Issue No. o1
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Fall 2015
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A VALIANT EFFORT Valiant Animal Rescue and Relief page twenty-one
HEALING SPECIES
WALKING 101
Rescue dogs rehabilitate
Dog walking tips from the experts
page thirty-siz
page forty-eight
Our Staff Brian Foster Publisher, BUSINESS RELATIONS Vanessa Zuloaga Publisher, CREATIVE DIRECTOR Taco Chief Canine Correspondent Peanut Columnist CONTRIBUTORS Southern Vintage Design and Photography www.southernvintagedesign.com
Writers Lindsey Mathias Dr. Helen Smith
Founded in Charleston, South Carolina as a print magazine, we have been consulting since 2005 with the area’s pet experts to bring you a complete guide to living your best life with your pet in the lowcountry.
DOG
YOUR SOURCE FOR ALL THINGS
LCDM believes that our dogs are our best friends, and that’s why we need a reliable source to turn to for information on all things “dog” in our community. Our mission is to be the number one local resource for dog owners regarding regional dog-centric and dogwelcoming events, health & wellness information, dog training, trends, and local news. We also strive to be a mouthpiece to the public for various lowcountry-based pet nonprofits, and we promote pet adoption and other responsible pet care practices.
FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS contact@lowcountrydog.com LOWCOUNTRYDOG.COM
CONTENTS COVER STORY 10 WE ARE BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER BY: BRIAN FOSTER COVER PHOTO & PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED SOUTHERN VINTAGE DESIGN AND PHOTOGRAPHY
WE ARE BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER! MEET THE NEW PUBLISHERS OF LCDM! PAGE 10
FEATURES 04 LETTER FROM LEAH ENGLAND
COSTUME PHOTO CONTEST
06 DOG WALKING 101
Check out the winners and all entries in our contest page 14
08 YEAR ROUND PREVENTATIVE
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14 HALLOWEEN PHOTO CONTEST 20 HEALING SPECIES 24 A VALIANT EFFORT
A VALIANT EFFORT
DOG WALKING 101 Your guide to walking it out! Page 06
Carolina Flooding leads to abandoned animals. Page 24
WWW . LOWCOUNTRYDOG . COM
EST. 2005
YOUR LOCAL SOURCE FOR ALL THINGS DOG
I am incredibly thrilled to announce that the Lowcountry Dog brand has been purchased by Brian Foster and Vanessa Zuloaga. Brian and Vanessa will carry on the magazine’s legacy to be a resource for dog owners regarding regional events, health & training information, rescue & adoption, products & services, & the southern dog lifestyle. A long time animal advocate, Brian Foster has spent a great deal of time as a volunteer for Pet Helpers in shelter administration, rescue, adoption and fostering, and now works with Valiant Animal Rescue. You might recognize him from his appearances on the internationally syndicated reality series “Give Me Shelter” or remember him from his tenure at Lowcountry Dog as an advertising executive. He is also a very successful sales and research consultant and parent to his furry children, Peanut and Calliope. Vanessa Zuloaga is a vintage clothing buyer, and will no doubt use her signature style to craft the creative direction of Lowcountry Dog. Vanessa also volunteers her time as a foster parent, and enjoys discovering the area’s most pet friendly places with her rescue Pomeranian, Taco. She also has two rescue cats, Gentlemen Jack and White Lightning. Brian and Vanessa have many exciting things planned to breathe new life into Lowcountry Dog, and will shortly prove that you can teach THIS old dog new tricks. I know you will show them all the love and support you have shown to the publication during my ten years as founder and publisher, because Lowcountry Dog, fans are true blue! Leah England Lowcountry Dog Founder, 20052015 lowcountry dog 4
DOG WALKING 101
SOURCE ASPCA
Hey you, new pooch parent—yeah, you with the cute puppy who can’t stop pulling! Want some tricks to keep Trixie on task? Or perhaps you’re already an old pro but want to make your outdoor excursions more fun for both you and your dog. Follow our insider tips and your pooch will be eager to get going as soon as you pick up the leash! IT'S THE LEASH YOU CAN DO
What’s the best type of leash? “Use whatever you feel most comfortable holding,” recommends the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center’s Kristen Collins, CPDT. Flexi-leads are best reserved for walks in the park, when it’s safe for a dog to explore a bit further away from her pet parent. They are NOT a good idea if you’re walking in an area with high foot traffic or off-leash dogs, as the long line may get wrapped around your dog, a person’s leg or another dog. •
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Try using a head halter to walk a dog who’s excitable on leash. “They provide power steering for dog parents!” says Collins. “The Gentle Leader® by Premier® Pet Products is my personal favorite.” STAY OFF THE GRASS (AND OUT OF THE FLOWER BEDS!)
