F E B R U A R Y
2 0 2 1
Publisher Brian Foster brian@lowcountrydog.com Chief Canine Officer Peanut Copy Editor Chelsea Salerno Social Media and Web Coordinator Alyssa Helms alyssa@lowcountrydog.com Editorial Columnist & Rescue Coordinator Alicia Williams alicia@lowcountrydog.com Staff Writers Julie Murray Kelly Sekulovski Hali Selert Fern Wooden Staff Photographer Southern Vintage Photography Web and Design Consultant Laura Olsen Contributing Writers Bob van Gorkom Kristin Haueisen Kelly Trout Jeanne Taylor For advertising and media inquiries please email contact@lowcountrydog.com
www.lowcountrydog.com
3
hthe lowcountry’s dog magazine since 2005
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!
6 10 14 16 22 30 32 34 38
In this issue
SIT, STAY... BEHAVE: 5 Training Tips to Improve You Relationship with Your Dog HEALTH & WELLNESS: Charleston: Parasite Grand Central Station PEACE, LOVE & REAL TALK: with Alicia Rose Willliams FEATURE STORY: Canine Social Media Influencers
LOCAL DOG EVENTS
IN THE NEWS
THINK OUTSIDE THE SHELTER: Rescue Story: Rosie GO GREEN: Adopt A Recycled Dog!
F E B R U A R Y
2 0 2 1
W hat w ill 2 0 21 bring?
Peanut 's P O I N T
O F
Well if you are reading this, you survived 2020. A year that brought us a global pandemic that has affected our daily lives and cost over 2 million their lives. While we count ourselves lucky in the midst of this pandemic, it certainly has changed our business. Three of our employess contracted the coronavirus over the past year. A majority of our events, which help raise funds for local rescues, were cancelled. Our annual model contest had to be revamped for 2020 and is about to start for 2021. Below we will feature some things to look forward to in 2021 for Lowcountry Dog Magazine.
#1 Our Annual Model Contest
Starting February 1st, our annual contest to find models starts! Do you think your dog has what it takes to grace the pages of Lowcountry Dog Magazine or be in our annual print calendar? The winner of this year’s contest will be featured on the cover of our 100th issue, which comes out in August! We also will be offering model shoots to the top performing dogs to appear in our 2022 Lowcountry Dog Calendar. To make things a little different this year, we are adding a fundraising component to the contest by raising funds for both Berkeley Animal Center and Dorchester Paws. We are asking for a small $5 entry fee to enter your dog in our contest. You submit a photo of your dog and why they deserve to be a cover dog on our website. Our judges will select 50 dogs to compete from all the entries. These dogs will then get a professional shoot with Jeanne Taylor Photography
V I E W
at our contest sponsor, Pet Supplies Plus in Goose Creek. A $20 sitting fee will get you a digital image of your choice and also go to our total donation to the shelters. These 50 dogs’ professional images will go up for popular vote in April to choose the winners. Pet Supplies Plus- Goose Creek will then match whatever we raise from the contest to donate to the Berkeley and Dorchester Counties’ shelters. Goto lowcountrydog.com/modelcontest to learn more.
