IOL
PETS Issue 3 December 2020
Santa Paws is coming to town
INSIDE
EDITOR’S NOTE Holiday options for pets The curious character of cats 10 ways to spoil your pet Places to stay with your fur baby this holiday Presents for pets Happy holidays!
CONTACT US PUBLISHER Vasantha Angamuthu vasantha@africannewsagency.com PETS EDITOR Nelandri Narianan nelandri.narianan@inl.co.za EXECUTIVE EDITOR: LIFESTYLE Nelandri Narianan nelandri.narianan@inl.co.za DESIGN Tanya Fynn tanya.fynn@inl.co.za PRODUCTION Renata Ford renata.ford@inl.co.za BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Keshni Odayan keshni.odayan@inl.co.za SALES Charl Reineke charl.reineke@inl.co.za Kyle Villet kyle.villet@africannewsagency.com GENERAL ENQUIRIES info@anapublishing.com
2020 has been a harrowing year, not just for humans. Our furry friends were just as hard hit, with SPCAs and animal shelters around the country bursting at the seams with unwanted, lost or neglected dogs and cats. The stories of how they ended up in shelters were heartbreaking – some just abandoned on highways, others surrendered as families battled the Covid19 crunch that massacred the job market … and then there were the lost ones. Their eyes told their stories. I recently adopted a miniature Foxie from the Randburg SPCA . Lily, pictured left, the sweetest little darling, patterned like a dairy cow, with golden eyes and a zealousness for hugs and cuddles, was a pregnant stray destined for a sad end. The look in her eyes had me transfixed. This little one, with the burgeoning belly, had a story, and I wanted to change it for the better. Three weeks down the line, my children and I can’t remember life without our Lily. She started off scared and clingy but is now a dynamo who darts around with enviable energy. She adores her big brother, our cocker spaniel Toby, and mimics everything he does. Lily knows she is loved beyond measure … and that she has found her forever home. Unfortunately, not all fur babies are as lucky as Lily. As the festive season approaches, animal shelters are in desperate need of help, not just to spread some festive cheer through their kennels, but to simply meet the basic needs of the animals in their care. We’ve put together the wishlists of some organisations that need assistance, but this is by no means exhaustive. To complement this, we have included a contact list of animal shelters around the country where you can donate time, money or the specific items needed. IOL Pets implores you to please put on your best Santa Paws hat and do it for our fur babies.
Nelandri
Sandton SPCA Due to the great feedback received from their first Waggathon event a few weeks ago, the Sandton SPCA has decided to hold another one. This fundraiser takes place on the weekend of December 5 and 6 and involves you walking your dog in your own time and preferred place. They are quite sure that your dogs would love an entry for only R50, which will provide a meal for their less fortunate friends at the Sandton SPCA. To purchase your entry tickets: https:// qkt.io/wxKz51. Note that the Tractive Dog Walk app will be used for this event. You can download the app from both the App Store and Google Play. THIS Black Friday get the bargain of the year and take part in The Sandton SPCA’s Kindness Sale. A small act of kindness makes a huge difference in the lives of those who need your help. In this case the many animals from underprivileged areas that we treat and sterilise for free in their clinic. Pay it forward this Black Friday and click this link to donate towards kindness for a deserving animal. https://qkt.io/0XI1pi TEARS Animal Rescue TEARS Animal Rescue is calling on all animal lovers to help TEARS feed hungry community cats and dogs. The Covid-19 crisis continues to have a deep impact, families are struggling and their pets are depending on donated food in order to be fed. TEARS has been working with donors to help feed vulnerable pets, and over 9 tons of food has been donated and distributed over the past eight months. However, this has now run out and the pets are still in need. Please help. You can either drop a bag of food at TEARS (the cattery, kennels or any of the four charity shops), or donate a bag via their online shop. http://bit.ly/feedhungrypets TEARS will continue to distribute food to cats and dogs in low-income areas.
