HOUND AND HORSE
FREE NOVEMBER 2017
Hi all, Our November issue is packed with stories that show how much Hound and Horse lovers care for their beloved animals and for their community. Many people give their time and effort through fundraising initiatives to donate money towards welfare and none so more than Dr. Richard Venniker. Dr. Venniker was not only a respected surgeon, but he consistently raised funds for the Coastal Horse Care Unit and his passing is a great loss to the equine community. Its time for witches on broomsticks and fireworks so take a look at the great tips that our Dog Guru Mandy Barrett offers for keeping your pets safe during this time. Happy Halloween everyone Till Next Month, The Ed.
Contact Us For advertising rates and advertisment design contact: sales@houndandhorse.co.za Adele: 082 490 6567 or Claire: 084 491 0467 DEADLINE for all advertising and content is the 15th of each month. Editor: Claire Wager ads@houndandhorse.co.za Sales: Adele Howell-Pryce sales@houndandhorse.co.za Cover Photo: youwall.com Printer: Blythe Palmer Marketing Contributors: Claire Wager, Adi Weerhiem Google Photographs, Mandy Barret, Ginny Scooper, Lisa Button, Kay Sargent, Heidi Caine Disclaimer: All editorial material is strictly copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the publishers permission. Hound and Horse reserves the right to reject any advertising or editorial material which may not suit the publication without reason given. The opinions expressed in the advertisements and articles do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or Publisher. Hound and Horse reserves the right to refuse any advertisement. Hound and Horse publishes all photographs and written material in good faith and accepts no liability due to misinformation or loss incurred in relation to information from this magazine.
1
2
Swings, slides, seesaws and soccer balls created huge smiles, and laughter at the opening of an interactive play area for the Grade R’s at the Umthombomuhle School in Peacevale near Hammarsdale.
The school dance troupe made up of pupils from Grade four through to eight performed traditional dance to the beating of a drum,.They perform and practice at school and are available for functions and weddings.
Foresyte Shows & the Langley Equestrian Centre were the driving force behind the creation of the play area which was predominantly backed by sponsors from the equine industry.
The school has a number of needs. Some children come to school without breakfast. The 970 learners only have access to seven toilets.
There are 970 pupils enrolled at the school and the classes are packed with numbers from 71 to 115 learners per class, with three to four learners per desk. In spite of this the school is one of the best performing in the area. The play area is to be utilised by the Grade R’S of which there are 97 between the ages of four and five. The playground was officially opened on the 24th of October and the school went to a vast amount of effort to ensure that they expressed their thanks to Grant and the sponsors for the new facility. The Grade R’s sat in lines and sang very well rehearsed songs. This was followed by the entire school mustering in lines in the carpark and the Grade Rs filing out in their smart red T shirts and giving further thanks, with a number coming forward to give a personal thanks via a song or a poem.
The headmaster Mr Aubrey Sibonelo Khumalo said “We are very grateful for the play area, it will make a valuable difference to the daily lives of the children as play is an important part of development’. The Grade R group took great delight in the new facility, with large grins, much noise, laughter, sliding down the slide and pushing each other on the swings.
If anyone would like to get involved and assist the school with donations please get in contact with either Grant Langley on 0828592160 or the Headmaster Aubrey Khumalo on 083 738 8905 or khumalosibonelo@gmail.com. The school would like to thank it’s sponsors which included: Langley Equestrian Centre; Ashley, Kim & Hilton Hausberger; Bellevue Café; Carmen and Dean Kennedy ; David Hood & Shelly Moore, Glenda Caine; Gonda Beatrix; Inkdrop, The Knoop Family; Martyn Swanepoel; Nissan South Africa; Reonet; Ronnie Healy; Rob Martin; Ruth & Rowan Duke; Ryan Watt: Madison’s Bakery; Sten Muchna; Sally Engelbrecht; Sharon Trueb and The Starterpack Company
Photographer: Claire Wager
A number of grooms who work for the Langley Equestrian Centre have children who attend the school and it was through them Grant Langley identified the need for an interactive play area. “ This is a beginning, sport and play create cohesion and are good for development” said Grant.
