Sick, pregnant or with puppies. There are times when it is heart-warming to follow the stories of the lucky few who have been rescued.

Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA)’s President Jenny Clarke sees most of the rescues and results first-hand. “Amigo was a real problem, abandoned, found his way to safety, but the homeowners returned to native France”. After a few faulty steps, he managed to get him into ‘serious’ lodgings at Cadela Carlota’s shelter. The love and patience that Ani, their volunteer worker, gave Amigo paid off.

Together with Gail Skinner, who is renowned for her work with canines, and the CC team at Odiaxere, he gradually became a happier canine, and it shows. Confidence-building and promoting a bond between humans shows. “Our members and followers gave donations to help him get this far. For which APAA are grateful.”

Guess Amigo is too? Another rescue, the “Odelouca Lady’, an abandoned female on a busy country road. The APAA team, this time headed by Liz, tried to ‘lure’ the lady into safety. “It took months.”

Jenny and the team were reaching the point of exasperation. “Drivers passing by, tooting, trying to capture her. Feeding her, despite the notices not to…A nightmare!” But finally, patience rewarded. “Unfortunately, she had been joined by a male dog who was guarding her, and he got killed. But she was pregnant and had loads of problems.”

After heartworm treatment, leg-setting, and now the teeth from living rough. And sterilised! The bill is going to be 900€ or more! APAA’s events and pop-up Shops ensure that the funds are there for the cat colonies, SNIP, and abandoned dogs. They also support other charities and shelters that need a helping financial hand. “But every so often, when an abandoned dog has reached foster care, we ask for the financial load to be spread.” So if you want to help Liz & Pete with the ‘Ruby’ bills, please get in touch, and we will be very grateful indeed. ‘Ruby’ too, we guess!

Visit APAA Charity shops Dunas do Alvor: Mon-Sat 10.30 am–2pm Rua Elias Garcia 20, Silves: Mon-Fri 10am–2pm (Sat 1 pm) Silves. Real bargains. Never-too-early Christmas presents, hand-made jewellery, ornaments. Home-made chutneys, jams, marmalades, pickles and cookies. Everything you need for your home or rental. Spoil yourself!

Author: APAA;

Contacts: Jackie’s Lunches events.apaaportugal@gmail.com

Pets:info.apaaportugal@gmail.com (mark for Anita-Legacy) Legacy video: https://youtu.be/hNCdd5X-4XI *

Gail: https://www.awesome-dogs.com/

Ruth: https://www.cadela-carlota.com/

Always Check out Facebook! Charity Auctions!

APAA Diary: Pop-Up Shop ‘Jolly’ bar Alvor 25/09 12-2.30pm. Browse, buy and enjoy. Gill Goode’s prints and cards. Fiona’s make-up and jewellery. Jenny’s jams and preserves. Jackie’s cookies and all the stuff for a fun pop-up shop!