fe & cts a S du Pet ies o r b P a dly ur B n F e i f Fr ve o o L he T r o
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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 non-profits, 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” and added print back in 2020. We continue our mission to be the best dog friendly resource in the Lowcountry. This and every issue of Lowcountry Dog Magazine is dedicated Peanut, our Chief Canine Officer, 2005 to 2023
Publisher Brian Foster brian@lowcountrydog.com Media Manager Alyssa Helms alyssa@lowcountrydog.com Canine Correspondent Lovey social@lowcountrydog.com Copy Editor Chelsea Salerno chelsea@lowcountrydog.com Staff Writers Hali Selert Jeanne Taylor Photographers Southern Vintage Photography Jeanne Taylor Photography Web and Design Consultant Laura Olsen Contributing Writers Jeff Schettler Hope Chambers Wesley Leggett, DVM April Howard For advertising and media inquiries please email contact@lowcountrydog.com
Cover Photo & Above Photo by Jeanne Taylor Photography
In this issue
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Lovey’s Lowcountry Livin’: Proper Etiquette for Events Sit, Stay, Behave... Training Search & Rescue Dogs HEALTH & WELLNESS: How to Avoid These Holiday Hazards FEATURE STORY: The Courageous K9 Officers of the Lowcountry
LOCAL DOG EVENTS
IN THE NEWS RESCUE STORY: Dorchester Paws GO GREEN: Adopt A Recycled Dog!
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Proper Dog Etiquette for Events! As a dog, I love going out and experiencing new places and events with my human companions. However, I also understand that it’s important to be on my best behavior and respect the rules of the places we visit. Here’s a guide to proper etiquette for bringing a dog to a public event, from my perspective. First and foremost, it’s crucial that my human has checked the event rules and confirmed that dogs are welcome. Not all events are suitable for dogs, so it’s important to make sure that my presence won’t cause any issues. If the event is indeed dog-friendly, there are a few important guidelines to follow to ensure that everyone has a positive experience. One of the most important things is to make sure that I am well-behaved and well-trained. This means that I should be comfortable around people and other dogs, and I should respond well to basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” It’s also crucial that I am up to date on all my vaccinations and that I am wearing identification in case I were to get lost. When we arrive at the event, I understand that I need to be on my best behavior. I should always be on a leash, unless the event specifically designates an off-leash area. I know that I must respect the personal space of other attendees and their pets, and I should never jump on people or exhibit aggressive behavior. It’s also important that I am mindful of my bathroom needs and that my human is prepared to clean up after me if necessary.
Lovey's lowcountry livin’ I understand that not everyone may be comfortable around dogs, so it’s important that you ask for permission before pettting me. If someone does want to say hello, I should remain calm and friendly, and my human should always be nearby to supervise the interaction. In addition to my behavior, my human needs to come prepared with all the essentials. This includes bringing water and a bowl for me to drink from, as well as some treats to reward me for good behavior. It’s also a good idea for my human to bring waste bags, just in case I need to relieve myself during the event. Finally, when it’s time to leave, my human and I should make sure to leave the event space as clean as we found it. This means picking up any waste I may have left behind and ensuring that we haven’t disturbed any of the event’s features or decorations. By following these guidelines, my human and I can ensure that bringing me to a public event is a positive experience for everyone involved. I love getting out and exploring new places, and I want to make sure that my presence is always welcome and appreciated. ■
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T R A I N I N G
Training a Search & Rescue Dog WRITTEN BY JEFF SCHETTLER, Georgia K9 NTC
Tracking dogs have long been part of American culture dating back to America’s earliest colonies where they were used to track and locate missing/ abducted women and children from remote villages. These dogs were primarily bloodhounds from England where they were used mostly for tracking of criminal suspects and poachers. Some of the earliest writings of suspect tracking was of William Wallace (Braveheart fame) and Robert the Bruce by English military forces using bloodhounds in 1305 to 1307. Contrary to popular belief primarily brought on by early movies, bloodhounds were rarely used in the slave trade in the Americas. They simply were not that common, were very expensive, and not vicious enough. The dog of choice was referred to as a Cuban dog, a mixed mastiff breed known for it’s very aggressive tendencies. Fast forward to the early industrial years of America and to one of the most famous houndsman of all time, V.G. Mullikin. Capt. Mullikin’s