The Animal Guardians (Tag), based in Cloverdene, has kickstarted their Operation Christmas Gift initiative and are encouraging all animal lovers to make the cats and dogs kept on their premises feel special this Christmas.
Residents can either sponsor an animal by donating R100 or buying an interactive gift that the animals can play with. All the gifts will be given to the animals on December 25.
Tag director Annalise Jungmann said sponsoring the animals with interactive toys will assist in keeping the animals’ minds busy and by doing so they can keep their animals longer and not cause kennel stress.
Jungmann explained various symptoms of kennel stress in dogs include:
• Hiding in the back of the kennel as they become less social or even stop eating.
• Display aggressive behaviour in response to stress.
• Perform repetitive behaviour like walking a certain pattern over and over.
• An increase in their frequency of barking.
• Becoming destructive, including urinating and defecating in their sleeping area.
Jungmann added that the organisation makes use of various stimulation, such as smell, touch, sound, puzzle boxes, various toys and lots of human interaction, to reduce kennel stress in their facilities.
You can make a difference by depositing money into the organisation’s account (Standard Bank, 10106261256, reference animal’s name and your name) or drop off a toy or treat at 86 Cloverdene Road.
They are open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays, 9am to 2pm on Saturdays and 10am to noon on Sundays.
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