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Publisher Brian Foster brian@lowcountrydog.com Chief Canine Officer Peanut Editorial Columnist & Rescue Coordinator Alicia Williams alicia@lowcountrydog.com Copy Editor Chelsea Salerno Intern Fern Wooden Staff Writers Julie Murray Kelly Sekulovski Hali Selert Photographers Southern Vintage Photography Stono Tides Photography Web and Design Consultant Laura Olsen Contributing Writers Danielle Dolce Lauren Dufrat For advertising and media inquiries please email contact@lowcountrydog.com
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Above and cover photo by Southern Vintage Photography
We believe 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 Charleston area resource for dog owners regarding regional dog-centric and dog-welcoming 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. Founded in Charleston, South Carolina in 2005 as a print magazine, we re-launched in 2015 as “Charleston’s Digital Dog Magazine.” We continue our mission to be the best dog friendly resource in the Lowcountry.
In this issue
6 10 14 16 22 Canines On Patrol 32 34 38 42 SIT, STAY... BEHAVE: Socializing Our Dogs HEALTH & WELLNESS: Prosthetics for Dogs
PEACE, LOVE & REAL TALK: with Alicia Rose Willliams FEATURE STORY: Divorce & Dogs
IN THE NEWS
LOWCOUNTRY DOG ANIMAL ADVOCATE: Debbie McLawhorn
GO GREEN: Adopt A Recycled Dog! LOCAL DOG EVENTS
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I will have the Potcakes with a side of grits! I came to learn about Potcakes, after (my dad’s) recent trip to the Bahamas Humane Society,. No, this is not an island delicacy, but actually the name for island mixed breed dogs of the Caribbean. Much like our American Dingo, also known as Carolina Dogs, Potcakes are an evolved mixed breed that seem to be just a happy accident. Some say that American loyalists from North Carolina introduced dogs during the Revolutionary War that bred with island dogs creating this “breed.”
Peanut 's P O I N T
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Over the years the name has become synonymous with most mix breed dogs, as pure-bred dogs are the main stay in the Caribbean with pitbulls and German Shepherds being the most popular along with small breeds like poodles and small terriers. The name ‘potcake’ comes from the overcooked rice that cakes to the bottom of the pot, and would be fed to the dogs. While we may have a “pack” of feral dogs in Lowcountry and group of Potcakes is called a “parliament.”
There are over 300 dogs in the care at the Bahama’s Humane Society in Nassau that serves as the shelter for all the islands of the Caribbean.
There are approximately 20 employees caring for all the dogs and cats in this very basic but large animal shelter. He said that while animal cruelty and dog fighting is NOT very common, over population due to backyard breeding is. In 2013, the BHS helped Operation Potcake spay/neuter 2,315 dogs, and in 2014, 1184 dogs and cats. Heartworms are extremely common in shelter dogs and treatment is expensive and time consuming. The extreme heat and humidity makes it a year round problem that they are trying to fix by educating the public about prevention. Check out www.bahamashumanesociety.com for more information about this amazing group and next time you find yourself in a foreign land, instead of checking out the typical tourist attractions, spend one day and visit the local animal shelter and see what they are doing to make the world a better place. I can assure you, you will be glad you did.
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T R A I N I N G
Socializing Our Dogs It’s not only about saying hi WRITTEN BY: DANIELLE DOLCE MASTER TRAINER FOR STRONG MIND K9
Socialization is crucial for all our dogs and puppies. This is the common phrase we hear when we get our new puppy or dog; “you must socialize!” We often think of socialization as our dogs meeting as many people and dogs as possible, but this is not the case. We must think of socialization in a much broader picture: environments, sounds, visual, texture, etc. What level of socialization is going to create the highest level of confidence in your dog? Non-Contact Socialization is something that tends to be overlooked. This is simply sharing space with people and dogs but not making direct contact. This is something I start right away with puppies to introduce them to what’s out there. As soon as I can I apply structure out and about, even if it’s just eye contact and name recognition exercises. Let distractions pass by and remember that it is okay to gently tell people “no, we are training!” Sometimes we introduce too many dogs and people, leading our dog into thinking they need to say hi to all. The value of you, as your dog’s handler, comes first. Is it important for our dogs to meet others? Of course, but on your terms in a balanced manner. Be picky on who your dog greets. If we let our dogs go to everything and everyone, this could easily turn into what is called over-socialization. This can create a higher chance of introducing them to negative experiences. Focusing on non-contact socialization limits mistakes when we choose to look into contact socialization. When we choose to have our dogs say hello, we are able to spend more time focusing on
balanced and appropriate behaviors during doghuman and dog-dog interactions. Be protective but not overprotective. Make every experience positive and structural consistently. Socialization is also putting our dogs in different environments and situations. Environment exposure includes experiences of loud sounds or distractions. Car rides are a common one where I see a lot of dogs fearful or overly anxious in more ways than one. Texture of the flooring is another example of environment exposure. This could be walking through wet grass, bridges or sandy beaches. Exposing our dogs to different environments is what will create positive experiences and decrease the potential of being under-socialized. We want to generalize all environments so our dog can have a calm and balanced framed mindset. Usually with socialization it is better to start dogs when they’re young. I highly recommend consulting your vet on when to start exposing your puppy, typically after their first series of vaccines. That doesn’t mean don’t socialize; I pick environments where there aren’t a lot of dogs that pass through and, if I need to, I carry the puppy around. Older dogs, although harder to train due to habitual behaviors, need exposure and socialization too. When socializing an older dog that has been over or under exposed there may be exhibiting behaviors that need to be addressed (reactivity, fearfulness, pulling on the leash, are all examples of negative