most famous bloodhound Nick Carter had over 600 court convictions of suspects caught. He is famous for his dog’s use in the Hatfield/ McCoy Feud on the Kentucky/West Virginia line from 1863 to 1891. In our modern times bloodhounds do not make up the entire specialized tracking dog population of the United States as many breeds are used. However, they do still serve a special place in countless communities. The bloodhound is the specialist of specialists and very few dogs can compare to a well-trained bloodhound with good tracking genetics. Many counties and municipalities in South Carolina have these specialized tracking dogs especially here in the Lowcountry. We have great tracking dogs in all the surrounding countries that find missing persons and suspects on a regular basis. Today, tracking dogs are mostly used for criminal suspects and missing person cases. The key
to either is early response; the sooner we can get a dog on the trail, the better the chance of a successful and live recovery. Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not track human scent many days old. These myths have hampered efforts to find loved ones who have gone missing. The reality is that human scent is fragile and measured in hours, not days. Tracking and locating criminal suspects has become the most dangerous dog deployment there is, primarily due to several reasons. The first is the unknown and the second is the fact that a suspect maliciously lying in wait has the advantage if armed and the dog team is not aware of their presence. The suspect usually gets the first shot off; unfortunately, this has become more of a reality today than ever before. It is not about guns so much as the mentality of many contemporary criminals. Historically, most suspects would give up when confronted. Today with the misplaced war on police and short-lived social media fame, even the youngest criminals feel the need to fight it out to the end and go down in a blaze of “glory”. The result has been many officers and K9’s killed
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in the line of duty, more so now in the last several decades than ever before. Our tracking training often starts when working police dogs are young pups, eight to ten weeks of age. We start imprinting them with what we call fire trails or runaways. This is where the pup watches the subject run away with their food reward for just a short distance before they disappear altogether. This stimulates a prey/chase response that quickly goes to nose work when the dog cannot see where the subject went. Watch a video of a fire trail at https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=YQoudJ9T1Uk The pups get better at this game very quickly. In the beginning, their trails may only be 20-30 yards but in time, they are up to hundreds with multiple turns. It is at this point that we start to age the trail from just a few minutes to twenty or thirty. Ideally, we like to get all our police dog candidates up to trails that are out to four hours old in semi-urban and rural environments. Once the dogs hit the street for their law enforcement or search & rescue organization,
they often deploy on trails that are out to 12 hours or so. This is the upper limit of scent reliability for tracking. A big part of our program is making sure the dogs can work in a myriad of conditions and locations. In today’s world, urban conditions are top of that list. We must have dogs that can track on hard surfaces and through lots of distractions like people doing everyday things and in particular, other dogs in the area. These are not easy situations, and it takes many reps in the city to get the dogs mission ready. We usually spend about eight months to one year for each police tracking dog we provide. The other major component to urban work is having dogs that can scent discriminate one person from another. Every human has their own unique scent picture like fingerprints. Dogs naturally isolate those different people, but we take it one step further by training them to stay loyal to just that one odor when tracking. This helps to make sure that we find the person we are looking for. To train the dog to scent discriminate, they must be started on what we call a scent article. This is an actual
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object, like a piece of clothing, or it could also be anything the subject touched such as a door handler or window. Even contact odor on another person can be used to start a track. YouTube Video on scent articles: Tracking dogs are one of the most important K9 deployments components for law enforcement. Great tracking dogs are used daily from coast to coast to bring home missing family members and solve crimes. Unfortunately, they can also track armed suspects who mean to do the dog or handler harm. This is why the final training each of our handlers receives is what we call proximity alert training. These are the behaviors or body language changes that all dogs give when they are getting close to the subject. We teach these to the handlers so they learn how to stop the dog early and not run into unnecessary confrontation.
