Lowcountry Dog Magazine- April 2021 by Lowcountry Dog Magazine

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Publisher Brian Foster brian@lowcountrydog.com Chief Canine Officer Peanut peanut@lowcountrydog.com Copy Editor Chelsea Salerno chelsea@lowcountrydog.com Social Media Manager Alyssa Helms alyssa@lowcountrydog.com Editorial Columnist Alicia Williams Staff Writers Julie Murray Hali Selert Fern Wooden Staff Photographer Southern Vintage Photography Web and Design Consultant Laura Olsen Contributing Writers Heather Summers

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.

the lowcountry’s dog magazine since 2005!

In this issue

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SIT, STAY... BEHAVE: The Wonderful World of Dog Sports HEALTH & WELLNESS: Adjusting Your Dog to a Post-Pandemic World PEACE, LOVE & REAL TALK: with Alicia Rose Willliams FEATURE STORY: When Popularity & Profit Win Over Responsible Breeding

LOCAL DOG EVENTS

IN THE NEWS

THINK OUTSIDE THE SHELTER: Rescue Story: Izzy

GO GREEN: Adopt A Recycled Dog!

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Meet Our New I nter n!

Peanut 's P O I N T

O F

V I E W

We have been thinking about adding to our team for awhile now, but working here requires a certain type of dog. Enthusiasm mixed with the desire to take lots of naps are two requirements for a job at Lowcountry Dog. You may recall that I have written about Caribbean Potcakes as well as the need for help in both the Bahamas and Mexico with their homeless dog problem. Meet Kaia! She comes to us from the island of Tortola in the British VIrgin Islands. Thanks to Eunoia Rescue and the Caribbean Canine Connection, Kaia came to Charleston on March 9th. It took her 2 boats and 2 planes to get here and has been adjusting these last few weeks to her new life and country. Kaia is about 10 mths and would be considered a “potcake” or street dog from the Caribbean. We believe she has some Whippet in her DNA as she gets up to to racing speed at the park. Kaia is still under our foster care at the time of this article and we have been working with her on socialization, manners and house breaking. She is a very curious, playful and friendly girl whom we are training to be our Canine Correspondent. We call her our intern as she is just a foster for right

now. She also is heartworm positive so will have to go through treatment in late April and early May. You may see her about town or at one of our events this spring or the beach as we are taking her everywhere we go. Our Social Media Manager, Alyssa is primarly taking care of her but she spends time with me plenty so I can show her the ropes as running a magazine takes lots of work and being the only dog in the office can get boring. So the million dollar question is, should we hire her full-time? Stay tuned to find out. The fact that she looks like a younger me is in her favor! If you are interested in adopting a potcake like Kaia, please check out eunoiarescue.org to see whom they have available. ■

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The Wonderful World of Dog Sports! Let’s Start With Rally! WRITTEN BY: H E AT H E R SUMMERS, Cer tified APG, AKC CGC Evaluator & Trainer at the Charleston Dog Training Club

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a well-behaved, happy dog? If the answer is yes, you should highly consider doing one of the many dog sports with your beloved family pet. One of the easiest dog sports to get started in is rally. More teams than ever before are participating in this sport each year. Your team can just do it to have fun and build confidence or you can show off your skills in a rally event and earn titles. It is enjoyable and exciting as well as it is made for beginners. Rally builds skills and good behaviors which in turn then shows at home and in public, a win-win for both you and your dog! What is Rally? Rally is a sport in which you and your dog work through a course on leash, side-by-side with signs designed by a judge or a class instructor (between 10-20, depending on what level your team is at). These signs give your dog an exercise to accomplish, for example: sit or lie down. Rally is also a precursor to the more advanced sports like obedience and agility. The fun part about rally is you get to speak to your dog and encourage him/her throughout the