Wetnose Animal Rescue Centre With the festive season fast approaching and all the animal welfare concerns that go with it, the Wetnose Animal Rescue Centre will be spread even thinner and has asked for help. They are desperate for grey dog blankets, dry adult dog food, small kibble puppy food, black dustbin bags and maybe there is a Santa out there that will bring them some tools for maintenance. If you can’t get to them, please help by donating so that we can keep those little tummies full and warm: https://www.wetnose.co.za/donations/ Cape of Good Hope SPCA Name a Kennel for R10 000. This is the average cost of providing a permanent structure which will house thousands of animals over the years as they await their new homes. Paying for the construction of a kennel entitles you to naming rights and makes for beautiful birthday, Christmas and wedding gifts! https://capespca.co.za/how-tohelp/spca-sponsor/ Dogtown South Africa http://www.dogtownsa.org/ Did you know? A donation of just R175 helps to feed, home and care for the medical needs of a dog for seven days. Think how many dogs you can help with a budget 10 or 100 times that amount. Give a lifesaving gift in 2020! Corporate companies can also email Pat on pat@dogtownsa.org for more information about being involved with Dogtown. Find out more about Dogtown by clicking on https://dogtownsa.org/ wishlist/?fbclid=IwAR3_wNE7nHWjve YoQLdhp9wRK4JVVJxBbanCq0xL1Qd8JCN4jQbkcWTfIw If you would like to donate or help in any other way, please contact pat@ dogtownsa.org
HEROES FOR ANIMALS JOHANNESBURG SPCA: https://jhbspca.co.za/ https://www.kittypuppyhaven.org.za/ https://tears.org.za/ http://animalallies.co.za/ http://4ourpaws.org.za/ http://www.huskyrescue.org.za/ https://www.anewhopedogrescue. com/ https://www.sarac.co.za/ https://tranquilityrc.co.za/ https://www.aacl.co.za/ https://woodrockanimalrescue.co.za/ https://barkingmad.co.za/ https://nspca.co.za/find-your-spca/ https://www.wetnose.co.za/ https://dog.rescueme.org/za https://www.adoptapet.co.za/ DURBAN SPCA: http://www.spcadbn.org.za/ https://stray-paws.business.site/ https://mazaratanimalrescue.webs. com/ https://montclair-animal-hospital. business.site/ https://www.huskyrescuekzn.com/ https://www.friendsofthedog.co.za/ http://darg.org.za/ https://tears.org.za/ https://www.four-paws.org.za/ http://pugrescue.co.za/ https://www.adoptapet.co.za/ https://www.safehavenanimalrescue. org/ WESTERN CAPE SPCA: https://capespca.co.za/ https://www.pawsofcapetown.com/ https://www.kittenscapetown.co.za/ https://tears.org.za/ https://www.fallenangels.org.za/ http://darg.org.za/ http://uitsig.org.za/ https://oscarsarc.org/ https://dassenbergrescue.org/ http://townshipanimalrescue.co.za/ https://www.hartteamsa.com/ https://www.animalrescue.org.za/ https://www.change4thebetter.org/ https://megsmutts.co.za/
Time to let our fur down ... KED IBON E M OD ISE IT’S THE holiday season and families are headed to the beach, safari or the countryside – and as a pet owner, you may be wondering what to do with your furry friend. There are a few options to consider, including taking your pets on holiday with you, getting a pet sitter or putting them into a kennel, cattery or pet hotel. All pets, including dogs, cats, parrots, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs and fish, need proper
planning, well ahead of you embarking on your holiday. While some families may consider taking their pets with them, many institutions, including the National SPCA, do not recommend travelling with pets. “There are documented cases of accidents on the road and pets escaping or being left inside the vehicle for prolonged periods and suffering terribly,” reads the NSPCA statement.