Woofstock 2021: A Lowcountry Dog Music Festival
Everyone has been excited about the return of the award winning music festival this March with the biggest line up we have put together and returning to the beautiful Hanahan Amphitheater. Due to the pandemic and precautions in place, we have worked out with the bands to move the festival to Sunday, October 10th! All tickets purchased will be honored on the new date and we will be taking the extra time to make the festival even better! Go to woofstock2021.com for more information and to get tickets. ■
www.lowcountrydog.com
5
T R A I N I N G
5 Training Tips that Will Improve Your Relationship with Your Dog WRIT TEN BY: BOB VAN GORKAM, HAPPY DOG TRAINING
Getting a new dog or puppy is supposed to be a great thing in your life, but what if their behavior is frustrating you and harder to correct than you thought it would be? When a dog’s behavior is out of control, it can add a lot of stress to your relationship with your dog and your home life. Chances are your dog is a good dog, they just don’t know yet what good dog behavior is yet. It’s our job as dog owners to show our dogs what good dog behavior is in a way that they can understand. Doing so will increase their happiness and yours, decrease stress in the relationship and in the home, and help your relationship with your dog flourish in meaningful ways. Here’s five tips for training your dog that will put you on the path towards a happier and more harmonious relationship. 1) Trust Before you can train your dog, your dog must trust that you mean them no harm and that you are in control of yourself and your emotions while you’re training. Do your research before starting and have a training game plan with goals and techniques that you’ll be using. Start with basic commands such as “sit” in the house and offer lots of positive reinforcement. A small treat, chest rub, and lots of praise will show your dog that when they perform a command life is really
“It’s our job as dog owners to show our dogs what good dog behavior is in a way that they can understand.” good! A solid foundation of trust is imperative for successful training moving forward. 2) Patience Have realistic expectations when beginning training your dog. Don’t expect fast results; training your dog to perform commands reliably, especially off-leash, takes time. Set small goals to begin with and remember that consistency is key. Remember that dogs learn best after they’ve exercised, so save the last 10-20 minutes of your walk or play time for some training. Make sure you end your training time on a positive note, spend some time cuddling with your dog after, then give them about an hour or so of rest time afterwards to maximize their learning retention. A dog’s learning is not always a straight line towards success - be ready to have some good days and some bad days while training your dog. 3) Communication Sometimes we forget that dogs don’t understand everything we say. I sometimes catch myself saying to my dogs “You know better than that!” but the reality is, until I’ve shown them differently they don’t know better. We must show our dogs through clear communication what behaviors we would like to see from them. Like people, dogs learn differently. Some are extremely food/ treat motivated, while others will do anything for some praise and a belly rub. Find what works best for your dog, and reward accordingly. Remember to keep your cool when training; keep your emotions out of your training session and don’t blame your dog for not understanding a command. Ultimately it is our responsibility to
F E B R U A R Y
2 0 2 1
www.lowcountrydog.com
7
T R A I N I N G
show our dog the behaviors we are looking for through clear communication. 4) Repetition Once we’ve shown our dog the behavior we would like from them, we then must condition our dog to default to that behavior. The more repetitions we perform in a training environment, the more conditioned our dog will be to perform that behavior outside in the real world. Make your training times with your dog fun; create games and challenges to keep your dog happy and engaged and always end on a positive note. 5) Don’t Go Alone If you hit some challenges while training your dog, do not lose heart! We are living in a wonderful time for dog training where many resources are available at little or no-cost. You can start with YouTube tutorials from an accredited trainer, get great books from Amazon, attend training classes, or work with a local professional. The lowcountry has many wonderful dog trainers and training companies that would be happy to work with you. Ask a trainer about their philosophy and training methodology and find one that interacts with you and your dog in a manner that makes you feel comfortable they are the right fit for your dog and your family. When first starting, training your dog can seem like a daunting task. However, if you put in the time and effort utilizing best practices for training, the days and weeks will pass and you will begin to see your relationship with your dog transform. The work is hard at the beginning, but it will continue to pay off for many years to come as your relationship with your dog grows closer and more harmonious. If you would like to learn more about my approach to dog training or to schedule a free consultation, visit my website www. happydogtrainingacademy.com. Happy training makes happy dogs! â–
