The Association for Security of Animals Algarve (APAA) was very first begun by Linda Pixley on privately-owned family ground.
Choosing to run a kennel in excellent countryside was a certainly good option.
Quickly it ended up being understood that the doggy-loving individuals were taking in strays. Regrettably, the discarded strays took control of the independently paid-for boarders, not just in area however in cost.
Thus, APAA was born out of necessity. Often, newly-born puppies and their mothers would be openly abandoned. A rare toot of a car horn hinting of new arrivals. The small numbers of helpers and volunteers would walk the dogs and help to feed them.
The vet booked for a mass inspection and the kitchen would be turned into an operating theatre for spaying and neutering. There was little time for niceties. Rolling up of sleeves a pre-requisite. Vaccinations followed by chipping. Visitors occasionally re-homing because “they got on so well…”
Walkers often fostering, finding friends to give a hand, hoping they too would adopt a furry friend. As secretary and membership secretary, there were no mobilephones then. Copying newsletters and important information was carried out in Modelo’s where there was a printing and copy shop, a coffee bar and a small tabacaria that sold stamps. A handy combination! Printing, copying, licking and quaffing all in one area.
Time carry on … APAA’s president Jenny Clarke likewise keeps in mind the old days. “We had to find a new modus operandi with the all-important ‘SniP’ (Spaying and Neutering Programme) started by the association. Seeing into the future, the only way forward was to keep the canine population down by spaying and neutering, with Pop-Ups and a new way of thinking to raise the all-important money it costs.”
Puppies saved in the nick of time
A concerned member had actually informed Jenny to abandoned puppies on the freezing tarmac a week prior to Christmas – “umbilical cords still attached”.
“I took them in. It was late at night, freezing cold. Bedraggled, they refused cow’s milk,” stated Jenny, handling to keep them warm in a box with soft fabrics near a heating unit. “Luckily they lasted through the wait for proper feed.” A sigh of relief. “They are bigger and eyes open. They are so cute! Pup updates to follow.”
Jenny guarantees us that the ‘Here to Help’ slogan is genuine. “How that person can sleep knowing those newborns would struggle for their life…”
Check out APAA’s incredibly Charity Shops: Alvor, Dunas Complex, Monday-Saturday, 10.30am-2pm, or Silves, Rua Elias Garcias 20, Monday-Friday, 10am-2pm, Saturday till 1pm. Both stores are loaded with quality goodies. Bring or purchase!
