“Zélia heads our feral feline trapping, sterilising and returning programme.” Keeping busy. Unfortunately, the team has been extra busy recently. “The abandoned dogs are on the rise. But, at this time of the year that’s the way it goes. Cats, well, they reproduce at an alarming rate. Getting to them is a huge problem.” Education is a commitment made in their early days. Not only by helping the community but by trying to get members to look after their own turf as it were. “We do have a surprising amount of increased interest.” Urbanisations having realised that the problem is on their own doorstep are rolling back their sleeves and getting the colony started. “It takes time and a lot of patience.” Jenny has been on several cat scrambles with the cat nappers. “Cats are canny creatures. Dogs are easier, more trusting.” Heavily pregnant animals are dumped in the cold.” Thanks to the veterinary care the animal’s survival is stretched sometimes to the limit.

“We need more money. As tiring as it may be, as repetitive as it is. It, money, sadly is what makes us manage. We at APAA are ‘Here to Help’ other charities, and shelters.” Jenny’s team has effectively over the 30 years come up with ways of making the money work. “Novel ideas, we used to do murder in the dark-themed parties.” Yes of course. “Then it was grand lunches or dinners and dancing.” Mm. “Pop-Up’ Shops were an incredibly on-the-spot moment. Epiphany! The light bulb in the dark, glowing sort of thing. “They caught on and so here we are approaching another year of favourite on the spot, community buying, for its members.”

Credits: Supplied Image;

Calendar: ‘Pop-Up’ Table at Almádena Hall (Nr Luz) Saturday 10th February 11am-3.30pm. Excellent quality goods. Lighting, lamps, ornaments, glassware. ‘Jolly’ Bar Alvor, Nr. Campsite. Friday 16th February 11am-2pm. Soft Furnishings, Fiona’s Fi-line clothing collection, and jewellery. Gill Goode’s beautiful artwork. Can’t make the pop-up? Check out APAA charity shops in Alvor and Silves full of duvets, rugs, and hospitality trays. All sorts of interesting gifts. Everything for the house, garden and the pets too. Ferragudo Car Boot Sale, every second Sunday of the month 8am-12noon. Diary! 11 February followed by 10th March. 14 April. Coming up soon Easter stalls Convento’bio Lagoa. Not forgetting Jenny’s Jams, preserves, marmalades and Jackie’s Cookies!

APAA Cat Colonies: zelia.santos@live.co.uk events.apaaportugal@gmail.com

APAA: Marketplace on Facebook (Donna)