The Spaying & Neutering Programme (SNiP) is APAA’s success story
APAA’s president Jenny Clarke has had a few moments to catch up with her amazingly busy timetable. She is stirring her latest ‘Cherry & Apple’ concoction, ready for bottling, labelling and putting away in boxes ready for the next season. “Cooking is a good way of thinking stuff through,” she says.
The Association for Protection of Animals Algarve has had a stunningly successful year. “Well, our year is a bit chaotic. It really finishes at the end of May beginning of June. Time to think of our good work and some of the failures.” Pardon?
Jenny has had some tough decisions to make, along with the other hard-working active members. “Discovering a kitten, in a cat-colony, re-homing it and then unfortunately finding that it died from parvovirus.” A flash of a smile. “Then the doggie with a huge lump on its leg. A kind animal lover took the dog to the vet and it was then ‘SNiP’d’ as well.”
The Spaying & Neutering Programme (SNiP) is APAA’s success story. Not only for cat colonies but abandoned dogs. “We started the programme ages ago, not thinking it would ever take off.” Zélia Santos, APAA’s own ‘Cat Woman’, had visited Silves Prison, arranging for the inmates to help with the building of cat shelters. “A huge, monumental task, which was overseen by Silves prison staff and everyone did their bit.”
The cat colonies have multiplied over the years, but with Zélia and her team, they are well looked after and monitored carefully. “We have found a few dumpees in the tribe!” Jenny laughs. “All our inmates have a small piece of their ear taken off, easily identifying those who have been done.” Be warned!
Apart from their Pop-Up shops, lunch and dinner events, APAA has two charity shops in Alvor and Silves. Whilst resting in-between jobs, as the saying goes, the team members are rolling up their sleeves, mentally, planning the next season’s activities. “We have happily attracted new members, who are enjoying the social life here in the Algarve, as well as some practical volunteer work too.” Great.
No doubt Jackie, APAA’s treasurer, will be eyeing up her cookie jar for the secret recipe for her yummy shortbread cookies. Chocolate with walnut … chocolate chip … Oh no! There is absolutely no reason to not have a super teatime special. Or for that matter, a lunch with Jenny’s chutneys, preserves and pickles.
Established for over 30 years, APAA is happy to receive new, innovative ideas and how to make more money and swell their chests, given that the good-hearted association helps animal charities and shelters with grants and practical advice.
If, you want to help, be a part of a team, or brew something up in your kitchen, contact Jenny at info.apaaportugal@gmail.com
