Jenny Clarke, president of the Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA), has the right cards up her sleeve. “We’ve started a good trend with our ‘Pop-Up Shops’ and are determined to continue in the same direction in 2024.”
APAA has thrived on 30-plus years of knowledge. “It’s a difficult time for everyone. Money is tight.”
APAA’s money raised through these challenging times, through ‘Pop-Up’ shops, events and special lunches and dinners, is specifically aimed for SNiP. Their Spaying and Neutering Programme has been helping other shelters and charities with donations to ensure abandoned dogs are healthy and re-homed.
The felines of the community have been hard work. Other shelters and charities have seen the sense in the colonisation of feral cats in their communities. Zélia Santos and her cat catchers are becoming legendary.
‘Here to Help’ is not just a motto. “We strive to ensure, at the basic level, that animals are given a chance.”
Sometimes a choice has to be made. “I wouldn’t want to be a vet.” A wry grin. “Decisions have to be made on individual animals by us, but the final say is in the hands of the medics.”
An abandoned canine or a colonised cat needs care. “Veterinary expenses are kept to a minimum thanks to the clinics; they understand the problems only too well.”
Educating the public has been on APAA’s mind for many years. “Discussing our goals with our community is so important.”
A cat has just been handed in and Zélia is very concerned. “The cat is overweight and can hardly walk.” Strict diet ahead for puss.
Recently, 14 cats were chosen for SNiP’ping. The colony had gathered together around O Tasco restaurant, near Portimão. They have to recover before being released.
“Actually, it was 13, one had already been done! We manage … between the members, they get looked after properly.”
And don’t forget, Lady/Jess is still looking for a good home.
Check out the calendar
- ‘Pop-Up’ Table at Almádena Hall (near Luz), Saturday, February 10, 11am-3.30pm. Excellent quality goods on sale. Lighting, lamps, ornaments, glassware.
- Jolly Bar Alvor, Nr. Campsite, Friday, February 16, 11am-2pm. Soft furnishings donated by the Holiday Inn, Fiona’s Fi-line clothing collection, handmade jewellery and Gill Goode’s beautiful artwork.
- If you can’t make the pop-ups, visit their charity shops in Alvor and Silves – full of duvets, rugs, hospitality trays. Time to browse and buy goodies for gifts as well. Everything for the house, garden and your furry friend too!
- Ferragudo Car Boot Sale, every second Sunday of the month, 8am-12noon. Diary! February 11, following March 10. Coming up soon Convento’bio Lagoa.
APAA Cat Colonies: zelia.santos@live.co.uk
Events and other info: events.apaaportugal@gmail.com
APAA: Marketplace on Facebook (Donna)
On sale Jenny’s Jams, preserves and Jackie’s cookies too!