Photographer: Claire Wager
Creating smiles....
In the Hot Seat with Eventing Ace Heidi Caine It has been said that eventing is about choosing the right horse and creating a solid partnership between horse and riders. H and H interviewed current top South African Event rider Heidi Caine to gain an insight. Photographer: ©H
Q: When and where did you start riding? A: I started riding at age 8 at Stoneyhurst. I stayed there till I finished school and went to Varsity. I learnt everything at that super riding school. I did Pony Club and all the camps they held during the holidays and I still use the information I learnt then, today.
A: I look first for temperament and then conformation. A horse that likes to please and has a good mind is easier to train and with the hard work required of Eventing it is important that the horse has good conformation to last a long time.
Q: Did you have a riding idol growing up? A: I loved show jumping and it was my main discipline growing up and up till 2000, so my idol was Gonda Beatrix. My current idol is Andrew Nicholson.
Q: Of all your horses past and present, do you have a favourite ?
Q: What is the best piece of riding advice you have ever received and from who?
A: I cannot just decide on one, past would be Quantum Leap and present is Mbulelo. Quantum Leap gave me my dream of riding at the World Equestrian Games, but he was not an easy ride. My current horse Mbulelo is very rideable and does exactly as you ask of him, so I will have to say those two.
A: My best piece of advice is “Never Ever Give Up!” given to me by myself. The next best is “To have patience and let your horse understand and learn” given to me by Douglas Welsh. Q: Which is the most difficult fence to ride cross country?
Q: If you could take a cross country spin on a horse that is not yours, who would it be?
A: For me it is a “Skinny”. You really have to train this fence a lot at home so your horse understands to jump between the flags and that takes a lot of time and training.
A: I would love to have just one more spin around a track on my horse that I sold overseas Quantum Leap. Apart from him, I wouldn’t like to ride another cross country horse that isn’t mine. I bond with my horses and have complete trust in them, so I don’t think I would feel safe on someone else’s horse without that bond and understanding.
Q: When you look for a horse for yourself, what do you look for first?
Q: What has been your favourite event to compete at? A: The World Equestrian Games in Kentucky 2010. What an experience! Q: If you were not an event rider, what would you be? A: If I didn’t event I would do dressage and show jumping. I do love all phases of Eventing but the cross country is really special. Q: What do you like to do with your spare time, if you have any? A: I play with my dogs and enjoy taking them to the beach when I don’t have a weekend show and weather permitting. 4
What’s On: DRESSAGE November 12 Top Hat DSC Unaffiliated Final Top Hat Show for 2017 Contact: Heather 072 107 6657 December 02-03 Christmas Dressage Contact: shows@shongweniclub.co.za POLOCROSSE Lions River Club practice every Sat 2pm. All Welcome Contact: Belinda 082 401 4361 WESTERN MOUNTED GAMES November 04 Bike Clinic. Turn and Burn Arena. Lions River In aid of the Howick SPCA VAULTING November 18-19 KZN Champs, Galloping Winds PONY CAMPS December 11 - 13 Jo-Jo’s Riding Center Pony Camp Any Level welcome Contact: Jo-Jo on 083 489 7834
Dressage Results KZN Dressage Youth Series Ranking: Results as of 28th Oct 6th Tae-Marie Hullet 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th