Travel with the pet Should you take your pet with you, please consider the following: l First check with your vet that your pet is healthy and safe to travel. l Ensure vaccinations and flea and worm treatments are up-to-date. Vaccinations prevent diseases that can be passed between animals and from animals to people. Diseases prevalent in wildlife, such as rabies and distemper, can infect unvaccinated pets. l Ask your vet about pet tranquillisers. Travelling can be stressful for animals. l Make sure you have enough room for your pet to lie in case they need to rest during the trip. l If you have a crate for your pet, ensure that it’s large enough for your pet to stand up and change position comfortably. Ensure that the crate can be securely locked. l Do not put your pet in the boot of the car – they
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ENTRUSTING YOUR FURRY FRIEND WITH SOMEONE WHO YOU KNOW CARES ABOUT THEM AS MUCH AS YOU DO WILL GIVE YOU PEACE OF MIND WHILE YOU’RE ON HOLIDAY.
will suffocate and die. l Never let your pet roam around the car unrestrained. l Ensure that you have enough water for your pet to drink during the journey and a water bowl l Bring along their favourite toys, familiar smelling items like a blanket and treats. l Ensure that the leash is readily available so that you can ensure your dog does not run free when you and your pet (dog or cat) stop for restroom breaks. l Never leave your pet alone in the car, not even for a minute. l Enquire with your vacation destination about their pet policy ahead of time – there are many pet-friendly accommodations across the country. l Be sure to search for one of them if you are hoping to take your pet on holiday. Contact them for more information to ensure your pet will be safe and well catered for.
Ask a friend or family member to pet sit If you can’t travel with your pet, the next best option is to ask a friend or family member to petsit your furry friend. Pets, especially dogs and cats, would be more comfortable if you leave them with a familiar person in a familiar environment. Entrusting your furry friend with someone who you know cares about them as much as you do will give you peace of mind while you’re on holiday. Ensure that the sitter continues with their usual routines such as walking your pet.
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Taking your pet to a boarding kennel, cattery or a pet hotel For most pet owners, kennels are a great option to ensure that their pets are cared for while they are away on vacay. However, if you’re taking your pet to a kennel or cattery the first time, be sure to keep the following in mind. l Is your pet’s Immunisation up to date? Reputable boarding kennels require proof of your pet’s vaccination certificates. And this should be dated at least 2 weeks before your pets are admitted to boarding facilities. l Visit the kennel, cattery or pet hotel first before booking your furry baby. Do not rely solely on information from the internet. Visit the place to ensure your pets needs and expectations will be met. Pay them an unexpected visit to observe how animals are treated. l Ensure that the food being served by the boarding kennel, cattery or hotel meets your pet’s dietary requirements. l Ensure your pet will get regular exercises. l Check that the kennel or cattery appear to be well maintained and well looked after.
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l Check that the place is not overcrowded. l Ensure that the kennel or cattery has a vet visit on a daily basis. Are the staff trained to recognise animals that may not be well? A well-run, reputable boarding kennel is normally a safe manner in which to house your animals while you’re away. l Bring your pet’s food, blankets and toys. Most kennels will provide food, but if your pet has special dietary requirements, ensure that you buy enough food for their entire stay. l Leaving your pets with their blanket or favourite toys will help if they are prone to anxiety. l To find a reputable kennel or cattery in your area, ask family, friends or neighbours for recommendations. Most families use the same kennel for years or search in Google, but do your own homework. Ensure that you visit the place prior to making any bookings. There are pet hotels, you can search for the one nearest to you, for your pet’s comfort and luxury stay that include pampering and grooming. These hotels come at a price but after all luxury is costly.
Hire a professional pet sitter If you have no family member or friend to pet-sit while you’re on holiday, consider hiring a certified pet-sitter. This option would cost you more, but pet sitters are often people who love pets so much that they made it their profession, so you can be sure they would give your pet the care and attention they need. Professional pet sitters cost anything between R150 to R450 a day, depending on the area and the type of pet you have. Check out petbacker.com – their services are available across South Africa. Simply choose the area, and various reputable and certified pet-sitters will be listed. Then you can choose which is best suited for you and your pet.
