Funda Nenja has friends and supporters all over. Members of the Birch Acres Dog Training Club (BADTC) in Johannesburg have been sending donations of dog food, collars and other doggy paraphernalia on a regular basis for our Mpophomeni township dog training initiative. When the Gauteng Flyball Sub Committe decided to organise an Ulti-Mutt Survivor Fun Day at the BADTC grounds to raise money for Funda Nenja they wanted our handlers and their dogs to participate. The senior classes of Funda Nenja have been working hard for the past few months hoping to be considered for the trip. Instructors had a difficult task in selecting the final team which comprised Thobani Madlala with Snow White, Siyabonga Mnikathi with Snoopy, Themba Buthelezi with Hoppi, Bheko Ngubo with Smoothies and Thubane Gasa with Hally.

For Funda Nenja the first challenge was getting our teenage handlers and their bemused dogs to Jo'burg, at the same time as thousands of returning holiday makers. We went in two cars, one of which towed our newly acquired dog trailer. The boys and their dogs stayed with Sandra and Norman Inggs, blending right in with their own dogs and family. Our volunteers, Heather and Ian Somerville together with Joan Foster, were kindly hosted by Liesl Twyman and her family.

The Event, held on Sunday 8th January provided all manner of tests and challenges to handlers and dogs who were divided into teams and then competed in a variety of exercises designed to ensure that everyone had both a challenging and enjoyable experience.

All the money raised on the day as well as packets of dog biscuits, collars, leads and blankets was donated to Funda Nenja. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to everyone involved in the event.

We are very proud of our Mpophomeni boys and their dogs - they were a credit to Funda Nenja on all levels.

For more photos click here