Fourways Team
Nicole Badenhorst
Hi, I’m Nicole, co-founder of Happy Tails Doggy Daycare and Pets Johannesburg.
Dogs have never just been a job for me, —they’ve always been my passion and my purpose.
More than 15 years ago, I made the decision to leave the corporate world and pursue a life centred around animals. What started as a dream grew into Happy Tails, a place where dogs can enjoy a safe, enriching, and loving environment while their owners have peace of mind knowing they’re being cared for like family.
My passion for animals extends beyond daycare. Since 2010, I’ve run Pets Johannesburg, a community-driven rescue and outreach initiative dedicated to helping animals in need. Through rescue support, township outreach, food drives, fundraising campaigns, and emergency appeals, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside an incredible community of animal lovers to make a difference in the lives of countless dogs and cats.
At the heart of everything I do is a simple belief: every animal matters.
Whether I’m caring for the dogs at Happy Tails, coordinating a food collection for township pets, supporting rescuers, or helping an animal in crisis, I feel incredibly fortunate that my life’s work is built around making a positive impact on the lives of animals.
Creating a life I don’t need a vacation from has been one of my greatest achievements, and I’m grateful every day to be able to do what I love while making a difference.
Dogs have never just been a job for me, —they’ve always been my passion and my purpose.
More than 15 years ago, I made the decision to leave the corporate world and pursue a life centred around animals. What started as a dream grew into Happy Tails, a place where dogs can enjoy a safe, enriching, and loving environment while their owners have peace of mind knowing they’re being cared for like family.
My passion for animals extends beyond daycare. Since 2010, I’ve run Pets Johannesburg, a community-driven rescue and outreach initiative dedicated to helping animals in need. Through rescue support, township outreach, food drives, fundraising campaigns, and emergency appeals, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside an incredible community of animal lovers to make a difference in the lives of countless dogs and cats.
At the heart of everything I do is a simple belief: every animal matters.
Whether I’m caring for the dogs at Happy Tails, coordinating a food collection for township pets, supporting rescuers, or helping an animal in crisis, I feel incredibly fortunate that my life’s work is built around making a positive impact on the lives of animals.
Creating a life I don’t need a vacation from has been one of my greatest achievements, and I’m grateful every day to be able to do what I love while making a difference.
Siphiwe Maseko- Senior Dog Handler
Siphiwe is a strong and confident presence within the Happy Tails team. The dogs respect him, the team relies on him, and his calm nature helps maintain structure and stability throughout the day.
As one of our senior dog handlers, Siphiwe has a natural ability to manage the pack with quiet confidence. He is especially good at handling energetic dogs and keeping playgroups running smoothly, while still showing the kindness and patience that make dogs feel comfortable around him.
Siphiwe has a big heart for the dogs in his care and takes pride in being part of their daily lives. Whether he’s leading the pack, helping with daily routines, or sharing a quiet moment with one of the regulars, he brings consistency, reliability, and genuine care to everything he does.
His strength, experience, and dedication make him an important part of what makes Happy Tails such a special place for our dogs.
As one of our senior dog handlers, Siphiwe has a natural ability to manage the pack with quiet confidence. He is especially good at handling energetic dogs and keeping playgroups running smoothly, while still showing the kindness and patience that make dogs feel comfortable around him.
Siphiwe has a big heart for the dogs in his care and takes pride in being part of their daily lives. Whether he’s leading the pack, helping with daily routines, or sharing a quiet moment with one of the regulars, he brings consistency, reliability, and genuine care to everything he does.
His strength, experience, and dedication make him an important part of what makes Happy Tails such a special place for our dogs.
Stanley Mshana- Senior Dog Handler
Stan is one of the steady, dependable leaders of the Happy Tails pack. With years of hands-on experience and a calm, patient approach, he plays an important role in ensuring every dog has a safe, enjoyable day.
One of Stan’s greatest strengths is his attentiveness. He pays close attention to the dogs in his care, noticing the little things that help us understand their individual needs and personalities. Whether he’s monitoring playgroups, helping a new dog settle in, or making sure everyone is happy and comfortable, Stan is always focused on the wellbeing of the pack.
His calm presence helps create balance amongst the dogs, and his genuine love for animals is evident in everything he does. Reliable, caring, and dedicated, Stan is a valued member of the Happy Tails family and someone both dogs and owners trust.
One of Stan’s greatest strengths is his attentiveness. He pays close attention to the dogs in his care, noticing the little things that help us understand their individual needs and personalities. Whether he’s monitoring playgroups, helping a new dog settle in, or making sure everyone is happy and comfortable, Stan is always focused on the wellbeing of the pack.
