Remain responsible. Achieve something significant. The all-important Spaying and Neutering Programme, run by APAA, has been a success. “But it takes time and a long hard look at what is happening around us.” Jenny Clarke has seen the changes. “We didn’t see cats in the community for several years.” Illness had struck, the cat population was decimated by a hard-hitting ‘parvo’ style virus. “Cats, however, do have a way of making a huge comeback! The re-population of feral felines has risen over the last few years. The trapping, SNiP’ping and vaccinating feral cats isn’t easy.”

APAA’s Cat Colonies are run by Zélia and her friends. Jenny smiles. “Without their hard work and cunning, who knows?” Indeed. Supermarkets and small business help with food donations and supplies. But vet costs, and supporting care for dogs in shelters. It needs time, money and patience. We have so many shelters looking after abandoned animals. “It’s heartbreaking. Dogs are our main concern. Females, dumped, usually just about to have a litter.” Or, even worse. “We can take them in and care for them. But if they are already born, some have wondered off. Blind, unprotected. Needing warmth and attention.” Their motto ‘here to help’ can only work if people, the kind-hearted community, give time and money. Perhaps a leap of charitable faith?

APAA’s leap of faith is with their Community, helping, and serving each other, in individual ways, to achieve their desire. APAA’s non-stop fundraising charitable works are beginning to gain popularity. The Association for Protection of Animals Algarve, create their activities around the surrounding community. ‘Pop-Ups’ and APAA have become synonymous with a place to hang around in for a while, browse, buy, lunch. Or just pause long enough for a refreshing drink and a quick chat. Why not? Anita head of ‘Pop-Ups’ and Jenny, APAA’s President, agree that not only do the ‘Pop-Ups’ thrive, but their lunch and dinner venues do too!

Their next adventure will be a lovely buffet lunch in the stunning countryside at Anita’s hideaway north of Portimão. ‘Kings & Queens’ theme will kick of 1.00pm on Sunday 30th April. Bookings: Jenny +351 919 041 903 events.apaaportugal@gmail.com.

It’s worth noting that ‘Pop-Ups’ will be at: ‘Holiday Inn’ Armação de Pêra 11-2pm 12 May. 'Manu Snack Bar', Figueira 21st May 11-2pm. All events will have star attractions Jams, Chutneys, Cookies and Anita will have a special cake bake sale at her event. Info.apaaportugal@gmail.com. Cat Colonies: zelia.santos@live.co.uk.