Featured Furkidz: HAWS

HAWS, the Animal Welfare Society, located on the outskirts of Hartbeespoort, is putting much energy into upgrading the garden setting in which they house, and from which they rehabilitate and rehouse, up to 65 unwanted , abused or abandoned cats and dogs.

The setting allows all dogs the opportunity of getting out of kennels and into a larger outdoor area, in front of each row of kennels, allowing more natural behaviors, interaction with other dogs, and generally access to a romp in the sunshine.

Visitors are welcome to come and browse, if they haven't already spotted a special animal they are interested in on the Furkidz website. The grounds are conducive to a happy meeting of prospective owners and dogs in need of permanent loving homes to call their own.

The range of breeds (and happy mixed breeds) makes a visit to a backyard breeder unnecessary when considering the acquisition of a new pet. You'll find the loyal bigger breeds like Boerboels, German Shepherds and Chow Chows to the smaller breeds like Jack Russell terriers, and everything in between. Cats too, are available, from tiny bundles of kittenish joy to the young recent mums, to mature cats in need of a sedate sunny life with anyone who adores the feline.

All recently rescued dogs and cats undergo quarantine and any necessary treatments at HAWs, ensuring you get a healthy specimen, clear of the common diseases which can infect dogs and cats such as parvo virus, or feline aids, and which isn't always guaranteed when selecting from breeders of dubious backgrounds.

A visit to HAWS is a worthy pastime for all those seeking to replace a beloved pet, or adding to their current menagerie. Find the coolest of cats, or the dreamiest of dogs there, and polish your halo at the same time. Some dogs are a little shy at first meeting, no surprise given what some have experienced at the hands if humans. Others are simply overjoyed by any attention they need a little time to settle down and relax.

All however, very much deserve a new lease on life, and HAWS is a joy to visit in order to interact with, and to select your new best friend. Take the time to check them all out among the shady gardens there at HAWS today, or see them online.

Jennifer Skiff: The Divinity of Dogs

"Dogs have the ability to forgive, let go of the past, and live each day joyously. It's something the rest of us strive for."

 Author: Jennifer Skiff
 Format: Paperback
 Publication Date: November 2012
 ISBN: 9781781801093
 Price: R149.00 Buy now

The Divinity of Dogs is about the moments you learn something deep about life from an experience with a dog. This book shows more than seventy stories collected from hundreds of submissions to the author's website, these inspiring and heartwarming true stories show where love, tolerance, compassion, loyalty, joyfulness, and even death have provided experiences that have led to spiritual enlightenment.

To name a few examples, you'll find the story of a Chihuahua who detected a small lump in her owner's breast, a growth that even doctors couldn't find. There's Emma, whose devoted Rottweiler ferociously grabbed her arm at the moment she was trying to commit suicide, saving her life. You'll be inspired by Luna, the Retriever, who dragged her owner to safety after she collapsed late at night in a field. And most important, you'll fall in love with many dogs that simply provide steady comfort when needed. The author also weaves her own experiences with dogs throughout the book, showing how they comforted her through mistreatment as a child, a divorce, and a cancer diagnosis.

The stories that make up The Divinity of Dogs provide hope, help, and healing for readers in the complex and difficult times in which we live. Whether you believe dogs are divine or are actually a gift from the divine, The Divinity of Dogs gives you permission to accept what you know: dogs are healers, educators, protectors, and tangible examples of pure love.

About the author
Jennifer Skiff is an award-winning television producer, journalist, and author of God Stories. An advocate for animals, she is a Trustee of the Dogs' Refuge Home in Australia. She lives in Maine and Australia.

Click here to buy "The Divinity of Dogs" from kalahari.com. With your purchase you support SA's shelter animals as a percentage is being donated to FurKidz.

Boerboels, the pride of South Africa

 Most South Africans will wholeheartedly agree with this title.

The Boerboel is one of the few native South African dog breeds and has been used mainly as watch and guard dogs on farms as well as at mines. They look fierce and are very muscular, strong and tall, weighing between 50kg and 80kg and reaching 60cm to 70cm in height. It is said that a couple of Boerboels are enough to scare a lion away. You shouldn’t make a Boerboel angry, that’s for sure!

The Boerboel breed forms a strong bond with its family and will protect it with his life if necessary.

Although massive and ready to protect, Boerboels make great family dogs, have the sweetest temperament around their family and are usually great with children as they love to get attention and cuddles. Boerboels are a breed that need a lot of affection, but you probably won’t mind this for those adorable big teddy bears. 

The strong bond a Boeroel forms with his owner means that your reaction towards people coming to your home will influence your dog; if you welcome them, then so too will your dog. Conversely, unwelcome visitors are in for an unpleasant surprise.