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“Non-Contact Socialization is something that tends to be overlooked. This is simply sharing space with people and dogs but not making direct contact.” behaviors). Socializing them is also important for you to learn more about your dog (new or present) and their behaviors, what needs to be worked on and it also gives you a starting point for training. Always consult with a professional dog trainer if you are seeing signs of behaviors that need addressing. At Strong Mind K9, we believe all dogs are different and training socialization needs to be approached in a balanced way. It is understanding behaviorally how your dog works by spending the time and being consistent in your training and expectations. It is never too late to socialize your dog; however, to help improve a dog’s socialization, a solid and reliable foundation of obedience is needed to be successful in most cases. We want our clients to have the most confidence and enjoyment in their dogs. Contact us for more information about our programs and to learn more about how we train. ■
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(843) 405-3206 strongmindk9@gmail.com
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H E A L T H
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W E L L N E S S
Prosthetics for
Dogs
W R I T T E N BY : L A U R E N D U F R AT, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Emma the Dalmation has not had the greatest start to life. She was once a part of the meat trade in China before she was rescued and came to America with the Dalmation Rescue of South Florida and now being fostered in the Charleston area. Unfortunately, she has lost her two front legs and parts of her tail and ears. One of the most heart-breaking experiences for any pet owner is for their furry friend to lose a limb. Whether from disease, cancer or an accident, this is always a difficult and traumatic time for pet and owner alike. However, with advances in modern technology, amputation no longer represents the same restrictions as it once did. New animal prosthetics and the experts who make them are restoring lost freedom to pets. Years ago, one could only imagine that artificial limbs for dogs were even an option. Animal prosthetics is a relatively new field, but one that has made great strides in a short period of time. There are approximately ten people in the entire world who manufacture animal prosthetic limbs. In dogs, limb prostheses have not often been attempted in the past and when they were, they generally failed. Part of this may be because of the way limbs are amputated from animals. Front legs are generally amputated at or near the shoulder and rear legs are typically amputated at the hip or in the region of the mid thigh. According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, “The most common location for removing a damaged or diseased limb in dogs and cats is up high where the limb meets the body. This is so that any remaining portion of the leg does not become a problem for the pet. Any portion of a limb that remains may become traumatized during daily activities or interfere with movement.” In recent years some rehabilitation experts, including Dogs in
Emma the Dalmation Motion Canine Rehabilitation, have recognized that there are short and long term consequences to dogs functioning on three limbs, including: ·Tissue breakdown ·Degenerative joint problems in remaining limbs ·This can shorten life in dogs missing a limb. Therefore, materials and techniques developed in human prosthetic design have now been applied to many more animals. One of these trailblazers is Derrick Campana, the owner of Animal Ortho Care in Sterling, Virginia. Derrick originally started out as a crafter of orthotics and prosthetics for humans. It was only after helping to create an artificial limb for a local veterinarian’s dog that Derrick discovered his true calling. Now Derrick creates artificial limbs and orthotic devices for a wide variety of animals including dogs,
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Derrick Campera of Animal Ortho Care Photo by Kevin Lamarque/Reuters cats, birds, horses, camels and even an elephant! Derrick’s devices usually sell around $500 for braces and prosthetic limbs cost approximately $1,000. These prices can seem quite substantial; however, this must be compared with the average cost of a surgery. As an example, the surgery to repair a dog’s torn ACL can cost approximately $3,300 as opposed to a brace for $500. One thing that is beyond a price are those animals whose lives have been restored using prosthetic limbs. Take for example the story of Derby, a husky mix who was born with a birth defect that left him with small forelegs and no front paws. As reported in The State newspaper, 3D Systems of Rock Hill, South Carolina was able to provide Derby with 3-D printed prosthetic limbs. These custom-made prosthetics allowed Derby to both enjoy a greater quality of life and eased the selection of his forever home. This is but one story among thousands showing the life changing impact that prosthetics can have on an animal’s life. That is why it is so important for the animal community to come together to help support the further growth of this technology. With patience and work, dogs can be taught to adapt to a new limb with a return to near normal function.
