Kennels For a Cause

27/09/2026

A little behind-the-scenes update from us ❤️

We’ve been a bit quiet on here lately, but it’s definitely not because nothing has been happening. Life has just been exceptionally busy and sometimes, quite frankly, overwhelming.

Shaun’s full-time job takes him all over the country, Leah’s online school takes up a big part of the day, and when we do actually get the opportunity to build, you’ll usually find us in our garage getting stuck into the next batch of kennels. 🐾

There are also so many things that happen behind the scenes that don’t always make it onto Facebook, and we really want to try and make a point of recognizing the people who help keep Kennels For A Cause moving.

Back in June, Stuart from TimBuild Somerset West Somerset West very kindly donated 4 sheets of plywood to us.

Those sheets didn't just sit in our garage. They became kennel roofs, helping us provide shelter for dogs at some of the rescue organizations we have had the privilege of supporting.

A big thank you also goes to AGH (Artificial Grass Helderberg), who continue to support us with their astroturf offcuts. What may be an offcut to them becomes a soft, comfortable floor for a dog who needs it.

These are the things that happen behind the curtains and help keep the wheels turning.

So although this post is a little later than it should have been, we didn't want these donations, and the people behind them, to go unrecognized.

Thank you, Stuart and TimBuild, and thank you to AGH for continuing to support what we do. 🐶❤️

And to everyone else who helps us along the way, whether through materials, sponsorships, sharing our posts or simply following our journey, we really do appreciate you.

30/07/2026

Sometimes all someone needs is a little help... and a community willing to stand beside them. ❤️🐾

A little while ago, I was contacted by a lady named Karen, who was desperately looking for help for her beloved dog, Honey.
Karen rescued Honey from the streets of Paarl. Like so many people, she doesn't have endless resources, but one thing was immediately clear. Honey is deeply loved, and Karen was determined to do everything she could to give her the life she deserves.

Knowing Honey was in Paarl, I reached out to the incredible team at Drakenstein Animal Rescue, who stepped in without hesitation. They met with Karen, arranged for Honey to see a veterinarian, and discovered that Honey has TVT (Transmissible Venereal Tumour).

The amazing news is that Honey is already halfway through her treatment! 💛

Honey has completed 3 of her 6 chemotherapy treatments and is making wonderful progress.

As Drakenstein Animal Rescue recently shared:
"We are so proud to share that Honey has already received 3 of her 6 required chemotherapy treatments for TVT (Transmissible Venereal Tumor), she is officially halfway there! Sadly, like many strays, Honey is battling this condition, and the weekly treatments come at a significant cost. We need your help to ensure she receives the remainder of her treatment plan, and to ensure we can continue helping other animals in need."

And here's the part that makes my heart so incredibly happy...

Honey now also has a brand-new Kennels For a Cause kennel to call her own. 😍

How incredible is this entire story?

A woman rescues a dog from the streets.
An animal rescue steps in with expert medical care.
A community lends a helping hand.
And together, Honey has a safe, warm place to sleep while she continues her road to recovery.

This is what happens when compassion meets collaboration.

Karen, thank you for opening your heart to Honey and for doing everything you can for her. Your love and determination are a beautiful reminder that caring for an animal isn't measured by what you have, it's measured by the love you're willing to give.

To Zelda and the incredible team at Drakenstein Animal Rescue. Thank you for the life-changing work you do every single day, and for walking this journey alongside Karen and Honey.

And to everyone who supports Kennels For a Cause, whether by sponsoring a kennel, donating materials, sharing our posts, or simply believing in what we do. You are part of stories like Honey's. Every kennel we build becomes part of a doggos second chance.

Please keep Honey in your thoughts as she continues the remainder of her treatment. She's already halfway there, and we're all cheering her on as she works towards a full recovery. ❤️🐾

18/06/2026

When we first put out the call for cat food, we hoped that a few people might be willing to help. What we didn't expect was to be reminded just how incredible people can be.

So far, we have received donations from two wonderful individuals and one company, all helping us ensure that food reaches the dedicated caregivers looking after feral cat colonies in our communities.

Every donation is special, regardless of size, but one act of kindness completely blew my mind.

When I posted our plea for assistance, Emma, who lives all the way in Saudi Arabia, saw our post and reached out. Emma absolutely loves cats and has her own little colony of rescue cats that she cares for at home. When we connected, she sent me photos of each of them with their names, and I instantly clicked with her.

Despite being thousands of kilometres away, Emma arranged a donation of cat food through Checkers Sixty60 for our feral cat food drive.

Just take a moment to think about that. Someone on the other side of the world saw a need and decided she wanted to help cats she will probably never meet. It is a beautiful reminder that kindness and compassion truly know no borders.

