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!
God’s Little People Cat Sanctuary, situated on the idyllic Greek island of Sysos, made waves on social media when they announced they were on the hunt for a dedicated caretaker for their 55 rescued cats.
If you’ve ever set foot in Greece, you’re well aware that the country has a stray cat situation.
So, not only would you be caring for the existing 55 feline residents, but you’d also have the opportunity to expand your furry family every single day.
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 seeking someone mature, genuinely passionate about cats, and capable of managing a large group of them.
Bonus points if you’re a “cat whisperer.”
The response was overwhelming, to say the least.
Bowell received a staggering 35,000 applications and ultimately chose Jeffyne Telson, an American animal lover, to be the sanctuary’s winter caretaker.
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 never imagined myself applying, although I had always dreamed of returning to the islands to help the Greek cats.
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…”
Taking his advice to heart, Telson reached out to Bowell, detailing her 21 years of experience in cat rescue.
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.
Understand, I wanted the position, not because of the view and chance to live on a Greek island for free; I only wanted to help the cats and live my dream.”
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 reveled in watching the cats frolic in the sun and chase butterflies in the sanctuary’s safe confines.
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 mused. But she found her balance, focusing on making a difference one cat 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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