7th 8th 9th 10th
Hayley Conway Madison Bruce Chloe D’Amico Courtney Cahn Rebecca Erskine
Chane Dixon Sabrina Bailey Michael van As Chad Hoggan
Thoroughbred Challenge Ranking: Results as of 28th Oct PRELIM: Rechay Grey & Josie Gold Caitlin Upfold & Ruby Lady Adam Smith & Powerzone NOVICE: Danielle Jorre De St Jorre & Streaker Christine McLaren & Captains League Jessica McDowall & Pocket Filler TB at the Highest Level: Georgia Machanik & Sunny Dayz (Elementary Medium) 5
SHOW JUMPING November 04-05 SA Champs Warm up DSC Contact: shows@shongweniclub.co.za 05 Canterbury Summer Show Unaffiliated Contact: Gideon 082 410 2707 11 Summerveld B and B Unaffiliated Contact: Holly Cairns 079 888 4600 18-19 Christmas SASJ ChallengeDSC Inc the KZN JNR Closed Championship Contact: Di Baxter: 083 225 2261 21-27 South African Adult Championships Kyalami Equestrian Park, Gauteng 25 Summerveld Training DSC Unaffiliated 26 Queensway Stables, Moseley Unaffiliated Contact: Liz 082 497 0307 December 08-13 South African Pony Rider, Children & Junior Championships Kyalami Equestrian Park, Gauteng 09 Summerveld B and B Unaffiliated Show Jumping and Fancy Dress Contact: Holly Cairns 079 888 4600 16 Summerveld Training DSC Unaffiliated Contact: Holly Cairns 079 888 4600
Canterbury Equestrian Centre Pmb, KZN
Blue Horizons Drummond, KZN
Professional Qualified Instruction from Qualified Instructors. Safe reliable, well schooled Horses and Ponies, Pony Camps, Clinics, Out rides. Lessons and leasing of horses. Livery available with horses out in paddock with three meals a day. Stables managed by Qualified Animal Welfare Inspector. Affordable rates. All levels of riding from hacking to advanced riders welcome, across all disciplines. Regular training shows and fun days. Contact Gideon on 082 410 2707
A 10 min drive from Hillcrest, we cater for all ages from as young as 3 years. We also specialise in Special Needs riding. During the holidays we run a variety of Pony Camps from beginners to Advanced. We also cater for those who would like to do a trail ride. For further information please contact Debbie on 083 269 4945
Jo-Jo’s Riding Centre and KZN Pony Club Centre. Hawkestone Rd, Summerveld, KZN
Ukhulthula Equestrian Centre Camperdown, KZN
Our aim is to have fun while learning to ride. Seeing the development, growth and confidence that riding gives to riders is so rewarding. We specialise in lessons for beginners to novice riders of all ages, we coach a range of equestrian disciplines including dressage, show jumping, gymkhana games, vaulting, Pony Club testing and outrides. Knowing each of our horses it is easy to match them to a rider we think they will be most compatible with, as a relationship between horse and rider is important. Contact: Jo-Jo on 083 489 7834
Stabling available, 5 mins off the freeway. Large airy stables, 24hr supervision, gorgeous outrides, grass arena, lunge ring, cross country track, show jumping facilities, fabulous clubhouse and loads more. Contact: Lisa on 078 019 7429
Queensway Stables Moseley, KZN
Queensway is situated five mins from Westville Centre. We have a fantastic fun riding school. We have lovely outrides with no riding on the roads. Lessons from beginners to advanced. We have ponies and horses to lease. For more information call Liz on 082 497 0307 or Jono on 060 327 5167
Everton, KZN
Stabling available in small, private yard. Excellent security. Mixed grazing. I am a SA and UK qualified instructor and an animal therapist. Close to Inanda Road would suit semi retired or retired horses due to limited out rides. Contact 0827209133 by sms or what’s app.
