On a recent trip to Algarve Shopping, I came across a stand manned by two sleeping puppies and their owner, Sofia, along with helper Jenny. Sofia, it turns out, owns the Wigglestail Animal Sanctuary, a short drive from São Bartolomeu de Messines.
Wigglestail was started in 2015, but only became an official charity in 2022. Having two rescue dogs myslef, Charlie and Freddie, and knowing the plight of so many abandoned and mistreated animals, I was keen to see the sanctuary for myself. Lying in my small hamlet in the Algarve, I see many dogs that are well cared for; however, it still amazes me how many are left tied up 24/7 or simply abandoned and left to starve, as ours were.
The sanctuary, although a little off the beaten track, was easy enough to find, but what struck me most was how peaceful and scenic the surrounding areas were, ideal for dog walking. Jenny, the ever-friendly helper, accompanied me and my newfound doggy companion Jasmine to a nearby stream. Given the heat, we all enjoyed letting off steam, with Jasmine probably enjoying it most of all. The family-friendly sanctuary has a whole array of animals to meet, including horses, donkeys, cats, dogs, sheep, goats and some very friendly pigs. Sofia’s vision is to give these animals the love and care they deserve, providing a healthy and fulfilling life to animals in need for the rest of their lives, with just a few being put up for adoption.
Although it can be difficult to turn animals away, Sofia ensures that the sanctuary does not take in more stray animals than it can cope with, ensuring that the animals in her care receive the support they deserve. They also have very strict rules regarding adoption and insist on home checks beforehand. All animals are sterilised, chipped, and have complete documentation before they are adopted.
As we are all aware, most shelters and sanctuaries rely on the dedication and support of volunteers in the area, without whom it would be difficult to survive. For those wishing to volunteer, the sanctuary also has parking spaces for volunteers in camper vans or motor homes, as well as tented accommodation. This comes with shower facilities, electric hook-up, wi-fi, cooking facilities and a water supply. All the sanctuary asks in return is a few hours of your support and the ability to cope with a lot of love and cuddles from the animals. The camping area, although basic, provides a wonderful oasis of calm and tranquillity, not to mention some breathtaking scenery and walks.
This wonderful sanctuary deserves our support, whether this means adopting an animal, volunteering your time, or making a financial donation. The sanctuary organises a range of events, such as quiz nights at Victoria’s bar near Silves, and welcomes any other fundraising ideas. As Sofia told me, “if you can simply come and walk just one dog, it will make such a difference”.
As for my own experience, rescue dogs require a lot of patience, but the rewards far outweigh the cons and, should they live in my house, they end up being fed far better than I am. If you feel you could give an abandoned animal a loving home, I recommend taking in a refuge dog, as the love you receive in return makes everything worthwhile. The only problem is that you want to take them all home.
When I think of the personal connection between people and dogs, I always smile at the quote by the actor Bill Murray: “I’m suspicious of people who don’t like dogs, but I trust a dog when it doesn’t like a person.”
WhatsApp: +351 937 518 946
wigglestail-animal-sanctuary.pt
www.facebook.com/WigglestailAnimalSanctuary
The sanctuary cares for over 140 rescued animals — dogs, pigs, cats, goats, sheep, horses, and a donkey.
Most of them have come from cases of abandonment, cruelty, or neglect. But right now, the small team running it desperately need your help.
Find out more about their fundraising and donate through ko-fi.
