Elderly women on the Algarve in particular? APAA’s President, Jenny Clarke, has been stripping out her wardrobes in between concocting new recipes for her jams and chutneys.

“We all need to have a change.” She smiles. One of her dogs has decided to molest an old hat. “These are the lifelines. They keep you on the go.” It is proven that older people do need companionship, of a certain kind. Really? “Friends and partners have unfortunately passed on. A lonely feeling can creep in, especially around the end of the summer.” The family has been for a holiday, renewing the long-lost friendships of the days of yore. Suddenly alone. “There are so many ways of filling space.”

Jenny has finished another batch of her latest chutney. “But we all need something special.” There are many wonderful abandoned animals, waiting for that special someone to come along and do the rescue from a shelter. The Association for Protection of Animals Algarve have many furry four-pawed friends that are waiting for that special ‘forever home’. Like us, they have lost out on a family for one reason or another. Some of them have reached older years, and need a different home. A new understanding. Aches and pains. Not so fast on the walk, thank you! Sounds familiar? There are many websites extolling the virtues of that older family member taking on a new friend. Breeds and types are important at an older age. “There is no reason, you have to make a decision, there and then!” Jenny is adamant, that people should give this special new relationship time and patience before jumping into the deep end. “Bonding is the main thing. That special feeling. It takes time to make sure it all works but it does if both the animal and human want it to.” If anyone needs a helping hand or suggestion in re-homing an animal, ‘Here to Help’ APAA will do just that.

Whilst packing up old clothing and belongings, spare a thought for the charities who are desperately in need. Whilst there are many listed through Websites and Afpop’s community sites, there are two APAA charity shops that always take good quality goods. All funds raised are for their SNiP campaign. The Spaying & Neutering Programme has grown and helps to raise money for other charities and shelters in need. Shops at Alvor and Silves have been recently tidied up and given a new modern look. They both boast rails of clothing for him and her. Plenty of books and games. Fashionable glassware, dining sets, bedding. A fine selection of paintings and ornaments.

Contact: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com