Mummy with five new kittens landed on someone’s doorstep – transferred hurriedly in a suitable warm box and transported to Jenny Clarke, president of APAA.
The Association for Protection of Animals Algarve is used to a range of ‘accidents’ being whisked off somewhere safe and secure.
“Abandoned mum and kits now made safe and comfy until weaned, SNiP’ped and re-homed. They are all treasures and healthy. Trying to photograph them is a nightmare,” Jenny adds. “They are, at the moment, spending more time under mum and her tum!”
Mother has been nominated for re-homing already. The famous five are one black, one ginger, the other three a mixture. “APAA will pay for the cost of their sterilisation and any other vet costs incurred. We have a few weeks to go yet. They’re about 12 days old and then, when ready, re-homed!”
Jenny has just returned from collecting food for the cat colonies and has taken several calls in between. “Our canine newcomer ‘Ella’ was found at Gramacho. She is healthy but needs SNiP’ping and, of course, a proper forever home.” A small problem raised its head in between the finding and fostering. She came into season. Jenny laughs: “I know, it happens with animals, but Gary and Wendy at Pet Park, just outside Mexilhoeira Grande, are very kindly helping us out.”
APAA’s costs are covered by the kind generosity of the caring public, whether members, followers or just offering donations. “Of course, our ‘Pop-Ups’ are a natural fundraiser, along with our two charity shops in Silves and Alvor.”
What’s next? “We were sold out at O Tasco dinner event with Alexey. It was absolutely fabulous! Following hot on his heels was the DIY’ers dream (tools and stuff) at Casa de Pasto A Parreirinha in Odelouca last Friday.”
Anita, head of ‘Pop-Up’ shops, has been making sure APAA is keeping up appearances. Their next venue at the Jolly Bar in Alvor on March 24, from 10.30am to 2pm, will be “a real mixture of guests and presentation”. Anita has a long list: “Gill Goode will be there with her artwork; Fiona’s Fi-Line fashion with her stunning hand-made jewellery; Isabel Searle’s ‘Tiny Shelter’ will have their own charity table too.”
Anita’s checklist is growing. “Preserves, chutneys… Oh yes! Jenny has a new yummy jam, Apple & Ginger.” Both are grinning. Obviously passed the taste test. See you there!
In between is APAA’s members-only AGA at Recanto dos Mouros in Silves, on March 13 at 11.30am, followed by lunch for all at 12.30pm. Book direct with Jenny at 919 041 903.
- Abandoned canines: Gary, Pet Park, 926 660 465 – There’s ‘Ella’, a Terrier-cross, ‘Dusty’ and ‘Lilly’, older female Podengos, ‘Rafa’, a super German Shepherd, and ‘Nina’, a larger older female, all waiting for their forever homes!
- For ‘Emma’, our road-rage cat, contact [email protected]
