The ‘Legacy for Pets’ Plan provides for your animals if you should fall ill, or die
“All the bureaucracy, the in-fighting!” Sid Richardson recounts winning his hard battle with the powers-that-be legalising Animal Rescue Algarve (ARA), opening ‘Cabanita’s’ gates outside of Loulé to the animal world in 2018. After an enormous amount of effort, money donated and invested to provide the best for the ‘unfortunates’ finding their way into this shelter.
But, as the saying goes, ‘not just any shelter’. Purpose-built canine and feline housing. Quiet quarantine areas. Pools, recreational sand-pits lawns with sprinkler-systems for the hot summers. 12 permanent staff, 21 Work Experience ‘live-in’ volunteers. Fortunately, out of the 80 dogs and 50 cats (with the odd-canary or rabbit), ARA re-home 30 animals or so a month.
ARA’s General Manager, João Ferreira, oversees the day-to-day running and overall management of the shelter. Élia runs the administrative section and, despite working in a noisy but friendly office, she manages efficiently and cheerfully to get things done. “It is time for the monthly newsletter, so we have photos and stories to publish.”
Wrestling playfully with the little dog at her feet. A biscuit passes down. “Good ones and sad too!” The door bangs open as one of the two Claudias hands over an intercom/phone with a signalled ‘quick lunch’. The DIY man’s stopping to pick up a puppy that has just followed him in. Another biscuit disappears. Despite the noise and friendly atmosphere, there is a feeling of deep-down dedication, top down.
“Legacy is of course my ultimate dream.” Sid has returned from checking one of the kennel areas. “Ambassadors, Jenny and Anita from APAA are my dream-makers come true.” The ‘Legacy for Pets’ Plan provides for your animals if you should fall ill, or die. “Ugly words, death, die, gone, passed. Unfortunately, in not coming to grips with this, many animals are abandoned by their owners. Believed to be fed by a neighbour.” Promises. Promises. Jenny agrees. “Legacy is an important decision we can make whilst still in good-health and living life to the full.” The ‘Legacy for Pets’ Plan is flexible. It is tailored to suit individuals. “Deep down, we know it makes sense. It’s just a matter of getting to grips with the idea. Make it happen for them before it’s too late.”
- Sunday, May 11 – Ferragudo Car-boot sale, 8am-12pm.
- Friday, May 16 – ‘Pop-Up’ Stall Convento’bio, Lagoa. APAA stall, hand-made Jewellery, gifts and goodies.
- Sunday, May 25 – Fabulous ‘Swinging 60’s’ Garden Party at Anita’s, at 1pm. With music!
- Monday, June 16 – ‘Pop-Up’ O Tasco, Senhora do Verde, near Portimão.
- Charity shops in Alvor and Silves. STOP PRESS, VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Silves Thursday 10am-2pm/Saturday 10am-1pm. (Negotiable). Clothing, household, garden/patio. Take in your unwanted presents, especially man-cave stuff.
- Jackie’s cookies, Jenny’s jams, pickles, marmalades: ‘Pop-Up’ and Charity shops. Not car-boot sales.
Jenny: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com
Legacy (Élia): info@animalrescuealgarve.com
By APAA
