“I often take to the ‘naughty’ food – I suppose cats and dogs need much of the same treatment!” The President of the Association for the Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA) knows from her own experience that, sometimes, a tempting morsel is needed. When animals get to a certain age, they will appear to have a loss or a drastic change in appetite.

“What used to be good and nourishing and flavourful is like cardboard.” Agreed. “But with a pet, one has to be certain. Teeth, for instance, or a bad tummy that doesn’t seem to get better, or listlessness. The list goes on! Check with the vet first.” Right! Canines and felines are hereditarily even-tempered animals; hunting, playing, and domestication have changed many of their behavioural patterns. Breakfast is no longer fun, as older animals tend to sleep in later and enjoy the warmth of the bed. By the time the rise and shine time has come, they are past their hunger. They might not be as playful either! Preferring to laze around.

Dinner will be a different, glorious affair, tucking in and enjoying every crumb. Possibly looking for more. Sometimes a special treat will restore a weak appetite. Checking packets of food for ‘new’ or ‘better recipe’ may have altered the tasty food that pooch or puss once loved. “So it’s the vet first if your animal is not feeding properly, then trying a different brand, or a tasty treat on top.” Dogs like fish as much as cats. A sardine mixed in? Some leftovers from your own supper or lunch? Diet taken into consideration, all things being equal, your pet may just want a change!

An absolute ‘must’ is the APAA ‘Summer Party’ raising money for SNiP, and in exchange, an exciting afternoon of fun. Sunday 7 June 1400-1700 pm ‘Taberna do Sol’, Praia da Rocha. Vibrant afternoon offering; comedy, sketches, fashion show and a luxury picnic lunch. Paid bar with cocktails and drinks 25€ pp. 70 places book now! Contact: show.apaaportugal@gmail.com or 919041903 for tickets

Convento’bio Postponed until September.

Visit APAA Charity shops, Dunas do Alvor: Mon-Sat 10.30 am–2pm, Rua Elias Garcia 20, Silves: Mon-Fri 10am–2pm (Sat 1 pm), Silves. Real bargains. Books, gifts. Hand-made jewellery, ornaments. Home-made chutneys, jams, marmalades, pickles and cookies. Glassware, dinner services, cutlery. Clothing. Everything you need for your home or rental. All proceeds raised for SNiP and Abandoned animals. Having a clear-out? Think APAA.

Author: APAA;

Triple Charity Auction Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/802464032320020

Jackie’s lunches & events: events.apaaportugal@gmail.com

Pets:info.apaaportugal@gmail.com (Mark Anita for ‘Legacy for Pets’)

Please check out APAA’s Facebook!