All sorts of items, skirts, t-shirts, dresses… all colours and sizes.” Luckily for the Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA), the clothing side of their trade is doing well, especially during the tourist seasons. “Thank heavens!” Their ‘Pop-Up’ Shops having shut for the summer-season now need funds from their charity outlets and events. “All our money goes to SNiP and food.” APAA’s Spaying & Neutering Programme gifts money to private homes and other associations and shelters in times of need. “Along with food and vet bills, the costs are rising. We’re all feeling the pinch.”

Whatever happens in between the unsettled times of the global economy, people especially women, will leave a handsome bundle of clothing behind. “We’re never going to say ‘STOP’, we need the good fashion items all-year-around.”

The Algarve climate is a little more predictable than the UK. “Our feral-cat-problem will always be a huge problem.” Jenny, President of APAA has just returned from discussing a local farmer’s feral-cat problem. “He doesn’t seem to realise that these cats are multiplying because he’s the problem!” Pardon? “He associates his ‘tackle’ with that of the cats.

The idea we should remove their ‘bits and pieces’ frightens him to death. We try to explain SNiP is not catching! It reduces the population, not their enjoyment. Perhaps that’s a good explanation for him at least!” She smiles. In the meantime, Liz is going to starve the little girl on the Odelouca road, so she’ll be hungry enough not to notice the trap closing down on her.

She can then be transported, spayed, checked over by the vet and fostered and hopefully eventually rehomed. “Problem is, now she has a male companion. We just hope we can get her away before nature takes its course and we are looking at the possibility of puppies.”

Whilst vet and food costs are rising so are people’s charitable efforts. “We cannot thank the members and the public enough for their continued support. It’s not easy and looks like getting more difficult.” So, any help is most welcome.

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. 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!