All in all, Boerboels are the perfect breed for anyone who desires an affectionate and large breed which is perfect for a family, and would also be a great watch dog. You can find a range of Boerboels, adults and puppies, if you click here!

Featured FurKidz: Epping does an Epic job!

This shelter has medals galore (metaphorically speaking) for every hero, just like you, that adopts one of its many cats or dogs, a small selection which features in this article. 



Epping is one of the shelters operating under the formal title of Animal Anti Cruelty League and is situated in the industrial area of Epping, no more than 30 minutes from Cape Town Downtown. It has been in operation for more than 20 years, rescuing and rehoming animals in need; those who can't speak for themselves, our furry canine and feline friends.



It's only a lack of awareness amongst those who keep the backyard breeders busy, producing dogs of questionable parentage, that accounts for Epping's need of you as a potential Mom or Dad to one of their rescued and homeless animals. So, If you're reading this, you're already halfway to hero status!

The dogs and cats featured here are just an example of the wide range of future pets who'll happy settle in at your place. From pure bred dogs to the household cross breed, from fancy felines to magical Moggies, each and every one of these animals have joy in their hearts to share. Be a fully fledged hero and get to Epping today to choose your own future mate. Click here to see all the dogs and cats waiting for you at the AACL in Epping.

Featured Furkidz: Adopting a Puppy

Considering adopting a dog but feeling a bit unsure whether it’s the right decision?

Well here are just a few reasons why we believe you will never regret giving a sheltered animal a new home:

1. By adopting from a shelter, you’ll in fact save two lives – the one you decide to adopt and a homeless animal that can be saved because of the place you helped free up!

2. It is much less expensive to adopt an animal than purchasing it. Yes, you do have to pay an adoption fee, but this fee already includes sterilization, vaccinations, deworming and sometimes even the microchip. Taking care of these important treatments yourself at a vet would cost you more than three times the adoption fee.

3. Your adoption will financially support the chosen shelter as opposed to pet stores that more than often put profit above the welfare of animals.

4. Last but not least, you will be filled with a sense of purpose and fulfilment that accompanies adoption. Not only will you feel better emotionally and psychologically, you may even get fitter by regularly walking your new best friend. And don’t get us started on the unconditional love you will receive!

Really, what’s not to love about having a dog?

It is crucial for you to choose the right dog, a dog that fits into your family and lifestyle. If you are looking for an adorable puppy that could put a smile on your face, why not visit Ark Animal Centre which specialises in puppies and small breed dogs? We guarantee you will find your favourite little friend there and will never look back!

A Chow Chow - your dignified companion

Does the Chow Chow's appearance remind you of a lion? Well, he doesn't just look like one, he also has other features similar to the lion.The Chow Chow is also regal, dignified, self-confident and brave. He's also a very intelligent guard-dog. Being a good protector of the family, he is very loyal towards all family members, but wary of strangers, although unlikely to be aggressive unless provoked.

If you want to own a Chow Chow, do be aware of his strong personality. He is quite independent and has a strong will that needs to be respected. Despite their huggable teddybear appearance Chows are not the type of animal that likes to be hugged or fussed over all the time, please respect this.

One of the Chow Chows marked characteristics is his luxurious fur, which requires a bit of extra care, so don't forget to brush your dog every day. Don't worry, despite the regular brushing, this dog requires little additional care beyond trainig, affection, feeding and walking.

The Chow Chow is a very quiet and calm dog at home, but like all dogs he needs exersice to stay in a good mental and physical health.

Treat a Chow Chow right, love him and you will get a faithful friend for life. All the Chows featured in this article are waiting for YOU, meet them to see if a Chow is your perfect match!

Featured FurKidz: Stepping up for Animals

TEARS is going more than one extra mile to help animals in need, they travelled over 750km, almost to the border of Namibia.

As TEARS received an E-Mail asking for help the whole story began. The owner of Richtersveld Animal Shelter had contacted a lot of organizations operating in animal welfare, also TEARS, telling his tragic story. The Animal Shelter was in need and although TEARS is more than 750 kilometers away they offered to carry out this mission to take in the dogs of a bankrupt shelter. The founder there tried to do his best for the animals, but with a lack of support, experience and money, the "wheels fell off".

The success of this rescue mission was as a result of a great team effort and much support and encouragement from TEARS. The dogs rescued from the Richtersveld Animal Shelter will need special care and rehabilitation, but after that all of them will be up for adoption. The dogs featured in this article are not from Richtersveld and longsince ready for a loving home, so come and meet them.

If you are in the position to adopt or foster a dog contact TEARS-The Emma Animal Rescue Society and never regret your decision.