Nobody knows how many stray dogs live on Samos. Estimations go from 2000 to 10000. So, where do all these dogs come from? There are in general three kinds of stray dogs: Those who are born wild, somewhere in the mountains. These dogs are mostly shy and therefore hard to find. Then there are those dumped by their previous owners because they are either ill or becaus they bought them when they were puppies as a toy for theirt children until one day they were not entertaining enough anymore. A big number has also been dumped as unwanted puppies. This is due to the fact that many people lket their dogs run outside unattended all day, and on the same time refuse to have them spayed or neutered....   It is unlikely that the situation changes as long as the attitude of many Greeks does. However, progress can be seen: More and more people take care of their dog and have it spayed. At the same time, kids learn in school that it is not funny to beat, kick or otherwise tease dogs. It is a long way to go still, but at the end there is some hope.