“It used to be easy. Either tinned or dry food” – Jenny Clarke, president of APAA
With rising costs, cutting corners is necessary. Feeding the family and pets may be a target on the list… Supermarket shelves with bright new packaging offering the total answer.
“When it comes to animals, it’s a nightmare.” Jenny Clarke, president for Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA), has a regular pick-up-and-delivery schedule for burst bags of dog and cat goods.
Marketing managers must be in their glory. The confusion caused by bright packaging, snap-lock, easy-to-open, seal tight. Endless. What to buy? “It used to be easy. Either tinned or dry food. Owners could mix the two and add homely leftovers like rice, vegetables … Depending on their pets’ likes or dislikes.”
Television advertising increasingly pushing bulging bowls serving air-tight bags of fridge-friendly, fresh-to-eat dog and cat food. “Hang on!” Jenny is laughing. “I barely have enough room for my own food! Seriously, is this just pushing the price up for stuff we actually scrape off the plates for pooch and puss’s treat anyway?” Common sense used to prevail.
However, there are some human foods unsuitable for animals. If you are not sure, check out the internet. “Animals have their own minefield of food fads. When you have a collective of canines and felines, you have to draw the line somewhere.” Unless there is a tummy problem or an allergy.
Humans know what it is like to be force-fed on foods they can no longer tolerate. “Animals tell you straight away – they vomit and poo. Then walk away if you try and force them.” Quantity and quality, a good all-round diet weighed against cost. If need be, consult your vet.
“Another problem is this time of the year. Pets come out of their sedentary period, more playful and active. Check them for bumps, lumps and nasties that may have been lurking in their fur, paws or beds. Fleas. Vaccination check. Claw-clipping is a must. Look forward to a healthy spring in their walk and wag in their tail.
Dates for your diary
- Saturday, March 22 – Special Wellbeing Charity Day in Portimão with Paul and Pasi, from 11am to 4pm. Selection of treatments, €5 each! Mini Pop-Up event. Booking essential. Call 910 665 601
- Every 2nd Sunday of the month – Ferragudo Car-boot sales, 8am-12 noon, weather permitting!
- Support Emporium Charities Group Auctions ‘Facebook’ until March 29.
- Coming up: Convento’bio Lagoa during April; Lining up some more ‘Pop-Up’ shops, entertainment and events; charity shops bursting with goodies at Alvor and Silves. Pop-In and buy. Take your unwanted gifts, clothing, bedding, books. Don’t forget Jenny’s jams, chutneys, pickles and marmalades, and Jackie’s cookies. Yum!
Contact: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com
Get on Jackie’s special lunches list: events.apaaportugal@gmail.com
By APAA
