Our guest today is João Ferreira of Animal Rescue Algarve, a charitable association which owns and operates an animal shelter dedicated to the betterment of dog and cat welfare in Portugal.
João is ARA’s Manager and Animal Health & Welfare Coordinator. Hear, here, the inspiring story of how the shelter came into being thanks to the vision of British businessman Sid Richardson who uttered those immortal words: “I have a dream…”
“Born not from a grand gesture, but from the bond with a single rescue dog – a retriever adopted from a shelter in the Algarve,” is how it all began. That dog became a best friend. And that friendship sparked a life-changing decision.
“Why wait until I’m gone to build something meaningful? Let’s do it now,” thought Sid, and the rest is history, but with a very particular future in mind, that needs constant and significant help.
“From a forested valley in Cabanita (Loulé), we cleared land, laid foundations, and built one of Europe’s most respected animal shelters – an eco-friendly haven where love and dignity replace fear and abandonment,” says ARA’s website, which is a joy to visit whilst impressing upon the visitor the project’s ongoing needs.
Of particular note is ARA’s approach to what happens to the pets of older adopters, who fear what might happen to their ‘faithful friend’, if and when they pass away, leaving the animal abandoned, once more.
“If you register and accept our Legacy Pet Plan, we will welcome your paw-friend into ARA, probably the best animal shelter in Portugal, where we have a large live-in ratio of staff and volunteers and a restricted number of animals. The Legacy Pet Plan doesn’t have a standard cost, but we appeal to your charity,” they say.
If you are interested in obtaining more information, contact: legacy@animalrescuealgarve.com
