Colour blindness is not only attributable to humans. Apparently, this condition is not rare amongst the animal kingdom.
Ocean-goers too. When watching a dog, for instance, go for a specific ball to play with, on a regular basis, may be as simple as the colour. Dog and cat owners will be pleased to know that both of these furry pet-friends are colour blind. In saying this, cats are more able to distinguish certain tones of pink and violets rather than red itself. Like ‘waving a red rag at a bull’. So the saying goes. Bulls cannot see the colour red. It is the motion that is the secret to a matador. Dichromate is a creature that can only discern certain colours or tones. They included octopus, and other cephalopods such as squid. Perhaps this deficiency is made up for their ability to see images in the dark or extra sunlight.
APAA’s president Jenny Clarke is quite sure that their two charity shops are ‘woman’d’ by completely colour co-ordinated members of staff.
“The Alvor shop had a real make-over – quite an eye-stopper – thanks to Josephine.” It must be catching. “The next thing I know is, the Silves shop has a new awning and a bit of a shuffle around inside as well.” Gracious.
APAA are not blessed to know where all the abandonees come from. Not many shelters or charities do, for that matter. However, a long-standing member who has adopted many APAA abandonees over the years had found a present from her recently newly-adopted dog. “She’s been amazing. We had problems with the running off syndrome. Higher fences cleared that problem. Nola must have been a hunting dog at some time in her life.” Certain breeds are naturals. Retrievers, Podengos, Labradors. But they all hunt in a different way. Sometimes, their training will be a giveaway. “This morning, Nola decided, after a game of ball, to run off into the field, and return with a dead dove.” It is upsetting, but animals will do this. “A gift. Cats do it a lot.” Something decidedly unpleasant parked at the back door. But the bird had been killed cleanly. No savaging or shaking, a clean breast bite. “The striking thing is that she left the bird gently down when told to and let me take it away.” A true hunting dog.
The heat of the summer is affecting us all. The birds need water, and an extra handful of seed will not go amiss. Plenty of shade and bowls of water for cats and dogs. “Don’t be tempted to take them out on a family excursion.” Jenny nods. “It’s better to leave them at home to guard and keep cool”.
Contact: info.apaaprotugal@gmail.com
By APAA
