Ever fantasized about ditching the 9-to-5 grind to bask in the sun-soaked glory of a Greek island, surrounded by feline friends?
Believe it or not, that’s not just a daydream—it’s an actual job!
The sanctuary known as God’s Little People Cat Sanctuary, located on the picturesque Greek island of Sysos, gained significant attention on social media with their recent call for a committed caretaker to look after the 60 rescued cats in their care.
If you’ve ever set foot in Greece, you’re well aware that the country has a stray cat situation.
In addition to nurturing the current 60 feline inhabitants, you would have the chance to embrace new furry companions on a daily basis.
The sanctuary itself is a slice of heaven, nestled in a “secluded nature preserve,” offering breathtaking views from just about any corner of the island.
Now, before you think this is some elaborate prank, the job posting made it clear: “This is genuine and NOT a joke.”
Joan Bowell, the artist behind the sanctuary, was in desperate need of a break.
She was in search of an individual who demonstrates maturity, has a genuine passion for cats, and possesses the ability to effectively oversee a sizable group of felines.
Bonus points if you’re a “cat whisperer.”
The response was overwhelming, to say the least.
Out of the pool of 35,000 applications received, Bowell made the decision to appoint Jeffyne Telson, an individual with a deep passion for animals from America, as the winter caretaker for the sanctuary.
Telson, a California resident, usually spends her winters in Oregon and runs her own domestic rescue organization, RESQCATS.
Telson recently took to Facebook to share her unexpected journey to Greece.
Interestingly, she almost didn’t apply for the job.
Despite her partner Mitch’s encouragement, she deleted the application email.
I had never envisioned myself submitting an application, despite harboring long-held aspirations of going back to the islands to assist the cats in Greece.
The job would require me being away from Mitch and all my animals for several months,” she shared.
Mitch, however, was her rock.
He told her, “…this job has your name written all over it! It’s a chance to live your dream…”
Upon heeding his suggestion, Telson approached Bowell, providing a comprehensive account of her 21-year background in feline rescue endeavors.
Impressed, Bowell flew all the way to Santa Barbara to meet her and offer her the job.
Telson accepted, but with one condition: “I ecstatically accepted under one condition: the offered salary was to be donated back to the cats.
I was drawn to the position not for its picturesque setting or the opportunity to reside on a Greek island at no cost; my true motivation was to contribute to the welfare of the cats and pursue my long-held aspirations.
Soon after, she found herself on the small island, home to 22,000 people and 13,000 stray cats.
The experience was transformative.
Telson had to adapt to caring for outdoor cats, a departure from her organization’s indoor-only policy.
She took great pleasure in observing the cats play in the sunlight and eagerly chase butterflies within the secure boundaries of the sanctuary.
Alongside Bowell, she also initiated a special project, focusing on rescuing the most vulnerable cats from a colony near a Greek Orthodox church.
The emotional toll was undeniable.
“How can I possibly help all these cats? How do I choose which ones to save and which to leave behind?”
Telson reflected quietly, but then regained her composure and shifted her attention to the impact she could make by helping cats one step at a time.
Now back home, Telson reflects on her life-changing experience, urging everyone to make a difference in their own way.
“We all have a chance to make a difference… and doing something is better than doing nothing,” she says.
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