T’shinga Kennels is a boarding and training kennel in the beautiful Assagay Valley outside Hillcrest. Dogs from the same family can easily be boarded together.
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T’Shinga Boarding Kennels has been established to bring back the personal touch to the boarding of our canine companions. We keep in touch as best we can, through our page during the period the dogs are with us, giving peace of mind. Clients can enquire about their dog via a direct kennel phone link to the duty kennel staff member. Boarding dogs are exercised daily, spending as much of th
e day…depending on the weather…in our designated outdoor exercise areas. At night the guest dogs sleep in the comfort of our spacious kennels. Where single dogs are compatible they are able to share a kennel for companionship. We also have a specialised “BOARD AND TRAIN” option. David Padbury
0829070744 or [email protected]
POINTER TRAINING
Pointer training can be rather challenging to some. I prefer to do mine in the comfort of the lounge, in the comfort of my armchair, in the comfort of a glowing fire, with a comfortable dog and comfortable birds…and to put the cherry on top…add a comfortable Scotch…🌹…great way to get comfortable results…🦋
A REMINDER OF RELATIONAL COURAGE FROM THE ANIMAL KINGDOM…
I would like to write much about this story, but perhaps the story speaks for itself…and I know some will relate to the true depth of it…but also know it will just go over many people’s heads…
In August 1915, a new conscript named Albert Marr arrived at the recruiting station of the 3rd Transvaal Regiment of the 1st South African Infantry Brigade. After undergoing a medical examination and other official procedures, the now private under number 4927 turned to the regiment command with an unusual request. He asked to be accompanied at the front by a comrade - a baboon of the Chakma variety named Jackie. After a little reflection, the officers agreed to enroll an unusual soldier in the ranks of the regiment. Thus began the odyssey of baboon Jackie and his master across the battlefields in the deserts of North Africa, the forests and swamps of France and Flanders.
The friendship between Albert and Jackie began long before the war on a small farm in Cheshire in the suburbs of the South African city of Pretoria. Albert, who lived on this farm with his parents, once picked up an orphaned baby baboon who was wandering at the edge of the forest. Soon the baby baboon became a universal favorite, he quickly gave in to training and grew into a large strong male. The monkey and the man became so attached to each other that Albert, who was going to the war, could not even imagine that he would leave his pet at home.
Albert and Jackie received their baptism of fire in Egypt in the hostilities against Sanusia, a Sufi religious and political order (tariqa) that still exists in Libya and Egypt. During the First World War, the followers of the order maintained close ties with the Ottoman and German empires. In the summer of 1915, the Ottomans persuaded the then leader of the Order, Ahmed Sharif es-Sanussi, to declare jihad on the British and attack British-occupied Egypt. The 1st South African Infantry Brigade, along with other British forces, was sent to Egypt to counter the jihadists. At the famous Battle of Agagia on February 26, 1916, Albert Marr was wounded in the shoulder. Until the orderlies arrived, Jackie, distraught with grief, covered his master, who was lying on the ground, and licked his wound. It was then that Jackie became for the rank and file of the regiment not just a mascot, but a comrade in arms.
For a long time, Albert and Jackie managed to fight without injury, but in April 1918, luck changed the brave baboon and his master. The 1st Brigade found itself under heavy shelling during the retreat during the Battle of Paschendal in the area of the Belgian town of Reningelst. Frightened, Jackie, having come under fire, desperately tried to build a wall of stones around himself to protect himself from the shrapnel. One of them wounded the monkey in the front paw, and the second almost chopped off the hind leg: it hung on several tendons. Albert was also injured, but luckily, lightly.