“Training your dog builds a bond nothing can break.” course and not be penalized. You can clap your hands, tap your leg, use hand signals and praise. All of it to keep you and your dog motivated and engaged. Rally has 5 levels to achieve: novice, intermediate, advance, excellent and masters. Each one builds on skills from the last level, turning your dog into a skilled and well-mannered dog. For example, in the novice level you might have learned to have your dog down but in the intermediate level you would have your dog down and wait while you walked around them. It also teaches you how to better communicate with your dog and builds that bond that nothing can break. There is of course scoring in rally when you compete for titles. You start off with 100 points and have points deducted if your dog does not do the exercise or releases from the exercise before being told to. You must keep a score of 70 or higher to qualify towards earning your title. Once you qualify a certain number of times you move on to the next level. How to Get Started If you have never seen rally, I would recommend that you go and see it in person at an AKC event or club that has classes so you can see not only how much fun it is but you can talk to some of the experienced owners or instructors who have competed and ask questions. Another thing you can do is look up videos online. AKC’s website also has the rules, signs, and other important information. Next, go and observe a class; most clubs or training facilities welcome prospective students before having you commit to signing up. I know

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T R A I N I N G

the Charleston Dog Training Club does this and they can talk you through the process and what would be a good fit for you and your dog to get started in. Then sign up for a class! Commitment There is a bit of commitment on your part. It’s not just all up to your dog. You are a team! You will need to take all your classes and train at home. With rally it is remarkably simple to practice at home and at first you will train with your dog in short five- to ten- minute sessions with rewards (usually food treats) twice a day, then you add a little play time. You will see a huge difference in your dog in no time at all! Your family and friends will be amazed at what a fantastic trainer you have become and will see you have a well-behaved dog. Who knows, you might get the bug like most of us at the Charleston Dog Training Club do and start venturing out to the other dog sports. You will meet like-minded people, learn from them, and cheer on for the other teams, and build a wealth of camaraderie. If you would like to learn more about the Charleston Dog Training Club you can visit our website at www.charlestondogtrainingclub.com Happy Training!■

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H E A L T H

W E L L N E S S

Adjusting Your Dog To A Post-Pandemic World. WRITTEN BY: FERN WOODEN, Staff Writer

Last March, the world saw something no one could have ever predicted: a viral pandemic that required us to tailor our lives to staying inside. A beautiful thing came out of the pandemic; a surge in adoption and foster rates for both cats and dogs by 12 percent occurred in 2020! As more people stayed home and work-life moved there, individuals could dedicate more time to training and acclimating their pups. Although it has been proven dogs help with loneliness and coping with a crisis, according to the American Kennel Club, pet owners are faced with a new issue of the socialization of their furry friends. Picture this: you just adopted a dog during the pandemic, but with everything closed down, what do you do to help socialize your dog? It is easy to focus on your dog who lacks social skills after spending formative time inside with everything opening back up. There is a solution for those owners who feel lost and confused about breaking the dog’s bad social habits. Part of the issue with mingling your dogs with strict social distance rules is introducing them to other people’s dogs without breaking the sixfeet rule. Thankfully with vaccinations on the way, people are more open to bringing their dogs to parks, dog-friendly events like Lowcountry Dog Magazine’s Eat Drink Rescue, and mingling at dog-friendly bars and restaurants. Here are some tips and tricks to help socialize your dog while adhering to social distance rules.

Taking your dog for car rides is a great and safe way to get them out of the house and socialized. Just keep them safe and secure in the car, the above is not advised. Also, leaving your dog in the car is never recommended, so make sure you are taking them somewhere dog-friendly. Photo by Adobe Stock

A Place to Call Home For starters, understanding both your dog’s and your boundaries when it comes to feeling comfortable in crowds or around other people in general can help ensure a safe and happy time for both of you. Experts suggest socialization is an essential part of responsible pet ownership. When socializing your dog with other animals and people, it is necessary to always reward them with positive reinforcement to ensure those behaviors become routine. Think of it as a game for you and your dog by providing a treat for every positive action presented to you. Depending on your dog’s age, exposure to some aspects of your home can vary in intensity. For puppies whose minds are developing alongside each trick and experience presented to them, it can be easier to socialize them than shelter dogs. Shelter dogs have a unique history that shelter workers may not even know about, for example an abusive history that leads to anxiety and trust issues. Introducing your pet to a new area of your house and around it each day provides a safety net for them to express their curiosity without fear of repercussions or judgment.

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BEEP BEEP You can also introduce your dog to the hustlebustle of the world without violating social distance rules by bringing them along on car rides. Not only is it a controlled environment, but it also allows your dog to become acclimated to car rides and learn to sit comfortably. Although restrictions are starting to lift, it is strategic to make sure your pet is comfortable with the idea of fast movements without freaking out or barking excessively. A car ride is a great way to expose your pet to the public in a controlled environment.

