“I’ve definitely been here before!” Jenny Clarke, president of Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA), has literally “been there, seen it, done it … too many times.” She struggles for words.
“It makes sense that as soon as the little pal, whether feline or canine, comes into your home, it is vaccinated.” Puss or doggy is unwell … very unwell. “Something it ate … different brand of food … eaten something out of the rubbish.” Jenny ticks off the ‘reasons list’.
“Unfortunately, when furry friend starts to chuck up, do smelly poos at irregular intervals and looking decidedly poorly, then it’s normally too late!” The poor animal suffers unnecessarily. Unaccountable bills to suddenly pay for veterinary care … and the family is upset.
“Care comes right at the start of the pet coming home with you. Or even arriving on your doorstep. Taking it in, feeding, playing and loving it, but forgetting something that is so important? Vaccinations! Parvo, or Parvovirus, is on the surge again, not only amongst cats but dogs as well. It is a dreadful illness which can so easily be avoided with a simple injection at the right time.”
Highly contagious, it causes havoc within the animal kingdom. It decimates cat colonies and packs of dogs. They unwittingly stray onto your property and the disease spreads quickly.
“A homeless lady in Silves took in a rather skinny female dog. Unbeknown to any of us, dog was pregnant. Lady advises that there are five puppies and they don’t look very well.” Attending the scene, in a ruin where they all lived, there was obviously a fatal illness affecting the animals, which were whisked off to the vets.
“Pinha was quarantined with me in my back bedroom. Unfortunately, one died. Now the other three are also with me, having pulled through with the vets’ determined work. Thankfully, all are beautiful and healthy, and lined up for their vaccinations. Good forever homes are needed, please!” Remember a pet is not just for Christmas. APAA motto is ‘Here to Help’.
Dates for your diary:
- November 16 and 17: APAA Charity Variety Performance at Auditório do Museu de Portimão. Tickets €15.
- Monday, December 8: Final Pre-Christmas ‘Pop-Up’ Favourite at O Tasco (Senhora do Verde, Portimão), from 12pm to 3pm. Monday is Chicken-Piri-Piri day! Book lunch direct. Ideal for Christmas shopping and a fab lunch with friends.
- 2nd Sunday December & January: Car Boot Sales in Ferragudo. An absolute must.
- Christmas lunch announcement soon!
Visit APAA charity shops:
- Alvor: Dunas de Alvor: Mon-Sat, 10.30am-2pm
- Silves: Rua Elias Garcia 20, Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm (Sat 1pm)
Real bargains. Christmas presents, hand-made jewellery, ornaments. Home-made chutneys, jams, marmalades, pickles and cookies. Everything you need for your home or rental. Spoil yourself!
Jackie’s lunches: events.apaaportugal@gmail.com
Pets: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com (mark for Anita Legacy)
APAA Charity Variety Performance Tickets Online: www.bol.pt (QR code). Email: show.apaaportugal@gmail.com
