Definitely! Those words continually ring in our ears. ‘The fat cats with fast cars, huge country mansions.’ And so it goes.
The Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA) does not have a problem with this old adage either. “We started as a shelter. Linda had started a kennel, but it sort of got out that you could ‘dump’ unwanted animals,” Jenny Clarke, president of APAA, smiles ruefully. “I’ve been in this game for over 30 years. Most of our members have been with us since day one.”
The changing situation with APAA and their innovative, ongoing campaign called SNiP was a huge task. “Especially in the early days. Linda’s kitchen had to be sterilised. The vet would be spaying and neutering dogs and cats all day.” Wow.
“Finally, the shelter was closed for personal reasons, but we continued with abandoned animals. A few donkeys and horses along the way.”
APAA’s cat colonies and SNiP campaign grew even stronger, headed by Zélia Santos, their very own ‘Cat Woman’ and her team. Their colonies are spread far and wide. “Helpers are most important. I assist as much as I can.” Gloves. Cages. Shears? “Cut away the tangle the cats hide in. It sometimes takes a few days to set up, plan, trap, SNiP and return. Cats are not the easiest of creatures to handle.” Guess not. “We get about 60 in a month. Another colony follows near Pet Park. We will need someone to help feed them once they are SNiP’d and returned.” So how did Rita’s go? “Oh, there were 14. All done now!” Good.
Dear Diary!
- Pop-Up shop at O Tasco, Senhora do Verde. Monday, March 18, 12pm-3pm. Friendly menu available. Book direct 282 471 769.
- APAA’s AGA, Tuesday, March 19 at Recanto dos Mouros in Silves. Raffle and mini ‘Pop-Up’ table (members only for AGA meeting at 11.30am). Lunch 12.30pm. Lamb stew or Bacalhau and prawns. Couvert, soup, dessert and drinks. €24 members, €26 non-members.
- Quiz Ahoy! Lunch and raffle at Vimar Grill in Carvoeiro, 12.30pm for 1pm. Choice roast pork or ‘Dourada’ (sea bream). Couvert, veg soup, desserts, drinks etc.
- Convento’bio Lagoa, Friday, April 5. 11am-4pm. Restaurant for all tastes.
All ‘Pop-Ups’ have premium quality house-hold goodies. Can’t make it to a ‘Pop-Up’ or event? Visit the charity shops in Alvor and Silves. Both bursting with goodies, ornaments, duvets, rugs, larger household items. Pop in, meet friendly staff. Not forgetting Jenny’s jams, preserves, marmalades and Jackie’s cookies too!
APAA’s motto is ‘Here to Help’. All profits are specifically for SNiP and abandoned animals. Helping other groups, shelters and charities large or small, to increase awareness amongst their communities, reduce feral cats and re-home dogs.
Events: book direct with Jenny 919 041 903 or events.apaaportugal@gmail.com
General: info.apaaportugal@gmailcom
Cat Colonies: zelia.santos@live.co.uk
