Nestled in the heart of the Algarve near Loulé lies Cabanita, a vibrant animal paradise lovingly established by Sid and his team at ARA (Animal Rescue Algarve). While this beautiful sanctuary provides a safe haven for countless rescues, Sid found himself contemplating what legacy could be created for those left behind when an animal lover dies.
“After creating this dream shelter, something still felt missing,” reflects Sid, an inspiring and pragmatic man of 80 years. “What happens to a happy hound or a cherished cat if their owner suddenly passes away? Through no fault of their own, they’re suddenly alone.”
This thought weighed heavily on Sid’s heart, sparking a deeper concern about the unfortunate reality of animal abandonment due to illness or death. He notes poignantly, “Facing age and illness is tough, but the thought of leaving our furry companions behind? That’s a difficult subject.”
Sid realised he wasn’t alone in his concerns when Jenny Clarke, President of APAA (Association for Protection Animals Algarve), and her dedicated colleague Anita Wight, acknowledged similar worries. “What if something happens to us?” they pondered. “We can’t bear the thought of our cherished pets being left behind – again.”
From these heartfelt discussions emerged a group of devoted volunteers including the general manager, João Ferreira. Together, they rallied to create an initiative that would ensure every pet could find a loving home in the face of unexpected circumstances. Thus, the ‘Legacy for Pets’ programme was born – a thoughtful guide to encourage pet owners to consider their furry family members’ futures carefully.
The process, which is supported by ARA, begins with the pet owner appointing a responsible guardian. When the rehoming of the animal becomes necessary, ARA takes charge of the necessary paperwork, collects the pets, and re-chips and vaccinates them, ensuring a smooth transition. Most importantly, the programme prioritises matching these pets with suitable families, allowing them to live out their lives in happiness and comfort, far beyond any medical facility or final resting place.
Heart-wrenching scenarios of animals left behind have left lasting impressions on Sid and Jenny. They recall a dear colleague Zélia, who passed away unexpectedly at just 65, leaving behind the beloved dogs and cats she had rescued. “It’s a responsibility we can’t simply pass on,” says Jenny.
The Legacy for Pets plan is refreshingly straightforward. While making a donation for your pet’s care is not mandatory, it is encouraged to ensure every animal receives the love and attention they deserve.
Life is unpredictable, and we never know when it may be our time to go. But for pets like Roja, Mouse, Dusty, George and Puffy, the programme offers a comforting safety net.
Let’s ensure that Cabanita remains a sanctuary where love continues to thrive. By preparing in advance, you can guarantee that your precious companions won’t face a bleak future alone. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Contact ARA to request more information about theLegacy program.
- Complete the Legacy forms to identify your pet(s) and their ages.
- Appoint a Guardianto take over pet care if needed.
- ARA will supply a contact card – keep it safe!
- If you have concerns about confidentiality, rest assured that all information is handled with total respect and compassion.
Why not take a moment to visit ARA and ease your mind? Together, we can create a more secure and loving future for our beloved pets.
Let’s make sure that our furry friends are cared for – today and always!
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