F E B R U A R Y
2 0 2 1
www.lowcountrydog.com
9
H E A L T H
&
W E L L N E S S
Charleston: Parasite Grand Central Station WRITTEN BY: KRISTIN Contributing Writer
HAUEISEN,
Dogs are naturally susceptible to both internal and external parasites in our area of the country and protection requires year-round vigilance. Our mild winter weather simply does not reach the cold temperatures required to cease parasite life cycles, so this means our pets are at risk year-round and not just in warm months. The Companion Animal Parasite Council conducted a 2018 study of internal GI parasite transmission in the southeast US that revealed 27% of samples collected contained a GI parasite (whipworms, hookworms, and roundworms). * Parasites in dogs can present in many forms but one thing sure to be common among them all is sooner or later they will almost always impact a dog’s health. Whether you have experienced parasites up close and personal or not, education is an important part of prevention and treatment. Internal Parasites Giardia are single cell-organisms infectious to animals everywhere, including humans. They infect our dogs most commonly through contaminated water sources and in the lowcountry, we are no stranger to standing water. Microscopic giardia are consumed usually from a water source, digested and then travel through the digestive tract causing problems for the host dog. The primary symptom of giardia is diarrhea, and it is suspected this is because the organism is disrupting normal intestinal absorption of vitamins and other nutrients. The most reliable treatment of the parasite is a broad spectrum dewormer and supportive care. Roundworms are most common in puppies and we can almost always assume that newborn puppies are infected with them. Have you seen a puppy with that cute little pot belly? Well, they probably have roundworms. Roundworms are one of the only intestinal worms that can be visibly seen in the feces
Flea Lifecycle. Source: theveterinarynurse.com as they are long and white, almost spaghetti-like. The lifecycle of the roundworm is complicated and has several infectious stages so several deworming treatments are necessary, especially as puppies. Symptoms of infection in young dogs include vomiting and diarrhea. Even more alarming, worms can be vomited up by the infected dog. Heavy parasite loads can be more serious as they can obstruct the intestines as they migrate through the body systems. You might not always know if your dog is infected so fecal testing as puppies and annual testing as adults is important to ensure this parasite is not around. CAPC reported surveys showing more than 30% of dogs younger than 6 months of age are shedding roundworms in their feces.* Hookworm infection occurs when the dog ingests larvae from a contaminated environment, such as the soil as a dog park. Diarrhea and anemia are primary symptoms due to the worms feeding on blood in the intestinal tract. While a dog may be dewormed and cleared of the adult worms, the intestinal tract can be repopulated by dormant larvae that have lingered in body tissue and periodically become reactivated. Once a dog is infected with hookworms, it is often challenging to get rid of them due to this larval dormancy stage. This is also where monthly parasite prevention is key to help prevent further infection. The data on parasite prevalence from CAPC (capcvet.org) reveals that the most common parasite in Lowcountry dogs in 2020 was hookworms. In Charleston County, 1 out of every 24 dogs tested were positive for hookworms.* Whipworms are named for their whip-like shape and
F E B R U A R Y
2 0 2 1
when passed through feces are extremely resistant to desiccation in the environment. For this reason, whipworms are difficult to avoid and can persist in the environment for several years. While we might not notice the dog is infected with whipworms when there are only a few present, a larger number can cause severe inflammation. Signs of more serious infection are a result of more whipworms imbedding into the large intestine tissue, causing bloody, gooey diarrhea. Usually, this blood loss is not an issue but can easily get out of control and dangerous if not treated. The most common broad-spectrum deworming does not work for treating whipworm infections so testing to identify the parasite can allow for selecting appropriate medication. Since it is virtually impossible to remove whipworms from the environment, there is always a concern for the dog to be reinfected. Providing continuous