Dog Parks Parks are a great place to help socialize your dog beyond the self-restrained environments of your vehicle, home, or neighborhood. Here you can really test those skills you have instilled in your pet. The beauty of a park environment is that you can allow your dog to play off-leash or on a leash. Pet experts suggest meeting another dog offleash is better for your dog’s comfortability. When a dog is on-leash and restrained, they are more likely to react aggressively because they do not feel in control of the situation and can not escape if the encounter goes wrong. There are concerns about letting your dog off leash, like fleeing the park and getting hit by a car or potentially attacking another dog. That is why training your dog outside the park and teaching them positive social skills is critical before introducing them to the park setting.

and drinking, and it was the first time a lot of dogs and owners came together at a safe event since the start of the pandemic and vaccine rollouts. These events can be more stimulating than a dog-park environment because of live music, food vendors, and adoptable dogs available at rescues. Make sure your dog has tried all three of those environments before bringing them to a bar, restaurant, or event like this, so everyone has a fun time. At the end of the day, these animals are our family members, and we want to protect them like one. We at Lowcountry Dog Magazine know how taxing the pandemic has been on everyone and want a return to normalcy just as much as our readers do. Until then, we want to adhere to social distance rules and help our furry friends become the best versions of themselves. ■ Lowcountry Dog Events are a great way to safely socialize your dog! Photo by Victoria Vesce

Dog Friendly Events Dog people are typically well-intentioned, but as people are starting to let their guard down with vaccinations becoming available and restrictions are being lifted at bars and restaurants, it is easy to forget a pandemic is still going on. Not everyone is comfortable with someone approaching their dog. If you feel comfortable going out, be sure to check the number of people attending the event, it’s setting and social distancing rules. For example, at Lowcountry Dog’s most recent event Eat Drink Rescue, mask rules were enforced unless eating www.lowcountrydog.com

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My Letter to The Mayor of SummervilleRevisited EDITORIAL BY: ALICIA ROSE WILLIAMS Founder, Eunoia Rescue

Back in 2018, I wrote a letter to the Mayor of Summerville about my concern and devastation of our local Petland beginning to sell puppies. Well, we have reported on several occasions about what has happened since. There have been numerous cases of sick puppies sold, many of whom have died from their illness.

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In July of 2020, the law office of Kidd Corvey & Simpson filed a lawsuit on behalf of several consumers against Petland for knowingly and willingly selling sick puppies to consumers. This type of lawsuit is nothing new to the pet store that has been the subject of numerous lawsuits as well as investigations from the Humane Society to the United States. The lawsuit has been pushed from court to court in the past months, while even more puppies have died from the store in the meantime. After several citizens approached Dorchester County, the county council passed a law forbidding the sale of puppies and kittens in a retail store. These types of laws are thankfully being enacted all across the country. Unfortunately, Petland is located in the Town of Summerville and the new ordinance has no jurisdiction there. The same group has spoken to the mayor as well as city council. Their concerns fall on deaf ears as the town has expressed no interest in becoming involved in this matter. Because of this, I would like reshare my letter from 2018 as it stands more important now than ever before. If you are concerned about this as I am, and especially if you live in the Town of Summerville, contact your mayor and town council to express your disgust. Below is my original letter to Mayor Johnson in December of 2018. I am devastated. Petland Summerville is now selling purebred and “designer” mutts to the public. We all know that I am personally against any type of breeding. I strongly believe that there is no such thing as “responsible breeding” as long as there are animals dying due to lack of space in shelters. However, this is so much more than just adding to the overpopulation of dogs. It is setting us back decades in the animal welfare world. It is incredibly frustrating that Petland Summerville has opened in Berkeley County of all places. Berkeley County Animal Shelter has to euthanize simply because there isn’t enough room to board all of the unwanted animals. That’s right,

