Funny, furry, animal friends
JOBURG – Dogs and cats alike have many tricks. These animals made us smile in 2015.
In 2015 these animals made readers smile and gave them hope – something nice to read, outside of the normal crime and worries that we live with today. Here is a roundup of the top animal stories that made us feel good in 2015.
In February we showed you a video of a seal cuddling with his new dog friend. Chances are you have never before seen this rare sighting, therefore this video made the cut to make you smile all over again.
A video in March left us both amazed and amused. An Australian cat rocks the half pipes with his skateboard. The video made the roundup, because watching it over and over again would not bore you.
On 18 March two serval cats found out that they would get a new climbing structure, courtesy of a raffle held at Joburg Zoo. Rochester Furniture Store donated a reclining chair to the winner of the raffle. Funds generated by the raffle were used to build the new structure and according to the zoo’s fundraising manager, Loanna Karamitson, the structure would be better than the initial one, because it focuses on the behaviour enrichment of the animal.
On 19 April a picnic was held by Wags and Whiskers rescue team. The picnic was held at Emmarentia Dam to fund and take care of abandoned animals in the Randburg, Fourways, Midrand and Melville areas. The team called upon supporters to bring along food and blankets for the dogs. They also had dogs up for adoption.
On 31 May Mark’s Park in Emmarentia was the venue for an end-of-the-year all dogs rally. The Doberman Club and All Breeds Dog Training Club, set up a constructed obstacle course for the dogs and their handlers to participate in a friendly competition. The day was about having fun with your dog.
The week of 4 to 10 October marked the International Animal Week. The NSPCA released a statement, asking caring people to do something worthy for an animal. The aim of the week was to recognise and celebrate the role that animals play in our lives. It also aimed to educate people to love and respect animals. The NSPCA encouraged people to adopt an animal from their local SPCA, support circuses with a no animal policy and speak out to protect animals.
