For many people in Cyprus, pets are friends and family members and bring great joy and companionship. It's no surprise, therefore, that the death of a pet can leave a huge void.

The first pet cemetery in Cyprus offers owners a place to mourn and remember their pets with dignity. 

This human devotion is a far cry from the abandonment experienced by many dogs on the island.

Advocates for animals estimate that 20,000 to 30,000 dogs are abandoned every year in Cyprus, a country of just under 1 million people. Some even say that these figures are far too low. 

Animal shelters in Cyprus are operating beyond capacity and often struggle to cope.