So the song goes. Summer for many is freedom; greeting the beach, picnics and loving friends and family along for the ride. “We’ve all got that soft spot for the warmer weather, longer, sunny days, sunsets and that warm seasonal glow.” APAA’s president Jenny has just loaded their white van to transport another collection of cats to the vets for the SNiP. The Association for Protection of Animals Algarve, and their spaying and neutering programme working all-the-year-around to bring in the much-needed money to pay for the sterilisation of feral cats and colonies. “Abandoned animals need veterinary care and feeding whilst being looked after, waiting to be re-homed.”
Jenny and Team APAA have had a busy winter and spring season, and are now enjoying a short break before the autumn and winter bedlam. “The APAA charity shops are still open, we are still picking up strays and collecting cats.” There is little time for beach-bumming or surfing the bars. “Lunch, with a few good friends!” She grins.
Meanwhile, there is a little friend, ‘Amigo’, who has turned up at someone’s back door outside Silves. About 2/3 years old and a lovely chap but extremely nervous. The French couple on holiday are due back to their city home in France at the end of August. “So, we desperately need to find our friend a home.” A forever one.
The human charity Emporium’s Facebook auction is running from August 15 to 23. All are welcome, as the charity goes far and wide. “Looking after the human end of the chain is just as important. They are, after all, our future, for homing abandoned pets!” Indeed.
Jenny is sporting a new limp. “Fell over when walking my dogs; 17-year-old Jimmy decided to take off in the opposite direction! I think he has a spot of dementia. He doesn’t seem to be paying attention.” A walking stick is probably a useful walking aid, but, in Jenny’s case, it didn’t make any difference. “A few words, blue, black and the rest!”
A few new couples are arriving on our sunny shores and APAA are hoping to add to their membership helpers and re-homers. “Good to see some new blood here in the Algarve. We always welcome anyone who wants to join us, whether to volunteer, take a back seat and enjoy our events. We’re just glad to have the support. And the much-needed money!” Of course.
Why not visit APAA’s charity shops? I Dunas do Alvor: Mon-Sat 10.30am-2pm; Rua Elias Garcia 20, Silves: Mon-Fri 10am-2pm (Sat 1pm).
And don’t forget to follow APAA on Facebook and keep up with our news with Lisa Dowling.
- Jackie’s lunches: events.apaaportugal@gmail.com
- Pets: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com
- Legacy Pet Plan video
- Charity Auctions
By APAA
