2023 arrived with a few fireworks, and a few abandonees. Not as many as expected; perhaps this is a good omen.
Remember that our hosts in Portugal are not entirely the abandoners. These heartless people come in many shapes, sizes and nationalities. If you have any inkling that a neighbour or perhaps someone in the area has a pet who has just had an unwanted litter, whether kittens or puppies, please keep eyes and ears open. If possible, a subtle approach can be made that there are ‘canis’ (kennels) and ‘gatis’ (catteries) in Portimão that can help. Also, there are private shelters and associations that offer help throughout the year and have done for decades.
Vets are nearly always willing to assist in spaying and neutering costs. They too see no point in abandoning animals by the wayside. Vets do what they do because they love animals, stressing the spaying and neutering of animals can fall on deaf ears. A shrug.
APAA, Association for Protection of Animals Algarve, knows about shrugs, unwanted litters and deaf ears. But their SNiP’ping programme has become famous through their ‘Pop-Up’ shops. “Last year was a stunning year for raising awareness and money,” said Jenny, president of APAA, who knows there are many shelters in need of help to feed and keep their animals safe. “Our opportunity is getting hold of animals before they start to breed and ‘SNiP’ them.”
SNiP is the acronym for Spaying and Neutering Programme.
“Our Pop-Up team has been busy. We have travelled around the Algarve, some remote venues, others famous for their availability and hospitality.”
Planning will start with new ideas and places to present ourselves.
In the meantime, there are three puppies which will need a home very soon. They will be vaccinated and put on the SNiP and Chip programme as soon as they are able. “Breeding is best left to the professionals,” Jenny nods. “Of course, they too have to be held accountable.”
There are a lot of good people out there, but also some who just want to make some quick money. “They don’t care about the bitches’ welfare. Or the puppies for that matter.”
Looking for a friend? Lilly, Dusty and Rafa are still with Pet Park’s Gary and Wendy. Woof!
Visit APAA’s Charity Shops
- Alvor, Dunas Complex, Monday-Saturday, 10.30am-2pm
- Silves, Rua Elias Garcias 20, Monday-Friday, 10am-2pm; Sat 1pm. Bring or buy quality goodies.
Contact Jenny Clarke: [email protected]; www.apaaportugal.com
- Zélia’s Cat Colonies always need extra assistance and cat food donations – [email protected]
- Pet Park – 926 660 465 | [email protected]
- Check everyone out on Facebook
