A little while ago, a cat called ‘Lucky’ became unlucky. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the feline had to be whisked off to Animal Rescue Algarve (ARA) in Loulé because ‘Lucky’s’ owner had to go into care. The hitch was that the feline was an apartment cat, and was not used to the great outdoors.
João Ferreira, ARA’s General Manager, came up with a solution. A rabbit hutch. This meant that whilst ‘Lucky’ was being re-domiciled in ARA’s shelter, puss could gradually become part of the estate in its new surroundings. Not only rehabilitation, but re-naming our furry friend to ‘Monkey’. João explains: “We had another cat called ‘Lucky’, so we decided to choose a name that sounded almost the same!” Yes. We get it. Now, cute kitty is ready for re-homing. The six-year-old is very friendly, playful and attentive.
Jenny Clarke, president of the Association for the Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA), has become a great fan of ARA’s work at ‘Cabanita’. Apart from ARA and APAA becoming ‘Legacy for Pets’ buddies, they have a lot in common. “Raising people’s awareness of animals and their needs is a priority!”
Jenny, along with ‘Pop-Up’ Shop Anita Wight, have become sponsors for their own animals with Animal Rescue Algarve. “Should anything happen to us, illness or death, then our appointed ‘Guardian’ will take over anything to do with the animals in our care, at the time, and they will be transported to ARA’s shelter, then re-homed as soon as is possible.”
Sid Richardson, the founder of ARA and the author of ‘Legacy for Pets’, has received many enquiries resulting from the recent publicity. ‘I can’t thank APAA’s enthusiasm enough!” Sid is more than happy with their joint venture.
APAA has been in the community for almost 30 years. Although ARA are relatively new, since 2018 they have managed to re-home some 1,200 animals. Their common goals are to be applauded. Portimão Town Hall recently made generous awards to three associations, including APAA’s Zélia Santos, in aid of her continued hard work with sterilisations and cat colonies throughout the western side of the Algarve. ARA have also received assistance with their cat colonisation programme through their local Loulé parish work. Bravo! Hard work truly rewarded.
Zélia’s work with Silves prisoners, who make cat shelters, has been an ongoing feline feature for some time. Recently, a request was received. Could Zélia come to Silves Prison to rescue a cat? Strange but true. The cat had somehow found its way into the hallowed quarters, seen running along the roof which is covered in barbed wire. Ouch! Job done!
