Using a drop frame, Gabi and Jenny caught a couple of cats in one go. “They get nosey and start nibbling the food and there you go!” Indeed. The Association for the Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA) relies on many kind helping hands to get their work done.

Jenny, APAA’s president, knows that it sometimes takes a kind heart as well. “Trapping at dawn is not everyone’s idea of fun.” No. “So you have to be an early riser and a cat lover.” The feral feline requiring dental care is whisked off into a cage into Jenny’s boot of her white van and the other is being dealt with by Gabi. “Vets fees are notoriously complicated, looking at this poor cat’s mouth is going to be a nightmare. Rather them than me!” The cat has had its gums treated and two extractions, before returning safely to the cat-colony the next morning. “I couldn’t have the cat as my quarantine area is already booked out!” Jenny’s backroom is the home of 4 beautiful grey/black Labrador-type puppies. “About 6-weeks old and they will all be vaccinated and transferred to ‘Puppyland’ who will kindly foster them whilst forever homes are being found.”

Credits: Supplied Image;

“After they are homed we will ensure they are SNiP’d.” APAA’s main programme in life is spaying and neutering of feral cats and abandoned dogs. “It is a growing problem, not only on the Algarve, but thank heavens, our neck of the woods has to be looked after and ‘policed’ as the numbers increase.” Always on the lookout for volunteers and donations. Their events are a popular method of raising money and awareness within the community. ‘Here to Help’ is their motto and they ask for you, to help them, to help you.

Christmas Lunch Thursday 4 December Recanto dos Mouros, Silves 12.30 for 1.00. Details to follow. Final Pre-Christmas ‘Pop-Up’ Favourite ‘O Tasco’ Monday 8th December 12-3pm. Monday Chicken-Piri-Piri day! Book lunch direct. Ideal for Christmas shopping and a fab lunch with friends. Car Boot Sales Ferraguido 2nd Sunday December & January.

Visit APAA Charity shops Dunas do Alvor: Mon-Sat10.30am–2pm Rua Elias Garcia 20,Silves:Mon-Fri 10am–2pm(Sat1pm) Silves. Real bargains. Christmas presents, hand-made jewellery, ornaments. Home-made chutneys, jams, marmalades, pickles and cookies. Everything you need for your home or rental. Spoil yourself!

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

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

*Pinha & siblings (4 total) Patricia ‘Puppyland’ friendscanilportimao@gmail.com

https://friendscanilportimao.com/