His calm presence helps create balance amongst the dogs, and his genuine love for animals is evident in everything he does. Reliable, caring, and dedicated, Stan is a valued member of the Happy Tails family and someone both dogs and owners trust.
Lombani Mtika
Meet Lombani, the king of fetch and one of the kindest souls at Happy Tails.
If there’s a game happening in the yard, chances are Lombani is right in the middle of it. He loves engaging with the dogs, especially when it comes to a game of ball, and his enthusiasm is contagious. The dogs know that when Lombani is around, fun is never far away.
Behind the playfulness is an incredibly caring and attentive caregiver. Lombani has a naturally calm and gentle nature that helps dogs feel safe, comfortable, and confident. He pays close attention to every dog in his care, making sure they’re happy, engaged, and getting the individual attention they deserve.
His combination of kindness, patience, and genuine affection for the dogs makes him an invaluable part
of the Happy Tails family. Whether he’s throwing a ball, sharing a cuddle, or simply sitting amongst the pack, the dogs are always happy to have him nearby.
If there’s a game happening in the yard, chances are Lombani is right in the middle of it. He loves engaging with the dogs, especially when it comes to a game of ball, and his enthusiasm is contagious. The dogs know that when Lombani is around, fun is never far away.
Behind the playfulness is an incredibly caring and attentive caregiver. Lombani has a naturally calm and gentle nature that helps dogs feel safe, comfortable, and confident. He pays close attention to every dog in his care, making sure they’re happy, engaged, and getting the individual attention they deserve.
His combination of kindness, patience, and genuine affection for the dogs makes him an invaluable part
of the Happy Tails family. Whether he’s throwing a ball, sharing a cuddle, or simply sitting amongst the pack, the dogs are always happy to have him nearby.
Lyson Mtika
Meet Lyson , our professional treat distributor and canine best friend.
Lyson has one of the calmest, gentlest personalities you’ll ever meet, and the dogs absolutely adore him for it. He has a natural ability to make every dog feel seen, valued, and cared for, whether they’re a confident social butterfly or a nervous newcomer finding their paws.
Patience is one of Lyson’s greatest strengths. He takes the time to get to know each dog’s unique personality and pays close attention to their individual needs throughout the day. You’ll often find him surrounded by a group of hopeful faces, handing out treats, offering reassurance, and making sure everyone feels included.
His caring nature and genuine love for animals shine through in everything he does. For many of our dogs, Lyson isn’t just a caregiver—he’s one of their favourite people.
Lyson has one of the calmest, gentlest personalities you’ll ever meet, and the dogs absolutely adore him for it. He has a natural ability to make every dog feel seen, valued, and cared for, whether they’re a confident social butterfly or a nervous newcomer finding their paws.
Patience is one of Lyson’s greatest strengths. He takes the time to get to know each dog’s unique personality and pays close attention to their individual needs throughout the day. You’ll often find him surrounded by a group of hopeful faces, handing out treats, offering reassurance, and making sure everyone feels included.
His caring nature and genuine love for animals shine through in everything he does. For many of our dogs, Lyson isn’t just a caregiver—he’s one of their favourite people.
Bryanston Team
Laura Whittaker
My name is Laura Whittaker. I have completed a COAPE Canine behaviour and training course through Thinking Pets. I have also completed a canine first aid course through Thinking Pets. I have been volunteering for an animal welfare organisation called PETS (Pet Empowerment in Townships) , where I have had the opportunity to work with different types of dogs and help improve their lives in many ways.
I have 4 dogs of my own and I have fostered many dogs on behalf of PETS. As a result of this I have learned many aspects of canine/ human relationships and how to communicate with and understand dogs to a great extent. I feel privileged to work with dogs every day and share love and happiness with them - because this is what they deserve!
I have 4 dogs of my own and I have fostered many dogs on behalf of PETS. As a result of this I have learned many aspects of canine/ human relationships and how to communicate with and understand dogs to a great extent. I feel privileged to work with dogs every day and share love and happiness with them - because this is what they deserve!
Admire Manedzo- Lead Dog Handler
HI my name is Admire. I love working with animals all day. My favourite breed is Labrador and Golden Retrievers. I grew up with a lot of different animals and have had them all my life. What I love most about dogs is when you look into their eyes, it speaks to your soul. I love working with them because they are fun to be with and stress free. My dream one day is to own my own pet shop where I can sell different items for dogs.
Edson Nvundla
Edson has a fun and gentle attitude that all the dogs love. He is especially good with the shy dogs.
Eric Machola
Eric is a family man with an incredible love and passion for dogs. His favourite breed is Chihuahua.
Prosper Nkiwane
Prosper is an active guy who loves playing soccer with the dogs.