protection is important and selecting the preventive that covers whipworm should be used to ensure the pet is protected from future infection. External Parasites Fleas are the most common parasite in dogs and can cause infections. These tiny insects have a voracious appetite for blood and feed on mammals, including dogs. Flea bites are miserable for dogs and can cause itchiness resulting in self-inflicted wounds or secondary infections. Hungry fleas also bite humans leaving itchy, irritated bumps on the skin. Once established on a host, female fleas start laying eggs within 24 hours and can produce 50 eggs per day. Their lifecycle can take up to 6 months but once hatched the adult flea will begin looking for a host and meal. If left unprotected, a dog’s brief encounter with a flea can quickly progress into a lengthy process to manage. Fleas in the pet’s environment are difficult to exterminate as they crawl into carpets, upholstered furniture, and even the interior of cars. While you may be able to see the dark brown-black colored fleas darting around on the pet’s skin, the most preferred areas are the base of the tail and ears. If live ones are not visible, you can part the hair and look for tiny black specks the size of grains of sand. These specks are flea feces, or “flea dirt” and are composed of digested blood. Symptoms of fleas on dogs include excessive scratching, licking, or biting of the skin which can result in hair loss or hot spots. Severe flea complications include anemia as one flea can consume 15 times their own body weight in blood. Some dogs also have a heightened sensitivity to the saliva of fleas and develop flea allergic dermatitis which causes even
more of an inflammatory response. Ticks are another problematic external parasite as tick-borne illnesses are a growing threat to dogs. Ticks attach firmly to their host and feed on their blood, sometimes for days. Although their presence is often not even noticed by their host, ticks are visible to the naked eye especially when they have already begun feeding. They are efficient carriers of disease and people generally associate them with Lyme disease, which affects both dogs and humans although the illnesses are completely different. Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Borrelia which is most often found in its vector, the deer tick. Infection occurs when the dog is bitten by an infected tick and is fed on for at least 24-48 hours. Symptoms of Lyme disease are difficult to discern from other illnesses and therefore a challenge for veterinarians to diagnose. Signs of illness are usually not even noticed for weeks to months after being infected at which time they are reported to be experiencing generalized pain and lethargy. Painful lameness can occur and sometimes wax and wane in recovery. Severe infection can result in potential long-term damage to the kidneys. Because ticks transmit a wide variety of diseases, year-round protection is encouraged. Tick populations have shifted and while areas like Charleston have not had a notable tick presence in the past, tick populations are moving in and can pose a risk to unprotected pets. We should be encouraged as pet owners to take a preventive approach to parasite protection. Consult your veterinarian to discuss the best parasite preventative for your pet. If you have concerns about your pet having parasites, your veterinarian can test a stool sample to determine if your pet is affected. It is also important that all animals in your household are protected against internal and external parasites (including indoor cats) since one pet can be contagious to the others. If you have further questions or concerns about parasites, remember your veterinarian is always there to see that you get the answers you need. For more data on parasite prevalence, prevention, and control, visit the Companion Animal Parasite Council site at capcvet.org. CAPC is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness of the threat parasites present to pets and family members. ■ *Data sourced from capcvet.org, Companion Animal Parasite Council
www.lowcountrydog.com
11
H E A L T H
&
W E L L N E S S
F E B R U A R Y
2 0 2 1
www.lowcountrydog.com
13
The White House Now has a Rescue Dog! EDITORIAL BY: ALICIA ROSE WILLIAMS Founder, Eunoia Rescue
Whatever your political leanings are, we all love dogs or you wouldn’t be reading this magazine. Well, with the new administration moving into the White House, we have 2 new first dogs!
F E B R U A R Y
2 0 2 1
according to new First Lady Dr. Jill Biden via Melania Trump’s former Twitter handle FLOTUS. You read that correctly. The FIRST rescue dog in the White House. I love all dogs of course, but there’s something refreshing about knowing a dog is being given a second chance by such a powerful figure. I was a bit over of the Labradoodle, Spaniel, Retriever, Collie, Setter trend. Major is your classic example of a good ol’ American comeback story – and I’m here for it.
