A family adventure, two very opinionated cats, and three generations of love — all on a sunny morning in Fourways.
The back of the SUV was a hive of activity as the family pulled into the winding driveway of Waterfall Kennels and Cattery. Nine-year-old Jordyn carefully held her book, though she hadn't read a word in miles. Beside her, seven-year-old Tyler whispered top-secret instructions to Jack, their ginger tabby, through the mesh of a carrier.
Joey, the sleeker black-and-white cat, gave a dignified "mew" from the other carrier — as if to say he already knew the plan. Mum Michaela turned around with a bright smile: "We're here, guys! Look at those gardens." Dad Warren steered past the tall trees, the Fourways sun glinting off the windshield, waving at Granddad Richard waiting near the reception gate.
Granddad Richard's father built the very first enclosures. Richard took over next, and one day Jordyn and Tyler may run the show.
"Welcome to the family kingdom!" — Granddad Richard
As the car doors clicked open, the air filled with happy barks from the distant kennels and the peaceful rustle of surrounding trees. Granddad Richard stepped forward, eyes twinkling with pride, and gave Jordyn and Tyler big hugs.
Jordyn looked around at the pristine cattery, realizing that every brick and flowerbed had a story behind it. "Third generation!" she said proudly — and she meant it.
Tyler was eager to get the cats settled. "Granddad, Joey wants the room with the best view of the birds!" Granddad Richard led them into the luxury cattery — a peaceful sanctuary where guests lounged on soft cushions — and pulled out the official check-in log.
Jordyn helped Granddad open the carriers. Jack stepped out cautiously, his tail twitching with curiosity. Joey, on the other hand, marched straight to a sun-drenched shelf and claimed it as his throne.
"They're going to love it here. It's the only place we trust, especially knowing it's been in the family for so long." — Mum Michaela
Wide open spaces where the dogs played freely, full of energy and joy.
The beautiful water features that gave Waterfall Kennels its iconic name.
A vintage photo on the office wall showed a young Richard helping his father feed a Golden Retriever.
Granddad explained: "Every animal that stays here is part of the Waterfall family."
Tyler's eyes lit up during the tour. "I want to help feed the dogs later, Granddad! Can I?"
Granddad Richard grinned. "Of course, my boy. But first, let's make sure those cats haven't organized a feline takeover." The laughter that followed echoed across the kennels — the kind of easy, warm laughter that only happens when a family is exactly where they belong.
As Mum and Dad prepared to head off, they knew the kids — and the cats — were in the best possible hands.
At Waterfall Kennels, the business was never just about boarding. It was about love for every creature that walked, hopped, or purred through their gates.
From great-grandfather's first enclosures to Granddad Richard's stewardship, the legacy lives in every corner of the property.
"Best holiday ever." — Jordyn, age 9, already planning her own section of the family logbook.
Standing near the old sign at the entrance, Jordyn took it all in — the gardens, the sounds, the stories. She wasn't just visiting a cattery. She was stepping into a living piece of family history, and she already knew she wanted to be part of its next chapter.
Where every paw, purr, and tail-wag is welcomed by three generations of family care.
Founded by great-grandfather, grown by Granddad Richard, and loved by the whole family.
Soft cushions, sun-drenched shelves, and window seats for the most discerning feline guests.
Expansive grass runs, sparkling water features, and a team that treats every animal like family.
The Great Cat Caper at Waterfall Kennels