Nor are they ‘playthings’ for humans. “Sadly, Christmas is not the only time when animals are bought on a whim.” Jenny Clarke, president of the Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA), has, over the years, experienced the giving and taking of animals as gifts.
“Surprise, surprise!” Children are naturally curious and when school friends have a new pet, they too want one. Why not? A healthy, rowdy, growing family and a new dog or cat is an important decision to make. “Well, that goes for any new pet, budgies, rabbits, whatever!” Someone has to be responsible for their welfare. Walks, feeding, cleaning up behind them … Literally.
“Young animals, like children, require training. A regular schedule helps. Animals, in that regard, are more flexible. They become used to the routine that exists around them.”
Jenny has re-homed many animals in her APAA guise. “A loving, caring family is a wonderful place for a new puppy or kitten.” All growing together. “The sad thing is, once the long summer holidays reach an abrupt end, the animal has suddenly become a problem.” Ah. “Friendly frolics on the beach. Playing around the family pool. Picnics in the countryside.” They come to an end. Work and school beckon. “Unfortunately, by this time, the animal has become an intrinsic part of the family. Firmly placed within its loving circle. Arguments about who is responsible start and begin to escalate. Children become upset. The furry cuddly canine or pretty purring feline has now become an excuse for the family’s shortcomings.” A liability. Sounds as if it all gets out of hand.
“Dumping is not a solution. Sometimes simple re-scheduling of feeding and walking time is all that is needed.” That four-legged friend is still family! The answer is not to buy or adopt in haste, then repent at leisure. “There are shelters, but they are already full of abandoned dogs.” In this case, it is the humans who need to say, “You wouldn’t do that to a human. Now, would you?”
APAA’s ongoing mission: ‘SNiP’, its Spaying & Neutering Programme; attempting to stop the rise in feral cats; providing medical care and food, so that colonies can survive safely in a natural environment; helping abandoned dogs, usually badly injured, needing urgent veterinary treatment, after-care and re-homing. All of this costs.
“We have popular events and ‘Pop-Up’ shops.” Jenny has just finished loading a caged cat into her van. “This one snuck in after our recent Odelouca ‘Pop-Up’. Stayed overnight.” A treat in store no doubt? A big grin. “SNiP and back home!”
APAA’s charity shops in Alvor and Silves are always full of wonderful, make-over goodies for home and garden, fabulous clothing and jewellery, pots of jams, marmalades and preserves.
Contact Jenny: [email protected]
By APAA