Y’all remember politics? Who cares?! Although we are mentioning political figures, we are not expressing which side is “better.” We are keeping this about the D-OG-S. There has been a fouryear drought of dogs in the White House and boy am I excited that we have some canine friends back in our Nation’s capital. The Biden’s have a history with their four legged friends. Champ, the first family’s elder dog was adopted as a puppy in 2008 during Biden’s Vice President run with former President Obama. His name is derived from an old saying by Joe Biden’s father who would say: “any time you get knocked down, champ – get up!” Champ is currently enjoying a dog bed in the White House; an upgrade from his typical humble abode in Delaware. The Biden’s other dog on the other hand represents a huge milestone. His name is Major. “The first rescue dog has officially arrived”
According to NPR, Major was dumped with his other German Shepherd siblings at the Delaware Humane Association. They arrived in critical condition and it’s expected that they were exposed to a toxic chemical. All of the puppies were lethargic and vomiting. After a few days of hospitalization – thankfully, the pups bounced back. In typical rescue shelter fashion, once all the dogs were healthy, a post on Facebook announced that they needed foster homes. Allegedly, Joe Biden’s daughter (Ashley) sent the post to her father knowing that he was on the lookout for another furry family member. The director of the Delaware Humane Association state that President Biden stopped by on Easter Sunday out of all days to check out the precious puppies. He left with Major as a “foster,” but eventually failed as a foster and officially adopted Major on November 17, 2018. My hope is that other people will follow President Biden’s footsteps when it comes to giving rescue dogs a chance. We may not all agree about who won the election – but I’m hoping we can unite and understand that having a rescue dog in the White House is really something special. We love you Champ and Major! ■
www.lowcountrydog.com
15
Canine Social Media Influencers W R I T T E N B Y : A LY S S A H E L M S , S O C I A L M E D I A CO O R D I N ATO R
The social media craze is a real thing; raise your hand if your screen time has gotten higher because of last year! You may find yourself glued to Tik-Tok and Pinterest for hours, or perhaps find yourself checking out social media pages with lots of followers and end up following them because they appeal to your interests. Influencer marketing reached an estimated ten billion dollars in 2020 and the value of the market will only exponentially expand because ANYONE can turn themselves into an influencer. I’ll simply be focusing on those who have fur and are four-legged. If you are a creative dog owner or have a unique dog who you want to get involved in the influencer world, here is your personal tip-guide to social media success, as well as some insider secrets from pros who are already slaying the game. The start-up is always the hardest… you may be skeptical of whether or not your dog-fluencer account will thrive. Every dog-fluencer’s owner is infatuated with their pet, but so is every other dog owner without a large fan base on Facebook or Instagram… So why not try? Ask yourself what you love about your dog. They uplift your spirit everyday and have opportunities to uplift others too! How are they different? What are their quirks? Maybe they have a signature pose or stick their tongue out a certain way. Every dog has its own personality and that should be the first thing to
consider when beginning a social media account for your fur baby. Find out what is so special about your dog and capture it in pictures and videos, your followers will see it too! Scroll through your camera roll right now (or after you check out the rest of the magazine), I’m sure your pets will appear pretty often. Making your dog a social media star is very time consuming and will require many (and I mean many!) photoshoots. Some dogs are born to be models, but most have to bribed with favorite treats, toys, or even humans. Kelly Trout, the owner of @maddythesharpei, says her model of a dog is just being herself when she poses for her mom, incredibly sweet, protective, and loyal. While it is great to have an Instagram, Youtube or Facebook famous pet, it is going to take a lot of effort and passion to be successful. Content must constantly be created so dog owners must be prepared to have and take plenty of pictures. Most of the famous influencers use their platform to post multiple times daily. By capturing more than one picture or video, you are capturing all the cuteness, thus keeping the attention of your followers who are always looking for more content from you and your pet. To start up, post content to one platform and if you are successful and have the time, cross pollinate and go to multiple platforms. Spreading the word about your account and staying active will help your dog-fluencer rise to success!