Most dogs will tolerate an artificial limb but they do need to be somewhat malleable. Once comfortably fitted, it becomes only a matter of time before the dog learns to walk. This brings us back to Emma! Her rescue and foster are raising funds for her new legs. For those who are unaware of the situation in China, many dogs who are lost or stolen find themselves in dangerous meat-trade. Many of these dogs suffer abuse and neglect before they meet their horrible fate. There are various rescue networks working throughout the world who risk their own lives to help save dogs from these deplorable conditions. Once rescued they will match them with sponsoring organizations who can transport them to regions where they have a higher likelihood of adoption. About Dalmatian Rescue of South Florida: The Dalmatian Rescue of South Florida is a registered non-profit organization that specializes in the rescue and care of Dalmatian and Dalmatian-mix dogs. Based out of Florida, the Dalmatian Rescue fosters and adopts dogs out throughout the United States to their forever homes. More information can we found online at www.dalmatianrescue.com. ■
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THE ART OF PULLING! EDITORIAL BY: ALICIA ROSE WILLIAMS Founder, Eunoia Rescue
Many rescues obtain the animals that they have available for adoption through animal shelters. These animal shelters are generally underfunded, overcrowded and most of the time have a high euthanasia rate. The staff and volunteers of the shelter advertise the dogs that need to be “saved” so that more space can be made for the influx of other incoming animals. It is then up to the rescues to “pull” an animal to safety. It seems like a pretty simple concept, but unfortunately it takes a lot more thought than the average person may think. As much as we may want to pull the dog that has spent 2 years in the shelter, we have to step back and consider the situation. Why has this dog been in the shelter for so long? If it’s due to their behavior, do we have the resources for appropriate training? If it’s because they are aggressive towards other animals, do we have a space available with zero animals? If they have a bite history, are we properly insured just in case they may bite again? If this dog has been sitting in the shelter for 2 years, are we financially prepared (funds to spend on yearly vaccinations, heartworm and flea prevention, grooming, etc.) to care for them for 2 more years – or even longer?
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Once these questions are honestly answered by the board, we usually won’t be able to pull said dog. We hate it, but it’s what we have to do. By “passing” on this one dog we will be able to save multiple “more adoptable” dogs – and we have to constantly remind ourselves of that. Bonded pairs also find themselves on the “hard to place” list. We already know how difficult it is to find the appropriate person to adopt one dog and now we have to find someone that is open to adopting two. When pulling a bonded pair, a rescue can expect to hold on to them for quite some time. While in the rescue’s care, a bonded pair means double the medical costs, double the space that is going to be needed and double the attention a person needs to give. It’s difficult to find the accommodations. Rescues also have to consider working with the shelter. Often dogs that seek medical attention, such as those needing heartworm treatment, are on the “rescue only” list. (Usually dogs that are on the “rescue only” list are the ones that are euthanized first to make more room in the shelter when necessary.) Yes, these dogs are going to be costly to save. However, rescues tend to bring in more money than the typical county shelter and therefore are better equipped to handle a medical situation. While the shelter may also have other healthier dogs that are available, it wouldn’t be as helpful to the shelter if a rescue were to pull them. A lot of shelters receive little to no financial support, so they will need relatively healthy dogs that do not cost a lot of money to upkeep. It is also a little easier for the shelter to receive an adoption fee for a healthier dog, allowing access to immediate funds, rather than waiting until a dog is “healed” before it is able to leave the shelter. Sometimes rescues will put restrictions on what they can pull. Eunoia Rescue, from time to time, will tell a shelter “we cannot pull any pitbulls.” It’s not because we don’t love the pitties; rather, it’s because we already have 10 pitbulls in our care that no one seems to be interested in adopting. When restrictions are set on what a rescue can pull, it usually means that they are in
a bind. We want to continue to pull but we need a dog that will be adopted out quickly. When adoptions are at a standstill, having one happy adoption story on social media can cause traction to the outside world. Now that we have people’s attention, we hope it leads to an adoption for one of our many pitbulls. In this case, it isn’t breed discrimination. It’s doing what we can with the little bit of resources we have readily available. Personally, I absolutely love pulling the hospice cases. I think there is something very rewarding about giving a dog a special place to live out their final days. No dog deserves to die in a shelter, especially one that has lived with a family their whole life only to be dumped at the very end. These pups usually have only a few weeks or maybe a few months, if we’re lucky, to live. Any rescue that pulls a hospice needs to be sure that they have an extra amount of funds (which is basically never). To make a hospice dog comfortable we have to spend an excess amount of money on them medically and they require around the clock care. This can sometimes be thousands of dollars. We also have to keep in mind that we will not be able to recoup any of the money that we have spent because there will be no adoption and therefore no adoption fee to collect. Of course, our “earning” is allowing a dog to cross over peacefully but financially, hospice cases immediately put a rescue in the red. Many rescues are founded with the intention to only pull the dogs that are always looked over and then “we” can be the ones to provide their happily ever after. It sounds amazing in theory, but it’s incredibly unrealistic. For example, it takes Eunoia Rescue three puppy adoptions to pay for one heartworm treatment. It takes a purebred adoption, a “cute” dog adoption, and about five adult pitbull adoptions to pay for one hospice case. If rescues don’t “pull smart,” they will not be able to stay afloat financially. So the next time you notify a rescue of a dog that needs to be pulled – keep in mind that there’s a lot more to it than just needing space within the rescue. ■
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DOGS & DIVORCE
Should dogs be treated as property or more like children in the messy world of divorce? WRIT TEN BY: TASHA J. KOTZ, F A M I LY A T T O R N E Y
Being a family law attorney, I often get asked, “do you have children?” And whether it’s to a client or fellow attorney, my reply often gets sneered at. I have since changed my response. “I do not have children, but I do have a dog and I believe I would fight just as hard over my dog as you are over your child.” How Family Law Treats Dogs in a Divorce Across the U.S. Under common law, dogs are property. Taking them without consent of the owner can be a criminal offense. However, under property law, a dog is no different than your everyday couch. For centuries, the law has treated pets as property and not as “people”. The Texas Supreme Court recently emphasized a legal position in a case that began with an acknowledgment that Texans love their dogs but holding that no emotional-related damages may be collected by a Plaintiff for harm to a dog. Meaning, the only damages a court can award for the killing or taking of a dog is
Under common law, dogs are property. Taking them without consent of the owner can be a criminal offense. However, under property law, a dog is no different than your everyday couch. For centuries, the law has treated pets as property and not as “people”. the retail value of the dog. “The human-animal bond, while undeniable, is uncompensable… We understand that limiting recovery to market (or actual) value seems incommensurate with the emotional harm suffered, but pet-death actions compensating for such harm, while they can certainly be legislated, are not something Texas common law should enshrine.” - Strickland v. Medlen, 397 S.W.3d 184, 198 (Texas 2013). The law is no different when it comes to divorces. Your dog is put into the same category as other marital property, gets divided with the marital assets, and no regard is given to which party has what relationship with the dog or which party may love the dog more. There is no requirement for the family court to take into account what is in the best interest of the dog when deciding where dog shall live post-divorce.
