Sid Richardson of ARA, provided the answer to their conundrum. What indeed can people do for their pets, should they die unexpectedly. Or, as it happens, expectedly. “We arranged a couple of meetings with ARA to see if we could come to some understanding. Anita and I had been discussing our dogs. After, we go, they live on. Who is going to look after them?” Good question. Sid and João Ferreira, General Manager of ‘Cabanita’ the ARA animal shelter agree that the wisest way to look after your pet if you love them, is to consider their fate whilst you are still alive and able to make that decision. “I built the shelter because my belief in animals and their welfare was a priority.” Sid is proud, rightly so, of his achievements.


Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;

“Pet Legacy was an idea I had some time ago. Shelved, as it were, for the shelter project which took a lot of time. Finding the right people to manage and run things on a day-to-day basis.” Jenny’s idea of a ‘Home for Life’ for her animals was something we discussed. “We talk incessantly of our pets’ and their ‘forever home’. But sadly we never really think ahead of what that entails.” Having rescued an abandoned animal, fed it, cared for it, SNiP’ed it and then re-homed it. “Wouldn’t it be great if we could talk to people, at the jubilant re-homing, about the animal’s future, should the owner not be able to look after it. Could be a long unforeseen illness, the loss of a partner. Whatever the circumstances, we have seen most first hand.”

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;

Pets, unfortunately, are overlooked when wills, or “wish lists” are being discussed, legalised. Inheritors may be miles away, over continents and land-masses. A dog or cat is not on their agenda. Why should it be? ARA’s beautiful first-class shelter in wide open countryside. “We intend to find every animal a proper home. The home it deserves.” João has several of his own. Some disabled. He never gives up. Which is his motto. “Animals are gifts and we should treat them with respect.” A simple solution, registering your pet(s) with ARA. When you die your Legacy ‘kicks-in’ to play. Your wishes are their command.

Contact: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com or info@animalrescuealgarve.com. Use Home For Life or Pet Legacy in your message. Go for it now!