F E B R U A R Y
2 0 2 1
Social Media Celebs Jiff Pom @jiffpom Over 10 million insta and 22 million TikTok followers. Best known for cute videos walking on 2 legs and cute outfits
Doug The Pug @itsdougthepug Over 13 million followers Best known for dressing up in costumes and videos
Photography skills are a crucial part of social media success. Pictured: @finneganthepitbull photo by Southern Vintage Photography
Crusoe @crusoe_dachsund Over 10 million total followers. Best known for creative videos and costumes
Walter Geoffrey @waltergeoffreythefrenchie Over 1.5 million followers Best known for emotional breakdowns and being dramatic
Agador @poochofnyc Over 200k followers Best known for creative outfits
Perhaps you have heard of Doug the Pug, seen YouTube videos of Mishka the talking Siberian Husky, or the meme of Maru the Shiba Inu. These viral pups did not miraculously get famous. All the famous dogs have a design behind their brand; it takes a lot of effort from both dog and dog owner to keep the attention of an audience. When it comes to public online content, you only have 2-5 seconds to catch the eye of someone scrolling. Every post, comment, share, etc. counts, even if it is later deleted. Screenshots and digital words last forever, so in order to appeal to as many people as possible, be authentic, ask and answer questions, and address everyone without becoming too biased. Kelly says she has used her followers to gain insight into their perspective or opinions on various topics which has been beneficial for research for schools to learn more about people. Marketing with brand owners can and will benefit both your dog-fluencer page and the brands, which brands heavily rely on. Following similar pages and collaborating with them will allow you to expand your fan base and connect with people who share the same likes and interests. You can collaborate with other dogs, brands, and influencers to gain more exposure or promote your brand. It also helps to build relationships in your community.
www.lowcountrydog.com
17
F E A T U R E
S T O R Y
Local Social Media Influencers Maddy @maddy_sharpei Over 42k followers Featured in this issue of Lowcountry Dog Puppies & Pinot @puppies.n.pinot Over 33k followers Featured in 2021 Lowcountry Dog Calendar Tiny Toy Gia @tinytoygia Over 25k followers Winner of 2018 Lowcountry Dog Model Contest Captain The Great Dane @captainthegreatdane Over 16k followers
Captain featured in April 2017 Issue (RIP) and Gregory, 2020 Model Contest Winner
Turning your superstar into social media’s superstar is going to take alot of passion and patience. It is alot like dog training, it will require consistency, loyalty, patience, time and commitment, but the rewards are worth the wait. Be original, be creative, be consistent, and be real! The rest will follow. Four-legged influencers are a brand in and of themselves. Whether you are making an account for your fur baby just to capture all the cute things they do or you want your pup to make it big, nail down your goals and channel whatever mission you are going for and create content around those ideas. Most dogs want nothing more than to please us and social media success is similar. Pet blogging and social media growth is a marathon not a sprint, so keep that in mind as you start or continue your path to e-success. â–
F E B R U A R Y
2 0 2 1
STRONG MIND K9 Professional Dog Training
Pet Obedience Service Dogs
(843) 405-3206 strongmindk9@gmail.com
Strengthening the mind between human and dog w w w . s t r o n g m i n d k 9 . c o m
www.lowcountrydog.com
19
WE’VE GOT 4 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR FURRY FAMILY FED! CURBSIDE PICK-UP
ORDER BY 6PM & PICK-UP SAME DAY
FAST, FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $49
SAME DAY DELIVERY IN ABOUT AN HOUR!
IN STORES YES, WE’RE OPEN!
WE GLADLY MATCH ANY COMPETITOR’S PRICE ON IDENTICAL MERCHANDISE -- even Amazon® & Chewy®. HOLLYWOOD FEED HAS ALWAYS BEEN COMMITTED TO BRINGING YOU THE BEST FOR YOUR PETS AT THE BEST PRICES, WHICH IS WHY WE ARE A DIFFERENT BREED. ORDER ONLINE AT HOLLYWOODFEED.COM Amazon® is a registered trademark of Amazon Technologies, Inc. Chewy® is a registered trademark of Chewy, Inc.