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Science has confirmed a couple of things: •Unlike your everyday couch, dogs are alive; and •Perhaps akin to some couches, but far more often, people form emotional attachments with their dogs; •This emotional attachment is often a strong bond, resulting in grieving upon the loss of a dog, and fears that a dog may be mistreated or stray away; •This emotional attachment runs in both directions. The law ignores all of this and keeps dogs in the status of property just like, at one time, wives and children were considered property. Weirdly enough, the family law’s treatment of dogs as property ends with the civil law. States and their subdivisions routinely investigate a person who applies to adopt a dog at a governmentrun shelter. If a person is cruel to an animal, that person is subject to criminal charges, or worse, interruption of their career in the National Football League. In other words, the state laws will deny someone their liberty because of their relationship with a dog, motivated entirely by the dog’s welfare, but that same welfare is ignored in divorce cases every year. Divorce law, in 47 states, remains unchanged. No attempt has been made to impose a custody decision, nothing in South Carolina law prevents placing a dog with a divorcing party, at least in the absence of a history of dog fighting or a desire for dog-burgers. See e.g., In re Marriage of Stewart, 356 N.W.2d 611 (Iowa App. 1984) (“while courts should not put a family pet in a position of being abused or uncared for, we do not have to determine the best interests of a pet”). Our family courts are permitted to order that a dog, no matter beloved, be sold and the proceeds of the sale divided amongst the divorcing parties. Determining a Dog’s Best Interest While determining the best interests of the dog is not easy, and arguably not objectively possible, and while it would increase the investigative burden of our family courts, the burden I would imagine is not too different from what courts must do with children. The first instance of legal facade on dogs in divorce cases came in 2000, when a couple in San Diego spent $150,000 in a two-year court battle over possession of their pointer/greyhound mix, Gigi. The divorce court heard evidence from an animal behavioralist and a video presentation, entitled “Day in the Life of Gigi.” The video depicted scenes of Gigi sleeping under the wife’s chair and cuddling with her. The wife was eventually awarded custody. In making this decision,
Vermont was the first state to determine the best interest of the dog when it comes to custody in a divorce. Images by Pexels there was no legal principle revised nor is there an appellate decision to cite. In 2014, Vermont became the first state to visit its laws about dogs in divorces. The Vermont Supreme Court held, in Hamet v. Baker, that while dogs were not the same as children, a family court must determine the best interests of a dog and make what is in fact, even if it is not called it yet, a dog custody determination: “we hold that the family division may consider other factors not set out in the statute: the welfare of the animal and the emotional connection between the animal and each spouse.” - Hamet v. Baker, 197 Vt. 339, 97 A.3d 461, 464 (Vermont 2014). The Hamet v. Baker case was not an easy case for the trial court to decide. There was no evidence presented to the Court indicating any allegations of animal neglect or abuse, and no one presented a choice where one party was largely indifferent to the dog. Fighting a case that involved no children, no property disputes, to the state’s Supreme Court, with the parties’ only point of contention being that both parties wanted to retain Belle, a German wire-haired pointer, arguably tells you, standing alone, the potential emotional attachment between human and dog. People are free to agree or disagree with how the Vermont Supreme Court went about determining the best interests of the dog. It held that the trial courts should, as the primary factor, determine which spouse is most active in caring for the dog. The Court also found it instructive that the prevailing party, the husband, treated Belle like dog, while the wife tended to treat Belle like a child. In the end, the husband
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prevailed because he was in the practice of taking Belle to work with him routinely. Pet Custody, Visitation, and Support Further adjustments are likely needed. There are still things that are unknown. If a party’s agreement as to custody of the dog will prevail without judicial review of the dog’s best interest. Additionally, the rules on visitation and support may or may not develop as an offshoot of this monumental holding. Cf. In re Marriage of Tevis-Bleich, 723 Kan.App.2d 982, P.2d 966 (Kan. App.1997) (declining to modify divorce decree that granted former husband right to visit what was formerly the family dog). As of now, it is unknown if courts can retain jurisdiction over a divorce, as they do when minor children are involved, to ensure that the pup placement is working out as anticipated. The issue of whether shared custody arrangements will be tried is also unknown. Right now, under Texas law, it is actually possible that there is court-ordered trading of possession of a television can be ordered. Both, it bears repeating, are community property under the state’s law. In the past couple years, states have amended their state statutes to allow judges in divorce proceedings to consider the well-being of the pets when considering the custody-related issues in a case. Alaska and Illinois are two states that changed their statutes, meaning, it’s possible to be granted “custody” of the pets who were part of the family during the marriage. Essentially, they are no longer looked upon as assets of the marriage. In Alaska, the law took effect in January 2017 and granted judges in divorce proceedings the ability to no longer take into account what’s best for the “humans” involved, but also to consider “the well-being of the animal.” The new law also allows the judge to grant ownership/custody of the pet. In Illinois, the new law took effect in January 2018 and similar to the law in Alaska, allowing a judge in a divorce proceeding to consider the well-being of a pet when considering granting sole or joint ownership/ custody. For judges in divorce proceedings in these states, the decision of which party receives custody of the pet is no longer as simple as granting it to one party or the other by simply looking at the best interests of the spouses. Now, judges in divorce proceedings in Alaska and Illinois will have to consider the well-being
