“The worry is that the animal becomes part of the home and then whoosh it’s time to say ‘goodbye’!’ Jenny Clarke, President of Association for Protection of Animals (APAA) has had the experience herself. “Fostering isn’t a special art, it is like a B&B but for a special abandoned animal for a short time. Sometimes it takes longer to find that ‘forever home’, but it does happen!

Shelters and Associations are beginning to feel the ‘pinch’ as belts tighten financially and the kennel’s boarders steadily increase. “If you keep an animal in this sort of environment for long enough, it becomes institutionalised. Which is an awful shame, when the right someone comes along, it is just too late!” Understood. “What we need is a situation where, for instance, an elderly couple would like a furry friend, but are not sure. That goes for a single person as well. A family is, of course, great, but not the exception to the rule. A loving, consistent environment.” APAA can help with the financial side of Sterilisation and other vet costs. They can also help with feeding costs if it becomes a problem. “We are open to all kinds of arrangements.”

Once upon a time, APAA had friends at Pet Park who helped with abandoned animals in need of care and attention before finding their ‘forever home’. Pet Park tragically no longer exists. “It’s a catch-22! Inevitably, there are fosterers who would be concerned about becoming over-attached to their dear lodger. It happens. But things always work out for the best for the carer and their four-pawed furry friends.

Pop-Up Shop ‘O Tasco’ 21 May 12-3pm Always a favourite venue. Fabulous hand-made jewellery, paintings, glassware, books and loads more! Cool drinks Amigo lunch!

APAA’s ‘Summer Party’ is an exciting afternoon of fun. Sunday 7 June 1400-1700 pm ‘Taberna do Sol’, Praia da Rocha. Comedy, sketches, fashion show. A luxury picnic lunch. Paid bar with cocktails and drinks 25€ pp. only 70 places book now! Contact: show.apaaportugal@gmail.com or 919041903 for tickets.

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. Books, gifts. Hand-made jewellery, ornaments. Home-made chutneys, jams, marmalades, pickles and cookies. Glassware, dinner services, cutlery. Clothing. Everything you need for your home or rental. All proceeds raised for SNiP and Abandoned animals. Having a clear-out? Think APAA.

Triple Charity Auction Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/802464032320020

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

Pets:info.apaaportugal@gmail.com (Mark Anita for ‘Legacy for Pets’)

Please check out APAA’s Facebook!