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Checklist for the pet sitting option courtesy of the NSPCA l Have you left enough food for the duration of your holiday plus extra? l If the pet-sitter is a professional service, how long has it been in business? l Have you checked on the house-sitting service – is it known to your vet and is he/ she willing to recommend it? l Have you checked on their references from previous clients? l What animal knowledge does the house/pet-sitter have? l Have you made arrangements with the vet in case your animal gets sick? l Does your pet have a collar and tag identification and/or a microchip? l Have you given clear written as well as verbal instructions for the care of your pet? And left numbers for your vet and the SPCA?
Fireworks Fireworks are animals’ worst nightmare. If you are going to leave your pets at home in the care of a house-sitter or professional pet sitter please make arrangements for New Year’s Eve, for your animals to be kept inside the house and have someone stay with them and ensure that they are safe and calm during this time. Bear in mind that fireworks are five times louder to dogs and cats than humans. Whether you will be leaving your pet at home, kennel or cattery, or tag it along on your family vacation, just make sure your pet’s health and well-being are the priority.
THE CURIOUS CHARACTER OF
CATS
– AND ARE THEY REALLY MORE ALOOF? TO SOME people, cats are the perfect JEN N A pet. Intelligent, elegant, calming companions, capable of dealing with their own exercise and cleaning. To others, they are frustratingly independent, cool and aloof. So what is the true nature of the domestic cat? The cats many of us choose to share our homes with did indeed evolve from a solitary species, the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica). But feral domestic cats can form colonies, based on friendly and reciprocal relationships when resources are plentiful. This capacity to live in social groups has been exploited by humans for thousands of years. Before realising their value as animal companions, communities initially took advantage of the cat’s prowess as predators of vermin species to safeguard crops. Cats are now one of the most popular companion animal species in the world. So cats clearly share some characteristics with other pet species to make them such a popular addition to the home. They are able to satisfy people’s need for a human-animal bond, providing owners with social and emotional support. And the fact that cats often engage in undesirable behaviours (from an owner’s perspective) such as hunting, means that that bond must have the capacity to be very strong. Cats have not been as commonly studied as dogs when it comes to social behaviour and people. Nevertheless, studies have shown cats form affectionate bonds with owners, although there is still debate as to whether this is actually a preference for a person who provides safety and security. Although cats are known to show a preference for interacting with their owners over strangers, the social behaviour of cats can vary. The quality of human-to-cat interactions can also be influenced by the owners’ gender, age and how much time they have available. Cats appear to have the best relationship with adult women. Interactions initiated by the cat tend to be longer than those initiated by the human. The cat’s sociability towards
humans therefore ranges from “very independent” to “very attached”. Where an individual cat lies on this spectrum is likely to be related to genes and previous learning experiences – that familiar mixture of nature and nurture. For example, feral kittens which have positive experiences with several different people in their early developmental stage (before 6 or 7 weeks of age) are more likely to respond well to handling and become satisfying “good” pets than feral kittens which are first handled after the end of this period. Breed may also influence how friendly cats are to people. Owners of Siamese and Persians report higher levels of affection than owners of non-pedigree cats, for example.Recent research has attempted to further investigate cat sociability by comparing their preferences for interacting with people to their preferences for food, toys and scents. The authors found similar numbers of cats that preferred human interaction to those who preferred food. Significantly lower numbers of cats preferred toys and scents. The preference of some cats for playing or petting interactions with people over food is contrary to the age-old belief that people are just cats’ servants, who only tolerate people because they provide food. This view is also disputed by findings that providing food in the absence of other social interactions from the human carer, such as speaking or stroking, cannot maintain a social bond. So, are domestic cats aloof? There is no easy answer to this. Cats have the capacity to be very affectionate towards their owners and form significant bonds. But this largely depends on their genetic predispositions and early life experiences. Owner demographics and cat–directed behaviour will also influence the quality of cat-owner interactions. The degree of aloofness in the domestic cat is likely to be very individual. Potential owners should get to know a cat well before taking it into their home as a companion and respecting the cat’s choice to interact. – The Conversation
KID D IE
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WAYS TO SPOIL YOUR PET FROM A FRESH TRIM AT THE PARLOUR TO A COMFY NEW BED, THERE ARE MANY EXCITING WAYS TO SPOIL THE FUR-BABIES IN YOUR LIFE WITH SOME FESTIVE CHEER SACH A VAN N IEKERK
A HOLIDAY FEAST
Dine out at a pet-friendly restaurant and treat your pooch to something off of their dedicated menu of canine cuisine. Across the country, there are a number of eateries – from café to creameries and bakeries – that have a special menu for pets. From pupcakes to puppuccinos and much more, your furry friend will love digging into all the drool-worthy dishes.