TRUSTED DOG TRAINER FOR OUR MILITARY AND POLICE SINCE 2005
Make sure to keep our law enforcement officers and dogs in your thoughts and prayers. They go out every day, leaving their own families behind, to protect ours. With every search they do, they willfully plunge themselves into danger and risk their lives. ■
Jeff Schettler US Army Vet and retired police officer is the CEO of Georgia K9 NTC. A general dog training company located in Canton, GA, and Edisto Island, SC. GAK9.com is family run company. Jeff’s son, Shayne, runs the GA location while his wife, Flery, and Daughter, Quiana, help him with the Edisto location. GAK9.com has specialized in dog training for the public, police, and military since 2005. Jeff is the author of five dog training books and is a world-renowned trainer. He teaches police agencies thought the US, Europe, SE Asia, Mexico, Central, and South America. Jeff has recently begun a sport tracking program for pet dogs that has become wildly popular. There is no better way to keep your dog’s mind sharp and healthy than by giving it an instinctive task to do. If you would like to learn more about dog training or tracking, make sure to stop by the GAK9 web site: https://gak9.com/index.php/sport-tracking-2/
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H E A L T H
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How to Avoid These Holiday Hazards WRITTEN BY HOPE CHAMBERS, & W E S L E Y L EG G E T T, DV M Grand Oaks Animal Hospital
Dogs are not just pets; they are loyal, loving members of our families. As responsible pet owners, we want to provide them with the best care possible. This includes selecting safe toys and treats for our canine companions. While it might seem like a simple task, this requires careful consideration to ensure their safety and well-being. We will explore the importance and provide valuable guidelines to make these informed choices that keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Ensuring the safety of the toys and treats you provide to your dog is vital for several reasons. Preventing choking hazards: 1. Dogs, especially puppies and small breeds, are curious and tend to explore their environment by chewing on objects. Inappropriate toy size or designs can lead to choking hazards if they can be swallowed or lodged in their throat. 2. Avoiding Digestive issues: Low-quality treats or toys made from hazardous materials can lead to digestive problems when ingested. These issues can range from mild upset stomach to more serious conditions like intestinal blockages. 3. Reducing Dental Problems: Chewing on appropriate toys can help maintain a dog’s oral health, but poor-quality toys may cause tooth fractures, gum injuries or other dental issues. 4. Preventing allergic reactions: Low-quality treats may contain allergens that can trigger adverse reactions in dogs, such as skin irritations, stomach upset, or respiratory issues.
5. Promoting Emotional Well-being: Safe, appropriate toys can keep your dog engaged, mentally stimulated, and emotionally satisfied. Unsafe options may lead to frustration and anxiety. Now that we understand why toy and treat safety matters, let’s dive into some essential guidelines for selecting the best products for your furry friend. 1. Choosing the right size: Selecting toys that are appropriate for your dog’s size and breed. Toys that are too small can be a choking hazard, while those that are too big might be difficult for your dog to carry or play with. 2. Material Matters: Opt for toys made from non-toxic rubber, sturdy plastics, or natural materials like cotton. Avoid toys with harmful chemicals, additives, or paint that can be ingested.
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3. Durability: Look for those that can withstand your dog’s chewing habits. Consider toys designed for heavy chewers if your pet tends to destroy toys quickly. 4. Age-appropriate toys: Puppies, adult dogs and senior dogs have different needs and preferences. Choose toys that match your dog’s age and energy level. 5. Check for sharp edges: Inspect toys for sharp or protruding edges that could harm your dog’s mouth or gums. Smooth, wellconstructed toys are the safest option. 6. Supervise playtime: Always supervise your dog during playtime, especially if they are playing with a new or unfamiliar toy. This allows you to monitor their behavior and intervene if necessary. 7. Rotate toys: Rotate your dog’s toys to keep their interest and prevent boredom. This also helps extend the life of the toys. Now that we have covered the decisions and qualifications for toys, we can talk about our guidelines for safe dog treats. 1. Read those ingredients: Always review the ingredient list on treat packaging. Highquality treats should have real meat or other protein sources listed as the primary ingredients. Avoid treats with excessive fillers, artificial colors, and preservatives. 2. Choosing the right size: Ensure that the size of the treat is appropriate for your dog’s breed, age, and size. Small treats are suitable for training or small dogs, while larger treats are better suited for bigger dogs. 3. Be Mindful of Allergies: Be aware of any food allergies or sensitivities your dog may have and avoid those your dog can not tolerate. 4. Calorie Count: Pay attention to the calorie content of treats, as excessive treats can lead to weight gain. Adjust your dog’s regular meals to accommodate treat calories if necessary. Always speak with your veterinarian about their ideal caloric intake! 5. Monitor portion control: Use treats in moderation. Too many treats in a short period of time can cause upset stomachs.