“As of now, it is unknown if courts can retain jurisdiction over a divorce, as they do when minor children are involved, to ensure that the pup placement is working out as anticipated. The issue of whether shared custody arrangements will be tried is also unknown.” of the pet, as well, and ultimately, what is in the “best interest” of the pet. In 2013, a trial court in New York City found itself deciding a custody case over a miniature dachshund, Joey. The spouses fighting over Joey presented evidence such as what side of the bed where Joey preferred to sleep. See Travis v. Murray, 42 Misc.3d 447, 977 N.Y.S.3d 621, 2013 N.Y. Slip Op. 23405 (2013). Justice Matthew Cooper knew he was being asked to venture to uncharted legal territory, which he found surprising in such a “canine-centric city.” Id., 42 Misc.3d at 448. Justice Cooper added that he understood that most people would not part with their dogs even if offered one million dollars in cash to do so. The Justice also had a retort to those who might argue that puppy custody determinations were a waste of judicial resources, observing that, “if judicial resources can be devoted to such matters as to which party gets to use the Escalade as opposed to the Ferrari, who gets the Hamptons house instead of the Aspen chalet, there is certainly room to give consideration to a case involving a treasured pet.” Id., 42 Misc.3d at 460. Judge Cooper ordered the parties to proceed to a custody hearing for the dog. the case then settled. Travis v. Murray case came a decade after C.R.S. v. T.K.S., 192 Misc.2d 547 (2002), where the Court confirmed that a dog is “chattel” (describing this as “a legal issue not disputed here”), in response to the husband’s argument that the dog is “no different than a sofa, home, or bank account.” Id., 192 Misc.2d at 549. It is, of course, anyone’s guess what the New York Court of Appeals would do with the questions, but that court is not exactly known for its unwillingness to take bold steps.
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A media report of a Pulaski, Tennessee couple sets out the issue in a two-hour hearing to determine the placement of their dog, a divorcing couple maintained why they each deserved custody. The wife argued that the dog enjoyed Bible study she conducted in her home and, therefore, should remain with her. Husband argued the dog enjoyed riding on the back of his motorcycle and, therefore, should remain with him. The judge ultimately ordered joint custody with stipulations that the dogs should not be forced to wear a helmet while riding the motorcycle and the dog should be allowed to continue to attend Bible study. The judge additionally ordered no alcoholic beverages be consumed in the presence of the dog, and the dog not be allowed to consent with an “ill-bred or mongrel type dogs.” The above guidelines the Tennessee Court incorporated sound very much like restrictions in the custody and separation agreements I put into place for children in family cases. Currently, in South Carolina family courts, pets are not considered anything other than a part of the property of the marital estate. Thus, when dividing property of the marriage based on our laws of “equitable apportionment”, the judge will consider the spouses and their wishes as to who should get custody of the pet but is not required to give consideration of the well-being of the pet. Family court judges are generally compassionate and understand the trauma caused by splitting up a family. Judges will often give consideration to things like which spouse works less, which spouse has better resources, and which spouse was the primary caretaker of the pet. If there are human children involved in the case who are close to the family pets, it is not uncommon to see South Carolina family court judges to order the pet will “go with the child” assuming both parents have the ability to care for the pet during their parenting time. California’s New Pet Law Allows Judges to Create Shared Custody Agreements California has elected to change its law, and follow Vermont, by legislation, rather than wait for a ruling from its appellate courts. The new state law, AB 2274, which took effect with the new year, empowers judges to consider “the care of the pet animal” and create shared custody agreements. The law’s legislative sponsor, Assembly person Bill Quirck said that the law “makes clear that courts must view pet ownership differently than the ownership of a car, for example. By providing clearer direction, courts will award custody on what is best for the animal.” The bill was signed