6
For Sale
Patriot 16hh 8yo TB Bay Gelding. Super willing horse, correct paces, professsionally schooled, very good on the flat, forward over fences. Contact: Claire 084 491 0467
HORSES FOR SALE:
16hh 6yo Chestnut TB mare by Monsang. Never raced as I got her off the track as a 2yr old. Intelligent and affectionate. Unshod, never been lame, good doer, loads easily. Loves her work, been produced slowly and carefully. Prelim level dressage, jumps 90cm at home, successfully eventing 80cm which she loves. All disciplines in a snaffle with excellent braking and can be trusted. Won 2016 70cm Dolcoed hunter trials series. Best suited to a junior wanting to event. Contact: 062 379 2498
16.2hh 7yo Dark chesnut TB gelding by Goldmark, Olympic Debut and Mellifont. A talented spunky boy that will take any ambitious Junior or Adult rider to the top. He is brave with a massive jump and will event. Brought on slowly and been with the same owner since a 4yo. Currently competing at 1m but has jumped 1.20 at home. No vices, boxes like a dream, great with other horses. Very sad sale. R80 000 inc. tack Contact: 082 350 5214
Allegro 16.hh (1.64m) 11yo Bay TB gelding by Rich Mans Gold out of Fashion First (Model Man). Extrememly versatile, competed successfully Novice Dressage and 1m SJ. KZN Junior Show and Working Horse Victor Ludorum and SA Junior Show Hack over 1.63m. Sensitive, friendly, intelligent, easy to box, shoe, no vices. Enjoys a good hack, well schooled and a pleasure to ride. Sad sale, owner going to university. Good loving home only. R40 000. Contact: Kim 083 663 3615
16.1hh Attractive TB Chestnut mare with very loving personality, is a safe and reliable hack, has competed in dressage shows and is currently jumping 60cm with the potential to jump higher. Sad sale as owner is currently in matric and going away to study next year. Contact: Pippa 084 448 6818 Hilton, PMB Dance Assembly 16.1hh 11yo Bright Bay TB gelding. Sire National Assembly, Dam Dance for Joy. He has jumped in the 1m SANESA and 90cm graded. He has an extravagant jump and is well schooled. He is ready to go up the grades. No vices, boxes and travels well. R50 000. Contact Natalie: 082 786 9511
Mae Lily 15.3hh 15yo Dark bay mare by Tilden out of Babe (Starcutter). Game little mare represented KZN in SJ 90cm, 1m and 1.10m teams. SANESA SJ and Equitation teams. Very careful, fast against the clock, a good school mistress for a child going Junior. Sound, good on outrides but a fussy mouth so needs competent sympathetic rider. Sad Sale, owner going to university, loving home only. R30 000. Contact: Kim 083 663 3615
BellaDonna, 16.1 hh Dob 01/12/2010 Warmblood x T, Bay Mare. Sire Bono von Getonhof, Dam Silver Surfer, Sire of Dam Coastal. Passport No 2016/0677 Schooling well, her lateral work is there. Light off the leg and a sensitive mouth. Lovely feel down to jumps and a pleasure to ride. Great attitude on hacks, with wildlife or traffic. Competed 1m successfully. Naturally quick against the clock. Superb junior prospect. R100k Contact: Natalie 082 786 9511
Antiquity 15.3hh, 14 yo TB, mare, sad sale as junior is matriculating and unable to take her overseas. Great, junior horse to get experience in the ring and jump up to 1m. Sound with great attitude towards work. For Sale or Full lease in Hilton Contact: Natalie 082 786 9511
Phoenix Cezanne 16.1 hh 12yo Warmblood, dark bay mare. Sire Casanova, Dam Air Hostess XX, Sire of Dam Philippi XX. She has jumped in the 1,25m and is always in the tickets. Her results are up on the net. A lovely horse to start a junior career, you will have fun and move up the grades, at the same time building your confidence. No vices, boxes and travels well. Contact: Natalie 082 786 9511
Dream Big Lord Forever 15.2 hh 6yo grey Percheron Anglo Arab cross gelding. Going sweetly, starting to jump. Done training shows, always placed. Barefoot, low maintenance. R40 000 Contact: Marli 082 925 2908 Ready For Roses 14.2hh 9yo Bay TB mare by The Sheik out of Raise the Ransom (Raise a Raucus). A very special Pony. Represented KZN Open Equitation team, SANESA SJ, Equitation, Dressage teams. Currently SJ 1.10m Juniors. Brought on slowly and carefully, well schooled and tries her best. Will go far with a competent sympathetic rider. Gentle friendly personality, pleasure to ride. Crib bites, but never resulted in colic so probably needs grass turn out daily with company POA Contact: Kim 083 663 3615
Trick or Treat 16hh. 5yo Wachman X TB mare. A beautiful showy mare with exceptional temperament. Her schooling has come on nicely it’s more than basic, will excel in all disciplines, most suited to dressage, showing or SJ. Currently jumping 70cm/80cm at home and went to her first 70cm show and got double clear. She has no vices, boxes and travels well. R80 000 Contact: Natalie on 082 786 9511 Kerwood Brilliant 16hh 7yo dark bay mare by Bono out of a TB mare. Very pretty and finely built. Brave jumper, very competitive in 1.10m classes. This mare is an eventing and/or Derby prospect. Contact: Troy 072 527 3607
HORSES FOR LEASE: Gorgeous mature pony mare (148cm) for lease. Fantastic temperament with no vices. Successfully competed in all disciples. Currently stabled at Shongweni Club but can move to an approved yard. Will consider part lease. Contact: Shelley 082 411 4642
Kerwood Celebrity. Very pretty grey filly. Rising 4 by Casper out of Kerwood Brilliant. Just started under saddle. Lovely temperment. Contact: Troy 072 527 3607
7
Kzn Dressage riders swept the boards at the recent South
African Dressage Championships held at the Durban Shongweni Club. There were wins all round by KZN riders, with the Open and Elem/Elem Medium teams taking the top spots on the podium. The Open team, riding at the top level, consisted of Leanne Cutting and Cinderella, Natasha Brown with Dageraad Zilver, Megan Berning and Ultimate STV and Beryl Johnson riding Rivervale Ultimo.