perfectly healthy animals are being killed while a few minutes away, animals are being “sold.” The shelter itself is not to blame. The shelter has a staff that genuinely cares for the animals. The staff of the shelter has to make the heartbreaking decision of who stays and who goes. I am very disappointed that Mayor Wiley Johnson of Summerville reportedly gave Brad and Kristin Parker (owners of Petland Summerville) his blessing to start SELLING puppies at their Summerville location. Honestly, how could you (Mayor Wiley Johnson) do such a thing? You must be out of touch with the animal overpopulation crisis within South Carolina – within your own neighborhood. While local animal rescue nonprofits are financially struggling to stay alive, PetLand Summerville is regressing our work and turning a profit at the same time. Mayor Wiley Johnson, did you research Mr. and Mrs. Parker? Did you research PetLand? My hope is that you gave them your blessing without doing so – because had you done some research and still willingly gave them your blessing – I would be concerned about your motive. With one click of a search engine, you would find what the Parkers and PetLand are associated with pure negligence. The Humane Society reports that PetLand Kennesaw (a store also owned by Brad and Kristin Parker), received puppies from a breeder who had “more than 840 adult dogs on site.” The same breeder has many other violations including: “failure to provide veterinary care to dogs with open wounds and other serious veterinary conditions, inadequate floor space and ‘fecal material mixed in with the feed’ for several dogs.” I could go on with the other horror stories connected to PetLand Kennesaw, but I think my point has been made – this is a shady business out to make money at any cost. Yes, Petland Summerville is booming with business – but it’s booming for all the wrong reasons. Even if we made a new ordinance that banned PetLand Summerville from selling animals, homes would still have to be found for those currently for sale at PetLand. See how vicious the cycle can be? So again I ask, Mayor Wiley Johnson, why would you give Petland Summerville your blessing? The animals are literally dying to know.■

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When Popularity & Profit Win Over Responsible Breeding. W R I T T E N BY : H A L I S E L E RT, S t a f f W r i t e r

We’ve all seen dogs that are just so cute, dogs that you just can’t but help to look at and squeal in glee. Whether it be their color, their size, the pattern of their fur— they’re just different and adorable. What we typically don’t think about is what genetic mutation got them to be so cute. What sacrifice did the person breeding their parents make in hopes that the puppies would be extra cute? Extra cute always means extra money... right? A lot of times, breeders have specific looks they’re trying to achieve in their puppies. The hope is that a litter of puppies will be unique looking, and therefore bring in a lot of money. Whether this unique factor is a specific pattern, color, size, or build-- different is more marketable, and oftentimes, a driving force behind a person’s choice to begin breeding dogs.

Breeding for Color The idea from this article came from a puppy that is just so cute, nobody can handle it... Wonder! Wonder was surrendered to Eunoia Rescue in January because despite how stinking cute she was, she was worthless to her breeders. Wonder is completely deaf and blind, which her breeders knew was a substantial risk. This is because Wonder is a double merle puppy. Merle dogs are commonly known for their multi-colored, splotchy coats (think Australian

Wonder, born blind and deaf, is what is called a double merle, who have 50% chance of some type of impairment. Photo by Mackenzie Ivey.

Shepherds and Catahoula Leopard Dogs), but the merle gene can result in blue eyes, and lighter skin pigmentation as well. Although merle dogs have been around for centuries, and are breed standard in the breeds mentioned previously, the genetic mutation was not identified, or given a name until 2006. Once the gene was discovered, it was not long before the mutation was exploited, and began being introduced artificially into breeds where it was not yet seen before like English and French Bulldogs, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Pitbulls. Breeders of merle dogs need to be cautious when breeding, because if two merle dogs are bred, their puppies have a 25% chance of inheriting the merle gene twice— resulting in a double merle dog, like Wonder. Double merle dogs have a significant risk of being deaf, blind, or both— some studies have shown that the risk is over 50% of some sort of impairment. This risk comes despite breed, so owners who have a merle dog that is not altered need to be cautious!

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Breeding for Size and Features Unfortunately, double merle genetic mutations aren’t the only risk breeders take to make a dime. It has become rather popular for breeders to work hard to breed for size. One of the most notable is the bulldog. Breed standard, and descriptions from centuries ago when the breed first emerged illustrate a much different dog than we think of now. In the 1700’s, accounts of bulldogs describe a dog that looks more like a modern day American Pit Bull Terrier. They had longer legs and snouts than the bulldog we know now, which was necessary for them to perform their jobs-- owners couldn’t afford to have dogs who could barely run without having a full blown asmathic attack. Along with the divergence of overall size and build came a change in the facial anatomy of bulldogs. Breeders have discovered that “cute” sells, and let’s face it, wrinkles are adorable. Due to this, breeders have slowly changed the facial structure, in an anti-evolution sense. Usually, species develop and adapt over time, removing health barriers to better the animal’s chances at living long, healthy lives. However, the opposite has happened over time via breeders of bulldogs. Although adorable, wrinkles and smushed faces pose several health issues for dogs.