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into law by then-Governor Jerry Brown, presumably in the presence of First Dogs Luci and Cali. The changes are not limited to the extreme left states as one may assume. Dogs are loved and understood by the conservatives as well. In 2010, an Alabama appeals court rules that “where a pet is the subject of a division of property, the courts sometimes consider the best interest of the animal, and, as a pet is personal property, sometimes do not.” Placey v. Placey, 51 So.3d 374, 379 (Ala.App. 2010) [citing 3B C.J.S. Animals 4(2003)]. The Placey then proceeded to ignore the dog-as-mereproperty law: “The testimony at trial, while conflicting, would support the conclusion that Preston was cared for primarily by the mother, who testified that Preston was high maintenance.” The mother explained that Preston had to be walked every day and that he required special expensive dog food…. The mother had cared for Preston since the daughter’s removal from the family home in 2008. The trial court determined that Preston would be better cared for in the family home occupied by the mother, where Preston had spent the last six years of his life. The trial court noted at trial that the daughter was living in a hotel and that Preston needed a yard and not the cramped quarters of a hotel room. Thus, it appears that the trial court considered the best interests of Preston in determining that the mother was Preston’s true owner. How Family Law Treats Dogs in a Divorce; Times are Changing Some states get it; they understand how much a dog usually means to the humans with whom it lives. Consideration of the dog’s welfare and the emotional relationship with the parties, therefore, either became, or is in the midst of becoming, the duty of the state’s family courts, forevermore. I suspect that one day soon, dog custody determinations will become the norm. As with the tort of wrongful death, a constitutional right to sexual privacy, and strict liability for products liability, monumental changes in the law start, in the United States, with one state at a time. It seems preferable to let the law change with regard to dogs in a divorce. Whether the resulting changes are applied to other species will be a question for another day. ■
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Canines On Patrol From Live PD to a local rescue dog: Lowcountry K9 Officers are taking a bite out of crime!
W R I T T E N B Y K E L LY S E K U L O V S K I P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y S O U T H E R N V I N TA G E P H OTO G R A P H Y
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Police officers are devoted to protecting and serving the community and this statement is no different for it’s K9 Officers. K9 Officers are specially trained to assist police departments in multiple facets. K9 officers everywhere have become important members of police departments and are embraced by the department just like any human officer.
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K9 officers undergo extensive training to be ready to patrol the streets with their handlers. This starts when they are puppies. They are evaluated as puppies to determine if they have the physical traits and personality traits needed to be a K9 officer. After that initial evaluation the extensive training begins, imprinting them on specific odors and learning apprehension skills through games that are seen as “fun” for puppies. According to Patrol Officer Kristine Johnson of the Goose Creek Police Department, “Police dogs will spend months imprinting on various odors depending on their line of work, whether it be narcotics, cadavers or elements of explosives. After that they then continue to train into a final alert varying from a passive sit to an active scratch.” Once they pass their initial training then it is their handler’s turn to learn. The K9s learn alongside their handler to make sure that the pair are in sync, that there is a mutual respect between them and that they are ready for any situation that comes their way. This training does not end after the K9s start officially working for the police department. Once the foundation has been built there is constant drill and practice undergone throughout the life of the K9. Officer Johnson and her K9 Gracie undergo 10 hours of training with the rest of the Goose Creek K9 unit every Tuesday to make sure that the K9’s skills are still being exercised and to make sure they are in tip top shape to help their fellow officers in the field. The responsibilities of K9 officers vary from department to department but most commonly they are used for narcotics & explosives detection, patrol assistance and search/ apprehension operations. K9s are called in to sniff out drugs and explosives during searches, used to assist officers when tracking criminals by tracking their scent and help subdue criminals once they are located. These police K9s demand respect on scene, helping officers even just with their intimidating presence. K9 Officers are a key asset to their departments. The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office has a very
successful K9 unit consisting of nine K9 deputies and nine K9s. Fans of the A&E Channel’s show “Live PD” will recognize the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office from season 4 which aired on November 19th. Included in the officers featured on the show are K9 Officers Fox and Dixie, who are trained in scent detection and apprehension. Fox, a 5 year old Sable German Shepherd, even has a twitter page with over 1,000 followers! Dixie, a 4 ½ year old German Shepherd, has been with her handler Corporal Julio Santos, for almost 3 years. “Working dogs is my passion and is what I aspired to do when I first became a police officer in 2014,” said Corporal Santos. Dixie is Corporal Santos’s 3rd K9 partner. The first K9 did not make it through the training program and his second partner passed away from medical issues. “Dixie was donated by K2 kennels during Christmas time and they gave me her in a nice red bow.” One of Corporal Santos’s favorite arrests made with Dixie was, “Dixie tracked and apprehended a subject who had kidnapped and stabbed a female on the north end of the county. He then fled on foot into the woods and Canine Dixie tracked him and apprehended him as he resisted arrest.”