When Jackie was taken to the field hospital, the doctors were at a loss for what to do, with no experience in animal surgery. Finally Jackie was euthanized with chloroform and had a hind leg amputated. No one knew if the baboon would survive. Here is what Lieutenant Colonel R.N. wrote about this in his memoirs. Woodsend of the Royal Medical Corps, who operated on the monkey: “It was a terrible sight. The animal the size of a little boy, which his master had brought in his arms, groaned in pain. And the soldier shouted in our faces: “Do something for him! He saved my life in Egypt, he courted me when I was sick with dysentery! " The baboon was badly injured, the left hind paw was hanging on scraps of muscle, another open wound was in the right front paw. We decided to give the patient chloroform and bandage his wounds. If he died under anesthesia, it might be best. Since I had never anesthetized such a patient before, I thought this would be the best result. However, he tolerated chloroform as if it were a simple glass of whiskey and fell asleep very quickly. It was not difficult to amputate the leg with scissors, I cleaned the wounds and bandaged them as best I could. "
To the surprise of the doctors, the baboon recovered quickly. It was said that when the regiment commander came to see him, Jackie jumped up on the bed and saluted the astonished officer.
For Privates Albert Marr and Jackie, service ended on November 11, 1918. They were sent to England, where Jackie immediately became a celebrity: all London newspapers wrote about him, he participated in the parade at the Day of the Lord Mayor of London. Until February 1919, Jackie and Marr, on behalf of the War Department and the South African government, collaborated with the Red Cross, participating in charity events to raise money for sick and wounded soldiers. They collected huge sums, allowing the public to shake Jackie's hand for half a crown and kiss him for five shillings.
In April 1919, Jackie returned to South Africa, where he was promoted to corporal, dismissal issued and a military pension granted. Now, like a true war veteran, on the sleeve of his uniform was a gold stripe and three blue chevrons, which meant three years of service at the front. In May 1919, Jackie and Albert returned to Pretoria. On July 31, 1920, at the Peace Parade in Pretoria Church Square, the baboon was awarded the Pretoria Citizen's Service Medal.
Soon Albert and Jackie returned to their family farm in order to forget the horrors of war in the midst of a peaceful life, but the war overtook Jackie at home. During a severe thunderstorm that broke out on May 22, 1921, the baboon was frightened by strong thunderclaps, similar to the explosions of shells, his heart could not stand it, and Jackie died. Such was the tragic end of one of South Africa's most astonishing soldiers. His friend and comrade Albert Marr, on the contrary, lived a long life and died at the age of 84 in August 1973.
Pictured is Private Albert Marr and his friend Jackie the baboon.
(Check link in the comments) 👇👇
ONE WINTERS EVENING…
Every night every dog in the kennels gets a jacket put on to keep them comfortably warm. The hay is topped up as it insulates our special guests and keeps them warm and content. However…there is always one of them…in this case two…that makes every effort to get them off🤭🤗🙈. During the final walk round the kennels these will be put back on…and hopefully they will refrain from training themselves for their eventual new home in England…😂 here are some of the guests “ready for bed “
POST TORNADO
Well, the night went well, and the boarding guests just took it in their stride. In the early hours of the morning we started to re-group…easily due to the calmness of our guests.
It was a chilly but glorious morning, as was the rest of the day…so maximum time was spent celebrating “Overcoming” and enjoying the new day. Here are a few insights to that special new day…
POST TORNADO…
Late this afternoon we had a Tornado pass through our Assagay Valley. The weather change had been building up during the day, but quite suddenly developed into very high winds and torrential rain with hail. Everything went quite dark…and then a Tornado moved through the valley.
During the build up we gave all the dogs in the kennels some Rescue, made them
as warm as possible, put the drop-downs in place and Leonard remained in the kennels with the dogs while the rest of got involved in damage control when needed. The damage through the valley was considerable…trees falling on houses and outer buildings…and cars. We estimate we were between 400 to 600 meters from the destructive path of the Tornado, and by Gods Grace were spared any destructive damage. Our community had a lot of clearing of the roads around the valley to do, and assistance to give those most severely impacted. But…the dogs in the kennels remained calm and were carefully monitored. They are settled, warm and dry…but above all they are content and peaceful. I have just done the rounds at 22:00 and all is well…
Here is an insight to the event, and the relaxed mode of the dogs as at 22:00. Leonard also collected rain water incase the water supply was affected. To all our clients…rest assured all is well.
