Goldra urgent request for help

[martin]

message recd as follows-

GOLDA UPDATE
Goldra final closure March 31st 2011
22 dogs and 32 cats now urgently needing new homes
Last year we had the shock news that the rescue centre at Goldra was to close. Since then a group of volunteers have worked tirelessly to sort out, treat and re-home 110 dogs and over 40 cats
We had expected to close the centre at the end of Dec 2010 but despite our best efforts we still have 22 dogs and many cats still needing new homes
We are extremely grateful to all those who have responded by welcoming one or more of these dogs or cats into their home. The majority have travelled to new homes abroad with SOS Algarve Animals
Putting these remaining animals to sleep without giving them one more chance is not an option so we have arranged to keep the centre running until the end of March 2011. Time is the one thing these animals do not have.
The Quintinha Association will then be closed. The land belongs to Lourdes and her future plans are at the moment uncertain

Final Chance
This is a heartfelt plea for help
To give the remaining dogs the best chance to find a home we urgently need some volunteers who will come up to Goldra and spend time with the dogs. The majority of the dogs are very friendly – only a few are still slightly scared. They have had a rough time – when there were so many dogs they were always ignored and there was never enough time to help them become more used to human contact .
I know from firsthand experience that this can work.
I found Hettie there when we went to count the dogs last March . She had a dreadful eye injury and urgently needed to see the vet. It took two of us nearly half an hour to catch her. Now she is an absolute delight as well as a real character . Once out of the centre gate we have found that many of the dogs behave differently so I remain optimistic for the others.
The remaining 32 cats and kittens in Cat Village are so quiet that it is easy to overlook them but they also urgently need new homes. Some are very friendly and would make excellent house cats whereas others would be happy living outside with shelter and food such as in stables and could help with any mice problem !
Updated information about all the dogs and cats can be found on the website
www.quintinha-animalcentre.org
How you can help
Financially the situation remains very precarious even though we have cut our expenses substantially. We totally understand that as a service is no longer being provided and various concerns about transparency that by doing the following you can be assured any donation you very kindly make is being properly targeted
· Any donation of food for the dogs and cats would be most welcome. These can be left at Canham Vet clinic in Almancil with Dr Ana, or Clinica Veterinaria da Guia with Dr Kirsten
· Any donation towards the vet bill Dr Ana, Canham Vet, Almancil for the Quintinha account would also be most welcome and can be taken directly to the vet
· Volunteer to help socialize the dogs
· Consider having one of the remaining cats or dogs
· Forward the information to all your contacts

For more information or offers of help please contact
Verna Kinder
96 256 0451 282 449395 pvkinder@mail.telepac.pt

[bruce]

So sad to read this those poor animals I hope homes are found for them, a donation is on its way, just wish I could do more for them.

[gabby27]

I am so so sorry to hear about the centre. You all do such wonderful work for abandoned animals. My husband and I are moving to Portugal but not until mid April and would have willingly volunteered to help socialise or anything although regretably we could not home any because of condominium rules. If you get a further extension or know of any other centre near cvo which needs any volunteer dog and cat lovers, we would love to help.
Wishing you every success in the meantime and applauding you for your care and devotion.