Association for Protection of Animals Algarve desperately needs ‘helping hands’

The Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA) celebrated their innovative Bargain ‘Pop-Up’ at the Recanto dos Mouros in Silves on June 24 – it was the last of the Spring/Summer Pop-Ups, with the next venue announced in Autumn.

APAA has a specific programme to avoid continued breeding of the vast numbers of dogs and cats which daily survive the streets, either dumped or stranded, by a fate not of their own choosing.

The SNiP (Spaying and Neutering) programme provides the cash needed for the many operations performed by selected vets.

Pop-Ups and Charity Shops are two of the ways APAA can raise money, relying heavily on you, the public. Most of whom are luckily able to help in some way or another to fill the pockets for the vast SNiP costs.

There are many feral feline colonies in the Algarve, some run by Zélia Santos and her friends in the Portimão area, others run by Trevor and his band of helpers around the Lagoa-Carvoeiro areas.

Dogs resort to packs if left to wander in the wild, but, normally, canines are content to be with their human friends. Enjoying the benefits of security, food and warmth, in return they offer a paw, love, utter loyalty and adoration.

Meet ‘Sebby’

Attention turns to APAA and Pet Park’s “Re-homing Project”. Six-year-old German Shepherd ‘Sebby’, for instance, was taken to Pet Park for his normal stay whilst his owner went to England. The owner became very sick and cannot return. ‘Sebby’ is now looking for a good home. He is loving, playful, healthy, vaccinated, sterilised and fully trained. Email Caroline at Pet Park in Mexilhoeira Grande – [email protected]

Helping hands needed

Helping, caring APAA hands are needed at all levels. The association is constantly looking for new blood, fresh ideas and willing, open-minded people. “Survival is not just for the animals. If APAA as an association can’t come up with the funds and the people, we are lost.”

Indeed, Jenny Clarke, ‘hands-on’ President for some five years, worker and associate for many more, asks: “Where are they? Jane (VP) and Jackie (Treasurer) are hard-working as are the hands-on members. But we need more.”

If you are reading this and nodding, then pick up the phone, send an email or text. Please do something to help APAA. “There is so much we have achieved, but there is a lot more to do. Our shops often need a shelf, brackets, power tools… we need a capable person to help out, a helping hand…”

To find out how you can help, contact Jenny Clarke [email protected], visit www.apaaportugal.com or Facebook ‘APAA Portugal’

APAA Charity Shops

Alvor – Dunas Complex, Monday-Saturday, 10.30am-2pm

Silves – Rua Elias Garcias 20, Monday-Saturday, 10am-2pm

Packed with goodies. Bring or buy!