Darwin’s theory of evolution, selection of the fittest, survivor takes all. Indeed, Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA)’s President Jenny Clarke, has chanced upon a few strange breeds. “Accidental or otherwise!” She grins. “Popular myth is that dogs do not mate with their own families. They do. Locking a door, or shooing a dog away from a female on heat does not work!

This is basic nature at its best or worst!” One member reported a neighbour putting knickers on her pet dog when on heat. A hole for the tail. “Result? A mixed bag of tricks. Literally!” APAA’s continued Spaying & Neutering Programme (SNiP) works. “You just have to get the pet to a vet before it gets old enough to mate.” Dogs will travel for hours away from the home on the promising scent of a female. Dogs or ‘canids’ have been with us since the dawn of mankind. They come in all shapes and sizes. Hunters; ducks, boar, humans. They certainly had some inter-breeding with wolves, but not necessarily the total reason canines as we know them now are with us in the modern world. Animals have repeated ‘mistakes’ across the boundaries within their own communities, sheep, horses, cows. “I guess that’s how we all made it. One way or another!”

Pretty dogs, ugly ones, in-between, coarse or curly hair. They have been with us for a long time. Evolving into guard-dogs, pets, friends. Abandoned. Re-homed. Looking deep into their eyes, when allowed, one can see the depth of history buried in their genes, DNA. Proud, loyal, obedient, loving. A companion for life. Mistreating such a creature should be legally punishable, unfortunately this is the case, but forgotten and not easily invoked. Some communities eat dogs, a speciality. A necessity. This is not the same as injuring a dog for enjoying pain.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: APAA;

APAA’s second 2026 ‘Pop Up’ shop. At ‘O Tasco’ Senhora do Verde. Make sure you mark up your diary. Monday 23rd March (Chicken piri-piri day). Bring and buy! Ornaments, hand-made jewellery, household goods. Paintings, prints, books. Pet corner.

Visit APAA Charity shops Dunas do Alvor: Mon-Sat10.30am–2pm Rua Elias Garcia 20,Silves:Mon-Fri 10am–2pm(Sat1pm) Silves. Real bargains. Books, gifts. Hand-made jewellery, ornaments. Home-made chutneys, jams, marmalades, pickles and cookies. Glassware, dinner services, cutlery. Everything you need for your home or rental. Spoil yourself! All proceeds raised for SNiP and Abandoned animals. Having a clear-out? Good, unwanted gifts, clothes always needed. Bring, Browse and Buy!

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

Pets:info.apaaportugal@gmail.com Pet Plan ‘Legacy’ mark for Anita

Please check out APAA’s Facebook!