Visiting SPAD to walk the dogs is always a mix of emotions. There is joy in seeing how excited the dogs are to go outside, to feel fresh air, to explore something different from their daily routine. But at the same time, there is also a quiet heaviness, knowing that for now, this shelter is their home.

We let fate choose the dogs for us.

As the staff began bringing them out one by one, it almost felt like a series of blind dates. Which dog would be ours for the next hour? Who would we connect with?

Some dogs burst out full of energy, almost running with excitement just to be outside. Others came out slowly, sat down immediately, and seemed to say: not today… today I just want to chill. (And honestly, arent humans the same?)

Some had big personalities, little divas who clearly knew their worth. Others moved in circles, a behaviour developed from years of growing up in a shelter environment. A few stopped every few steps for yet another toilet break, making up for lost time outside their kennel walls.

Each dog carried their own story.

And we walked them all with pride.

Several volunteers said the same thing: “I needed this walk.” Sometimes we think we are helping the dogs but the dogs help us too.

Understanding the reality behind the shelter

A week before the group visit, we had the opportunity to meet the director of SPAD. This conversation helped prepare us for what to expect and gave us a clearer understanding of both the challenges and the improvements that have been made.

During our recent visit, we also had the chance to speak with a veterinarian who has been working at SPAD for over 20 years. Hearing directly from someone so dedicated to the animals gave important context to what we were seeing.

SPAD is the oldest animal shelter on Madeira, and in the past it has carried a difficult reputation. However, under newer management, many improvements have already been implemented, including an extension of the shelter and daily care routines that aim to provide stability for the animals.

Each kennel is cleaned every day. Dogs are fed regularly and receive medication when necessary, sometimes treatments that are costly but essential. There are small areas where dogs can move more freely while their spaces are cleaned. Grooming takes place when weather conditions allow.

Most importantly, there is genuine care.

When speaking about the animals, the staff expressed deep commitment and emotion. Their connection to the dogs was very clear.“For many of these dogs, we are the only family they have.”

These words stayed with us.

What the animals still need

Despite the improvements, there are still many needs.

One of the biggest wishes expressed by the team is proper dog beds, especially for older dogs. Some dogs have been at the shelter for more than ten years. At the moment, many sleep on newspaper that need frequent replacement.

Plastic beds can easily be chewed. Tyres are difficult to clean and retain smells. Softer materials often do not last long in a shelter environment. There is now discussion around finding more durable solutions, for example, a metal frame with strong fabric similar to outdoor sunbeds or playground flooring, something comfortable but resistant.

Other important needs include:

SPAD currently cares for over 250 dogs, each one waiting for adoption.

Some share kennels in groups of two, three, or four. Some must remain separated. Some watched us curiously. Others observed quietly with gentle, hopeful eyes. It is always a heartbreaking experience but it is also a reminder that these animals are not forgotten. They are fed, cared for, and loved.

Why SPAD?

People sometimes ask why we chose to support SPAD. The answer is simple: because they need support. SPAD is one of the oldest institutions on the island, and while past perceptions may still exist, what we saw was a team doing their best every single day with the resources available to them. When you see the staff interacting with the dogs, you see patience, responsibility, and care. SPAD deserves the opportunity to continue improving and to reshape its story. And helping one shelter does not mean we cannot help others too. If we can improve life for one dog, one space, one moment that impact grows.

Small actions matter

We even had a kind gesture from someone who brought cakes for the staff and chose to remain anonymous, believing that the real recognition belongs to the people working daily with the animals.

We also collected some blankets at our recent visit at Centro da Mae.

Sometimes the smallest actions, a walk, a blanket, a toy, a conversatio, create real change.

We left with full hearts, slightly heavy minds, and a shared feeling: We will be back. Because until each of them finds a home, we can at least help make their days a little brighter.

We have a fundraiser to help buy leaches, collares etc. Click here to know more