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WALKS
WORST
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Dogs have a lot of energy to burn and one of the best ways to keep them healthy and happy is to ensure they have enough exercise. Walks are perfect for this, allowing them to explore their neighbourhood safely and become well socialised.
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DOG PARK
If there’s nothing your pet loves more than socialising with other dogs, then a trip to the dog park may be in order. These parks provide wide open spaces for your pooch to frolic freely, play fetch and fool around with the other dogs.
PLAY DATE
CHRISTMAS DINNER
Your pet may be quite content with dry pellets and the canned, pre-packaged food from the store, but there’s nothing quite like a homemade meal. There are a tonne of vet-approved, pet-friendly meals available online. Have fun whipping up a gourmet meal for your pooch and enjoy basking in their excitement of wolfing it down in seconds.
Whether you organise a hangout with a friend or through a doggy play date group, your pooch will love having another dog around during the holidays. Much like humans enjoy the interaction of others, so does your pet. Pack a bag of their favourite snacks, toys and a leash to prepare for a day of fun with furry friends.
ADVENT CALENDAR
The holiday festivities can be enjoyed by your pets too. You can shop around online for an advent calendar that counts down to Christmas for your pet that’s filled with treats and toys. Or you can make your own version with just a little bit of DIY skill.
GROOMING
Taking your pet to the groomers for a good scrubbing, a haircut and nail trim is the equivalent of going to the spa for pets. Professional groomers will be able to decide whether your breed of dog needs a shave for the hotter summer months to allow them to cool down and have more energy.
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THEIR FAVOURITE ACTIVITY
NEW BED
From the jumping, pawing and countless number of naps, your pet’s bed may not be in the best condition. There’s no doubt that their bed is one of their favourite spots in your home, and one where they spend the majority of their time, so why not make it a little more special with a new bed. Clean and filled fresh stuffing and the perfect size, it’ll soon become their favourite thing.
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Treat them to an afternoon of doing their favourite activity. Whether it’s a day of digging up beach sand and splashing in the waves, catching a frisbee or simply tagging along for car rides while you run a few errands, there’s nothing your pet loves more than spending time with you.
VITAMINS
A healthy pet is a happy pet. From a shiny coat to strong teeth and bones, ensuring your pet is getting the right vitamins and minerals is important for their health. A supplement may be the perfect thing if your dog or cat lacks their usual energy or liveliness.
