“Ear-tipping or notching is something we do to enable us to control feral cat colonies. Spotting the cat with a normal ear? Then it hasn’t been sterilised.”

A worldwide veterinary solution to help keepers of cat colonies to be ahead spot the intruder. “Not forgetting that one unsterilised cat can cause havoc in a colony. Let alone two!” True. Although most rescue stories have a happy result, sometimes the journey is a long one. A recent pair of dumped dogs were taken by APAA to ‘Pet-Park’ for care, vet screening and re-homing. “Wanda, our help line lady, received the call, dealt with it as quickly as we could. But the woman who had originally found the dogs wanted to literally take over. Visit the dogs every day. Unannounced. It got to the point where we had to give her an ultimatum. You or the dogs?” The woman had obviously grown fond of her furry foundlings. Finding it difficult to relinquish her duty. “Finally, she saw sense.” APAA is a collection of people who care about animals. They are a small team at the sharp end. “All we can do is our best.” Good. “We need to make sure we find the proper forever home for each of our furry friends.”


Collections were made by Continente in Portimão for two charities. One of which was APAA, receiving a handsome 2,523€. APAA’s events and ‘Pop-Up’ Shops are thriving, in need of good venues and lots of happy customers. “Our spaying and neutering programme (SNiP) raises the funds we need to keep the cat colonies healthy and to a minimum, where possible. They need care, feeding and vet bills have to be paid.” APAA help other charities and shelters. The helpful charitable pair, Paul & Pasi, held a special holistic day of healing at their clinic in Portimão. Proceeds for APAA. Together with Anita’s ‘Pop-Up’ Table, they made a princely amount. “Considering the weather, we’ve been fortunate that our die-hard followers just keep on supporting us. Thank you, everyone.”


Ferragudo car boot sales every 2nd Sunday of the month 8-12. Weather permitting! ‘Pop-Up’ Stall Convento’bio Lagoa Friday 16 May. APAA stalls handmade Jewellery, gifts and goodies. Charity shops at Alvor and Silves. Pop-In and buy. Clothing. Bedding. Books. Jewellery. Gifts. Take in your unwanted presents, household items, especially man-cave stuff. Emporium Charity Sale Facebook 19/04-26/04. Jackie’s Cookies, Jenny’s Jams, Pickles, Marmalades: ‘Pop-Up’ and Charity shops. Not car boot sales.

Contacts: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com

Pet Park: ghulme23@yahoo.co.uk

Paul & Pasi: paul@naturaljokiflow.org

Emporium: https://www.facebook.com/groups/594035701307971