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a session for
eve ryone
K9 Officer Dixie can been seen on A&E’s Live PD as well as on patrol in Berkeley County with her handler Corporal Julio Santos. Below: she demonstrates the “apprehension” of a suspect. She is one of smartest dogs we have ever met.
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The Goose Creek Police Department also employs K9 officers and believes that these officers are integral parts in their success, which includes K9 Officer Rizen and K9 Officer Gracie. Rizen, a 3 year old male Belgium Shepherd Mix, was named after the “Goose Creek Rising” social media campaign (#CreekRising), paying homage to the rising popularity and achievements of the city of Goose Creek. Rizen alongside his handler Patrol Officer Hunter Carter help to keep the city of Goose Creek safe. Gracie, a 6 year old female Dutch Shepherd, comes from humble beginnings. She was previously employed by another police department where her handler was charged with various violations. Gracie was down from 77 pounds to 55 pounds due to being mistreated and after another failed attempt with a handler in her previous department she was released to an animal rescue. Luckily, this animal rescue is one that Goose Creek Police Chief L.J. Roscoe had connections to from her previous department in Georgia. Upon receiving a call from the rescue that the dog was previously working as a police K9, Chief Roscoe drove to the rescue and did a routine narcotics exercise with Gracie to see if she could still utilize her previous training. Gracie immediately fell back into her training and passed the test with flying colors. Gracie officially started her career on patrol on July 22, 2019, alongside her handler Patrol Officer Kristine Johnson. Officer Johnson has been with the Goose Creek Police Department since September of 2017. Having grown up an animal lover, Officer Johnson earned her degree in Animal Science at Washington State University where she fell in love with working K9’s while studying them extensively. After graduating and working in a veterinary practice she moved to South Carolina where she began her law enforcement career with one ultimate goal: to be a K9 Handler. After persistently tagging along with the K9 Unit even on days she was not on duty, Chief Roscoe told Officer Johnson about Gracie. “I knew I could make a difference when I
Above: K9 Officer Rizen is named after the social media campaign #CreekRising Below: K9 Officer Gracie was rescued from a local dog rescue by the Goose Creek Police Deptartment.
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was told about her condition and rehabilitation required,” said Officer Johnson. “It was a special moment when all of my training and experiences lined me up for when the Chief told me “I think Gracie needs us as much as we need her.” Since that day, the two have formed an inseperable bond. Officer Johnson helped Gracie heal and regain her strength and confidence and Gracie helped Officer Johnson achieve her lifelong dream of being a K9 Handler. When asked about arrests that Gracie has assisted with, Officer Johnson said, “After stopping a car and observing criminal indicators, I was able to utilize K9 Gracie to conduct a free air sniff on the vehicle. The resulting arrest included narcotic trafficking charges. Gracie’s positive alert gave me the confidence (and probable cause) to pursue indicators I was picking up on already.” Police officers that have worked with K9 Officers explain best the loyalty and unwavering support that their animal partners provide them. “Not a moment passes in my life now where Gracie doesn’t have watchful eyes on me,” said Officer Johnson. “No matter where I am, Gracie has my six and isn’t afraid to let everyone know about it. I wish I could have a dollar for every time I’ve seen a wide-eyed person watching my snarling patrol car bounce up and down while Gracie tells the neighborhood that backup is already on scene with me.”■
In March of 2020, K9 Officer Kron retired from the Goose Creek Police Department. “He’s got a few health issues and we want to allow him enjoy the rest of his life, pain free-as pain free as possible,” said Goose Creek Police Chief, LJ Roscoe, before giving Kron’s handler a retirement plaque for the K-9. “We obviously view Kron as a huge asset and we are definitely going to miss him.” “Me and Kron have been together for a really long time; a lot of bad, a lot of good,” said Officer Alexander Erickson, a Goose Creek Officer and Kron’s handler. “I have attributed where I have gotten in my career because of him.” Kron will live out his retirement with Officer Erickson and his family as they formally adopted Kron.
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Above: Prima, the bloodhound is a search and rescue dog for the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office and is handled by Lieutenant Peters Left: K9 Officer Fox, who is a fan favorite on A&E’s Live PD with her handler Corporal Tyler Clark. Below: Fox demostrates how to take down a suspect!
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These are not the droids you are looking for! -Obi-Wan Kenobi
Lowcountry Dog Calendar Model, Layla Miss May2020 Image by: Southern Vintage Photography
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Thanks to all our Lowcountry Law Enforcement Officers for all they do to keep us safe!
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In The News WOOFSTOCK RAISES FUNDS FOR LOCAL SHELTERS
On March 7th, the Lowcountry came out to Hanahan Amphitheater to celebrate Woofstock 2020: A Lowcountry Dog Music Festival. This local dog-friendly music festival is in its second year and brought some great musical acts like Drivin N Cryin and Ken and Drew from Sister Hazel. Over 1500 people including some of the Lowcountry’s finest food trucks, vendors and 8 local rescues enjoyed the sun and fun at the beautiful Hanahan Amphitheater.
