Lowcountry Dog Animal Advocate April 2020

DEBBIE McLAWHORN, President of Southern Paws Animal Rescue

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 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.

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 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