FIREWORKS are a brilliant no problems. way to celebrate special If for any reason you have occasions such as New Year’s not done that, or your pet Eve as well as big sporting is frightened in spite of all events and religious holidays your efforts, there are still a – right? things you can do to help Not if you happen to them during fireworks or be an animal. All animals, thunderstorms. domesticated and wild, are Dogs and cats often feel hardwired by evolution to more secure if they have a find loud noises frightening. small, enclosed space to hide It’s an automatic in when they are afraid, so response to an unidentified providing a den can help. threat, which may cause This can be as simple as an the animal to bolt before area between two armchairs, the brain has had time to or a small table with a process the information blanket draped over. the ears are presenting. The Cats will often get under only way the response can the bed or behind the sofa. be changed or reduced is For severe cases ask your vet by training, desensitisation to prescribe medication. or habituation to the Make sure that both cats noise. It’s easy to see why and dogs are indoors well fireworks and thunder are so before the fireworks start, to frightening to animals. prevent them running away JAN H OOLE They are loud, sudden and in a panic and getting lost or send shock waves through injured. Stay at home with the air and the ground. In your companion animal to technical terms they activate give them added security and the auditory startle response. help them to stay calm. Many dogs, cats and other Larger animals, including creatures spend Guy Fawkes, horses, can be more difficult New Year’s Eve and Diwali to deal with. Being flight in a state of terror. A study animals, their reaction to in the UK found up to 49% loud noises is to run as fast of owners reported that their as possible in the opposite dogs were afraid of noises, direction. and fireworks were the As with all number one cause. animals, desensitisation to the Thunderstorms and loud noise beforehand is the gunshots were the next two best solution. Desensitisation most common issues. to loud noises can prevent horses from injuring The good news is we can sometimes help our pets themselves during fireworks events. Managing to overcome fear, or prevent them developing it, with horses during fireworks events is crucial, but it can be training and management techniques. a difficult decision whether to leave your horse out The most important time for socialising dogs and or bring it into the stable. Some prefer to run around getting them used to “scary stuff”, is the first 12 outdoors while others feel more secure inside. weeks of life: the socialisation period. For kittens, We can help our pets overcome their fear or give the window is even shorter: up to seven weeks. them some comfort with training, but there is little we During this time, they need to get used to the idea can do to reduce the distress of wild animals. We need that unexpected, loud, bright, confusing things may to tackle the problems caused by fireworks, reducing happen and they are nothing to worry about. the decibel level of displays, or removing the bangs If you have been able to do this with your pet altogether is the answer. Would fireworks be any less during those first crucial weeks, then you may have beautiful if they were silent? | The Conversation
How to keep your pets calm and happy during New Year’s Eve fireworks
Want to travel this upcoming holiday, but don’t want to leave your furry friends behind? Not to worry, as many establishments are welcoming pets with open arms. Here are a few pet-friendly places available to travellers in different parts of the country C L IN TON MO O DL EY
PAWFECT PLACES TO HOLIDAY WITH FURBABIES
Stone Hill, Magaliesburg
Stone Hill
Oyster Box
KWA Z ULU - N ATA L
GAU T EN G
Beach Forest Lodge, Ballito This Northern KwaZulu-Natal lodge is conveniently situated 400m from Ballito’s beachfront and overlooks the Pigeonwood Forest. Here, travellers and their pet friends can enjoy walks in the secluded garden, visit the beach or just relax in their suite. There are three suites available for travellers with pets, all equipped with air conditioning, TV and free wi-fi. Rates start from R950 a unit a night. Travellers make an additional once-off payment of R250 if they bring their pets. Visit www.beachforestlodge.co.za