6. Consult your Vet: If you have concerns about choosing the right treats for your dog, consult with your veterinarian. They can offer recommendations based on your dog’s specific needs and health. The safety and well-being of your beloved canine companion should always be a top priority. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that the toys and treats you provide are not only enjoyable, but also safe for your dog. Remember that every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Pay attention to your dog’s preferences and needs and be ready to adjust accordingly. With the right toys and treats. You can keep your furry friend happy, healthy, and entertained for years to come! ■
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The Courageous Police K9s of the Lowcountry Remembering Rico WRITTEN BY CHELSEA SALERNO Copy Editor
K9 officers in the field is an age-old concept; according to the National Police Dog Foundation, there have been dogs in law enforcement as far back as the Middle Ages. South Carolina began using canines in 1988 when Cpl. Russell Wilson attended a K9 training with the U.S Customs and Border Protection. It was through this twelve week training program that South Carolina employed our first K9 officer, a black Lab trained in narcotics detection named Pinch. From 1988 to 1995, Wilson and Pinch were the only K9 team in South Carolina, but 1995 saw the expansion from one dog to six, all Labrador Retrievers. In 1999, Boris the Belgian Malinois joined the team and since then, all K9 officers have been either Belgian Malinois or German Shepherds. Training for these dogs is rigorous and extensive. After all, they are protecting and serving just like any human officer. Their training begins with open-air detection before moving on into vehicle exteriors, vehicle interiors and then building interiors. A K9 officer can be called to conduct a search at a moment’s notice, so it is important that they are up to date on all training and certifications, as well as sharp and ready to work. They train every day, and their day doesn’t end when the shift is over. Once training for the day has been completed, the K9 police handler
is responsible for feeding and exercising the dog as well as cleaning the kennel. They even have to find someone qualified to take care of the K9 Officer when they go on vacation, plus they have to bond with the dog with their families since the dogs actually live with their handlers in their home. While the Charleston Police Department often employs K9 officers in situations involving narcotics, tracking or article detection, they are not trained in suspect apprehension. This is what the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s (SLED) K9 officers do. On September 28th, SLED’s SWAT team and Canine Tracking team were called in to assist in the apprehension of suspect Ernest Burbage III, wanted for attempted murder. Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Grazino called for help to apprehend the suspect after he had been drinking and got into an argument with his girlfriend. This argument led to Burbage “randomly shooting” and hitting an innocent passenger in a car driving by. After an extended manhunt, he was later found standing in an acquaintance’s yard with a gun. Armored vehicles were deployed,
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including K9 Officer Rico and a shootout followed, injuring Deputy James Gilbreath with a shot to the head. When the suspect fled into the home, K9 Officer Rico was sent in to apprehend after a robot clearred as much of the house as possible. A gunshot was heard soon after; Rico had been fatally shot. Rico was a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois mix who had been with SLED since July of 2022 had tracked and apprehended countless suspects and he was specially trained in tracking, searching and helping detain suspects and was under the care of handler Special Agent Richard Hunton III. He sacrificed his life to protect and serve and was respected just as any human officer would be. His funeral in Columbia was attended by hundreds of law enforcement officers and SLED agents as well as over 100 K9 officers and their handlers from around the state. His body was transported to Columbia with a large police escort that had other drivers pulled over to pay their respects to the brave dog. At his funeral, Governor Henry McMaster and SLED Chief Mark Keel presented his
handlers with American flags for Rico’s service. Said Keel, “ He was out almost every single day working with our folks and working with sheriffs and city police departments from across our state.” Hunton’s wife, SLED Special Agent Jennifer Hunton, said K9 Rico was more than just their dog, he was a part of their family. “We loved him and he loved us. He was our family. He saved lives.” His handler made a statement saying, “I don’t want my partner to be gone forever. I’ll never get to see him bouncing up and down when I bring him food in the morning. I don’t want to have the memories of his last moments that I do, but nonetheless, ‘Here I am, send me’”. Rico was the embodiment of SLED’s motto and he will be forever missed by his handler and family as well as the rest of SLED. The Lowcountry community is a safer place with K9 officers like Rico around to keep us safe and we will never forget Rico and his sacrifices in the line of duty. Donations can be sent in K9 Rico’s name to The Foundation of Former Agents of SLED located at 541 Shadowood Drive, Irmo, SC 29063. ■
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In 1869, a small but mighty group of thirty women operating as the Women’s Branch of the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, founded what is considered to be the first official animal shelter in the United States in Bensalem, located just outside of Philadelphia. Interestingly, their efforts began to support the welfare of carriage horses in their city and that transformed into addressing more sympathetic issues concerning dogs and cats. The founder, Caroline Earle White, was a firm believer that education was the best defense against animal cruelty and abuse and even established a program to teach children about the importance of being kind to animals. In the 154 years that followed, animal welfare has become an industry unto itself, standing proudly alongside humanitarian causes. Most shelters have moved away from the days of the “pound” where the main purpose was to remove stray animals as a public nuisance and health hazard and have evolved into more compassionate entities where the primary missions became caring for stray and displaced pets, placing animals in loving homes