With over 350 cats and dogs, the Portimão kennels is always in need of donations of food
If the pen is mightier than the sword, is the camera even more powerful? The Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA) has more than 30 years’ experience of abandoned animals.
Education has played a main part in the change of attitude. “We get to the children as soon as possible. The bad stuff is always out there, whether it is a social platform or misinformation by word-of-mouth,” says Jenny Clarke, APAA president.
APAA has, over the years, built up a strong relationship not only with privately-run shelters but also the local municipal kennels (Canil Municipal). “We have an especially good relationship with the Portimão Canil and the ‘Friends of Canil de Portimão’, again counting on volunteers.”
With over 350 cats and dogs a year, the Canil relies not only on the Câmara’s funding but the outside donations of food. “Taking cat food helps!” Jenny’s white van is loaded with donations from the local supermarkets. “Burst and soiled bags, considered bad for the customers, are great for our canine and feline friends.”
Outside of the proverbial ‘box’ is a strong force of hard-working volunteers and paid workers. “We talk about ‘influencers’, but you know they aren’t all bad.”
A close friend of APAA is professional photographer and author, Carlos Filipe, who has his own very personal journey finding stranded abandoned Podengo-cross ‘Boris’. “I have seen the animals first hand, chained outside crumbling farmhouses, not only broken bodies but shattered spirits.”
Carlos is an active animal persona. “Activist always has connotations, not always good.” He smiles. “I let my camera, my eyes, tell their story.” His photography captures the essence of what all good humans are trying to strive for. “Giving animals much more than just a chain, a battered body and starvation. Not only food but love and respect.”
Strong words, but they are needed in a world a get-rich-soon-and-fast society prevails. Sounding almost like a drowning man. Seeing your life passing by and impotent to do anything more than hold up a hand to be counted.
“All the Canil’s volunteers and paid workers want to make a difference to the animals they care for.” Jenny’s smile fades: “But it’s not easy with limited funding, limited understanding of the true and real problem we face every single day.”
Carlos’ association with abandoned animals is succinctly and emotionally transcribed into books holding words, emotions and accounts that all could take a lesson from. Equally so, Jenny says: “Time given to the animals, whether walking or talking, is so important.” Spare a moment or two.
Check out the Portimão shelter’s website, give something more than just money, something extra that money cannot buy – Love. “Some haven’t seen the light of day until rescued.”
Jenny: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com
Carlos: www.cfilipe.pt | info@cfilipe.pt
By APAA
