Thursday, November 1, 2012

Kitty and Puppy Haven... A safe haven!

Macy- the baby we adopted for the Haven.
When you think of animal shelters you think of the pound or the SPCA where the animals are sickly looking, lonely and howl and are very unhappy. The worry of euthanasia for these animals when they don't get adopted. I can not think of a sadder place to be.... Until I discovered Kitty and Puppy Haven. 

Situated at 271 Corlett Drive, Kew, Johannesburg, I can not think of a more loving and happy environment for these homeless animals. No tiny cages, no lack of food or love and certainly a NO KILL policy. Started in 2000 after there were too many neglected animals in the townships or homeless animals having to fend for themselves, the Haven opened their doors and take in not only puppies and kittens but older dogs and cats too. I find that when I visit the haven and play with the animals, I don't leave feeling upset and wanting to take all of them home with me, I feel happy and content that they have a second chance and a place to sleep and eat. A lot of the animals have been there for a few years already and call the Haven 'home', but there are also a lot of loving families/owners adopting these precious babies!

Our baby sleeping peacefully and purring like a diesel engine,
always such a cuddle bunny looking for a scratch and love.
I have found that these animals are more loving and loyal because they are so grateful for what they have compared to their previously disadvantaged background. All animals are sterilized before they can be adopted as well as de-wormed and checked for any illnesses or disabilities that may hinder an animal and cause them to need a special kind of home. 


We change their destiny! (011) 440-2404 / (011) 440 9486 info@kittyhaven.co.za
Although a lot of the vets the haven uses for sterilizations and emergency surgeries is pro-bono work, they also need de-fleeing etc and their monthly vet bills average R40,000 - R50,000 per month. The Haven is always in need of donations, varying from money to blankets and food to toys and more hands to volunteer.

Our silly little monkey stretching and playing.
BANKING DETAILS:
Kitty Haven (Cheque Account)
Nedbank Sandton City (197005)
Account No: 1970845082

General information
Twitter: @KPHrescue 

ADOPTION HOURS:
Mon - Fri : 09h30 - 15h00 (except Thurs)
Thursday : 09h30 - 12h00
Saturday : 09h30 − 14h00
Closed Sundays
Public Holidays : Phone to confirm

ADOPTION PROCEDURE:
Please visit the sanctuary during our adoption hours. An adoption application form will be completed, after which the adoptee will be provisionally approved or declined. If approved, the staff will introduce the adoptee to the relevant animals. Should the adoptee find an animal they fall in love with, a booking is made and a deposit is paid. We then arrange a home check and have the animal sterilized before collection.

Are you able to foster animals or do you wish to volunteer? Call us on (011) 440 2404 or send an email to info@kittyhaven.co.za

Monday, October 29, 2012

Fry's... i'm a flexitarian

Myself at a food tasting for Fry's family
Some of the yummy Fry's products in their new packaging
Vegetarian....me?? You must be joking! I have grown up in a family where meat at supper time is a compulsory. Sure I have tried soy products back in my schooling years when we had to cook with it, but I found it underwhelming and the taste was nothing close to that of meat. I have recently discovered a slightly different source of vegetarian friendly meals, thanks to Fry's Family! Wally and Debbie Fry are vegetarians themselves whom sought new different foods that would ensure a better tasting, affordable and nutritious alternative than soy protein. After much experimentation, they were successful and boast a whole range of meat-free products with far better taste, easy to prepare and supply any vegan or vegetarian with the needed nutrients. Being a vegetarian means all sorts of health benefits, no cholesterol problems, no high blood pressure, no diabetes and less obesity cases as fat and calorific intake is minimized. All products are made from grains and legumes and contain all 8 amino acids. The products are made in Kwa-Zulu Natal and shipped to the United Kingdom, Australia, Greece, Sweden and soon to be- Mauritius! These products are so good, even restaurants such as Steers, Kauai and Spur are using Fry's patties etc on their vegetarian menu.

SUPPORT MEAT-FREE MONDAYS WITH FRY'S

 http://www.frysvegetarian.co.za/







A list of the following products are available in store:

You can purchase their products at Dischem, Pick n Pay, Spar, Checkers or Makro.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Going whack for WAKABERRY

I am not a fan of Frozen Yoghurt, I prefer ice-cream, in fact, I don't even like sweet things too much, I am a savoury person. I heard about Wakaberry from my cousin who lives in Durban and wasn't too excited about it??
I however holidayed in Durban in December 2011 and made a trip to the Wakaberry in Durban North. WHAT A TREAT! I chose apple, grape and mixed berry flavour topped with turkish delight, jelly tots, strawberry's, twizlers and coconut flakes. I was so impressed I wanted some everyday! Getting back to Jhb wa such a disappointment as there are no Wakaberry's in Jhb. I follow them on twitter just to see when they are having events etc. They have recently announced that the franchise is opening a shop in Lonehill- Johannesburg :-D I am so pleased and will definitely be at the opening of the store on 14 April!!!! 

Monday, February 6, 2012

Ink it up!


A friends Thai tattoo meaning ''Pray''.

I used to think that tattoo's were just for the low class or incarcerated, but I've come to find that it is not only a difficult art to master, but one that should be respected for its sheer brilliance. Growing up with somewhat conservative parents, lead me to believe tattoo's were a no go, 21 years later and I have a tattoo of my own on my left wrist.
The same friend with a sepia tattoo of a dove in honour of her grandfather.
I find tattoo's fascinating and in a weird way- addictive. I want more and more. I know it is a risk as it is permanent, but that is part of the addiction. The permanent body-art... Although it is a painful process, I find pleasure in the fact that once it is finally over and I can stop clenching my jaw, I will have the chosen art on my body to look at, at my leisure. Showing it off or keeping it under wraps when appropriate.
Another friends Thai tattoo, meaning ''Faith''.
Tattoo's have become more socially acceptable as well as being less frowned upon in the work place. Being conservative with clothing or knowing when to hide the art has become more popular and less threatening amoungst the masses. I personally find too many or the wrong kind of tattoo's can be distasteful or offensive, however I don't regret getting mine and I am sure I will add to it soon enough.
Myself, with my own tattoo. A unique rendition of the Pisces Zodiac sign.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Mad for Mendhi!

This last December we decided to go to an Indian market in Durban. The "Souk" is the name given to this pre-dominantly Muslim festival. My first few steps into the expo center blew all my preconceived assumptions of what it would be like. No dingy lighting, no concrete floors covered in display mats, no sweet perfumed incense or whiney music. It was large, well-lit, noisy in the good sense and very clean and organised! There was everything from clothes, bags, jewellry, hookahs, make-up, various technologies and food! Traditional indian snacks like samoosa's, assortments of sweet meats and jars of dried nuts, spices and cereals mixed together for a savoury/spicy finger snack. But the best thing for me about this market was the amazing talents of a little girl of around 14 years old, who was doing Mendhi or as some people call it- Henna. The intricate designs and speed with which she applied the dye was unbelievable! This young girl didn't have to spare a moment to think of what she would create next. It astounded us that each of our designs we had done on our feet were different but had similar shapes that connected them. Apparently mendhi is not done commercially, it is a traditional art form and it is easier to find someone who is familiar with this art form and make a private appointment with them. It is also tradition for the bride in Indian weddings, to have her hands and feet covered in elaborate mendhi designs, along with lots of jewelery, sparkly clothing and intricately woven cloth. I love how pretty it looks and how it can last for weeks, I have had Mendhi done more than once and I will carry on having these beautiful works of art stroked onto me.