Or, our reaction to a minor emergency, and we need to calm down. What is the ‘big deal’ and indeed why? “Someone else’s dog or cat or even both! When you’re left literally holding the baby!”

Jenny Clarke, President of Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA) has just returned from a ‘pick-up’ of a couple of young cats. “They need sterilising and vet checking and feeding.” And, the list continues, the owners are unable to look after the feline duo.

ARA (Animal Rescue Algarve) have a shelter outside Loulé called ‘Cabanita’. The team headed by CIC Sid Richardson are just putting the final touches to their ‘Open Day’ on the 10th September. They want to bring the reality of the responsibility of other people’s pets into focus. “The problem is no one wants to admit they are going to suffer long-term illness, old age or death. It is a human trait.”

Sid wants people to accept their responsibility through ‘Legacy Pet Plan ’, which allows people who own furry-friendly friends to make sure they have a future. “Outliving their owners is a huge possibility these days. We look after them so well during our lifetime, and we should ensure their lives are just as wonderful when we have moved on.”

Their Open Day will be for people to ask the questions they want answered: Personally, there and then and honestly. The shelter itself is a testimony to the well-being and health of animals, abandoned, often abused, to rest and recover and then be re-homed.

João Fereira and the team he manages at ‘Cabanita’ are devoted and dedicated to the animals sheltering there for whatever reason. All have a ‘hope’ ticket and will be re-homed as quickly as a suitable ‘match’ can be found. They will never just give an animal away for convenience, it has to be their forever home.

“Whilst we all want to think of our future happiness, our glorious bubble with friends, family and pets continuing forever, it is of course highly unlikely!” Jenny and her colleague Anita have both signed up and will be there to talk over the practicalities and ‘fears’ with you and the ARA team on the 10th.

So, ensure your place by booking and ensuring an ‘open mind’ to what the ‘Legacy Pet Plan’ can do for you. Or, more importantly, for your wonderful darling pets. Surely their future is just as important tomorrow as it is today.

Author: APAA;

Book: ARA’s Open Day 10 September 10.30am-1.00pm. Come and see for yourself. Meet and talk to the team. Check out the beautiful shelter and their ‘furry-lodgers’ waiting for new homes. Take a friend along who may want a new pal! All visits by appointment only.

APAA Diary: Pop-Up Shop Senhora do Verde ‘O Tasco’ 7/09 12-3pm Pop-Up Shop ‘Jolly’ bar Alvor 25/09 12-2.30pm

legacy@animalrescuealgarve.com

www.animalrescuealgarve.com Élia +351 289 462 384

Info.apaaportugal@gmail.com Anita: 926151621