NOW THE PLAY
After a pretty full day yesterday, shampoo, brush and play…today Sunday…was focused on chill and play.
We get the dogs out as much as possible when the weather is good, and mix them up where we can. Today was a really great day to be outdoors and be in the gentle sunshine.
Here are some of the guests in the exercise areas…with a watchful eye kept in them by Lenny and Leonard…
WASH AND GROOM
Saturday is a day that we spend time, depending on the weather, to attend to having a good wash and brush. Leonard and Lenny got stuck in today as dogs came in and went out, and they got stuck in to do the shampoo and brush of the dogs in the kennels. Today there were 15 to work with, and it was great to see the dogs running in the exercise areas after their turn.
Running small kennel, we only take in a maximum if 25 dogs, gives us the time to interact with the dogs and properly attend their needs.
It was a lovely day, sun was out and tge mild conditions allowed for a lot of exercise.
Playtime puppy training is such fun…it is amazing how quickly they grasp the concepts and become reliable in them…with a smile on your face, the right level of motivational interaction and the right knowledge and understanding the sky is the limit…
EXCITINGLY BUSY
The past few weeks have been delightfully busy and full of fun. Lots of fun dogs in the kennels, staff interacting, training alongside me as they learn more about the dogs they oversee and keeping the kennels in trim and good order at the same time. Nothing can be better than interacting with fun dogs…and this last week what an amazing weekend training in Zinkwazi, hosted by the staff at the magnificent Sugar Bay Luxury children’s camp. So exciting and so motivating…thank you one and all for giving us the opportunity to pursue our passion…this is the best way of working out the name “Exclusive”…small enough to know every guest in our care…🦋💗🤗…this is the pictorial kaleidoscope of play time to bed time…🐶
HOME AT LAST
Remember Molly…she had to wait patiently, but never gave up. In the kennels she was a joy to behold, a real character…and so she waited.
Then it all happened…the day arrived when getting into the car was to “go home”…
Well done Samantha for the patience and tenacity to keep on going…now she is home forever.
“I was lost…now I am found”
SerendiPitty Rescue are looking for a home for Molly. We are looking after her at the moment, and she is a lovely guest.
Please spread the word, and anybody that can help can contact Nicole on the number provided below.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/8vArwJE9TLP6t8RH/?mibextid=xfxF2i
Something special about play time in the kennels…it helps build bonds and relationships…and creates a happy family environment
SOME KENNEL INTERACTIONS
As frequently as we can we take as much opportunity to interact with our boarding guests…here Leonard and Lenny are”caught in the act” on camera during one of yesterdays sessions before the welcome rain came down…two of the exercise areas are simultaneously used…it helps with giving a good healthy interactive experience all round.
A FUN LESSON IN COMMUNICATION AND ANIMAL DYNAMICS
Fun learning never stops, and never ending displays of my dogs abilities to read us better than we read them, and communicate better to us than we can with them are never ending.
And so I share this spontaneous lesson with you…
Yesterday I went down to our storage shed to load up a tent and other camping gear…I want to prepare it for a trip I plan to do.
In double quick time at the shed the dogs had read the scenario and managed to book their whatever space was left…🤭
They knew the signs and let me know in no uncertain terms that they had no intention of losing out on another adventure…all six of them somehow got a spot…
No arguing, no pushing and shoving, no heated exchanges…just peaceful and exemplary co-operation.
When one of Bruce’s dogs saw and came to join in…no selfish responses.
Then…”GameOver”….
