For some, a dream is never realised. Luckily for Gail Skinner, she got hers. “It was a huge thrill to be working with the dogs and their owners in the famous all-star ‘Main Arena’ at Crufts.” Although Gail’s home and training centre is here on the Algarve, her youthful beginnings were in Africa working with strays and difficult animals. Now experiencing the exciting giant show for herself. “The breeds, the atmosphere. Incredible.” Accredited in all the required diplomas and certificates, Gail has earned a very honoured status amongst her peers. Her book ‘For Dogs Sake’ was launched at the show. “All seems to be happening at once.”

Gail’s amazing devotion, discipline and personal charismatic style with her animals is no surprise. “It is the humans, the owners, we have to train. Not only in their dog’s behaviour, but understanding why and how.” Apart from training, writing and trying to get some leisure time, Gail was asked to ‘guest’ at the recent Star-Spangled Show ‘Celebrity Coach Trip to Portugal’. Gail’s job was to try and match the celebs with the dogs. “Not an easy task. Only 24 hours for that section of the production.” She laughs. “Rewarding all the same.” Her whole ethos is to be at one with the animal in question. Which she learnt as a child. “I have been so lucky. Not everyone gets their dream to come true!” Gail trains at the purpose-built Alldogs Training Centre and a beautifully crafted website. Contact her for a chat, or check out her services. A good friend to APAA, she too is ‘Here to help’.


Another ‘centre’ of attraction has become the splendid ARA shelter in Loulé. They have a special relationship with APAA, both have a very important thing in common. ‘Legacy for Pets’. The Association for Protection of Animals Algarve’s President, Jenny Clarke and their ‘Pop-Up’ Shop Manager, Anita Wight, recently had an important meeting with Animal Shelter Algarve’s CIC, Sid Richardson, and his General Manager, João Ferreira. “We had been talking for ages about ‘Legacy’ and putting it into practice,” Sid admits. “But, we needed to take it another step further.”

Having enlisted some 22 owners over the two years, who have taken up the ‘Legacy for Pets Plan’, they felt that the ‘word’ needed more coverage. “We enlisted Anita as our ‘Ambassador’, luckily, she agreed wholeheartedly!” More to the point, Anita is well-known as the ‘Pop-Up’ representative and has access to the public in many ways. “Devoting my time, to ‘Legacy’, is important. It is a very simple idea. We forget that when we are alive, that our responsibilities may come to an abrupt end. Which means, if we fall ill or die, then our pet(s) are stranded. Without a home. If, whilst you are well and alive, then why not give your furry friends a helping hand?” The simplicity is to fill in a form, nominating a guardian, the pet(s) details, name, age, medical history and registering it with ARA.

“So, when I pop-off!” Anita smiles. “As we all will one day. My canine-pals will have someone to whisk them off to ARA’s shelter and be cared for and what is most important, re-homed. What more could I want?” It also means, if someone falls ill and is no longer able to look after their furry ones, they too can rest assured, no ‘fretting’ knowing that their animals are getting a chance of a new home. Jenny is also a ‘Legacy’ gal. “We know it is a subject that not everyone wants to deal with.

But, unfortunately, APAA and ARA have seen the fallout and trauma when the tragedy unfurls. ARA’s Shelters about 50 cats and 85 dogs, and they can see a happy future. Re-homing some 30 animals a month. Sid is a pragmatist and knows how sensitive the subject of illness and death can be. “Perhaps it would be easier if, for instance, a friend or relative makes the suggestion. Rather than coming from a stranger.” Agreed. “Don’t wait because it just maybe too late.” Food for thought. “Do something good for your pet(s) now whilst you can. Pat them on the head, knowing they are going to be cared for.”


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

Legacy : info@animalrescuealgarve.com

Gail:keyawesomedogs@gmail.com

https://www.awesome-dogs.com/trainer/gail-skinner

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