COVID- 19 CAUSES LOWCOUNTRY SHELTERS TO MAKE SOME CHANGES AS WELL AS SEEK FOSTERS & DONATIONS
Lowcountry Shelters are having to change their adoption processes as well as staffing needs due to the global pandemic of COVID-19. Donations have slowed, animals are being abandoned and the shelters are reacting the best way they can.
TWO LEGGED DOG WINS JOB AS NEXT CADBERRY BUNNY!
The two-legged coonhound was born without back legs and is named after Gary Sinise’s character in “Forrest Gump” who lost his legs in the Vietnam War.
Click images above to read the full story. For more top stories, visit www.lowcountrydog.com/top-stories
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daily calls and have to say no because we don’t have the room or funding. We use our own money to save these animals when the donations don’t come in. We cry every day for the ones that we can’t save.” While all rescue groups and organizations are valuable and in need, Debbie urges us to support the small rescues because they help each other with the common goal of saving animals.
DEBBIE McLAWHORN, President Southern Paws Animal Rescue
of
W R I T T E N B Y : J U L I E M U R R A Y, STAFF WRITER
This issue’s Animal Advocate is Debbie McLawhorn, President of Southern Paws Animal Rescue (SPAR). Southern Paws is a 501c3 organization operating in Mt. Pleasant, SC and Lake Lure, NC. Their mission is to save dogs of any breed from neglect, abuse, abandonment, and dangerous or unhealthy living environments. Protecting and serving the community is nothing new to Debbie, a retired Lieutenant and SWAT Commander for Mount Pleasant Police Department. When I spoke with her she said saving animals has been a lifelong passion. “I have been saving animals since I was a little girl picking up stray dogs.” This carried over into her adult life and career. If she saw an animal in need while on patrol, she would pick them up and either reunite them with their family or ensure they received medical care. “Someone has to be the voice for these animals that are forgotten or on a chain in a backyard being abused or neglected on a daily basis.” Rescuing animals in need is a definite fight for the underdog, something Debbie thrives on. “I can’t control my passion when it comes to rescuing an abused or neglected dog. They just want to be loved and are the most forgiving creatures.” Her strong belief that these dogs deserve a better life helps Debbie get through the tough times. She told me how hard and emotionally draining rescue work is, especially when you want to save each and every animal that needs help. “It breaks my heart to get
I asked Debbie about her most memorable rescue story and she said it was so hard to choose since every animal saved is a great memory. After some thought, she told me about Xena the Warrior Princess. Xena lived most of her life being chained up outside, in the wind, rain, cold and extreme heat off of Highway 41. During Hurricane Dorian, she was abandoned on her chain, left behind with no food or water. Several good Samaritans reported her plight on Facebook and Debbie was able to bring her into the rescue. “I attended four court dates until we were able to get a conviction for animal abuse against the owner. [Xena] is a survivor and full of love despite all she has been through.” Another topic that Debbie has an immense passion for is changing laws for greater animal protection. “A statewide law against tethering of animals would
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protect [dogs] such as Xena the Warrior Princess, who was tied up 24/7.” Debbie is not just talking about this either - she testified at three council meetings in Mount Pleasant and played a large role in the passing of a new tethering ordinance. “It is a great start and I thank the Mayor and Council for taking these amazing steps, and I hope it will only get better in the future.” Being a voice for the voiceless is not a one-person job. Debbie told me that she believes everyone can make a difference. “If you see an animal being abused or neglected, please do something. Make a call to help the animals; don’t look the other way and expect someone else to handle it. You can make the difference between life and death for these sweet babies.” You can also volunteer at a local rescue, adopt or foster an animal in need and donate supplies and money to a local animal rescue. To find out more about helping Debbie’s rescue, please visit http://www.sparwithus.org. There is a link to donate via PayPal and also information on how to get in touch with the rescue. Debbie’s own pack consists of 5 dogs - 4 pitties and a Pomeranian (who is the boss, I’m sure). There are 8 dogs being cared for by her rescue: Lila, Tony, Xena the Warrior Princess, Willow, Stella, Ava, Ranger and Lulu. All deserving of love; all deserving of compassion and now they all have a chance thanks to Debbie and Southern Paws Animal Rescue. ■
Do you know an animal advocate that deserves to be featured here? Reach out to contact@lowcountrydog.com
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Events A T
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U P C O M I N G L O W C O U N T R Y E V E N T S
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&
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O R
C A N C E L L E D . P L E A S E O U R
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0 5 / 3 1 / 2 0 2 0 Lowcoun tr y Dog Days of Su mme r
Tatt ooed Moose Joh ns Isl and 3 to 6 pm
06 /06 /2 02 0 May T h e Dogs Be With Yo u Festi val Deep W at er Vineyard 10 to 5 pm
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E V E N T S . PLEASE STAY HOME AND BE SAFE AND WE WILL SEE YOU SOON!
9/2 6 /2 02 0 Lowcoun tr y Doga palo oza Hanah an Amph it h eat er 12 to 6 pm
11/1/2 02 0 Dia De Los Pe rros Festi val Tatt ooed Moose Joh ns Isl and 3 to 6 pm
Ch eck out our Events page for e ve n more local events and ch eck an d date changes. www.lowcountr ydog.com/ even ts
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CHARLESTON COUNTY PARK
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