Jenny and her team at APAA (Association for Protection of Animals Algarve) often wonder if sometimes they ask for a little too much. “With Amigo, it was like a whisper away from an unhappy doggy story.” Although president Jenny is a foot-soldier and loves her work with animals, “we were racking our brains for ideas.” Briefly, ‘Amigo’ was an abandoned dog frequently turning up to be fed at a holiday home. The French-Portuguese family could never touch the animal, although he would happily take food “and then do a runner!”
One of the team suggested contacting Gail Skinner, Algarve’s dog behaviourist and trainer. “An onsite meeting meant we could arrange a plan; we only had five days left!” Plan A was to take the family vehicle out of the garage and feed the dog inside, tempting him further in and closing the door slightly more each time. “We were summoned by the couple that Amigo was indeed ready for capture.”
Fingers crossed, hearts thumping, Gail and Jenny arrived for the final act. Catch him! “Gail acted fast. It was amazing. Like a lion tamer, she caught him with a catchpole and, voilà, the deed was indeed done!”
Jenny has a broad smile. “He was petrified but not at all aggressive. He was transferred into a dog crate and then loaded into our van.”
Amigo is now resting and awaiting assessment by dog-trainer Afonso, at Happy Dog Center in Pêra, which has given APAA special rates for the weeks’ assessment.
Waiting in the wings, Lianne has four dogs and, if Amigo fits in, she will foster him until a ‘forever home’ can be found for him.
Every dog deserves a break, even if it is just one, once in a lifetime! Thanks to the couple returning to France with a clean slate, Amigo now has a chance, to find his place with a family that he truly deserves. Brave Amigo. Happy APAA. Thank you, Afonso and Gail!
APAA Diary
- October 4 – World Animal Day
- October 11/12 – Afpop’s BLiP, , at Portimão Arena
- October 17 – Jolly Bar, Alvor, 11am-2pm.Lots of beautiful quality bedding, matching curtains and the usual household goodies plus homemade jams, pickles and cookies.
- October 11-18 – Emporium Charity Auction on Facebook
- November 16/17 – APAA Charity Variety Show, in Portimão
Visit APAA Charity shops
- Alvor: Dunas de Alvor: Mon-Sat, 10.30am-2pm
- Silves: Rua Elias Garcia 20, Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm (Sat 1pm)
The change of season means a change of wardrobe. Look out for the real bargains. Some of the top designer labels available at reasonable prices. Also, the homemade chutneys, jams, marmalades, pickles and cookies. Yum!
Contacts:
Jackie Lunches: events.apaaportugal@gmail.com
Pets: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com
Gail Skinner: www.awesome-dogs.com
Afonso: centrocaninohappydog@gmail.com
Emporium Charity Auction Facebook
By APAA
