“The Right Home”: Shelter Makes Urgent Appeal for Cody, a Young Dog Struggling With Kennel Life
- Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch shared an urgent video plea for Cody, a young German Shepherd/Malinois mix struggling at the shelter
- Cody's athleticism and energy mean he cannot be placed in an open camp, forcing staff to keep him confined to a kennel
- The shelter is desperately seeking an experienced, active foster or forever family with no cats and a secure property
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Source: Facebook
A Stellenbosch animal shelter is racing against time to find a home for Cody, a young German Shepherd/Malinois mix who is not coping with kennel life. The Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch (AWSS) shared the appeal on Facebook, and it has struck a chord with South Africans across the country.
In the video, a shelter worker crouches beside the lean, black dog in a sunny outdoor area, speaking directly to the camera with quiet urgency. Cody, estimated to be around two years old, is described as intelligent, athletic and full of working instinct. The problem is that his energy and agility make open camp housing impossible. He scales shelter fencing in seconds, leaving staff with no choice but to keep him in an enclosed kennel for his own safety. The shelter worker said plainly:
"He is not coping. We can see his stress increasing day by day."
What Cody needs in a home
AWSS is looking for someone who understands working breeds and is willing to match Cody's pace. He needs daily exercise, consistent training, mental stimulation and a securely fenced property. He gets along well with other dogs but has a strong chase drive, making him incompatible with cats.
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The shelter is open to a permanent adoption, a foster arrangement, or a foster-to-adopt situation. The key, they emphasise, is finding the right fit rather than a perfect one. The caption on the video reads:
"He isn't asking for a perfect home. He is asking for the right home."
Anyone who can help is encouraged to contact AWSS directly at its premises on Devon Valley Road, Stellenbosch, or by calling 021 883 9129 or WhatsApping the kennels on 060 645 1715.
View the Facebook video below:
South Africans react to Cody's story
People were quick to respond with suggestions and well-wishes on the page:
Alan Broodryk asked:
"What about the Police force K9?"
Deirdre Erasmus Delport said:
"That is a beautiful dog. Perfect for a farm or smallholding. Outside in the day, definitely inside at night. He will make a perfect personal protection dog. Won't take a world of training either if he has Melli blood."
Jill Walker shared:
"So hope for a wonderful happy loving home for this gorgeous dog ❤️🐾🍀 shared"
Margaret Meaker added:
"He's lovely. Hope he finds the right home (must understand the breeds requirements and apply them)"
Carol De Raedt wrote:
"There is no time limit on an animal's life. If you can't cope or see to him, contact another shelter."
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Source: Briefly News
