“No matter how small the pet is, it needs exercise”
Some say ‘it’s a dog’s life!’, meaning it couldn’t be better. Lounging around, comfy bed, food on call. Mostly, for our canine friends, this is true. For others, it is a different world. Or ‘take’. Two dogs are in heaven, surrounded by love, care, food and water automatically dispensed, litter trays … but no walks … an occasional cuddle … carried around.
“Awful!” Jenny Clarke, president of APAA, has heard this flip side of the coin not only for canines but for overweight rotund felines. “There’s got to be a happy balance. No matter how small the pet is, it needs exercise. Dogs are not habitually or genetically inclined to litter trays.” Making sense for busy pet owners? “They are making a problem for themselves in the long run.”
The Association for Protection of Animals Algarve can do little in this awkward situation, whilst the owners believe their animals in this situation are incredibly lucky. The poor prisoner is probably pining for the natural outdoors, a sniff, a whoops, a scruffy, satisfying rubbing up against a tree, chasing a ball … Not four walls, two trays and ominous plastic food dispensing units.
The luckless animals are having problems with their legs already; long-term they will be immobile through no fault of their own. “Friends do try and hint that there is a problem. Strangely, it is the owners who don’t seem to realise they are, in fact, the problem!”
Recovering from their latest events and ‘Pop-Ups’, the APAA team are now girding their loins for their next calendar sessions.
Animals need people. Events are APAA’s lifeblood. Their recent highly successful WAD lunch (World Animal Day) was fully booked, and seasonal weather ensured that their members and friends enjoyed wonderfully prepared food and great company. Jenny, Jackie (treasurer) and Jane (VP) provided the food and first-class service. Thank you, ladies! Next opportunity, book a seat at one of their events. Meet new friends!
Upcoming events
- Tote-bags for sale. ‘Pop-Up’ shop at Jolly Bar Alvor, on Friday, October 25, 10.30am-2pm. Another shopping opportunity, with curtains, linen, Gill Goode’s arts, cards and prints, Fiona’s Fi-Line clothing, jewellery and make-up.
- Ferragudo Fair/Car Boot Sale on Sundays, November 10 and December 8, starts at 8am.
- Dinner and Dance at Fonte da Pedra Restaurant, Alcalar (Portimão) on November 23, at 7.30pm. Swing with Poor Man’s Band. Menu: couverts, beef stew or grilled dourada, vegetarian pasta dish, desserts, wine, beer water and coffee. €27.50 members/€30 non-members. Don’t wait, book now.
- December lunch at Recanto dos Mouros, Silves.
Not forgetting APAA’s charity shops in Alvor and Silves bursting with goodies for house, garden, patio and special pressies for you! A tote-bag?
Help: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com
Cats: zelia.santos@live.co.uk
Events info: events.apaaportugal@gmail.com
By APAA