Our experts at the ASPCA Poison Control Center want you to keep your walks toxinfree. During the warmer months, it’s important to keep your pet safe from toxic lawn and garden products. Insecticides and certain types of mulch can cause problems for our furry friends—during neighborhood strolls, please be sure to keep your pooch off the lawns of others. Even though popular spring bulb plants like tulips and daffodils add much to our
landscape, they can cause significant stomach problems for our furry friends. If your pooch likes to stop and smell—or nibble —the flowers, please keep him on a short leash during your walks. SO NICE TO MEET YOU!
It’s great that your friendly pooch loves meeting people during walks—but not so great that she jumps up on them. “The basic idea is to teach your dog how to sit on cue and then require
her to sit to interact with people,” says Collins. “No sitting, no greeting. But if she sits, she gets to enjoy the reward of greeting her friends.” It doesn’t hurt to reward the dog with a treat —or ask the person whom she’s greeting to offer a treat. 3 THINGS TO BRING!
1. If you’re planning an extended walk, be sure to bring water for your dog —especially if it’s warm outside.
Don’t forget the goodies! Walks are great training opportunities. Bring Fido’s fave treats along, and practice tricks and obedience while you’re out in the world. “This will solidify your dog’s skills and convince him that going on walks is fantastic fun!” says Collins. Don’t get caught without extra poop bags, particularly if you’re going on a long walk. (P.S. This is a great way to recycle all those plastic grocery bags!)
TACO'S TIPS! 1. Mix it up! Try taking your dog to new places. He’ll love experiencing the new sights, smells and sounds at a novel location. 2. Choose fabulous destinations. If possible, walk to fun places, like friends’ houses or the dog park. 3. Walk with buddies. If your dog likes other dogs, consider group walks. You can either borrow a friend’s dog to accompany you, or invite family and friends who have dogs to meet you somewhere.
Year Round Preventative by Dr. Helen Smith, Tidewater Veterinary
Living in the South we are blessed with temperate weather year round. Unfortunately, this weather also allows fleas, ticks and heartworm carrying mosquitos to thrive virtually all year long, and with them, the parasites and diseases they carry. Heartworm disease is one of the most concerning diseases carried by these parasites. It is carried by mosquitos, which can infect your dog by biting them, drawing blood and depositing the larvae within the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream these larvae migrate to the heart and other blood vessels. Missing one month of heartworm preventative can allow these larvae to grow in to adult worms that can then cause serious health problems for your animals. It is possible, but very costly and risky, to treat your dog for a heartworm infection. At this time, there is no treatment for heartworms in cats. The best course of action is monthly preventatives that help provide protection for your pets. Given the recent weather, and the resulting standing water, mosquitos will be a much bigger problem this year than normal.
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Fleas are another continuous problem in this area. They thrive in the warmer weather and can affect not only your pet, but your family as well.
Fleas are another continuous problem in this area. They thrive in the warmer weather and can affect not only your pet, but your family as well. They cause skin irritation, and in some animals severe allergic reaction. They can also transmit various diseases and infections such as tapeworm infections. Fleas can survive the colder winter months by living in your house. Once inside your house they can cause an infestation that affects not only your pet, but your family as well. Ticks are another parasite that thrives in this environment, and are responsible for various tick borne diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Ehrlicia, to name a few. In addition to monthly preventatives, it is strongly encouraged that you check your pets for ticks. This is particularly important after they have spent a significant period of time doing outdoor activities, such as hiking or playing on the beach.
We have a responsibility as pet owners to protect our pets from these parasites through monthly preventatives. There are many options for monthly preventatives out there to help provide your furry family members with adequate coverage and protection. Talk to your veterinarian about what method will work best for your animals lifestyle. If there has been a lapse in their coverage of heartworm preventative it is recommended to get them tested for heartworm disease prior to reinitiating monthly prevention. The best treatment is prevention, so contact your veterinarian today.
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WE ARE BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER BY BRIAN FOSTER PHOTOGRAPHY BY SOUTHERN VINTAGE DESIGN AND PHOTOGRAPHY I have been an avid reader of Lowcountry Dog Magazine since I first discovered it at a local pet food store. A few years later, after becoming involved in animal welfare, I was so inspired by the magazine, that I began selling ads for the magazine in my spare time. When I first learned that the magazine would no longer be published I, like so many others, was incredibly disappointed. This launched me into action as I had always thought that I would love to run the magazine some day.... and that day is today! lowcountry dog
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When I first met Vanessa Zuloaga in September of 2014, we bonded over our love of dogs, Star Wars and music. We quickly became best friends and when I decided to approach Leah England about buying LCDM, I wanted Vanessa to be my partner. Her passion for dogs was as strong as mine and together I knew we could take things to another level. I'd like to introduce you the new Lowcountry Dog Family!