The KZN Novice team were not far off the leaders and placed second with Liz Naude and LeZar Bronte, Lisa Wallet and Bokertrov Belle Amour, Mariska Botha and Jason van Doorndraai and Calet de Vos riding Mossandi Nutcracker giving credible performances. In the Freestyles Championships, dressage to music, Mariska Botha and Diewe R won the Elementary champs, Calet De Vos and Mossandi Radient the Medium champs and Leann Mostert and Trienado PRE the Big Tour Championship.
CONGRATULATIONS The Preliminary Champs was won by Catherine Berning and Kudas Insurance Midas-Touch Bravado. The Advanced champs by Natasha Brown and Dageraad Zilver and the Inter I champs by Megan Berning and Ultimate STV. The show committee worked very hard to make this a glamourous and memorable event and it was well recieved by the riders and officials.
KZN
The Open team from left to right Leanne Cutting, Natasha Brown, Megan Berning, Beryl Johnson & Chef de Equipe Grethe Rothman “I was impressed with the arena surfaces at the show, and the quality of some of the horses. It was a lovely show, beautifully organised and very friendly� ~ Peter Storr, International Judge : UK
Photographer: KZN Dressage
The Elem/Elem Medium team riders, also taking the honours, were Calet de Vos and Mossandi Noctus (Elem), Mariska Botha and Diewe R (Elem), Catherine Berning with Compton House Quantico (Elem Med) and Sarah Perkin riding Faris of Millford.
Dear Ginny I have read your articles with interest and can truly sympathize with perplexed from Pietermaritzburg and bewildered from Ballito. I have always wondered on the suitable attire when in the saddle. When are do we don breeches, jodhpurs or slacks? Or is it simply a different name for the same thing?
TACK FOR SALE
Yours Does my bum look big in this
A variety of second hand tack for sale. Including a GP Epsom Saddle and assorted bits. Contact: Tina 082 415 4498
Dear, Does my bum look big in this,
Assorted Numnahs, boots and dayrugs. All in good condition and very reasonable. Contact: 084 655 5066
Don’t stress over the linguistics of riding attire, there are three criteria that matter when selecting what to wear in the saddle. Comfort, Durability and Style Comfort. Ensure that your undergarments avoid the points of contact between yourself and the saddle and that the seams are not bulky and rough. When selecting breeches, look for an all-way stretch fabric as this allows for movement. Check that the waistband is soft, otherwise you will end up with it digging into your hips. Durability All equestrian labels profess to durability, however check that the fabric is suited to the prominent weather conditions in your area. Style Some people have it, others ....... When standing about in your tight whites in the bright sunlight scanning the scoreboard you want to look good. Select a fabric that will keep all your bulges steady and your dimples smooth. Thin white jods keep no secrets and will unashamedly reveal your neon thongs and Bridget Jones style tiger print knickers. The pockets on your jods should not create unsightly lines and creases. When you tuck your shirt in make sure it lies flat and is not a lumpy mess rendering your rear end a rumpled ruined area.
