“We try so hard, but this winter will be an unusually cold one, and that means extra layers for everyone and animals included!” Ferrying food and extra bedding is something all animal and human charities know only too well. The summer months are inviting: a cool drink, a break in the shade. A chat at a ‘Pop-Up’ to visit. Now, the warmth of the home beckons.

“No one really wants to prolong a trip out, whether it is for shopping or lunch.” The summer months have been kinder, but there are also diseases and problems associated with the colder climates. “We all have to beware of the cough, sneeze or shivering. Animals, too, are prone to all sorts of winter health problems.” Fortunately, the animal kingdom has an extra layer of hair or fur to help out, or metabolism slows down, enabling them to sleep longer and preserve their fat and energy levels.

Credits: Supplied Image;

“Humans can pop on a hat or an extra jumper, our pets will rely on us to help them out.” An extra warm bed out of the draught and sometimes an extra bit of food.” After the winter thaw and the spring, we can all shed the extra calories. “If you are having an early clear out, visitors are gone and need to make some space, bedding, rugs, anything that we can use for the animal shelters will be of great help. Some of the better bits get to the human charities to help them out.”


APAA’s motto, ‘Here to Help,’ takes on a different meaning when needed. For some, it will be the abandoned animals, for others, spaying and neutering feral cats in the local village. SNiP is on offer to all communities to help keep the cat problem from increasing. Help is a universal word, within the community and the family. If you need help, ask! APAA wishes all their friends, members and supporters a very happy new year.

Visit APAA Charity shops, Dunas do Alvor: Mon-Sat10.30am–2pm, Rua Elias Garcia 20,Silves: Mon-Fri 10am–2pm(Sat1pm), Silves. Real bargains. Books, gifts. Hand-made jewellery, ornaments. Home-made chutneys, jams, marmalades, pickles and cookies. Glassware, dinner services, cutlery. Everything you need for your home or rental. Spoil yourself! All proceeds raised for SNiP and abandoned animals. Bring unwanted presents. Browse and buy!

Contacts & Jackie’s lunches: events.apaaportugal@gmail.com

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

Always Check out APAA’s Facebook!