Vanessa Zuloaga is the creative force behind Lowcountry Dog Magazine. Born in California, she has lived all over the US but has called Charleston her home for almost 10 years. Her rescue Pomeranian, Taco, is always by her side as well as on her leg as her newest tattoo shows. Vanessa lives in Park Circle and is often seen walking Taco twice a day.
Taco is a natural model
My passion for animals began at a young age, inspiring me to learn every facet of my dog encyclopedia! My childhood dog was a special part of our family and after I left home I had a hole in my life that I knew must be filled. At 20 years old, I met my best friend and filled that hole with a 2 month old black chow puppy named Jasmine. As many of you can relate, she was my constant companion and the best sidekick ever! After beating cancer, she lived to be 15 years old and she will always hold a special place in my heart. I didn't think I would ever own another dog until a few months later when I walked into Pet Helpers for the first time and fell in love with a beagle lab mix named Peanut. Peanut changed my world forever. Because of her, I began to volunteer at the shelter and initiated their offsite adoption program. I volunteered with Pet Helpers for 6 years and have helped adopt out thousands of animals and have personally fostered hundreds. I was fortunate to be a part of the Docu-Reality show, GIVE ME SHELTER, that aired in over 110 countries on Animal Planet and NatGeo Wild. Peanut smiles for the camera
As we begin the new chapter of Lowcountry Dog Magazine, we want our readers to know that we are here for them and for the dogs of the Lowcountry. We strive to bring you the latest news, helpful information, fun events around town and of course, cute puppies. If you have any questions or suggestions, we would love to hear from you. You can always email us at contact@lowcountrydog.com
Popular Vote Winner CAPTAIN
Judge's Vote Winner OLIVE
COSTUME PHOTO CONTEST
Thank you to all our contestants!
Thanks to our prize sponsor, Hairy Winston
HEALING SPECIES By Lindsey Mathias Photographs by Healing Species
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Healing Species is a non-profit organization dedicated to love and second chances. They are well known for being one of the few no-kill shelters in South Carolina, and they take only the most extreme cases of abuse and neglect. They also, however, reach out to humans in through a variety of different programs. One in particular, their prison program, helps reform inmates that are being released back into society through the unconditional kindness of these formerly abused animals. Nine out of ten inmates will be released back into society, and through this program, the organization and these dogs help give these men and women second chances. Only the most willing to change and grow will participate with these dogs, all who would be released in the next two years. With their program reaching into multiple facilities in South Carolina, Healing Species is working to teach selflessness and compassion to convicted criminals through the unconditional love of those who know how it feels to be forgotten. The dogs create a serene, calming presence in which the prisoners can feel more comfortable and open, giving them N OaMsmoother ADIC | 24 transition into society.
One facility in particular, Perry Correctional Institution, started with an experimental meeting to see how the presence of the dogs would affect the prisoners. The program, called the CBU Service and Therapy Dog Project, started with a visitor, Elvis. The prisoners, and the staff, fell in love with him almost instantly, and both Perry and Healing Species decided to continue with the program. The staff could see visible changes in the inmates, and tensions were lowered with the presence of these loving animals. The goal of Healing Species is to find loving homes for these dogs, and the dogs help to change many lives upon the way. Unfortunately, because they are no-kill, they are flooded with cases of dogs who have been mistreated. They are constantly looking for loving families. If you are interested in adopting a new edition to your own family or donating to this nonprofit, please contact Healing Species at www.healingspecies.com, or call at 803-535-6543.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
SPONSOR A DOG NEEDING A HOME A $40 donation gets the shelter or rescue of your choice an ad in our holiday issue for a homeless dog. This ad will also be featured on our website as well as social media. Net Profit from all donations go to the rescue or shelter ot your choice Email contact@lowcountrydog.com to donate now.
A Valiant Effort CAROLINA FLOOD RELIEF EFFORTS
By Staff Writer Photos by Michele Reid
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Valiant Animal Rescue + Relief is an organization that is no stranger to working in disaster areas. In fact, their Executive Director, Michelle Reid, has worked in most of the disasters that have occurred in the southeast over the past 15 years, including Hurricanes Floyd, Irene, Rita, Katrina, and numerous other hard hitting storms and floods. Certified as an emergency responder with extensive training through FEMA, the American Red Cross and other agencies, Michelle always felt compelled to use her expertise and organization’s resources to lend help when communities were in most need. During Hurricane Floyd in 1999, which triggered the third largest evacuation in U.S. history, Michelle and her volunteers recognized that as families suffered during these trying times, so did their animals, and oftentimes families lost their ability to care for their animals as they faced unexpected crisis. Making more than five, week-long trips into the most devastated communities in eastern North Carolina, they organized the donation and deployment of thousands of pounds of animal food to families as well as to animal shelters, whose abilities to feed an ever increasing supply of animals had reached the point of desperation.
