community. However, she was in for a surprise when she crossed paths with a special stray cat she later named Annie.
From the very first encounter, Charli noticed something different about Annie. “When I first met Annie, she was one of the friendliest strays I think I’ve ever found,” Charli shared with The Dodo. It wasn’t long after this first meeting that Annie decided Charli was the person she wanted to stay with. As Charli got back into her car, she realized Annie was determined to follow her home.
“I’ve never had a stray follow me or my car anywhere,” said Charli. This unusual behavior made it clear to Charli that Annie had chosen her. Charli knew she had to bring Annie into her life. After offering Annie love and care, the bond between them only grew stronger. In fact, Annie quickly became a big part of the sanctuary’s daily life, stepping up in an unexpected way to help out.
One of Annie’s most impressive roles was taking on the job of being a foster mother to the kittens at the sanctuary. The moment new kittens arrived, Annie seemed instantly captivated by them. She was gentle and nurturing, earning the nickname “Nannie Annie” as she took on three little kittens: Remi, Dolores, and Mumu.
Annie’s instincts as a caretaker were incredible. Whenever it was time for the kittens to be fed, Annie would let Charli know by picking the babies up by the scruff of their necks and bringing them to Charli for bottle feeding. Charli marveled at Annie’s intelligence and attentiveness. “She picked them up and put the baby in front of me as if to say, ‘The baby’s hungry. I haven’t got any milk, so can you please bottle feed this one.’ And I bottle-fed the baby and then I put the baby down, and she went and got the other. I was like, ‘This cat is so smart,’” Charli recalled.
At first, Charli had hesitated to take in the kittens, especially since the sanctuary was already quite full. But Annie proved to be all the help Charli needed. “She’s just got such amazing motherly instincts. She doesn’t leave their side. She’s not producing milk, but the kittens still always sprawl out on her anyway,” said Charli. The love Annie had for the kittens was extraordinary, and she took care of them as though they were her own.
As time passed, the kittens grew up and became independent. Charli assumed that Annie would continue caring for new kittens, but Annie had other ideas. While she still enjoys spending time at the sanctuary, she also values her independence. During the summer months, Annie loves to wander the island, exploring and enjoying her freedom. She might hang around the sanctuary for a bit, grab a meal, and then disappear on her adventures.
“So take in all of Annie’s beauty today because tomorrow she might be at the hotel down the road for a week acting like she has no place to go and she’s starving,” Charli joked. However, when winter rolls around, Annie prefers the warmth of Charli’s bed and the comfort of home. “In the winter, she chooses to come and snuggle in my bed with me, and I don’t mind having her for half the year!” said Charli with a smile.
These poor kitties were rescued from an animal cruelty case where they were starved, locked in cages with inches of feces, and received no water or food. Now, these cats need your help!
Annie’s story is a heartwarming reminder of the unique bonds that can form between humans and animals. Whether she’s being a loving foster mom or exploring the world on her own terms, Annie has undoubtedly found her place in Charli’s heart and in the sanctuary.