P S:
No one in their right mind wears riding slacks, toss them in the bin. Wearing the trousers however may be a different matter.....
Yours Ever
Ginny
Got a question? Ask Ginny: ginnyscooper@gmail.co.za Disclaimer: The advice provided is the opinion of the writer and one should always seek expert advice from a qualified person. No hounds or horses were harmed in the writing of this column.
9
CANINE MYTH BUSTER Beat the Bang! The myth surrounding fear that “comforting a dog when it is afraid will reinforce the fear”, is simply not true. Fear is not a behaviour, it is an emotion. Behaviours can be reinforced, but emotions are experienced. Imagine you have experienced a scary situation, and your best friend arrives, finds you terrified but ignores you and kicks you outside. Not helpful! You are more likely feel safer and happier if you are comforted and assisted. I promise you that comforting your dog will not reinforce the fear. Ignoring a fearful dog, or leaving them outdoors to “deal with it”, steps very close to being abusive and should not be considered at all. It is fairly common for dogs to suffer from fear during thunderstorms and fireworks. Reactions range from mild, comfort seeking behaviours, to extreme panic. Dogs have been known to jump through glass windows, become stuck or impaled on fencing and run blindly into traffic, seeking refuge from the terror. The signs of stress may be subtle to severe, starting with pacing, excessive panting, whining, asking to be let indoors, hiding and eventually panic and possible fleeing behaviours.
How can you help ? Medication: There are natural and pharmaceutical options, chat to your vet and health care provider for the best option for you and your specific pet. Consider TTouch: A non-invasive method of assisting pets with touch, calming aids, and a specially designed “Thundershirt”, all of which are really helpful tools. www.TTouch.co.za Keep your pets indoors during fireworks! Stay home, keep them safe. Make a safe space for your dog inside the house, close windows and curtains, provide a crate or table to hide away in or under. Bathrooms are often seen as safe spaces for dogs during these times, and it is recommended to allow access. Invest in calming music and pheromone collars or diffusers and sprays to assist with relaxation.
If you aware of fireworks being planned of an evening, try to take your dog for a long walk during the day, play some tiring games and brain games and aim for a tired-out, more likely to sleep dog. Should your dog exhibit an extreme phobia, enlist the help of a qualified Canine Behavioural specialist to assist. Above all, try to ensure that your pets are safe, happy and relaxed in all situations by spending time training, walking, playing and educating them and chat to your neighbours and friends about the negative impacts of fireworks. Ensure your pets have collars with tags and microchips for identification in the event that they do run away. Love and reassure your pets. They will thank you for it. Till the next time
The Dog Guru
At JOCK, we believe that every dog today should live its life like the canine legends of yesterday – filled with fun and adventure. To place orders, call Cathy Terblanche on: +27 (0)82 326 9426
10
11
Photographer: Finda Nenja
Funda Nenja was started in 2009 and roughly translates from isiZulu as “learning with the dog”. This sums up what an enthusiastic group of people are doing in the Mpophomeni township near Howick. Every Friday afternoon, a group of volunteers and over 100 children and their dogs gather to share interspecies and multi-cultural communication within the framework of structured dog-training classes using positive reinforcement methods.
All our volunteers are also vaccinated against rabies as handling dogs in any rural area is always a risk.
The idea is to develop respect and compassion for all living things by using dog training as a vehicle. Education on animal welfare, the need for sterilisation, humane handling of animals, as well as kind, gentle dog training methods are included in the weekly classes. The dog handlers learn self-discipline, commitment and responsibility which encourages personal growth and self-worth.
Funda Nenja provides the services of a Social Worker to focus on the well-being of the children and assists with accessing vital documents for social grants. Counseling and other psycho-social assistance is provided when necessary, together with cognitive and medical referrals.
The dog handlers learn selfdiscipline, commitment and responsibility which encourages personal growth and self-worth.
As Funda Nenja relies entirely on donations to run our organisation, we are always needing new or second-hand collars, leads, blankets, beds, bowls, and dog food. We currently use approximately 70 – 80 kg of dog food a week.