Stone Hill, Magaliesburg Stone Hill not only boasts grand views of the Magaliesburg, but provides 10 fully-equipped luxurious self-catering timber cottages accommodating from two to six guests each, with a maximum of six dogs per cottage. Stone Hill is the ideal destination if you and your pets love the outdoors. Enjoy a 5km walking trail and a riverine area for dogs to play. Besides the main pool, there are two doggy pools for your pets to cool off in the summer heat. Rates start from R1 750 a night. All units are self-catering. Visit https://stone-hill.co.za
The Oyster Box, uMhlanga If money is no issue and you want to splurge for yourself and your pet, then the Oyster Box Hotel in KwaZulu-Natal should be your holiday getaway. Pets (one big dog or two small dogs) are allowed in the superior garden villa rooms. Guests can spread out and enjoy a private plunge pool, relaxing terrace, private lounge and bar, and an opulent bathroom. Other amenities include a full daily breakfast, TV with movies on demand, wi-fi, and a well-stocked minibar. Rates during the peak season start from R24 771 a room a night. Visit www.oysterboxhotel.com/ rooms-and-suites/superior-gardenvillas
Hlangana Lodge
W ESTERN CAPE Hlangana Lodge, Oudtshoorn Located 1km from the Oudtshoorn town centre and within walking distance from a string of restaurants, Hlangana Lodge offers a gym, swimming pool, curio shop and laundry facilities. There are 23 pet-friendly rooms on the property. Small to medium-size dogs or cats are welcome. Rates start from R1 400 a room. Visit www.hlangana.co.za Barking Beach Cottage, Hermanus When the owners of Barking Beach Cottage bought the property, they wanted to welcome dogs to their Sandbaai property in Hermanus. There are three pet-friendly rooms on the property. Travellers and their pets can laze around on the sand or play a game of fetch at the nearby beach. Rates start from R2 300 during peak season, from December 1 to January 15. Visit www.barkingbeachcottage.com
SEVEN Villa Hotel & Spa, Sandton SEVEN Villa Hotel & Spa in Sandton has 10 pet-friendly rooms – its grand luxe garden-facing rooms. There’s also a pet garden where you can take your furry friend for a stroll. Other facilities at the hotel for travellers include a pool area, a restaurant, conference facilities, cognac and cigar lounge and a gym. Rates start from R1 850 a room a night for two people; and R500 a pet for the first night, thereafter R250 a night. Rates include a bed, food bowl, a toy and a chewy snack for the pet on the first night. Visit https://sevenvillahotel.co.za
PRESENTS FOR PETS As the festive season draws closer, you may be on the hunt for something special for your fur baby. Mouth-watering canine cuisine, clothes, techy toys and more – look no further than our Christmas wish list curated exclusively for pets and their favourite humans. SACH A VAN NI EKERK
Hello Dog Subscription Box R495-R550 for six months from www. petheaven.co.za A box of healthy treats and toys delivered to your door every month. With Hello Dog, you can choose between a six month subscription for R495 a month or R550 which you can pause or cancel at any time. All you have to do is provide a few details about your pet, like their size and look forward to an exciting box every month.
Thundershirt for Dogs R699 from waggs.co.za ThunderShirt is the natural calming solution that helps reduce anxiety in dogs in a drug-free way. Like swaddling an infant, dog anxiety vest’s patented design applies gentle, constant pressure to calm all types of anxiety and overexcitement issues in dogs. The vest is proven to be over 80% effective in reducing anxiety for fireworks, problem barking and more.
Easy sport dog harness R530 from www.petplus. co.za The comfortable EasySport harness is fully adjustable and padded throughout. The elasticised neckline allows for a cosy fit, and the two quick snap buckles make the harness easy to get on and off your favourite four legged pet. The top handle provides an extra degree of safety when you need to control your dog quickly.
iDig Go toy R1224 from shop. goifetch.com Dogs love to dig, but that shouldn’t mean your pot plants and beautiful bed of roses should suffer. Let the digging fun continue with the iDig Go. It features a fold-able fabric base that easily pops up when your dog is ready to play (similar to a pool float). It also includes three fabric flaps that attach to the sides of the white collar on the base. All flaps, as well as the fabric base, are machine washable.
Collapsible Pet Play Pen R1470 from stylishpaws. co.za While you work, entertain guests or are simply cooking up a storm, an indoor play pen will allow your pet to play indoors safely while you’re busy. The Cosmic Pets Collapsible Pet Pens has a wire spine and is made from strong polyester with a removable top and bottom, for added versatility.
