What happens to our pets after we die or become too ill to look after them? APAA and ARA have a plan.
Jenny Clarke, president of the Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA), and her colleague Anita Wight (aka ‘Pop-Up’ shop chief) discussed endlessly, as friends and colleagues do. What happens to our pet(s) if we should ‘pop-off’ or become ill. Unthinkable!
They were wowed after visiting Animal Rescue Algarve’s shelter ‘Cabanita’, outside Loulé. The extent of hands-on care and luxury was so well planned they could only wish for a human shelter of the same class and quality.
Along with Sid Richardson (CIC) and João Ferreira (General Manager), ‘Legacy Pet Plan’ was baptised. “Now into its second year, we need someone special to carry out the foot work, a friendly face to spread the word.”
Sid’s Animal Rescue Algarve shelter re-homes abandoned animals. “Dying, illness … it just isn’t on! ARA retrieves so many abandoned animals that just shouldn’t be on the streets!” He is concerned. “Why would anyone want to do that to a pet they love/can’t be without. Sticks to you like glue.” He smiles.
Ambassadors are hard to find on any level, for any cause. We all agreed Anita would be the right person to spread the word for ARA’s ‘Legacy Pet Plan’. Carlos Filipe, famous Algarvean author and photographer, is completing the tailor-made video.
Fully focused Anita is positive. “The long-term goal is to get the word out to everyone who has any feeling of responsibility and respect for their four-legged friends.” Packing her car with leaflets and large stuffed pet dog. “He’s my roadie-pal. My six doggies are waiting for me when I get home – tails wagging, hearts full of love. The least I can do is ensure they get a good home when I ‘pop-off’, as they say, or become too ill to look after them.”
Picking up a form, she ticks off the list. “Simply appoint a guardian, detail pet(s) information. Agree to microchip for re-homing. Personalise your donation for your pet(s) care with ARA. Email form to ARA and they will send your official ‘Legacy’ card.” Pausing for breath, Anita tucks herself into the car. “Well, I’m ready! Are you?” Look out, here she comes!
Dates to remember
- Every second Sunday of the month: Ferragudo car-boot sales, 8am-12 noon.
- Friday, May 16: ‘Pop-Up’ stall at Convento’bio Lagoa. APAA stall with hand-made jewellery, gifts and goodies.
- Sunday, May 25: Anita’s Swingin’ 60s Garden Party, at 1pm. Special Bake Sale, sweet and savoury. Retro food and fab music by Alexey. Members €20/non-members €22.50. Book now!
- Monday, June 16: Final Pop-Up before autumn, at O Tasco restaurant, Senhora do Verde (near Portimão), 12 noon-3pm.
- Charity shops at Alvor and Silves. Pop-in and buy. Clothing, bedding, books, jewellery, gifts, and much more. Take in your unwanted presents, household items, especially man-cave stuff.
- Please take note: Jackie’s cookies and Jenny’s jams, pickles and marmalades available at ‘Pop-Up’ events and charity shops, but not car-boot sales.
APAA: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com
Legacy Pet Plan: legacy@animalrescuealgarve.com | www.animalrescuealgarve.com
By APAA