appearance, which of course draws a lot of public attention. However, as is the case when you tamper with genetics, there are downfalls. Not only do they experience the health issues that bulldogs do, there is also an unexpected genetic abnormality-- urethral issues. Prolapses are common, and oftentimes corrective surgery from

Above: A Shorty-Bull or Pocket Pit is failrly new popular breed that is more cartoon charcater than dog. Below: French Bulldogs are the 2nd most popular breed in the country, Full of genetic issues and a new breed to be bred with the “merle” coat.

Bulldogs have become known for their breathing issues, namely, Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS). This often leads to severe breathing problems, which allows for little to no exercise for the dogs without issue. BAS also makes bulldogs more prone to heat stroke. If you think breathing issues are the only medical problem to expect from your bulldog, you are sadly mistaken. Bulldogs also commonly have hip/knee issues, severe allergies, and fungal and bacterial infections in the folds of their wrinkles. The idea of changing a breed’s anatomy to mirror what society has deemed cute has spilled over into other breeds, including in the breed category of “pit bull.” Enter the Shorty Bull or “Pocket Pit.” These “mini” pits are shorter in nature, generally have squishier faces, and are described as “low riders.” These dogs are almost cartoon-like in www.lowcountrydog.com

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a specialist, as well as a prescription food for life, are the only way to ensure that the dog gets to live a “normal” life. In order to get a unique looking dog, unique looking parents are often required. Supply and demand— there is an inherently low supply of unique looking dogs, and the demand is very high. This unfortunately leads to over- and in- breeding of dogs to ensure the irresponsible breeder gets to capitalize on their reproductive abilities as much as possible. If only there was some sort of sign that humans have altered the genetic makeup of these dogs too far-- maybe then, breeders would back off and return to the mantra of “bettering the breed.” There is! Frequently, especially with French Bulldogs, natural breeding is no longer possible. Breeders haven’t let this slow them down though; vets across the country, and even in Charleston, have offered a solution-- artificial insemination. You’ve changed your dog’s anatomy so much that the male can no longer successfully impregnate a female because his legs are too short, or he’s having too many breathing issues to do the deed? That’s okay, we’ll have someone collect a specimen, and insert it into a female dog. But what if the female can’t naturally deliver? Don’t worry, C-sections for dogs are available! Keep in mind, a breeder isn’t going to just eat this cost, the cost of your “dream puppy” just shot up. This article isn’t meant to make all breeders look bad, but simply to point out important factors that pet parents need to be aware of when thinking of purchasing a dog (although, really, you should adopt). Owners should reference breed standards when considering a dog to be purchased. A “rare” color, size, or pattern means artificial, aka the result of genetic mutations, and that means medical (and possibly behavioral) problems in the future. It’s normal for a gut reaction to be “oh that puppy is so cute,” but try to make your next thought “what about their parents, what about its future.” Oh and PS— Wonder is still available for adoption through Eunoia Rescue. ■

“Lowcountry Labradoodles” 6’ x 4’ acrylic on canvas. As seen in the MUSC Children’s Hosipital Emergency lobby

PET PORTRAITS by LOUISE HALL

See all of my work at www.auberginestudio.com follow me on instagram @louisehhall_visualart Contact me! auberginestudiochas@gmail.com or 843-476-6537

A couple before and afters, 18” x 24” acrylic on canvas. All of my paintings are life-sized and larger. They can range from a head shot only, or a full body portrait with the background of your choice.

