I, Lindy Coetzee, have been involved with animals all my life. I grew up in a veterinary  practice from the time that I could walk, at times I was locked in the holding cages where I could see everything but stay out of mischief!  Throughout my schooling I did part time work in the practice as a receptionist and also assisted with a lot of the animal nursing.  I also worked in a pet shop and grooming parlour throughout my high school career. I would later go on to own and run my own pet shop and grooming parlour.

I started to show dogs in high school. I owned and showed German Shepherds, Jack Russell Terriers and French Poodles.  I was later introduced to the Parson Russell Terrier by my mother. In recent years I have showed and bred Border Collies.  I have proudly taken Venron Dare to Dream “Dreamer” to the ranks of winning best in show at all breeds championship shows on two separate occasions and have had the privilege to make up numerous dogs into breed champions.

 I also ride horses, train dogs in obedience, agility, dog jumping, protection, tracking and sniffer work.  Two of my Parson Russell Terriers are displayed on the West’s Beeno Boxes, having made their debut in the modelling industry.

After matric I went on to study small business management and public relations.  Having discovered that my passion still lay with animals I decided that I needed to find a career that would allow me to work with people and animals.

I started in the kennelling industry in January 1994, where I fully realised the extent of my passion for animals. I have not looked back!

Another of my passions which snuck up on me was the passion I have for Border Collies. This has lead me to becoming involved with Border Collie Rescue, a NPO which is responsible for the taking in of all Border Collies that find themselves in less than favourable situations.

In 2008 I got involved with K9 Search and Rescue Association.  We are a voluntary civilian organization who train our dogs to follow live scent using the air scent method.  Our focus is to help locate missing people.  We are often called on to work in conjunction with SAPS, EMS, SANDF, INSARAG, MSAR, ORRU and most local authorities.  Our handlers and dogs are also trained and qualified for disaster work.  Our teams are registered with Disaster Management SA to be able to assist in the event of collapsed structures.  Sylva, my border collie, and I have been fully qualified since 2010.  We have been involved in several successful searches, and have traveled across the country to do demonstrations and facilitate training for groups as far flung as the Cape! 

Recently I have started training Kezi, another of my border collies, for Accelerant Detection.  Although this program is in the early stages we soon hope to be able to offer our services to insurance companies in the detection of possible arson.

There are a number of staff members that have an active roll in keeping the wheels rolling and well oiled in our establishment.

Jim Setjie is the most senior member of the team having been with me for eleven years and is the head manager of the cattery.  Phineas Setjie is the most senior member of out dog team having been with me for ten years.  Samuel Setjie started working part time over the December holidays whilst at school and joined us full time after matriculating and has become the head groomer and care giver to all the canines in our care. He has been with me for five years.  Edward is the most recent member of our team; he takes his duties as grounds keeper very seriously and fills in with the kennels and cattery whenever necessary.

Sue has been working for La Brie Kennels and Cattery since 2009, her focus is the wellbeing of your pampered pets in our care.