AWS Helderberg - A dog for everyone!

"Animals are not our whole life, but they make our lifes whole."

Have a look at those eight dogs of AWS Helderberg in Gordon's Bay. Aren't they adorable? So different in character, look, age and size. One of their over hundred dogs will definitely be the perfect match for you, no matter if you are a sporty, lazy, old or young person! This is just a small display of HAWS doggies, click here to see them all! They are just waiting for you to come and visit them and their friends!

Featured FurKidz @ Kitty & Puppy Haven

It is an exciting experience chosing your new best friend and taking him home. Here are a few tips to make your new doggy fell welcome and at home.

- Your dog will explore everything, so the first step before you bring your new friend home is to puppy-proof your house. This means that you should place shoes inside closets, put electrical cords out of reach and move any expensive or valuable items out of puppies way.

- When you bring your pup home walk him around your garden first and wait until he relieves himself. Pick a special place and encourage him to potty there. You have to be patient because it may take 10 or 15 minutes. Always praise warmly when he relieves himself in an approved spot.

- Next, enter the house and show him around. If he is already used to a lead, keep him on it for the first moments, so you can stop him immediately if he starts doing something you don't want - such as lifting his leg, chewing on a chair leg, jumping on the couch. If he lifts his leg, give him a quick leash correction (yank on the leash and release) and tell him “No” to disrupt the action then take him outside immediately. Praise him with warm words or a treat if he is going to the right place.

After the house tour, take him outside to potty again. Be sure to take him to the same spot.

Remember, your dog will be excited and anxious about his new home. Don’t be surprised about panting and pacing, housetraining accidents, excessive drinking or chewing, or gastric upset during the first few hours. Tell every member of you family to resist the temptation to overwhelm a new dog. Give him some time and space to get settled. Dogs thrive on routine, it will take about 3 weeks for your new companion to fully settle in and feel at home. 

Fact: Housetraining problems are the top reason people give up dogs. But as long as you are consistent and provide training your dog will adjust and all housetraining issues can be sorted out.

Have a look at all these Puppys waiting for you at Kitty & Puppy Haven, call their office on 0114402404 for more info.

Featured FurKidz: Every life is precious

If you’re searching for a dog that fits perfectly into your life,spend some time at the Wet Nose Animal Rescue Center in Rayton. Over 300 dogs of all ages, sizes, breeds and personlities are waiting for their new best friend. There are large fields which allow you to take the dogs out for walks to have a relaxed and stressfree meet and greet in the nature. We will introduce a few of their wonderful dogs to you now: 

Meet Saidie, she is a Doberman Pinscher x girl, who loves to be around you and simply can’t get enough attention. She always puts her head under your hand if she thinks you aren’t paying her enough attention and tells you clearly that she loves your touch. She is a very intelligent girl and with 6 years of age still has many years ahead of her, but has longsince outgrown the strenous puppy phase.

Then there is the Bull Terrier x girl Jessie. If you’re searching for a strong and loyal friend you’ll find your perfect match in her. Jessie is only four years old and curious like a puppy. Her kindness outweighs her strength and you won’t regret a visit.

The next character we have is Terry, a little Norfolk Terrier with soft and very fluffy fur. If you would like to have a cuddly companion with whom you can play, here’s your new friend! Terry loves to play with a ball and to run around, but he also loves human interaction and to get cuddles. Hi age of five years means nothing when you see him exploring the world and sniffing around.

Have a look at Butch, this four year old extra large cutie pie needs a forever home without cats. As every Boerboel, he is very loyal and loves to be around you. He won't let you down if you need him and will be your protector and best friend forever. 

The last doggie we introduce to you, is called Chutney and is the smallest of our five Featured FurKidz. He’s a 12 months old little Dachshund with beautiful dapple colouring. Still a pup, he is full of energy and enthusiasm to explore the world with you.

Please meet all of these wonderful dogs and even more at Wetnose in Rayton, you will definitely find the one that fits your lifestyle perfectly!

Look at all these cute dogs and call Wetnose on 013 9323 941 for more information!

Introducing a new cat to your cat

Wouldn’t it be nice if it only took a brief handshake and a “Hello, my name is…” to introduce a new cat to your cat? Yes it would be really nice, but that is just a dream. Read how to introduce a new cat to YOUR cat in a few steps.

You can’t force your animals to like each other and you mustn’t throw them together in a sink-or-swim situation and hope they’ll work it out.

Cats are very independent and in general they don’t like to share. They also dislike change, and a new cat in the house is a very big change.

Some cats are naturally more sociable than other cats. For example, an 8-year-old cat that has never been around other animals might never learn to share her territory with other pets in the house. But an 8-week-old kitten separated from her mom and her siblings for the first time might be glad to have a cat or dog companion. And while some cats are particularly playful, others just want a warm, comfortable place to nap and view the outside world.

The most important thing is to be very patient! Cats are territorial, and some are clearly more territorial than others, so the time required for the introduction process can take from a few days to a few weeks or even a few months in extreme cases. First impressions can be lasting impressions when it comes to cats. All of this means that your current cat and your new cat need to be introduced very slowly so they can get used to each other: 

First, the newcomer must be isolated. Upon arrival, the newcomer should be brought directly into the isolation area. The existing cat will have the run of the house except for the area designated for the newcomer cat. Keep the cats separated for about 5-7 days. For animals, smells are more important than appearances, so you should to get your pets used to each other’s scent before they meet face-to-face (this is possible through the door of the isolation area). Visit your new cat at least 3-4 times a day in the isolated area (i.e. bathroom or your bedroom).

