A dog's life at play group

20 March 2015 - 02:32 By Katharine Child
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
BARKING MAD: Edson Mvundla keeps the youngsters amused at Happy Tails, a dog daycare centre in Bryanston
BARKING MAD: Edson Mvundla keeps the youngsters amused at Happy Tails, a dog daycare centre in Bryanston
Image: MOELETSI MABE

A daycare facility in Bryanston offers a huge garden, nap times, free play, dress-up competitions, toys, a swimming pool and birthday parties for patrons.

But don't expect your three-year-old to be welcome - unless, of course, he has four legs, a tail and likes treats.

Doggy daycare is on the up. At least 60 Johannesburg pooches go to Happy Tails in Bryanston and Fourways - some every day, where they receive individual attention, lots of exercise and obedience training.

And it seems for owners cost is not an issue, spending as much as R2000 a month. And you have to pack lunch.

Johannesburg residents Nicole Badenhorst, 32, and Laura Whittaker, 28 who rescue abused animals, started Happy Tails just over three years ago.

The idea was borne from the calls the pair received from people living in complexes who needed to find new homes for their pets because they were barking all day and disturbing the neighbours.

The demand was so great that a second canine daycare facility had to be opened.

"We have free time and play thinking games. Dogs need mental stimulation," Badenhorst said.

These thinking games include hide and seek.

And if you are worried about your Jack Russell having to fight it out with the big boerbul for territory, don't.

The largest dogs have their own section of the garden and a full-time employee chases them around, even throwing toys.

Some dogs have been rescued and are waiting to be adopted.

The other dogs have "wealthy parents", as Badenhorst calls them, who drop their pets off between 6.30am and 9am.

"Look, you can see she is an only child," says Badenhorst as Duchess, a dog, chases a ball.

If your furry friend misbehaves, there's a quiet room where dogs are put for "time out".

And they have special days for dressing up. Halloween is a big festival as the dogs come dressed up and the best costume wins.

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now