I learned a few days ago that a couple and two children were sleeping peacefully when they were woken up by their cat who, in desperation, jumped on them to warn them of the smoke that was spreading throughout the house, due to an electric mattress catching fire. The humans were saved, but the animal succumbed, poisoned by the smoke. A story, like many others, that leaves us appalled! Another case in which cats and dogs save humans and other animals. Like the dog Méel, from ADOTA, who rescued so many animals in the infamous Pedrógão fire! Unfortunately, not all hearts are softened by the attitudes of these creatures, be it bravery, tenderness, I would even say love! The animals that live with us, over time, repay us for the affection we give them! That’s why it is said that the dog is Man’s faithful friend! Or, it is quite common for the cat to sleep lying next to its owner’s body! It’s so good to feel that we are loved unconditionally by these beings who only expect shelter, food and affection from us. But housing them, feeding them, providing them with healthcare comes with costs, sometimes unaffordable ones, perhaps that’s the reason why not everyone can adopt a dog or a cat, especially when it’s someone who is economically disadvantaged. Municipalities have assistance programs for stray animals, some group them into colonies, sterilize them for free, provide drinking water and pellets; others are partners with animal protection associations that work on a voluntary basis, contributing small subsidies or veterinary assistance. But, as an example, the funds allocated are not always sufficient to maintain the felines in each colony, and volunteers are responsible for helping with the feeding and hygiene of their spaces.
ADOTA (Associação dos Animais de Santa Luzia- Tavira), founded in 2014, initially occupied a farm where it had built a kennel and a cattery, land lent by the owner for this purpose, until its return a few years later. ADOTA managed to give some of its dogs up for responsible adoption, but most were taken to another space, thanks to the kindness and humanism of the owner and caregivers at Associação ARA, in Loulé. For the cats, in partnership with Tavira City Hall, spaces were provided that offered conditions for the installation and maintenance of the animals, in accordance with legal safety and hygiene standards; Thus, seven colonies of stray cats were born in the municipality of Tavira.
The President of ADOTA, Alice Gil, has, since then, been tireless in achieving these objectives: daily, sometimes with the collaboration of one volunteer or another, she goes to all these places to feed the cats and clean the feeders and water troughs, thus providing safe and sanitized places and ensuring safety standards for public health. As for feeding the countless animals, he has had the collaboration of several commercial houses that provide, free of charge, food suitable for felines, as the funds made available by the city hall would be less than the expenses spent on the seven colonies. In addition to this external assistance, ADOTA has integrated activities with the aim of raising additional funds, to be donated to the association, from local fairs, promoted by the Santa Luzia Parish Council or the Tavira Municipal Council, where ADOTA presents handicrafts (Textiles, Painting), dry food for dogs and cats, its edition of the book “As Maravilhas de Alice – stories of animal rescues”, among other products, at its own stand; As part of cultural activities, he has held educational sessions with schools, lectures on themes related to animals, presentations of his book, and musical concerts.
During ADOTA’s birthdays, the association promoted, in some years, magnificent concerts, with the collaboration of singers and musicians, as well as moments of Stories and Poetry, with the presence of children from schools in Tavira. In November 2025, for its 11th anniversary, ADOTA held a lyrical concert, entitled “The Wonders of Alice”, with six lyrical singers, two pianists, a cellist and a guitarist, followed by a moment of poetry (recitation of poems by the President of ADOTA) and a performance for children – the tale of the dog Meo – with the collaboration of a presenter, the author of the book “The Wonders of Alice” and several elements that made up the cast of the story. For these “Wonders” to happen, many others made themselves available, such as companies and institutions, city hall, Misericórdia, restaurants, hairdressers, florist, makeup artist, all “pro bonu”, in favor of animals, to whom Alice Gil, as President of ADOTA, will always be recognized.
Opera singers: Conceição Galante (soprano) Nuno Villanova (baritone), Isabel de Seabra (soprano), Marie Chapelet (soprano), Manuel Piteira (tenor), Francisco Machado (tenor); Musicians: Raquel Correia (piano); André Rocha (cello); Luís Valente (guitar); Show presenter: Helena Peres; Short story author: Lina Soares; Dog and cat characters: Aldino Peres, Ana Correia, Elias Correia, Olga Ferreira, Lourdes; Makeup artist Alícia, Hairdressers: Dina, Jú, Rui Barros; Restaurants: OTacho, Cais Oceânico, Cabana do Frango, Xicken & Cia; Santa Casa da Misericórdia Ombudsman; Presidency of the Municipal Council of Tavira and Presidency of the Union of Parish Councils of Tavira; local press and radio: Jornal O Postal, Rádio Gilão and Rádio Horizonte. To these and everyone else who contributed to the success of the show, a BIG THANK YOU!
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