“It’s been one of those mornings.” She grins. "Busy with deliveries and dodging the traffic.” Shaking her head she removes her ultra-strong sunglasses. “The sun is getting higher! It’ll be dangerous on the back roads.” How so? “The fields have been stripped of shrubs, trees and natural undergrowth. Stacks of ominously large plastic-covered solar panels have taken their place. Unfortunately, the fencing is now so near to the curve of the country roads, that there is little leverage for traffic.” The odd Juggernaut with its massive wheels. “Nowhere to dodge!” The same goes for the hares, javelli, birds and wildlife that secrete the haven that once was the Algarvean countryside.

“Feral cat colonies will also be a problem.” Keeping colonies safe and at a discreet distance is not easy. Somewhere animals, nature and caring have become disconnected. Jenny is not easily side-tracked. “Where we used to have quiet scenic routes and areas we knew to be safe, we now have a mad dash.” She has noticed more dead animals on the road too. “Rescuing and re-homing animals is difficult enough when healthy and in one piece. But when they are badly injured and traumatised it's hard work and extra funds have to be spent on veterinary care.” Jenny has re-homed such a young cat. “Carla is doing amazingly well. Fully recovered and ruling the roost!” Good. Fighting the inhumanity that seems to be on the increase.


“Unfortunately, not only just animals but humans, children as well.” The world seems to be moving faster than it is really capable. Unable to keep up. “Society puts children into school, educating them to be good people.” There is a problem with what they see at home. On their super-mega screens is the opposite to what responsible, caring humans, are trying to teach them.” Cruel, abusive behaviour is on the increase. “Children see things they wouldn’t be exposed to some 20/30 years or so ago.” Tragic but true.

“Rural children are exposed to life in a different way to city or town folk. Difference in values.” Sadly, shelters, associations and families are finding it difficult enough to feed and clothe their children in the fashion to which they are used. Looking to charity for help. The ‘pet’ furry canine or feline friend is the first to be dumped. We look to the mothers and wives to keep and cherish values within the family. Unfortunately, they too are not protected from a bad temper or abusive behaviour. A time for change? “Hopefully so. The future should be a safer, happier place. Back to traditional family values.”

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