and reuniting lost pets with their owners. Well, here we are, present day 2023, more than a century and a half later, and shelters across the country are struggling and in crisis. The number of homeless animals exceeds capacity in many vicinities and while adoptions are low for many reasons including the economy, the intakes are not slowing down one bit. The Lowcountry shelters have been feeling this pinch hard. When the pandemic hit in 2020, shelters that remained open and accessible saw a surge in adoptions. People were working remotely and felt the time was right to bring a pet into their home. Some fostered or adopted, while others purchased puppies from reputable breeders, backyard breeders, or puppy mills, but no one could have predicted what would happen next. With the isolation created by COVID, pets weren’t being properly socialized in many cases. Puppies had no opportunity to develop social skills with other dogs or, more importantly, with people outside of their home. While some pet guardians
did seek out training support, others threw up their hands in resignation and chalked it up to COVID. So, when the call came to return to onsite work, the opening was created for some less committed owners to instead surrender their pets to the shelters, creating a “busting at the seams” that hasn’t improved in the last couple of years. It’s been a terrible, emotionally, and financially trying, mentally exhausting stretch of time in the animal welfare world. I queried several local shelter representatives recently so I could give a collective snapshot here. While the data may not be shocking to anyone who is already involved in this arena whether as an employee, volunteer or other supporter, our hope is that it will serve as a call to action for anyone who has been on the fence about getting involved. We all agree this is not an animal problem, it’s a community problem, and only with the community’s help will we find a way out of this tragic state and arrive at a time when the core mission is more attainable; when adoptions keep closer pace with intakes; when the community has access to affordable and timely veterinary care and spay/neuter options; and shelter euthanasia due to limited space no longer occurs. The Lowcountry has several shelters, none of which are truly sufficient in size or staffing to match population requirements. They are a mix of entity types from solely government services to those sustained by a combination of government and nonprofit funding sources to one that is 100% privately funded, and this article won’t even touch upon the tens of dozens of private foster-based rescues operating locally! Shelter participants in this article are Berkeley Animal Center, Charleston Animal Society, Dorchester Paws, Colleton County Animal Services, Orangeburg County Animal Care and Control and Pet Helpers. The staffing rosters differ greatly in volume and structure at each location, but all except one agree they are not sufficiently staffed for their animal care, adoption or administrative needs; Pet Helpers finds their care and administrative staffing acceptable, but is currently not properly staffed to allow the reopening of the critical community
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2023 is on track to exceed 2022 numbers. Data shows Charleston County has had the highest number of intakes in the entire state year-todate, accounting for about 15% of the total, and more than double neighboring Berkeley County’s intakes for the same period.
spay/neuter clinic. While shelter workers are certainly in a high burnout field, the successful entities know that caring staff members are critical to the mission. One local shelter excels at longterm employee retention while another suffers baffling employee turnover and attrition rates. Others appear to remain even keeled for longer spans of time. These shelters range in their physical space capacities from 35 dogs (Pet Helpers) to 130 at Charleston Animal Society with the others averaging room for 70 dogs and puppies at a time, and Berkeley showing a maximum capacity for 135 when dogs/puppies are sharing kennels (not realistic for volume, nor is that optimal). For cats, the capacity numbers range from 26 to 120. Berkeley Animal Center has the largest kennel capacity per capita locally, yet the facility is constantly more than full and pleading for public assistance. All of these shelters typically run at or over capacity. Through 9/30/23, these six shelters have seen an intake of over 7,314 dogs and puppies and 11,639 cats and kittens – that is just under 19,000 homeless animals and we have a quarter of the year to go! In 2022, these same shelters accepted 9,565 dogs and puppies and 13,345 cats and kittens for a 2022 total of 22,910 – that means
Live outcomes vary with about a 10-15% swing across the different shelters represented here (from 85% at one, to a self-reported near 100% at another). Almost all of the respondents are members of the No Kill SC Coalition, but unfortunately, not all are reaching the goal of the initiative, which is typically a live outcome of 90% or more of healthy, treatable, rehabilitatable animals. While Orangeburg does not participate in this reporting, they deserve a round of applause for their efforts toward their near-perfect live outcome rates. Dorchester Paws was even recognized this year for their 96% success rate in 2022. If you have ever visited either of these shelters personally, you will know what a tremendous achievement these numbers represent! Statewide, shelter euthanasia was peaking over the summer and while data dashboard graphs will show they appear to be declining, albeit at a snail’s pace, they are still approximately 15% higher than January of this year. There simply isn’t room to forever accommodate the glut of homeless animals. With all of the state’s reporting counties combined, nearly 5,000 dogs and cats have died in South Carolina shelters so far this year – some were due to illness, others to unsafe behaviors but the fact remains, limited space is an issue. Walls don’t magically expand when the population does. Moratoriums have been imposed locally from time to time to help manage intakes and allow shelters to “catch up,” but every time there is the slightest room to sigh, it is quickly quashed with – you guessed it – new intakes. Lost pets aren’t being reclaimed by their owners. Microchipped pets’ owners aren’t even returning calls when the shelters attempt to reunite them with their pets. Animals are abandoned and neglected; abuse and cruelty are still seen in news stories, but not as often as they are hidden away in neighborhoods and fight rings. Many animals
