“Everyone gets a chance!”
So many questions … few answers. Jenny Clarke, APAA’s president, has close ties with ARA. The Association for Protection of Animals Algarve works hand in hand with Animal Rescue Algarve. Their ‘Legacy’ project, or a ‘Home for Life’, has been uppermost on their minds. Many abandoned animals; few responsible humans.
“We all like to think of a perfect world. Unfortunately, things happen. Humans become ill or die and their belongings passed on.”
Jenny’s encounter with ARA to seek her answer for re-homing pets once the owners have become unable to care for their responsibilities. “We have made our pets, unwittingly, part of our domain. Once loved and cared for, now just someone else’s problem.” Sure. “How do we resolve the problem when we can no longer care for them?” Jenny and others have found the answer. ARA’s shelter ‘Cabanita’, outside of Loulé, is an idyllic sanctuary. A haven for abandonees.
Their general manager João Ferreira’s tireless approach to animals, all shapes and sizes, is a refreshing one. “Everyone gets a chance!” Really. “Some of our little furry friends have had a bad experience. We at ARA try to put it right.” Finding the perfect home for the imperfect is a challenge. João smiles. “Imperfect? No. Different? Yes.” He has several paraplegic animals under his personal care.
‘Legacy’, a brainchild of ARA’s founder and top man Sid Richardson, caters for the owner who is taken ill or dies unexpectedly. “Taking a ‘Legacy’ plan, with an appointed guardian, efficiently kicks into action. The pet(s) are pre-registered with ARA. Delivered here as soon as possible. Given a vet’s inspection, re-chipped and cared for until the new perfect forever home is located for that special little friend.” Just consider your hairy, furry or even feathered pal’s options whilst you are luckily in good health and enjoying life with them. Yes, all ‘beloved beasties’ are considered.
Meantime, The Garden in Portimão will be hosting APAA’s final Pop-Up on Friday, June 28, 12 noon-3pm. A café known for its special gourmet-style approach to vegan and vegetarian snacks. Go for it! Goodies, jewellery, sunshine gifts.
Charity shops at Alvor and Silves are always full to bursting with bargains and goodies throughout the year. Check out Alvor’s new boutique-style makeover. Summer clothes galore. All funds raised are for SNiP (Spaying & Neutering Programme), for feral cat colonies and abandoned dogs.
If you want to help with money-raising, charitable ideas for events near you, don’t just think about it. Please, pick up your phone or drop APAA an email. We love to have new faces to join Team APAA. Every second you give counts.
APAA Jenny: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com
Cat colonies: zelia.santos@live.co.uk
For full information about ARA ‘Legacy For Pets’, email Élia: legacy@animalrescuealgarve.com
ARA website: https://animalrescuealgarve.com/en/
By Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA)