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wolf-Dogs! A Look Into Wolf-Hybrid Ownership

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Written by Chelsea Salerno, Copy Editor Photography by Southern Vintage Photography Thanks to Charleston County Parks for use of Laurel Hill Trail www.lowcountrydog.com

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The first thing you notice about Zizi besides her obvious wolf-like appearance is her gait. She doesn’t move like your average dog; her head stays down and her movements are more fluid than a domesticated dog. Though not much bigger than a husky, her bright blue eyes and wolfish looks command attention, and one can’t help but stare at her striking features. She truly is a beautiful animal and a great companion to her owner, Angela Cieplevicz. After the tragic passing of her beloved dog, Angela set out to adopt a dog that physically resembled her malamute/husky hybrid. This eventually led her to wolf rescues and she realized how many wolf hybrids need homes because people would adopt the puppies, realize how mischievous and difficult to handle they are, then surrender them to a rescue. Zizi, a Timberwolf/Husky hybrid, lived on a farm with her brother in Plant City, Florida when her wealthy owner remarried. The new wife hated animals and farm life so Zizi and her brother found themselves in need of new homes. Luckily for them, an Ohio native drove to Florida to pick them up and brought them home where he already had another female wolf hybrid. Unfortunately for Zizi, the two females could not co-exist and her new owner was forced to board her while he explored other options. She was miserable in a cage and when Angela heard there was a wolf hybrid in need of adoption when she was visiting her hometown of Chicago, she picked Zizi up and brought her home to Florida. It took a lot of training and socialization to rehabilitate her properly, but now Zizi is living her best life with Angela on John’s Island!

that Angela accommodates by mixing raw chicken and dry food to replicate what wolves eat in the wild. Zizi is considered a low content wolf dog so she still has many domestic dog qualities, but these qualities listed differentiate her from the everyday pet. So what has caused the increase in interest of wolf dog ownership? Rescues all over the country have become flooded with unwanted hybrids over the past few years but what changed and made people think they could own an animal that is half, or even three fourths, wild? Most wolf rescues agree that this increase is due to HBO’s hit series “Game of Thrones”. The dire wolves featured in this show depicts wolves as strong, powerful companions. Because of this, shelters and wolf

Just because she lives the life of a domesticated dog does not mean she acts like a domesticated dog. She’s very skittish and doesn’t always get along with other dogs, especially females. She’s an alpha and often shows her teeth and growls, though this has improved greatly over time thanks to socialization at the dog park and doggie day care. Zizi can’t be in a home with cats and can clear a thirteen foot fence with little effort. She never barks but that doesn’t mean she’s silent. Wolves howl for several different reasons and Zizi is no exception to this! When she is separated from her “pack” (Angela), she will howl until they are reunited. She also has a specialized raw diet www.lowcountrydog.com

hybrid rescues have seen a 500% increase in the number of wolf dogs in need of rehoming. Ironically, several of the dire wolves featured on the show are not played by wolves at all but by Northern Inuit dogs, a cross between a Siberian Husky and a German Shepard, bred specifically to resemble a wolf. Because these dogs appear so beautiful and as such fierce, loyal protectors of the Stark family, people became drawn to them and began seeking out wolf hybrid pups only to discover they are very high maintenance and require much more exercise and stimulation than even the most active of domestic dogs. This is not to say they make bad pets, but in order to even consider being a responsible wolf dog owner, you must be ready to accommodate to their specific needs. If you think you are the type of dog owner that can handle a high energy wolf hybrid, the first thing you need to do is research the laws in your area. Some states do not allow the ownership of any “wild” animal, which hybrids qualify as on a federal level. South Carolina does not have any laws prohibiting the ownership of wolf hybrid dogs, but that did not stop Angela’s neighbor from threatening to call the county on her. If she had not known the laws and lived in a state such as Connecticut that prohibits owning wolf hybrids, she could have lost Zizi forever. Major cities like Denver, Colorado and Albuquerque, New Mexico have outright banned ownership of wolf-dogs. In Albuquerque, the city requires all animals suspected of being wolf-dogs to be euthanized. As many shelters throughout the U.S. do not usually have the resources to test or phenotype accurately, many domestic dogs are put down due to misinformation or fear founded on a lack of understanding, especially in cities or states where it is mandatory that suspected wolfdogs are euthanized. So many lives could be saved if people would just do their research before seeking out wolf hybrids. Wolf dogs aren’t for everyone, a point made loud and clear by rescuers and educators alike. Someone looking to adopt a wolf dog needs to be well informed and have significant

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“Some states do not allow the ownership of any “wild” animal, which hybrids qualify as on a federal level.” resources to provide space, secure housing and care required by such an animal. There are many courses and books on the subject as well as trainers who specialize specifically in hybrid dogs. Many people who envision keeping a wolf dog in their homes soon encounter behavior problems such as marking territory, destroying furniture and escaping the backyard. Wolf hybrids need both room to roam as they would in the wild and a job to do. Agility courses can be a great way to give your hybrid the stimulation and focus needed to satisfy this specific need. Additionally, some veterinarians won’t treat wolf hybrids and the rabies vaccine manufactured for dogs have not been proven as effective on wolf hybrids. These are all things to keep in mind if you are considering adding a wolf dog to your family.

