Jenny Clarke, President of the Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA), shrugs. “We’ve also had reports that people have been trying to trap the abandoned dog.” The months that the members of the ‘rescue’ team have put in to try to gain the confidence of the little abandoned girl known as ‘Miss Odelouca’ may have been set back.

A little while ago, she had been joined by a male dog. Unfortunately, in trying to protect his girlfriend, he was knocked over by a car. Sadness is something the rescuers at APAA know. “At the heart of it, people are trying to be kind, do their bit, but unfortunately it ends up putting our progress further back.”

Tempting the dog with special treats after a day of no food. Extra special food we know she likes. The dog will know all their voices, smells, and mannerisms by now. “We will keep on trying, we’ve attempted a long-handled net and a cage. But neither worked, the dog is too spooked. We never know the hardship and cruelty they have suffered in their lives and can only keep on trying!” APAA has considered sedating her. “At the moment, the worry is she is too near the road. A lot of patience and goodwill. Hopefully triumph!”

On the other hand, young APAA member Joe Norris has found an abandoned puppy now named ‘Molly’. She is being looked after temporarily by friends, who say she is good with other pets and very sweet-natured. She was suffering from a bad abscess on her neck, now receiving treatment from a vet in Parchal and will be ready for re-homing to the right forever home shortly.

Reports of a starving dog near Silves prison turned out to be a dog owned by the nearby gypsy-camp so locals are doing their best to keep the little dog fed and watered as best they can. And the municipal vet has been informed. If anyone has experience catching abandoned dogs, we are always happy to receive their ideas and, where possible, their physical help. Help is always welcome at APAA.

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.

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!