Since that time, Michelle has done similar relief work in other major disasters, and was embedded with National Guard and national humane organizations to perform animal search and rescue work during Katrina in the Lower Ninth Ward and St. Bernard Parish in New Orleans, where her teams searched homes and public facilities. She has also developed specialized expertise around animal forensics, which has advanced her work in the region working on major animal cruelty investigations and managing large scale animal seizes (a long list of these cases can be seen on the Valiant website: valiantanimalrescue.org). Michelle’s advanced training and many years of experience learning about the challenges that our state’s local governments, shelters and animal control agencies face during times of need, has positioned Valiant to be a critical go-to resource when these agencies need emergency help, or have cruelty cases that need seasoned expertise. Among other things, Valiant provides help with crime scene and evidence processing using national standards and best practices, and adds capacity to these cases through trained volunteers and veterinarians.
ABOVE PHOTO: Flood rescue diagnosed with respiratory infection and congestion. When the catastrophic raining and flooding came in October to South Carolina, Michelle knew that agencies in the most affected counties, and particularly the rural ones, would need help. As Michelle says, “Typically in these conditions, these areas have to deal with a host of challenges that range from displaced animals, to animals needing to be rescued, to influxes of animals into the shelters, to increased needs around animal food and supplies. Oftentimes, agencies aren’t prepared for these crises and many are already under resourced.”
Valiant has organized the donation and delivery of rounds of much needed supplies and animal food, and then worked with the shelter and animal control to systematically evaluate animals coming into the shelter, to provide medical care when necessary to injured flood animals, and to develop proper procedures and controls for re-homing animals that are available for foster or adoption. She has also accompanied Williamsburg County Sheriff’s division on trips to evaluate animal situations throughout the county.
Michelle targeted the help of Valiant this time on Williamsburg County, where there was a clear need. Partnering with the Williamsburg Animal Shelter and Williamsburg County Emergency Operations Center located in Kingstree, Michelle has deployed a strategy to provide both immediate and long term assistance. A number of animals have needed emergency medical care for various major injuries. Making multiple trips each week to the shelter,
According to Michelle, “It has been such a pleasure to work with all of the agencies in Williamsburg who have been working around the clock to meet the needs of families through rapid response and recovery. We have a partnership that will be long lasting, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to not only meet the immediate needs of animals in the county resulting from this recent flood event, but to developing ways to assist their long term animal needs as well.
So much credit should go to Vincent McCrea, the County’s Supervisor of Animal Control, and his staff. They have responded swiftly and really adapted well to unusual and challenging circumstances.” Michelle also credits a host of organizations that have worked with Valiant to contribute much needed food and supplies. The Beaufort County Animal Shelter collected jugs of water, litter, cat food and dog food and drove the supplies to Pethelpers in Charleston. Pethelpers then transported a load of supplies to Valiant in Williamsburg and took back five pre-flood animals to make room for incoming animals after the floods. Another organization named South Carolina Awareness and Rescue for Equines (SCARE) organized the donation and delivery of 100 bales of hay and 50 bags of horse feed. “These organizations went the extra mile and really came through in a big way.” Readers can learn more about Valiant Rescue + Relief on their website, but are encouraged to contact the organization if they are interested in contributing specifically towards their efforts in Williamsburg County. Valiant can be reached through their site or email arrinc@yahoo.com. Be sure to check them out on Facebook also.
ABOVE PHOTO: North Charleston, SC on October 4th, 2015
www.valiantanimalrescue.org
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EMERGENCY
SUPPORT SERVICES
REHABILITATION
ANIMAL
DURING ANIMAL
RE HOMING
DISASTER RELIEF
CRUELTY CASES
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COMING UP NEXT ISSUE Home for the Holidays- Adopt a New Friend! Holiday Gift Guide for your Furry Family and Fellow Dog Lovers!
Come in, WE’RE DOG FRIENDLY Our Pets- They love us unconditionally and we treat like family, because they are family It comes as no surprise that more and more pet parents are including their furry family members in their lifestyles. We're incorporating pets into exercise, visits to restaurants, shopping and travelnot to mention the largest purchasing decisions of our lives such as where to live or what car to drive. Lowcountry Dog will be introducing in 2016...HOT SPOTS! An online guide to all things dogs from where to eat, to travel, to live or just do for the day. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE A LCD HOTSPOT contact@lowcountrydog.com