Miss Odelouca. Molly and friends…

A little abandoned lady in Odelouca has been taking up a lot of APAA’s time and inspiration. Jenny Clarke, president of the Association for Protection of Animals Algarve, has for some months now, along with fellow members, tried to rescue the small dog.

“We leave good quantities of food and water, monitor her wellbeing and try to get her confidence and trust.” Exasperation. “Along came a little fellow to keep her company. Unfortunately, we think that, in trying to protect her, he got knocked over by a car.” Sadness.

“One of our helpers, Liz, was going to try a long-handled net. That didn’t work. A cage nearly did, but the little dog got distracted and bolted back out almost getting jammed in the cage door.”

It is difficult to explain how long it takes to win a dog’s confidence. Abandoned, abused, hurt and suspicious. “We thought of using sedatives, but she is too near the road, and she just might decide to wander off.”

A few days ago, the team, who take turns monitoring the site, installed alarms after discovering that someone had been leaving food for the dog, including stale bread and other unappealing food. The person was also seen trying to catch her. APAA has since put up signs asking people not to feed the dog. “We know people are trying to be kind, but sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. There are tricks of the trade, as they say.

“Tricia Brown has been quite successful with her special treats to lure the little girl. We are working as a team, discussing and planning each stage of the operation. So please let us do what we know best.”

Unfortunately, we are now a few steps back. If you want to help, contact us and give us your suggestions.

On the other side of the tracks, Joe Norris, a younger member, managed to make friends with abandoned six-month-old puppy Molly, who had a bad abscess on her neck and was waiting for the all-clear from the vet to go to a proper forever home. Joe says that she is good with other dogs and cats.

The little dog in Silves that was reported apparently belongs to a gypsy camp and just not being fed enough. So, the locals are helping out.

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APAA

APAA - Association for the Protection of Animals in the Algarve. Helping animals in the Algarve by providing funding for spaying, neutering and emergency pet care.

APAA Portugal is not an animal rescue centre. www.apaaportugal.com