We have also received a generous donation of wet and dry cat food from Kay.

Esmeri who works at Pet Savers, whom I had the pleasure of meeting during our kennel painting event hosted in aid of Pet Savers 23rd Birthday Celebration, also donated an incredible 15kg of dry cat food.

And because every single contribution adds up, together we have collected:

- 68 sachets of wet cat food
- 30kg of dry cat food

This might seem like numbers on a page, but behind those numbers are full food bowls, cared-for cats, and individuals who can breathe a little easier knowing they have support.

To each and every person who has contributed so far, thank you. Your kindness is reaching far beyond a bag of cat food. It is reaching the people who dedicate their lives to caring for these cats, often quietly and without recognition.

One of the unexpected blessings of this journey has been connecting with more members of the cat community. Through these conversations, I have met additional individuals who care for feral cat colonies and work tirelessly to feed, monitor, sterilise, and protect the cats who depend on them.

The more stories I hear, the more I realise how many compassionate people are out there making a difference every single day.

If you would like to contribute cat food for us to distribute amongst these caregivers and their colonies, you are more than welcome to contact me via email ([email protected]) or WhatsApp 066 271 7141

Together, we are doing far more than filling food bowls. We are showing these caregivers that they are supported, appreciated, and not alone in the work they do. And for the cats who rely on them, that support means everything.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Every bag of food, every sachet, and every act of kindness helps make a difference. 🐾❤️

02/06/2026

Following the story of the feral cat kennels, we have been truly overwhelmed by the support and encouragement from the cat-loving community.

Over the past five years, Kennels for a Cause has introduced us to some of the most incredible people and rescue organizations. People who quietly and selflessly dedicate their time, energy, and resources to improving the lives of animals every single day.

Many of you know that I am far more comfortable helping than asking for help, but the response to our recent feral cat projects has shown just how much people care. It has also highlighted that our kennels are not only for doggos. They provide shelter and protection for cats too. 🐈🐈‍⬛

Over the last two months, we have had the privilege of assisting two dedicated feral cat caregivers with kennels for the colonies in their care. Gill in Somerset West and Vern in Gordon's Bay. We have also recently had the opportunity to learn more about the incredible work Leonora does for her feral cat colony in Blackheath. While we have known about Leonora and her cats for some time, it is only recently that we have come to fully appreciate the scale of her dedication and the difference she makes in the lives of the cats she cares for.

These ladies devote countless hours to ensuring the cats are fed, monitored, and cared for. The work they do often goes unseen, but the impact they have on the lives of these cats is immeasurable.

While we are able to assist with providing shelter, we would love to rally our community around another important need: Food for the cats. 😍

Whether it's a small bag of pellets, a few tins of wet food, treats, or a larger food donation, every contribution will help support these colonies and the people who care for them day after day.

Together, we can help ensure that food bowls stay full and that the dedicated caregivers who look after these cats know that they are not doing it alone.

If you would like to contribute cat food, please send us a message. We would be happy to collect it and make sure it reaches the people and cats who need it most.

Thank you for continuing to show what can happen when a community comes together for animals in need. Every bag of food, every tin, and every act of kindness helps make a difference. 🐾❤️

We can either be reached on 066 271 7141 by whatsapp or on email: [email protected].

30/05/2026

26/05/2026

Kindness has a ripple effect… and sometimes something as simple as a box of paint brushes can make a real difference. 💜

When we first dealt with Turbo Paints - Strand while preparing the special kennels for the Pet Savers 23rd Birthday Kennel Event, we shared a little about who we are and what we’ve been doing over the last 5 years. If you know me, you know I can talk for hours about this passion project, because changing the world for animals and the people in it, and leaving things better than how we found them, means more to me than what I can encapsulate into words.

After the event, I sent Ameen, owner of Turbo Paints, photos of all the beautiful kennel designs from the day. A few days later, he reached out to say he had a box of paint brushes he’d like to donate to our cause.

What makes it even more special is that these brushes are absolutely perfect for applying our waterproofing Flash Harry DIY Waterproofing paint onto the pallet kennels we build for animals in need.

To Ameen and Turbo Paints in Strand - thank you. It may seem like a small gesture to some, but acts of kindness like this have an immense impact and help us continue doing what we do.

Turbo Paints may be a smaller local business, but they are definitely worth supporting. From colourful paints and painting supplies to drop sheets, brushes and all the bits and pieces you need for a project, they really do go out of their way to help where they can - and supporting local businesses that give back to the community always feels a little extra special.