Every dog that takes part in the program is fitted with a collar and lead, and each handler is given training treats, both for the afternoon lessons as well as for training at home during the forthcoming week. Basic veterinary care including deworming, tick and flea control and treatment of minor wounds is given to the dogs in the program. Sterilisation of the dogs is encouraged and facilitated with the assistance of Umgeni SPCA.
Please support our organisation. Cash deposits can be made into the following account: Funda Nenja FNB - Howick, Branch: 220 725 Acc. No.: 6245 8766 197 • NPO No. 085-038-NPO
All dogs in the program are vaccinated against rabies and regular rabies clinics are organised in the area for all the dogs of Mpophomeni, with the help of the state veterinarian.
Follow us on Facebook and visit our website www.fundanenja.co.za
OUTPOST supports the Funda Nenja Initiative
11
After three weeks the slightly bigger brother unfortunately died, as the damage to his little body was just too great and his liver collapsed. Paxton came home alone. We quickly found out that he did not know how to take food from your hand but if you dropped it on the floor he would eat it. This has since changed and he know nows that a lot of nice stuff comes from human hands. He was such a funny shape in the beginning but with good regular meals, his body and personality started to change. When he got stronger and was able to walk without wobbling we brought him up to our house to meet our dogs. His reaction was one of pure happiness, he danced wagging his little scrawny tail and twisting his body in hilarious postures, showing great affection for the other dogs and us. We knew he was on the mend.
Saving Paxton
Six weeks later we were horrified to discover that there were another seven Border Collies needing rescuing, We managed to arrange transport to have them taken directly to Hillcrest Veterinary Clinic before we brought them home to Animal Lodge. Luckily although all underweight were not starving and were in better physical condition than Paxton and his brother. They had been living on a cattle farm and were covered in cow dung, we could smell them before we saw them. Of the seven, two were boys and three of the girls were absolutely terrified of people and we felt that they have never had any kind handling of any form. Something that has surprised us, is that although these dogs exhibit sheer terror to the point, when cornered, as we had to in the beginning, they would mess themselves in panic, not once have they snapped or showed any aggression in any form which makes us believe that although very neglected they have not been harshly handled or beaten.
After being involved with Border Collie Rescue for many years nothing prepared us for the day we met ‘Paxton’ and his brother. Both Border Collies, were found on the side of a busy road dying of malnutrition, so weak they could hardly stand. A kind Samaritan found them and rushed them to the Ashbourne Vet Clinic who called us at Animal Lodge, as we run the Border Collie Rescue KwaZulu Natal. When they told us that there were two Collies of about 18 months old that weighed 6.7 kilos and 9.2 kilos, I asked if they were sure they were Border Collies, as the average 18 month Collie should weigh at least between fifteen to twenty five kilos. Most Jack Russels weigh more than seven kilos. Never have I ever put my hand on a dog and felt the actual outline of the poor dogs’ bones. We transferred them to the Hillcrest Veterinary Clinic and it was touch and go in the beginning. It was after a few days of intensive care at the Clinic and when they started to feel a little better that showed us how terrified they were of people.
Unfortunately the one nervous little girl we named Sasha had one of her front legs broken at a younger time in her life and it was left to heal on its own so it is a little bent but does not seem to bother her.
Whats On for Dogs
We had sleepless nights about the rising expenses and we appealed on Face book for help and we were extremely thankful to all the dog lovers who responded. We have received donations towards the Veterinary costs, food from Hills, and Acarna, as well as bags of frozen chicken. From one Border Collie lover, Paxton experienced fillet steak, which he heartily approved of. Many people have also come to visit and sit talking and stroking them, trying to help them over some of their fears. We will need very special homes for these three girls. We have managed to find homes for four but still have the three nervous little girls who need to be spayed and a lot more work done with them.
