However, young women seem to know where there is an opportunity. Algarve Animal Rescue’s João Ferreira, ARA’s General Manager, assisted by a wonderful team, both volunteers and full-time; definitely a majority-female-work-force.

Élia ‘womans’ the front office and ensures ‘Cabanita’ runs as smoothly as possible. The young ‘trained’ capable minders exercise the dogs, feed, clean and generally ensure that the shelter is indeed the best place an animal could want to be. Amongst the parks, kept lush and fresh with sprinklers keeping the dogs cool whilst ‘funning’ around. There is a wonderful canine-play-pool too, just in case.

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This special combination of vitality and business acumen gives not only ARA that special vibe humans cannot fail to feel, but also the animals who are sheltered there. ‘Worldpackers’ announced that ARA won first-prize of 5,000$ to help them along with their expenses.

Sid Richardson CIC, was overjoyed. “It is a wonderful tribute to the ARA team who work here.” The outstanding award selected from over 20,000 ‘Worldpacker’ hosts was reduced to 10 winners sharing the 20,000$. Sid also sees that this is an endorsement not only for the shelter but for the way in which people perceive the importance it has within the community.

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“We have just appointed Anita, as Ambassador, for our ‘Legacy for Pets Plan’. She has several of her own pets signed up. Along with Jenny President, of APAA (The Association for Protection of Animals Algarve). That is an endorsement in itself.”

ARA’s friend Carlos Filipe, author and photographer, has just completed their ‘Legacy’ video. “It is an important tool for all of us to share and use within our community for educational purposes.” The ARA team, along with APAA joining together to show the strength behind ‘Legacy’ for pets.

“There are so many shelters around the world that have this same basic idea, and we have introduced it to the Algarve.” Simply ask yourself the question. “What happens to my beloved pets if something happens to me? I became ill. Maybe I have to move to my home country and cannot take them with me.” Yes. “And what if I should die?” Watch the video and contact Anita for a visit or chat.

Ferragudo Car-boot sale every 2nd Sunday of the month 8-12. Charity shops at Alvor and Silves. Pop in and buy. Clothing. Bedding. Books. Jewellery. Gifts. Take in your unwanted presents, household items, especially man-cave stuff.. Jackie’s Cookies, Jenny’s Jams, Pickles, Marmalades: ‘Pop-Up’ and Charity shops. Not car boot sales. Volunteers are always welcome!

Legacy video: https://youtu.be/yjP0obY0dUk

Contacts: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com (mark for Anita-Legacy)

ARA: legacy@animalrescuealgarve.com

Carlos Filipe: www.cfilipe.pt or info@cfilipe.pt