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who land in shelters aren’t microchipped, spayed, or neutered, and many are heartworm positive or have other medical needs. These scenarios all create a care, capacity, and financial burden on the shelter system. Cats and kittens are seeing some data improvement thanks to local Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return (TNVR) programs, yet there are still thousands entering the shelters annually. The responding facilities differ in how they share the plight of their at-risk animals as well. All respondents stated they post (or try to post) to social media daily. Some are well-organized and regularly blitz their message to the public, asking for shares, fosters, adopters, and rescue groups to come to their aid. Others post often, and one respondent specifically stated they believe they are transparent but “do not use the word euthanasia” when pleading with the community for support. I, personally, find that not offering a consistent message leads to community confusion as to the actual crisis state. It’s okay to say things are not okay! We’re all adults here. Transparency is often a hot topic too. Charleston Animal Society publishes their data on their website, as does Dorchester Paws. Both shelters are also quite active on social media promoting their animals, holding regular adoption events, and partnering with community resources. The Colleton representative responded they are concerned the public has become desensitized to so many “911 pleas” for support. A quick scroll on social media will confirm the market is truly saturated with an inventory of adoptables, urgent pleas and sad stories. Beyond socials or web searching, another way for citizens to gain a better picture of a particular shelter or demographic area is through the publicly accessible database at ShelterAnimalsCount.org. A product of Maddie’s Fund, this national database offers filters and the ability to drill down on local data by individual shelter, as well as a view of any state or the nation as a whole. Of the six shelters participating, all but one (Orangeburg) report to Shelter Animals Count and several others (Charleston Animal Society, Colleton County and Dorchester Paws) also report to Shelter Pet Data Alliance, managed by Best
Friends Animal Society. The data is out there for anyone who wants to research and learn more. So how do we get out of this mess? What is the answer? There is no magic bullet, and no single answer. Industry leaders know it will take time and a multipronged approach. The Lowcountry desperately needs affordable spay and neuter options for the community’s pets, that much is clear and continually evidenced by the overwhelming number of unaltered pets entering the shelter system each day. Citizens must become better educated as to pet care and heartworm prevention; microchipping, ID, and reunification resources; and general responsible pet ownership. Community outreach programs are critical, including pet food and preventive medication assistance as well as supported rehoming opportunities to keep animals out of the shelter system altogether. Breeders – the responsible ones and especially the others should be held accountable and required to meet certain qualifications and standards of care. Jurisdictions should impose mandatory registrations and microchipping, and incentivize spaying and neutering pets. Many SC jurisdictions recently have or are working toward legislation to enact mandatory spay and neuter ordinances, although none is in our tri-county area (Berkeley/ Charleston/Dorchester). Also of the utmost importance, local governments must step in and support these facilities and their
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programs financially. Governments have a duty to protect and serve the best interests of their citizens, and that includes municipalities in charge of animal control agencies. It should not be presumed that a successful fundraiser is all it takes to support a shelter’s operations for a year - all of these shelters (except Pet Helpers, which is private) need adequate government funding to be able to function properly and operate efficiently – funding based on numbers and historical data and projected growth. Our area is growing so fast in population and that applies to the pet population too! There is no reason to believe shelters won’t see a proportionate climb in numbers as a result – facilities and programs need to have the support of their local governments to properly meet demand. We all know the government shows up in unwanted places – we actually WANT them here! Charleston Animal Society accepts intakes from several municipalities within their county; Dorchester, Berkeley, Orangeburg, and Colleton all see intake volume from animal control officers under their individual sheriffs’ and police departments. Pet Helpers as a private entity is not bound to this type of intake channel, but all of these facilities also support and receive animals from good Samaritans who find lost pets. Legislation and enforcement of local laws and ordinances must be improved. When
you have sentient beings, cruelty, abuse, and neglect need to have stiff consequences and timely enforcement of charges. The Charleston Animal Legislative Action League is one local group working to effect positive changes in laws concerning animal welfare. Look at your pet right now. They are likely nearby, maybe sitting at your feet or in your lap at this very moment. Now imagine they end up in a crowded shelter somehow through no fault of their own. Imagine you can’t locate them before their stray hold period expires. Then imagine they are deemed unadoptable for whatever reason. Now consider their euthanasia. There are so many needs locally in our shelters, it stretches far beyond the tag line you may see frequently across social media posts: Adopt. Foster. Donate. Volunteer. The more people are involved, the more people are informed and educated, the better the outcomes will be for the thousands of innocent animals who find themselves at risk in a shelter environment each year. Please find a way to be a part of the solution. The shelters and the animals they serve are depending on us. ■
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Know Your Local Shelters: Charleston County CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY PET HELPERS Berkeley County BERKELEY ANIMAL CENTER Dorchester County DORCHESTER PAWS Colleton County COLLETON ANIMAL SERVICES Orangeburg County ORANGEBURG COUNTY ANIMAL CARE Georgetown County ST FRANCES ANIMAL CENTER Data Sources include Shelter Animals Count and direct responses from participating shelters.