Seadog Bandanas R320 from canineandco. co.za From Seadog, these bandanas are the ultimate in canine style. Worn around the neck, they’re designed to be ultra soft because they’re made from 100% cotton and are double lined with a polyester fleece makes these the most comfortable around. This is a pack of 4 in peach.
Dog’s Life New Premium Country Waterproof Bed R491 from www.loot. co.za These Premium Country Beds provide superior comfort for your dog while making a fashion statement in any room. The sides are made of a durable waterproof 300/600 polyester Oxford outdoor treated polyester with water and stain resistance features. The centre cushion provides extra comfort and is reversible.
Rogz Tumbler Medium Treat Dispenser R232 from www.loot. co.za A Treat Puzzle, to help stimulate both body and mind all while filling their tummy. There are three adjustable release rates for different levels of learning and feeding. Made from food grade, high resistant ABS, this toy is highly durable and is a great addition to any meal time.
Dog Food Recipes Cookbook R309 from www.loot. co.za The Official Dog Food Recipes Cookbook is loaded with over 130 dog food recipes and healthy dog treats. Old dogs and young puppies love these natural dog food snacks. It’s easy to cook your own organic dog food or bake up a perfect raw dog food treat with the step-bystep instructions. It’s so much fun too.
Zeus Mini Drinking Fountain for Small Dog Breeds R835 from www.loot. co.za Like people, pets require water for good health, especially in the sweltering summer months. The Mini Drinking Fountain for dogs by ZEUS responds to your pet’s need for a continuous supply of fresh and clean drinking water.
happy holidays! Decking the halls with boughs of holly, writing wishlists and wrapping presents ‌ there are so many ways to get into the spirit of Christmas, including dressing up in festive gear, as these adorable celebrity pets have shown us. Sacha van Niekerk
EMILY RATAJKOWSKI
Model and actress Emily Ratajkowski and her dog Colombo looked Christmas-ready as they posed in front of their Christmas tree during decorating. It was the first time celebrating the holiday together as a family, along with her husband, Sebastian Bear-McClard.
OPRAH
Talk show host Jimmy Fallon shared this super wholesome picture online of Oprah’s whole pack of dogs dressed in gaudy Christmas sweaters. Rocking the green and red knitwear with intricate snowflake patterns, the pooches posed for the camera, ultimately sending fans into a frenzy of cuteness overload.
KALEY CUOCO
KEVIN HART
‘Happy holidays from the Harts,’ was the caption for this Christmas card worthy snap that Kevin Hart posted to his Instagram in 2016. All of his closest family members were included in the shot, even their beloved pooch, who donned a matching sweater and Santa hat.
Norm, Shirls, Rubes and Rex are the names of these lovely pets belonging to Big Bang Theory star Kaley Cuoco. Dubbed as ‘Santa’s mischievous helpers’, they’re seen dressed in their Christmas best, bringing cheer to followers of Cuoco who gushed at the cuteness overload in the comments section.
JESSICA CHASTAIN
This three-legged fur baby is the apple of Jessica Chastain’s eye. The pair are often seen strutting the streets of New York. For Christmas one year, she shared a loving picture of herself holding her puppy close to her face while she wore a Christmas hat.
REESE WITHERSPOON
This cuddly chocolate lab named Hank was in full Christmas mode for this snap taken with his mom, actress Reese Witherspoon. The pair posed for a picture in front of a tree decked with ribbons and lights. Of course, Hank had to do his part by wearing a wreath, making the picture that much more sweet.
DAVID BECKAM
In the run-up to Christmas 2015, David Beckham posted the most adorable selfie of himself with the family’s dog, Olive. The black and white pup actually belongs to Beckham’s eldest son, Brooklyn, who at one point created an Instagram account dedicated to posting pictures of their newest addition to the family.
BRITNEY SPEARS
‘Merry ruff ruff Christmas,’ Britney Spears wished her followers back in 2015, with a post of her silky brown-haired dogs. The three wore hats and vests that perfectly mimicked Father Christmas’s signature red and white attire.
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