Pet Park’s closure by the owner just before Christmas caused havoc within the animal community. Jenny Clarke, president of the Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA), explains: “We had our abandoned lodgers there, along with PP’s normal paying borders. It couldn’t possibly have happened at a worse time!”
APAA quickly put out a distress call to shelters and associations who could help. “Fortunately, Mayday (shelter) responded super-fast, not only taking on the animals but their helpers, Tom and Kat, too!” This small private shelter, nestling in the serene countryside of Vila da Bispo, suddenly saved the day.
Mayday’s Karen, husband and volunteers stepped up and took on the load. Relying totally on donations and their volunteers, Mayday set up cattery and kennels for their new borders.
Third-time visitors Carol and Steve have enjoyed the ‘pick-up and drop-off’ service offered. Kennels take between 10/12 places for single/groups of small, medium and large dogs. Sociable dogs interact with each other in their own areas or main corridor; and are walked or allowed a free run two/three times a day.
Both kennels and cattery are dry and warm with comfortable bedding, and there is an outside garden with a sunbed. The cats have play areas with climbing frames, platforms and toys, litter trays and sleeping rooms. Book me in now!
New hope for Amigo!
Those of you following the sad story of abandoned Amigo’s comings-and-goings will be pleased to hear that he has taken a step further up the ladder of ‘hope’. Jenny, in consultation with Gail Skinner, Algarve’s dog behaviourist and trainer, approached Ruth at Cadela Carlota (Lagos). Having explained that Amigo is a frightened animal who needs trust and understanding, Ruth agreed to take him in.
“A prayer answered!” Ruth has a couple of dogs with similar trust issues. Gail will continue her dedicated work with Amigo at the shelter, where she is known and trusted by humans and animals alike. Equally, Amigo will learn to integrate at his own pace.
Date for your diary
- Friday, February 27: APAA’s first Pop-Up shop of 2026, at the Jolly Bar, Alvor (near camping site), from 11am-2pm. Bring and buy! Ornaments, jewellery, household goods, Gill Goode’s wonderful paintings, posters and cards, and Fiona’s Feline fashion/make-up and jewellery collections.
APAA charity shops – Bring, browse and buy!
- Alvor: Dunas de Alvor: Mon-Sat, 10.30am-2pm
- Silves: Rua Elias Garcia 20, Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm (Sat 1pm)
Real bargains! Books, gifts, handmade jewellery, ornaments, homemade chutneys, jams, marmalades, pickles and cookies. Glassware, dinner services, cutlery. Everything you need for your home or rental. Spoil yourself! All proceeds raised for SNiP (animal sterilisation) and abandoned animals. Having a clear-out? Good, unwanted gifts and clothes always needed. Bring, browse and buy!
Contacts
- Jackie’s lunches: events.apaaportugal@gmail.com
- Pets: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com
- Gail Skinner: https://www.awesome-dogs.com
- Karen Breen: maydayalgarve@outlook.com or 916 531 689
- Ruth: info@cadela-carlota.com
- Always check out APAA’s Facebook!