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Local Dog Events 1 2/ 1 / 2 023 th ru 12/3 1/2023 Holi day Fest ival o f L i ghts J a m es Isl a nd Co u nt y Park 1 2/ 0 1 / 2 023 t hru 12/18/2023 Pe t P ho tos wi t h S a nta No r t hw ood s Mall 1 2/ 02 / 2 023 Paws & Claws Gug g e nh ei m Terrac e , 12 t o 4 p m 1 2/ 03/ 2 023 Charlesto n Christmas Pa rad e 3 pm 1 2/ 0 6 / 2 023 Vacci ne Cli ni c P e t Hel p e r s , 12 t o 4 p m
LOWCOUN T RY DOG EVEN TS E AT, DRIN K, & RESCU E Feb 1 0, 2024 Estua r y B rewer y 1 to 5 p m LOWCO U NT RY DO GA PA LO OZA A p r il 13th , 2024 HA N A HA N A MPHIT HE AT ER 12 to 6 p m MAY T HE DO GS B E WIT H YO U FEST IVA L May 2024 BA RK IN T HE PA RK Sept 2024 DIA DE LOS PERROS FEST IVA L N ov 3, 2024
1 2/ 0 9 / 2 023 Folly Beach Christmas Pa rad e 12 p m 1 2/ 0 9 / 2 023 H oli day Parade o f Boats Mo unt Pl ea sa nt Wate rF ront Park 1 2/ 0 9 / 2 023 Fa L a L a L a Nub Ma dva oes of G reate r Topsai l 12 t o 3 pm 1 2/ 1 0 / 2 023 M t Pleasant Christmas Lig h tPa ra d e 5 :30 t o 8 p m 1 2/ 15 / 2 023 G olf 4 Paws G olf To urna m e n t Caled on i a G ol f Cl u b, 8 am 1 2/ 17 / 2 023 Ado pti o n Eve nt fo r D o rcheste r Paws P e t Co Su m m e rvi ll e , 12 t o 4 p m 02/ 1 6 / 2 023 thru 02/18/2024 SEW E Co m e se e Lowco u nt ry D og at Mari on Sq uare
Ch eck out our Events page for e ve n more local events and to ch eck fo r da te changes. www.lowcountr ydog.com/ events
Wild Now. WILD FOREVER.
Sudden Surprise
LOU PASQUA Available at sewe.com
FEBRUARY 16-18, 2024 | CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA | SEWE.COM
Scan QR code to view available art.
For more than 41 years, Charleston has hosted one of the most beloved events in the Southeast. SEWE is a celebration of the great outdoors through fine art, live entertainment, and special events. It is where artists, conservationists, collectors, and sporting enthusiasts come together to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle and connect through a shared passion for wildlife. This Is SEWE.
In The News Concerns rise following uptick in ‘mystery respiratory virus’ affecting dogs A warning for pet owners, as many dogs across the country are coming down with a respiratory virus, with no known cause. It first popped up late this summer in Oregon and now similar cases are being reported in several states.
The Humane Society of the United States undercover investigation exposes Petland store for selling sick puppies and sourcing from notorious puppy mills.
An HSUS undercover investigator who worked 40 shifts as a kennel attendant at a Petland store in Novi, Michigan, documented sick puppies, dangerous conditions and improper care with a hidden camera. The investigator witnessed puppies being delivered in unmarked vans from out of state, transported in stacked crates in the dark. Puppies with bloody feces were made available to the public for purchase.
The unusual story of how a dog became a town’s mayor Most politicians caught with their tail between their legs are voted out of office or run out of town, but not the mayor of Idyllwild, a small mountain community about 25 miles south of Banning. Here the top dog is an actual dog — a 1-year-old, full grown American purebred golden retriever with the legal name of Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller III. People call him Mayor Max.
