SNiP is a good acronym for APAA’s Spaying and Neutering Programme. The fast-growing, popular Association for Protection of Animals Algarve’s motto? ‘Here to Help’! And it does exactly what it says on the can.
Jenny Clarke, president of APAA, heads a small but heavy-duty team of hard-working members. “Like our animal friends, we come in all shapes, ages and sizes!” Jenny has a twinkle in her eye. “A call for help is never left unanswered.” Cats, dogs and a long list of other beasties.
APAA’s profits from their ‘Pop-Ups’ and charity shops all go towards SNiP and helping sick, stranded, ailing animals. Prevalent once more, feline parvovirus a difficult conundrum. “We need to have supervised cat colonies, which Zélia and others do all the time. It is their life’s work.”
But how does a contagion get contained? “It’s important keeping domesticated cats away from ‘feral’ cats.” The last epidemic decimated the cat population. A killer.
Recently, ‘Suber’, a rescue kitten, sadly died shortly after re-homing, having contracted the deadly disease. “Common sense prevails,” Jenny adds. “Just keep an eye open for the symptoms. Runny nose, temperature, diarrhoea, vomiting, the animal becomes wobbly and collapses.” Doesn’t sound too good … “If you have a cat or a dog for that matter, keep them separated until cleared by the vet. Please don’t leave it until the last minute.”
Suber? “Vet said he had probably contracted it earlier. It lies dormant in some animals.” So, we need to make sure, as they say, “dot the i’s and cross the t’s”. That’s for sure!
Whilst vigilance is needed for the felines, a bit of diligence is needed for our ‘pup world’. APAA member Carina, whilst caring for three abandoned pups, got two others dumped on her. As luck would have it, the two were so lovable and ready for new forever homes that they have been adopted. Her three will need re-homing soon, so eyes open for them!
Margarida, another member, spotted mother and two pups trying to get across a busy road. “Fortunately, I rescued the two babies. Mum took off!” she explains. “Someone is taking the little girl, but I need a home for the boy.” He’s lovable, cute and will be neutered, chipped and vaccinated for his new forever home. Pick up the phone and get that pup!
- Contact APAA – Jenny Clarke: [email protected]; visit their website www.apaaportugal.com; check APAA out on Facebook.
- Zélia’s cat colonies always need helpers and cat food donations – [email protected]; Trevor also needs helping hands and cat food – [email protected]
- For re-homing ‘Rafa’, ‘Lilly’ or ‘Dusty’, email [email protected]
- Visit their super charity shops: Alvor, Dunas Complex, Monday-Saturday, 10.30am-2pm; or Silves, Rua Elias Garcias 20, Monday-Friday, 10am-2pm (Sat 1pm). Packed with quality goodies. Bring or buy!