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If there is one thing we scream at the top of our lungs in animal rescue, it’s ADOPT, DON’T SHOP! If you are interested in owning a wolf hybrid, please consider reaching out to your local (or not so local) wolf rescue. Buying a wolf hybrid from a breeder is just adding to the problem of homeless wolf hybrids. So many of these hybrids have to be put down in shelters simply for looking the way they do at times so by adopting from a hybrid specific rescue, you are not only saving the dog itself but opening up a spot for another wolf hybrid to be saved from euthanasia. Puppies are cute, but as long as there is a demand for them, there will be irresponsible breeders who continue to feed into the over saturation of wolf hybrids in shelters. By adopting, you are taking away from the demand which will eventually decrease the over population of wolf hybrids in our shelters. If you think you are interested in adopting a wolf hybrid dog, first check out your local shelters and Facebook groups. Full Moon Farm, Inc. Wolfdog Sanctuary in Black Mountain, North Carolina is the closest wolf hybrid rescue to the lowcountry. There are plenty of these dogs that need homes if you just take the time to research! ■

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Local Dog Events 4 / 1 1 / 2 02 1 Low co untr y Dog’s Paws on t h e Pa ti o w Caroli na Co o nho und Zep pel i n Pi z z a, John s Isla nd 1 to 4 pm 4 / 17 / 2 02 1 Ad opt & Sho p at Fi re fly! 12 t o 5 p m 4 / 23/ 2 02 1 Ya ppy Ho ur W a n n a m ake r Pa rk 5 t o 7 pm 5 / 1 / 2 02 1 Pawsi ti ve ly Buildi ng Ber ke le y Food Truck Ro de o O ld F ai rg rou n d s, Mo n ck s Co rn er, SC 11 to 6 pm 5 / 6 / 2 02 1 An i n ti mate Eve ni ng w Trey Tay l or Ja m es I sl an d Co unt y Pa rk 5 / 7 / 2 02 1 Ya ppy Ho ur W a n n a m ake r Pa rk 5 t o 7 pm 5 / 1 6 / 2 02 1 Low co untr y Dog’s Paws on t h e Pa ti o w Bulli es 2 the Rescue Zep pel i n Pi z z a, John s Isla nd 1 to 4 pm 6 / 5 / 2 02 1 Lowco untr y Dog Days o f Su mm e r Pet Su p pl i es Pl us-Go ose Creek 11 to 3 pm 1 0 / 1 0 / 2 02 1 Woo fsto ck 2021: A Low coun tr y D og Festi val featuri ng S iste r H a ze l ! Ha n ah a n A m phithea ter, 11 to 7 pm w o o f st o ck 2021 . co m Che ck ou t ou r Even ts page fo r even m o re l oca l e ve n ts an d to check fo r date changes . w w w. l ow coun t r ydo g. co m /even ts

Ad op ti ons a t Pet Supp li es Plus in Go o se Creek Come meet adopt ables at 20 8 St J ames Av e in Goose Creek on t h ese Satu rd ay s ! 4/1 1 /2 02 1 Berkeley An imal Ce nte r 1 t o 4p m 4/17/2 02 1 Bull ies 2 th e Rescue 1 2:30 t o 3:30 5/23/2 02 1 Berkeley An imal Cente r 1 t o 4p m

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Pet Helpers Presents

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An Intimate Evening with

Trey Taylor Country Music for a Cause

Lowcountry Dog Magazine- April 2021

Articles inside

PATIENCE & PERSERVERANCE: Izzy’s Story

My Letter to The Mayor of Summerville- Revisited

Adjusting Your Dog To A Post-Pandemic World.

The Wonderful World of Dog Sports!

Meet Our New Intern!

When Popularity & Profit Win Over Responsible Breeding.

Wolf-Dogs: A Look Into Wolf-Hybrid Owership