One thing this journey has taught me is that people genuinely do want to help and be part of something meaningful. Whether it’s time, materials, skills, support, or simply encouragement - every little bit helps change lives, both animal and human alike. And for anyone who would ever like to pay it forward in any way, our door is always open. 🐾

24/05/2026

A little while ago, an incredible lady by the name of Gill put out a plea on Facebook asking for help for the feral cats she cares for behind Builders Warehouse. 🐾

These cats may not have a traditional home, but thanks to Gill’s love and dedication, they are cared for, protected, and all sterilized through HART - Helderberg Animal Rescue Team - Western Cape - something that makes a massive difference in feral cat rescue and population control.

Aunty Lucille and Antje from REMAX kindly stepped in and sponsored kennels for the kitties, helping to give them warm, weatherproof, and safe places to rest.

When we shared with Aunty Lucille where one of the kennels was going, she mentioned that she has her own history of caring for feral cat colonies in KZN, even looking after as many as 24 cats at one point. A meaningful connection that made this project feel even more special. ❤️

At first, the cats were a little unsure about their new colourful homes, but with time and patience they slowly made themselves comfortable. Gill still sends regular updates, and seeing how much they now enjoy their snug little shelters is honestly everything.

It’s a reminder that our kennels are not just for doggos, they can change lives for cats too. 🐱
Sometimes all an animal really needs is warmth, safety, and a dry place to sleep.

And funnily enough, one of the kennels that was once donated to us by a family member - too small for an average-sized dog - has now found a second life as a home for an owl on a farm. 🦉 But that’s a story for another day…

Thank you to Gill, Aunty Lucille, Antje from REMAX, and HART for the love, care, and quiet difference you’re making every single day. 🐾❤️

20/05/2026

On Saturday, 9 May, we had the incredible privilege of being part of Pet Savers 23rd birthday celebration and what a beautiful reminder it was of what can happen when kind hearts come together for animals in need. 🐾❤️

A very special thank you to Esmeri from Pet Savers for all the effort, planning, and heart that went into making the day such a success.

To TimBuild Somerset West and Somerset Timbers. Thank you for being our trusted suppliers of wood and materials. These are the people we turn to time and time again to help us bring these special kennels to life.

To Jimmy's Trailer Hire. Thank you for your ongoing generosity and support. The trailer hire is always provided free of charge, and in doing so, greatly assists us with transporting kennels, collecting materials, and in this instance, delivering the “blank canvas” kennels to Pet Savers. This means more to us than we can put into words.

And to Ameen from Turbo Paints - Strand. This was the first time we’ve had the privilege of working with you, and it most certainly won’t be the last. Thank you for bringing colour, creativity, and life to each kennel. Turning plain wood into something bright, joyful, and full of personality.

The 9 kennels were proudly sponsored by:

Calitz Real Estate
dotsure.co.za Pet Insurance
Our Joy Collective/ Henry's Pocket Premium Cat Litter
Fine & Country Helderberg
Oneplan Pet Insurance

Together with raffle support, blankets, dog bowls, Bravectos, and dog food from VetsBrands, this day became about so much more than donations. It became about comfort, safety, warmth, and hope.

For 9 doggos, they are going to sleep safely and warmly because people chose to care enough to make it happen. That is something truly special.

To every person, company, and brand who played a part, thank you for helping us celebrate Pet Savers’ special day in the most meaningful way. It was an honour to stand alongside people who care. 🐾❤️

15/04/2026

There’s something I’ve come to believe over the years. That people are placed on our paths for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. And sometimes, when you pause and look back, you realise just how rare it is to find the ones who quietly become part of your forever.

Today, I want to honour two incredibly special women. Janine from Multi-Clean Services and Nicola from R.A.D.

Not just for the incredible work they each do in the community and for the dogs, but for what they represent together. Because when you see them side by side, you’re reminded of something powerful. What human beings can achieve when they show up with heart, consistency, and a shared purpose.

Since the very beginning of Kennels for a Cause in 2021 (and we’re just a few days away from celebrating 5 years… how is that even possible?), Janine and Nicola have been a constant. Through the ups, the challenges, the growth, they’ve been there. And the impact they’ve made is something words will never fully capture.

But this isn’t just about the work.

On a personal level, RAD has changed our lives in a way I can’t even begin to explain. Because if it wasn’t for them, Archie would never have found his way into our home, into our hearts. And Ace wouldn’t have her best friend.

And then there’s Janine. The Fairy Dog Mother. My sounding board, and often the equal crazy madness in all the chaos. She will show up in a heartbeat, no questions asked, when there’s a call for help. The kind of person who somehow brings both laughter and strength exactly when you need it most.

And for that and for so much more - I will always be grateful.
Janine, Nicola… we love you dearly. I truly hope you understand just how much you mean - not only to Kennels for a Cause, but to me and my family as well.

Thank you for being part of our journey… not just for a reason, or a season - but for a lifetime 🤍🐾