When an association has a motto ‘Here to Help’, there is a great deal of distress when they are themselves in need of help. Desperate help! Jenny Clarke, president of Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA), had more than her handful just recently.
Their long-term pals at Pet Park Hotel for dogs and cats, in Mexilhoeira Grande, had indeed given warning signs that things were not going according to plan. Husband and wife team Gary and Wendy explain: “We had taken over the management on the understanding that we would eventually buy the place. But, after making several offers, which were refused, we were told that the place was being bought out by a client.”
The owner and her family had made several visits and calls but nothing came to fruition. The latest offer had fallen through. “We had no alternative but to plan on returning to England and find homes for the long-term lodgers.”
APAA has a large network of shelters and, as fortune would have it, a relatively unknown sanctuary in the panoramic west of the Algarve, near Vila do Bispo, came to their rescue. Karen and her husband have a wonderful refuge, a haven in the unspoilt atmospheric part of the Algarve, aptly called Mayday.
“There was, of course, a panic button waiting to be pressed! Karen and her wonderful team at Mayday came to our rescue.”
Gary and Wendy inherited a long-term canine lodger called ‘Babalu’ at Pet Park, which apparently had belonged to the previous owner; a sweet abandoned Podengo-type APAA lodger ‘Lilly’; and not only but also two sets of paying customers’ dogs.
“Karen just saved our bacon!” Wendy smiles sadly. “All the dogs at Pet Park became part of our family.” They had seven of their own dogs. Sadly, one of which had to be re-homed due to the laws in England on animal importation.
Karen has a beautiful, calm and yet animal-practical perspective: “Our mission here at Mayday is to take in animals that need refuge, love and care until we can find them that special home.”
Volunteers are welcomed and, if needed, given their own protection in on-site caravans whilst they are helping out. Mayday’s website is simple and honestly presented. A haven in a private woodland in the national park with open vistas, fresh air and no pollution.
Karen and her husband opened their home in 2010 to protect abandoned animals, deciding in 2016 to set up as a charity, legalising Mayday in 2018.
Their survival is 100% due to donations. “We don’t run a typical architecturally-designed kennels. We don’t have that sort of income. But we do have realistic, large, comfortable areas, where dogs can live happily and openly running and playing. Their shelters are covered, warm and comfortable, shaded from the weather.”
Volunteers take active interest in their walking, socialising, feeding and welfare. “All animals get vaccinations and regular veterinarian inspections. Re-homing is an absolute priority.”
APAA’s Jenny has a reminiscent look. “Reminds me of our early days. We would take dogs for re-homing to UK, Germany, Holland, wherever we could!”
Karen’s mission means the dogs are delivered to wherever they can get that forever home. “It’s a long tiring trip but well worthwhile. These abandoned animals make perfect loyal pets. A sort of inherent, inbuilt gratitude.”
Gary and Wendy finally packed, sadly recognising their dream was only short-lived but a valuable one to their community whilst it lasted.
“So many happy memories, Christmas especially. We would play Christmas Carols and put up lights. Special dinners.” That was for the dogs!
Tom and Kat, their helpers, were suddenly out of work. But, somewhere, divine intervention was on hand. Karen, having taken on the two sets of long-term boarding animals, offered to also take Tom and Kat on at Mayday. “It seems good sense. Pet Park’s canines at Mayday now have friendly familiar faces.”
Mayday will now be offering boarding for pets for a donation. “Income is always vital!” A perfect solution.
Dates for your diary:
- Thursday, December 4 – Christmas lunch, Recanto dos Mouros, Silves, 1pm. Includes: couvert, soup, choice of lamb stew, turkey steaks in mushroom sauce, or bacalhau (cod) and prawns in cream sauce; desserts, drinks and coffee. €30 members/€32 non-members. Small pop-up table, with gifts and homemade edibles.
- Monday, December 8 – Final pre-Christmas ‘Pop-Up’, a favourite at O Tasco (Senhora do Verde, near Portimão), 12pm-3pm. Monday is Chicken Piri-Piri Day! Book lunch direct (282 471 769). Ideal for Christmas shopping and a fab lunch with friends.
- 2nd Sunday of December & January – Car Boot Sales, Ferragudo.
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 and Recanto dos Mouros bookings events.apaaportugal@gmail.com
- Pets: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com (mark for Anita-Legacy)
- Legacy video
- Pinha and siblings (four total) Patricia ‘Puppyland’: friendscanilportimao@gmail.com | friendscanilportimao.com
- Mayday – Karen Breen – for adoptions and bookings: maydayalgarve@outlook.com | maydayalgarve.com | Instagram | 916531689
- Always check out APAA Facebook for the latest information