When they were called out before I closed the tailgate…one by one by name… they calmly came out and followed me up the driveway where I unloaded…then, with ever present anticipation they all got back into the now empty back…🤭😂😅🧑🎓
TODAY’S FOCUS…
Odin and Rusty have arrived amongst us at the kennels. Two lovely guests who will be with us until they can join their family in England. I am so encouraged and grateful to their family for including them in their move to start a new life. We will ensure we give Odin and Rusty all the love and support we can…and prepare them well for their journey ahead of them.
SPIKE IS MAGNIFICENT
Each day we join Spike in the Exercise Areas it is exciting to interact with him. His jumping up is getting better, and he can be such a character.
He is also very photogenic…lovely to have him with us in the kennels. 🤗
SPIKE SETTLING IN
Lovely dog…responding so well.
JUST ANOTHER DAY
We collected Spike early this morning for a stay in the kennels. From the start it was apparent that there were going to be a couple of challenges as we got to know each other…quite a heavy Boerbull for his age, pretty high drive and lots of jumping up…something easy to work on.
Before placing him in his kennel we decided to work with him, and he soon understood how to respond. A good 15 minutes well spent…makes his management so much easier. A quick introduction to the other dogs in the kennels as he was not used to other dogs, and a quick greet and meet with Leonard…now Spike is settled in his kennel…going to be an interesting journey for us all…just a gentle giant . 🤗👍
PURE BRED OR RESCUE
This post is from the USA but it applies everywhere.
From the outset it must be stated that there are are some reputable Rescue organisations…I work with two, and they do an amazing service in the rescue of dogs. However, the reason for the multitude of homeless dogs, abused dogs and dogs just given up because owners don’t want them anymore is not because reputable breeders breed dogs for a specific purpose, and we all need to be aware of where the real problem lies. The reputable rescue organisations and the reputable breeders of pure breed dogs need to come together and work together to educate and resolve the source of the problem.
Thank you Gill for allowing me to post this…
Quote…
I've had rescues, pure breds from Reputable breeders and pure breds from backyard breeders - I do love all dogs! Always do your due diligence and make the right decision for YOUR family whether that be rescue or pure bred!
And the phrase: "Don't shop - adopt!" BU****IT! If people "shopped" for their dogs with as much energy and mindfulness as they shop for cars, tvs, homes, doctors, etc - then they wouldn't be tossing dogs away like garbage. SHOP for your pure bred! SHOP for your rescue! This is a lifetime commitment - he/she deserves to be in the right, lifetime home.
But this also needs to be said...
My purchase of a well bred purebred did not sentence another dog to death.
My purchase of a well bred purebred did not cause an increase in the number of dogs in shelter.
Me wanting a dog with a predictable temperament from healthy lineage did not cause another dog to not get adopted.
My meticulous research and support of only the most responsible of breeders is not the problem. It is not what you should be mad at. It is not what you should be pushing the blame onto.
I am not the one who brought these dogs into the world irresponsibly and left them in a shelter. Responsible breeders are not the ones who put dogs into shelters either.
It is my home, my life, and my choice of what kind of dog to bring into it. Maybe I needed a working dog, a sport dog, or simply a companion puppy to raise of a breed I enjoy. No matter the reason, my choice to support a reputable breeder did not send a shelter dog to its death.
A breeder who health tests, temperament tests, studies pedigrees, proves a dog worthy of being bred, and only breeds when doing so is of benefit to the breed is not contributing to the number of homeless dogs.
The number of homeless dogs in the world is a problem, but it is not a problem exacerbated by reputable breeders and those who purchase from them.
Your neighbor down the street who refuses to contain his unaltered dog IS contributing to the problem.
Your friend who impulsively bought a dog at PetLand IS contributing to the problem.
That guy on Craigslist pumping out the trendiest designer mix as fast as he can IS contributing to the problem.
Your relative who just HAS to let their dog have one litter “so she can experience motherhood” or because “she’s just so sweet” IS contributing to the problem.
Your old high school classmate who bought a high energy working breed without taking the time to research its needs and realize it was not a good fit for their household ahead of time IS contributing to the problem.