November
Dog Shows 04 Northern Natal Open Summerveld Country Lodge 05 KZN Boxer Club Open 19 KZN GSD Club Open Port Natal School Fundraisers 05 Trail Walk and Adoption day In support of P.A.C.T. and Mazarat Animal Rescue. Mazarat Farm Waterfall Contact: Karina 0614190915 25
By Kay Sargent
of the Animal Lodge and Pet Hotel
And of course we have Paxton, who has developed into a wonderful character. His joy in life is something to behold after seeing him so close to death. He has become very special to us all, so I think he will spend his life here and become our mascot for Border Collie Rescue.
Christmas Market Spade Design Centre Durban North All proceeds to go to “Feeding the Furballs”
We try so hard not to bring ‘Rescue Dogs’ into our house as obviously we get too fond of them and they stay.
Drop off points for donations of dog food to the Valley Dogs 13 Fisher Park off Inanda Road or Sunday mornings at 8am at the Hillcrest Christian Academy.
Paxton is a very special boy and we think that he has found his forever home with us!
HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE 13
KNICK KNACK Paddy Whack Give a Dog a HOME SOPHIE Lab X about 12mnths. Found during New Year’s fireworks and fostered but never claimed. Full of energy, loves children but does not like cats. Well socialised with other dogs and would make a lovely addition to any family. To meet Sophie, contact: Mazarat Animal Rescue. Margie 065 836 3203
KELLY Collie X about 9yrs, surrendered when her owner passed away. She came in with her best mate who has been rehomed. She is lonely. Timid but adores love, attention and walkies. Would do well with a submissive, smaller male but not females. Contact: Mazarat Animal Rescue. Margie 065 836 3203 LEO A handsome Ridgeback male X 4 yo. His start to life has been rough and he desperately needs a loving home with a warm bed and cuddles. He loves other female dogs but is uncertain of male dogs. Ok with cats, but not scardey cats. A gentle boy who loves affection. Contact Mazarat Animal Rescue. Margie 065 836 3203 JUPITER Doberman X approx. 9yo. He was found foraging for food and running along the freeway. Full of love and he craves the attention that he’s clearly never had. He has a lovely nature & is fine with older kids. Contact: Mazarat Animal Rescue. Margie 065 836 3203
STOFFLES A loving GSD X male, approx. 2yo. Friendly, energetic, full of life and eager to please. A beautiful boy looking for a home of his own and to be a friend for life Contact: Mazarat Animal Rescue. Margie 065 836 3203 PIXIE A shy Afrikanis female pup, approx. 5mnths young. She has a delightfully sweet disposition and is eager to make friends but she is a little timid. Learning to walk on leash/harness, fine with other dogs and curious about cats. After some puppy training, she will make the perfect companion for a child or young family. She is a precious pup. Contact: Mazarat Animal Rescue. Margie 065 836 3203
Africanis Pups. They are all boys and have just turned 7 weeks old and have had their vet check, vaccinations and deworming etc. Adoption forms. Home check and donation will apply. Sasha and Bonnie. Both girls about 2yo. They are very friendly, good with children and other pets. Ready for a loving home.
We love having visitors. Come and see our dogs, they are all special people. If you want to take them out for a walk or have a play with them you are most welcome. Muffy is precious. A 2yo medium sized X breed with a beautiful temperament who loves going for long walks, great with other dogs and people. Rescued from the roadside nursing 6 pups. She has been in kennels for over a year. Contact: Project Dog, Quicha 083 272 7201 Diesel is an adorable short little man, a 7 yo Dachshund with a chilled and laid back nature. He is good with other dogs and children. No cats. He loves affection and will make a super companion. Contact: Project Dog, Quicha 083 272 7201 Roxy is a beautiful girl. A 1yo Shepherd X in need of a loving home. She is good with other dogs and enjoys playing in the garden. Roxy gave birth to 11 puppies in the bush, all her pups have found loving homes and now its her turn. Contact: Project Dog, Quicha 083 272 7201 Nala is such a pretty girl. She is an 11 month old Africanis who has been in kennels since she was 8 weeks. She has a playful, friendly, happy nature and loves to be around people. She enjoys running around with toys in her mouth and collects as many as she can. She would love a family of her own. Contact: Project Dog, Quicha 083 272 7201