Special friends supporting the animal cause in the Algarve
The Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA) has many friends – furry four-pawed and two-legged ones – attracting some very special people over the years.
Carlos Filipe, photographer and author originated from Aljustrel, set sights firmly on his future at an extremely early age, wanting desperately to live his dream. Travel helped put aside childhood and adult trials and tribulations … finally settling in Lagoa with his photographic studio and putting pen to paper.
Podengo-cross Boris is his mentor, found as a puppy with a rope tied to his neck. “Boris became a beacon of hope for all the animals that cross our way. He is the soul of my work.” Together they have made that journey of discovery as man-and-friend.
“He calms me when I am sad … I thought I had saved him. It was the other way around. I was the one that was lost and he found me.” A lifetime compacted into a few short years.
Carlos’ photography speaks for itself. His on-the-surface happy nature, a visionary that goes beyond the skin, as borne out by his portraiture. “My style or trademark will always be the black background”, indeed pulling the eyes into the subject matter. “Giving them what all animals should have – class and dignity.” Carlos works with amputees and badly damaged canines. “I wanted people to see how I saw them and their true beauty.”
Visiting Carlos’ website is a production in itself. Boris wearing a webcam, in control of the photo shoot. Visionary, compelling reading.
Meantime, friend Gail Skinner is putting the final paragraphs to her book ‘For Dogs Sake! How to build an awesome dog’ to be launched at Crufts in March. Visiting her website, a mind-expanding menu of possibilities.
“We have many dogs who have achieved titles in Dog Parkour and Trick Dog training this year. Three have qualified for Superstar Awards. Having achieved 10 different titles this year.” Gail is proud of her dog clients and her work. “These are mainly rescue dogs, beating the odds, having changed and grown in personality by building up their confidence and relationships with their owners.”
Her early years in South Africa as NSPCA officer, and a solid background with training, understanding animals, she has brought a wealth of knowledge to the Algarve. “All dogs have a right to reach their potential,” she says. “It’s not necessary to use harsh methods to achieve this.” A success story for Gail and the wonderful results she has achieved in her love for animals.
She works with Cadela Carlota and Bamboo Shelter and plans a ‘Facebook live’ in December in collaboration with other dog trainers from the UK. “This is free and open to everyone.”
Carlos Filipe: www.cfilipe.pt | info@cfilipe.pt
Gail Skinner: www.awesome-dogs.com | keyawesomedogs@gmail.com
APAA: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com
By APAA