A reputable breeder offers their lifelong support. A reputable breeder would never allow their dogs to end up in a shelter to begin with. A reputable breeder makes it a contractual obligation to return dogs they have produced back to them should you find yourself unable of keeping it.
It is understandable to be angry about the number of homeless dogs in the world, but if you take a deeper look, you will find your anger is misplaced.
If you take a deeper look, you will find reputable breeders and those of us who purchase from them are just as angry.
Unquote
There is a great need for the work that rescue organisations admirably do. But the reason for the growing multitude of dogs needing rescue needs to be seen in the right context…irresponsibly and lack of understanding why an owner wants a dog in the first place…and in some cases just plain cruelty.
ADVENTURE WALKS
One of the activities that we are putting into effect is is called “The Adventure Walk”. This walk is for dogs that are kennelled with us, and their owner would like their dogs to have the occasional active excursion. The details on how it works will shortly be released, but we are presently refining it. However…OBEDIENCE comes first, or the walk is limited in its opportunities. Sign up for our obedience training programme for a well behaved companion.
Here we have dogs we are currently looking after while the owner is in New Zealand, along with an insight into the environment we use…and some of our dogs mixed with other borders in the kennels, all reliably obedience trained.
ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS…
NEW YEARS DAY…2024
A VERY HAPPY NEW
YEAR TO YOU ALL
Oh those fireworks… we were fortunate to have no impact.
For these events we have a management plan that goes beyond the kennels, and there are solid, dedicated, no nonsense people involved for the good of the community as a whole. It takes commitment all year round, as well as a desire to “DO IT”…not “WE WILL TRY”.
Our guests were the beneficiaries of a quiet and restful night…the hard work was done well before the event.
Thank you Kirsti, between the two of us we reaped the reward from calmness in all things.
To all our clients, thank you for entrusting your dogs to us…especially over the period of apprehension of a New Years Eve eruption. All the dogs are in good spirits, happy and calm
We are a happy kennel
NEW YEARS EVE: 00:10
All good in the kennels tonight as the midnight came and went. It was a joy to handle them alone, just me and the dogs tonight…just sitting talking to them as the hour passed into another year. Only Louis was vocal as he asked for more “ New Year Biscuits”…🤭🤗…oh, and at precisely midnight the rain came down 🤭
The video is a bit short as storage ran out…
NEW YEARS EVE: 23:00
Just to make sure all is well as the midnight hour approaches, a quick round to give each guest a CalmEze tablet. Just to help them through their journey into 2024 should they need a bit of help if there is any inconsiderate neighbours.
All good.
4 Gowans Road, Assagay
Durban
3660
| Monday | 08:00 - 10:00 |
| 15:00 - 17:00 | |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 10:00 |
| 15:00 - 17:00 | |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 10:00 |
| 15:00 - 17:00 | |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 10:00 |
| 15:00 - 17:00 | |
| Friday | 08:00 - 10:00 |
| 15:00 - 17:00 | |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 10:00 |
| Sunday | 15:00 - 17:00 |
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POINTER TRAINING Pointer training can be rather challenging to some. I prefer to do mine in the comfort of the lounge, in the comfort of my armchair, in the comfort of a glowing fire, with a comfortable dog and comfortable birds…and to put the cherry on top…add a comfortable Scotch…🌹…great way to get comfortable results…🦋
Just a short video to show the resilience of the dogs after the tornado, and the commitment of the kennel staff to ensuring a healthy return to normality. The bitches in season who are also with us went through the same exciting interaction.
