Wednesday, April 9, APAA ‘Pop-Up’ Shop at Jolly Bar, Alvor
“A Moldavian returning to his home-country abandoned his two dogs in Portimão,” Jenny Clarke, president of the Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA), was not surprised. “Unfortunately, people resort to this callous behaviour when, for some reason, they decide to go AWOL.”
The two dogs (a black Water Dog and a Jack Russel-type) were found by Manuela, who arranged for friend João to look after them on his small farm. “It is, as we say, very complicated. Unfortunately, João was returning to the Alentejo for a couple of weeks.” Jenny knew the dogs had been traumatised, were now settling down and very much a pair. The problem was, what to do with the dogs whilst João was away?
A quick phone call to Gary and Wendy at Pet Park (Mexilhoeira Grande) who agreed to take them. “But!” Jenny smiles. “There is a catch. The dogs are not only in need of TLC and temporary re-homing, but vet care, which João admitted he couldn’t afford to pay.”
APAA’s motto ‘Here to Help’ is often put to the test and stretched sometimes to the limit. “The communities we work with are amazing. Just as you think you’re at the end of your tether, someone steps up to the plate.” Luckily, Gary and Wendy know how to look after these poor distressed furry friends. APAA is paying for their Pet Park special-rate fees and veterinary care. The parcel stops here!
Funding for the care of abandoned animals and sterilisation (SniP) for feral cat colonies is hard fought for. Raising money through events and ‘Pop-Up’ shops, and their two busy charity outlets, in Alvor and Silves, are a testament to many years of devoted work. Not only ‘pleas for help’ at street level, but other associations are desperate for assistance. “We sometimes need a reciprocal helping hand. No man is an island.”
The APAA team is small and hard-working. Their active members are sometimes pushed to their limits. “We always need willing hands to give us that extra support. Luckily, we’re getting more fresh faces and we know there are animal lovers out there who could help us make that difference for our furry friends.”
APAA are looking out to re-stock their ‘Pop-Up’ Shops. Garden tools, DIY stuff and general ‘boy-toy’ goodies are always welcome. Time for a clean out?
Reminder
- Every 2nd Sunday of the month: Ferragudo car boot sale, 8am-12 noon. Weather permitting!
- Wednesday, April 9: ‘Pop-Up’ Shop at Jolly Bar, Alvor. Feline Fashions and Gill Goode prints and cards. All wonderful goodies.
- Friday, May 16: Convent’bio, Lagoa. APAA stall with lots to buy.
- Charity shops at Alvor and Silves: Pop in and buy. Clothing, bedding, books, jewellery, gifts ….
- April 19 to 26: Emporium Charity Sale Facebook
- Jackie’s cookies, Jenny’s jams, pickles, marmalades: ‘Pop-Up’ and Charity shops. Not at car boot sales.
Contacts: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com
Pet Park: ghulme23@yahoo.co.uk
By APAA