Click images above to read the full story. For more top stories, visit www.lowcountrydog.com/top-stories
RESCUE STORY: Louie Louie WRITTEN BY: APRIL HOWARD Dorchester Paws Meet 8-month old Louie. Louie’s journey began in the shelter where he was brought in with his three other siblings at just two months old, unwanted and surrendered by their owner. From his earliest days, he displayed the exuberance, curiosity, and longing for affection that are normal characteristics of a puppy. However, the shelter soon became a bittersweet sanctuary for Louie. The shelter staff was compassionate and dedicated, diligently catering to his basic needs and ensuring he was well-fed, had a cozy place to sleep, and received proper medical care, but what Louie truly longed for was a family to call his own. Days turned into weeks and weeks into months as Louie watched his three other siblings be adopted one by one. Their lives were transformed with adventure and the unconditional love of their new families while he remained behind, struggling to comprehend why his turn had yet to arrive. Despite the struggles, his spirit remained unbroken. Each morning, Louie continued to greet visitors with a hopeful wag of his tail, believing that one day someone would see the treasure he was, waiting patiently to be discovered. He loved the times when shelter workers would play bubbles with him, take him on walks, or even just give a much needed bath. While he remained overlooked, his heart remained open, ready to offer love, loyalty, and trust. After waiting five long months in a shelter, Louie’s world changed dramatically when he attended an off-site tennis tournament where he met strangers that became friends, played with tennis balls, and finally found a foster home. This was a turning point in Louie’s journey as he left behind the shelter to embark on a new adventure, where his
days would be filled with affection and a warm place to call his home before his forever home. Louie’s story touches on many important aspects such as the importance of fostering, spay/ neuter, and the effects of a puppy growing up in a shelter. Growing up in a shelter can have profound effects on a dog’s emotional and social development. The lack of exposure to a variety of environments can lead to anxiety, shyness, and behavioral challenges. Puppies may form secure attachments, impacting their ability to adapt to a new home once adopted. Louie never gave up on his faith in humans and continues to put a smile on faces. As shelters across the nation and worldwide struggle with overpopulation, the importance of spay/neuter has never been more prevalent. Spaying and neutering play a vital role in the mission of an animal shelter. These procedures are not only essential for controlling pet overpopulation,
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but they also directly impact the well-being of animals in the shelter. It not only contributes to the welfare of individual animals, but it also ensures that resources including food, medical care, and staff time can be more effectively allocated to improve the quality of care for the animals already in the shelter. Spaying and neutering is a compassionate and proactive measure that safeguards the health and happiness of animals while working toward a long-term solution to the problem of pet overpopulation, aiding in the ultimate goal of finding loving, permanent homes for shelter animals. Lastly and most importantly in Louie’s story is the power of fostering. Fostering a dog from an animal shelter is a critical act of compassion and support. It offers temporary relief for overcrowded shelters, creates space for more animals in need, and provides a safe, home-like environment for dogs to thrive. Fostering not only saves lives, but also allows dogs to receive essential socialization, love, and care, increasing their chances of finding
permanent, loving homes. It’s a powerful bridge between shelter life and forever homes, benefiting both the dogs and the dedicated individuals who open their hearts and homes to these animals in transition. In Louie’s heartwarming journey from a shelter to a foster home, the significance of fostering shines brightly. This remarkable act of compassion has not only transformed Louie’s life, but it also serves as a reminder of the profound impact individuals can make in the lives of shelter animals. Fostering in Louie’s case provides him with a temporary haven and prepares him for the loving family he will eventually find. It is a testament to the incredible value of fostering, a bridge between shelter life and forever homes, offering dogs like Louie a chance at happiness, and reminding us all that, through our collective efforts, we can make the world a better place for these deserving animals. ■
www.lowcountrydog.com
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T H A N K
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Over 35 Years Experience in the Pet Industry.
One stop shop for food, treats, supplements, grooming, and self serve dog wash Certified in pet allergy and nutrition. Corn and wheat free store. Locally Owned
440 Old Trolley Road, Ste A Summerville, SC 29485 843-871-7977
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GO GREEN | ADOPT A RECYCLED DOG
PET HELPERS
BER KELEY ANIMAL CENTER
C AROLINA COONHOUND
THESE ADOPTABLE DOGS ARE SPONSORED BY: ADOPTABLE DOGS ARE SPONSORED BY: THESE
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DUST Y TAILS ANIMAL RESCUE
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www.lowcountrydog.com
COLLETON C T Y AN IMAL SHELTER
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GO GREEN | ADOPT A RECYCLED DOG
BULLIES TO THE RESCUE
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THESE ADOPTABLE DOGS ARE SPONSORED BY:
C AROLINA POODLE RESCUE
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LAKESIDE ANIMAL RESCUE
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THESE ADOPTA BLE DOGS ARE SPONSORED BY:
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GO GREEN | ADOPT A RECYCLED DOG
DORCHESTER PAWS
HALLIE HILL
THESE ADOPTABLE DOGS ARE SPONSORED BY:
C AROLINA BOXER RESCUE
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