Playtime puppy training is such fun…it is amazing how quickly they grasp the concepts and become reliable in them…with a smile on your face, the right level of motivational interaction and the right knowledge and understanding the sky is the limit…
It is always busy and fun in the kennels at Easter…lots of work and lots of play💙🦋
Something special about play time in the kennels…it helps build bonds and relationships…and creates a happy family environment
JUST ANOTHER DAY We collected Spike early this morning for a stay in the kennels. From the start it was apparent that there were going to be a couple of challenges as we got to know each other…quite a heavy Boerbull for his age, pretty high drive and lots of jumping up…something easy to work on. Before placing him in his kennel we decided to work with him, and he soon understood how to respond. A good 15 minutes well spent…makes his management so much easier. A quick introduction to the other dogs in the kennels as he was not used to other dogs, and a quick greet and meet with Leonard…now Spike is settled in his kennel…going to be an interesting journey for us all…just a gentle giant . 🤗👍
NEW YEARS EVE: 23:00 Just to make sure all is well as the midnight hour approaches, a quick round to give each guest a CalmEze tablet. Just to help them through their journey into 2024 should they need a bit of help if there is any inconsiderate neighbours. All good.
NEW YEARS EVE: 00:10 All good in the kennels tonight as the midnight came and went. It was a joy to handle them alone, just me and the dogs tonight…just sitting talking to them as the hour passed into another year. Only Louis was vocal as he asked for more “ New Year Biscuits”…🤭🤗…oh, and at precisely midnight the rain came down 🤭 The video is a bit short as storage ran out…
HEALTH AND HYGENE Not only do the kennels and surrounds get power hosed, but everything that is part of making them a home from home. Here the beds get done. We use tyres with lots of soft bedding grass. This not only makes the dogs comfortable and warm, butbheybdhowva great preference for this way relaxing and sleeping. After each dog has gone home, the grass is replaced and the old grass used as mulch around the farm and on the gardens.
HEALTH AND HYGENE Leonard is very particular about the hygenein the kennels, treating them like his very own…so when it is time…the job gets done thoroughly…🤗…here the kennel areas get done…👍
THE LOVE OF DOGS One of the highlights in my life in recent days has been the welcome home from my dogs after a necessary stay in Hospital…The video says it all…
SETTING THE STANDARD Many dog owners desire to have well trained and reliable dog for whatever reason they have the dog for…be it as a family dog, companion dog or working dog in one of the many disciplines and fields that dogs work in. Many don’t realise how much work must be put in to achieve this, and equally as many don’t realise that the end result is dependant on how committed they must be to achieve this. In all training the key is that the trainer sets the standard. What you do and accept or allow is what you get. I love watching well trained dogs in action, and this video gives some insight into what can be achieved….
FUN AND COURAGE Now the slow motion…just shear beauty and power...but most of all…fun…🤗…looking forward to the coming season of Field Trials and Wing-shooting… We are now starting our season of serious training for clients who want the perfect Gentleman’s Gundog for the field….👍
FUN AND COURAGE Gambit is a Labrador with such potential and amazing athletic ability. He is now coming into his own…despite my late start in training him for a number of reasons…and I am looking forward to unlocking all the potential he has. Saturday was a slow day, so we did some fun training to build confidence and courage. Up until recently delivery to hand has been a problem, so by play and careful shaping he is such a joy to work with. The first video will be the standard speed…note how he is not going to drop that dummy for anything until it is delivered….then in slow motion to see shear beauty of athletic motion. This was achieved by slow build up and maximum encouragement and praise.
NEW YEAR KENNEL VIGIL A quick video showing the goings on as new year approaches…it is our annual crusade to keep our canine guests safe and comfortable
RAIN…RAIN…RAIN Here is the first of two videos that show the action side of the post that tells the story of the way we work with the guests in the kennels in varying conditions, and constantly have their interests at heart… Quite happy, comfortable on the walk to their kennel, knowing where to go…and happy with being dried off. The rain is a slight drizzle… they wouldn’t go out in anything heavier. We are now looking forward to a bit of sunshine…🤗🌈
RAIN …RAIN…RAIN Here is a second video which shows the action side behind the story of caring for the guests no matter what the weather…or indeed no matter what the conditions are….nothing like an excited, high-drive GSP
