Young grooms climb to success one paw at a time
Two horse groomers from Queensway Stables participated in the KUSA Canine Good Citizen test, bronze level with their dogs Damen and Apple, where they both did extremely well.
SANELE Nzama (26) and Mfundo Ndlovu (21) are a true testament that passion and love can create rewarding opportunities.
On Sunday, 30 July, the two horse groomers from Queensway Stables participated in the KUSA Canine Good Citizen test, bronze level with their dogs Damen and Apple, where they both did extremely well, Sanele completed the test gaining himself a certificate and rosette while Mfundo passed nine out of the 10 tests.
They have trained every Wednesday for four months with volunteer trainer, Eleanor Gow, on how to handle, teach and best discipline dogs.
The Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA) Canine Good Citizen Test is a programme designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community and it encourages and stresses the importance of responsible dog ownership by the owners.
Also read: Di explores animal healing in book trilogy
Any dog, pure bred, crossbred or of mixed breeding may take part provided it has had its required vaccinations.
The KUSA Canine Good Citizen Test is a three part programme comprising of a bronze, silver and gold level.
These tests are not competitive and lay down the foundation for KUSA progression to disciplines such as Obedience, Agility, Dog Jumping etc. Successful participants will receive a KUSA Certificate and Rosette.
Animals are something dear to Sanele and he hopes to enter more competitions with his dog, Damen, in the future.
“My grandmother is very supportive, I care so much about animals because of the encouragement she gave me while growing up. She taught me to love my pet dogs,” he said.
Mfundo said he has always had the love for animals. “I grew up in the Eastern Cape where there are many animals around, humans and animals are the same and should be treated with the same dignity,” he said.
He said he and his dog, Apple, are one and are inseparable.
The two dogs were dumped on the compost heap on the stables’ property and the workers found them and took care of them.
The pair said they are very grateful to Margaret Osborne from the stables who, after seeing how passionate these guys were, made sure they never missed on day of training and sponsored their trip and entry costs to the test.
Sanele is looking forward to participating in the silver level test later this year while Mfundo will continue training with Apple to conquer the 10th test.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Highway Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts.