After that time of warming up, it’s time to move forward. The next step will allow them to see each other without full body contact. It’s very important that they don’t fight. You can bring the new cat in a carrier to meet your cat(s) and sniff each other though the carrier wire door so that they can see but neither cat can fit his head through the door. They will be able to touch noses, whack each other with their paws and investigate without body contact. Place the carrier on the floor and allow them to meet this way several times a day for about an hour. This may take several days and depends on each cat. Do not proceed to the final step until the cats seem relatively calm in each other’s presence.

The final step is to open the door. Let the new cat out into the rest of the house for a few minutes. The length of the visits can be increased gradually each day. This process may take a few days or a few months depending on the personalities of the cats. Stay on the sidelines; don’t interfere. The existing cat may stalk and chase the newcomer. This is typical territorial behavior. The newcomer may do the same if the existing cat enters the isolation room. Do not leave them unsupervised. If any actual fighting appears imminent while you are supervising, put the newcomer back in his/her room and proceed more slowly.

If you are lucky, they may do some mutual sniffing and so on, and you’re on your way to success. Maybe they sit and stare at each other, and then you can dangle toys in front of them. This may encourage them to play together. This may go on for a few days or something, and then you’ll probably find them both sleeping on your bed. If you don’t have luck, they may be stressed. Sometimes they may only make a lot of noise. But, as soon as there are signs of aggression (flattened ears, growling, spitting, crouching) make a loud noise by for example clapping your hands to distract them. Never try to break up a fight by picking one up.

If the cats fight repeatedly, you may need to start the introduction process all over again and maybe consider getting advice from a vet or animal behaviorist.

Important is that you make sure, that all animals have a place to escape to. Every cat needs their own litter box plus best an extra one. Try to keep your resident pets’ routine as close to what it was before the newcomer’s arrival and have your pets examined by your vet before introductions to make sure they’re all healthy.

Maybe you will find your perfect newcomer cat at HAWS! Look at all these beautiful cats and fall in love.

Call Tanja on 0764550322 for more information

Featured FurKidz: Ark Animal Center

Ladies and Gentleman, welcome to today's Puppy Match between "Team Cuteness" and the "Adorable Bs". This is your opportunity to see 8 of the most stunning South Africa Pups compete against each other! Special venue of the day – the ARK Animal Centre in Midrand, Gauteng!

Game Prediction

Let's have a closer look at the players of "Team Cuteness":

In the defence: Boerboel Cross Samsora, you just can't fool this big boy because he knows exactly what happens next. But if you try to trick him anyway, he will cuddle you down immediately!

The midfielders: Chilli and Mustard, each of them very spicy but together a hot mixture! Very excited about every new game, the Jack Russell Crosses are - despite their young age - already settled within their team and very confident at Match Days!

The attacker: Tyron is indeed a great mixture of serenity and enthusiasm. Some also call him "Dr. Cutie Pie", because of his special attitude which stuns everyone.

No let's focus on the "Almighty Bs":

Definitely one of the youngest teams so far (all under the age of 8 weeks), the "Bs" stick to the active style of play. These Crosses enjoy the attention of their uncountable fans and visitors.

While Bruno, Blue and Buddy are taking over the defence and midfield, Bella is the striker of their team! The "Bs" are energetic and represent today's young puppy generation, a very special team with a unique aura!

Rumours are spreading that all 8 players are thinking of a transfer to new teams, maybe this is your chance? We recommend you do not wait too long and open your hearts and homes, you won't find such stunning personalities every day! Written by Christian Hoepperger

Call Tracey or Cara at Ark Animal Centre on 082 334 7596 to find out more and click here to see all their "players" 

Featured FurKidz: Black and tan beauties at HAWS

Don't you just love dogs with black and tan colored coats? Dark and shiny black with a hint of brown and sometimes a cute white spot on the chest. That's simply beautiful! HAWS (Haartbeespoort Animal Welfare Society) takes care of eight of those special friends.

Tiny for example. A beautiful Rottweiler cross, who is absolutely not tiny, but large and impressive! Milton and Hechtor, on the other hand, are really small 1 year old Dachshund boys who love attention. They share a kennel with Ricky, a six months old boy who is full of energy. And for even younger black and tan dogs, have a look at the two adorable Rottweiler cross puppies! With all these different black and tan buddies there is something to each person's liking! So if you are looking for a special friend visit the black and tan FurKidz at HAWS!

HAWS is situated in Haartbeespoort, about a 40 minutes drive from Pretoria. The adoption manager Tanja is very helpful and knowledgeable. You can come over from Monday till Friday from 7.30 till 16.00. On Saturday and Sunday you can visit from 7.30 till 12.00. For more info contact Tanja on 0764550322. Click here to see all the dogs at HAWS!

Featured FurKidz: Still searching for your perfect match?

You are looking for a new family member and best friend? Come and visit the AACL in Bellville!

They have about 35 dogs and pups and also about 10 cats and kittens waiting for their forever home. AACL Bellville is doing a great job taking care of all their animals and will be able to answer all your questions abut them, so pop by and spend some time to find out which is your perfect match.

At the moment there are nine super cute little puppies waiting for you, these playful little munchkins are so adorable! But please do not forget to have a look at the young adults, they are already out of the naughty puppy stage and are much more easy to train and will quickly adjust to your lifestyle. 

In the cattery you will find young adults and super cute and tiny kittens. Every single one of these cutie pies is special and needs a loving home.

Don't delay, adopt TODAY!

For more information please contact Helen or Alma at the Animal Anti Cruelty League in Bellville on 021 951 3010