Tales of strays

Tales of strays - a series of picture books by Margarita Kosior Stories

A note from the author:
Dogs are the first animals known to have been domesticated around 15,000 BC. Since then, dogs have assisted people in a number of ways. They have joined human military troops and fought in our wars, and they’ve assisted police in law enforcement. The dog has been also serving man as a shepherd, a guard, a rescuer, a guide for the deaf and the blind, or simply as a faithful companion. No wonder, over the years, it has gained the status of man’s best friend: loyal, kind and… forgiving.
Forgiving…
There are more than 200 million stray dogs in the world today (World Health Organization, 2018). Abandoned, neglected and abused, they are also a very common sight in Greece where I live. Some sources report that there are somewhere between 3 and 6 million stray dogs in the country. They are everywhere: in big cities, small towns and in villages. The average lifespan of a Greek stray roaming the streets is 2 years.
So, the dog is man’s best friend. But is man a friend or a foe?
I couldn’t stay indifferent. In 2016, I adopted Mocha, and since then, I have been looking for ways to make a difference and bring a change. I always have dog food in my car, but I never thought this was enough. I have also found homes and families for a few stray dogs – there are wonderful people out there willing to adopt! But this does not sound like the ultimate solution either.
Feeding a stray is a good deed. Adopting a stray is even better.
Does it solve the problem?
YES, but …
only for that one dog.
That’s how this first book, "Toby to the rescue", in the series Tales of strays was born. I believe in the power of storytelling and the power of education to bring a big change. And so, I hope to hear mothers and fathers all over the world read this story and discuss the issue with their children. I also want to see this storybook in classrooms all over the world, raising awareness and empowering the youngest people on earth. The future is in their hands; their own future, but also the future of millions of stray dogs worldwide.

Margarita Kosior

Titles in the series

Toby to the rescue