F E B R U A R Y
2 0 2 1
Written by KellyTrout Photography by Southern Vintage Photography www.lowcountrydog.com
23
F E B R U A R Y
2 0 2 1
My name is Madelynn but everyone calls me Maddy. I am a five year old Shar-pei with no bae. I am 100% natural minus the two eye lifts I had back in the day. Never had botox. Lived in three different cities. Failed out of dog training school because they wouldn’t let me take a pee break and I am single and ready to mingle! It was March 15, 2020 when I arrived in Charleston. The car was packed up with everything my mom and I own and together, we set out to begin anew. I am a born and raised Texan who is navigating the dating world in the Lowcountry. So, I am on an endless search for true love and refuse to settle for anything less. In a world of COVID, I was forced to get on all the dating apps: Tindog, Wowzer, Dig Dates and Bumble. I have gone on so many dates that it is hard to remember all their names. There was one guy who sniffed his own butt so much that he never actually spoke. Another who only focused on his ball the whole time and when I said he was a jerk he continued to drool with happiness, just staring at his ball. I couldn’t help but wonder, does a string of bad dates eventually lead to the ‘one’?
I do not think I have a type, per se. I’m looking for someone that makes me happy. Someone that lets me watch Real House Dogs whenever I want. Someone that will let me be the big spoon (tiny men are hot). Someone that knows who they are and does not apologize for it. Finally, someone who will constantly pay attention to me but have the self-awareness to know when I need space.
My dating profile currently reads: Maddy. 5 years old. Loves dipping my toes in the water, being in the sunshine and partying. I’m the kind of the girl you take home to your family. I will get closer to them than you and we will slowly phase you out. Jk ;) “Loyal AF. Selective. Quality over quantity type of girl.” – Best friend “Not as crazy as she looks...” – Ex-boyfriend “Confident, supportive, and caring. The best hype woman you can ask for!” – Mom “Sweet and loving, but very smart and objective.” – Sitter “Gin and treats are the way to her heart.” – Unknown www.lowcountrydog.com
25
I ultimately came to Charleston looking for a fresh start after heartbreak. I lived with my ex-boyfriend, Walter Geoffrey the Frenchie, for four years. He would say we only dated for about a week, but it was a deep love for me. I know he felt it too. I have no idea what he was like BM (Before Maddy), but I know his life got a bit more stable AM (After Maddy). He is emotional, dramatic, sensitive, funny, a momma’s boy, and short. Apparently, I have a thing for small men. He was a hustler which was part of the reason I was drawn to him. However, as he got more famous, we grew apart romantically, but have agreed to stay in each other’s lives. Honestly, he had too many hunnies in his DMs and I didn’t have the time or patience to keep up. Even though time has moved us on, he will always have a piece of my heart.
PICS THIS PAGE: Most people know my ex, Walter Geoffrey. He is known for his dramatic outbursts and social media fame. As he got more famous, we grew apart but are still goodfriends. We facetime frequently to keep updated and he has come to visit me in my new city but his player ways means he will never settle down. As I said, I have a thing fot small men and prefer to be the big spoon unlike the pic here where he tries to be the big spoon. OPPOSITE: Exploring the dog parks looking for men but going home empty pawed!
F E B R U A R Y
2 0 2 1
Since I have been in Charleston, my world has opened up with the amount of new experiences I have had. I went to the beach for the very first time on Sullivan’s Island. The view was breathtaking, the water was warm and when I felt the beach between my toes, I knew I was home. Pure joy rushed through me as I ran in circles splashing the water. I looked out to the ocean and understood I was right where I should be. The ocean encourages you to dream and I insist on dreaming. That night I dreamt of margaritas and personal trainers.
a session for
eve ryone
n this Mentio eive c e r ad &
OFF! 20% n r sessio you
Don’t forget those four-legged family members! Reserve your session TODAY!
follow us www.southernvintagephotography.com | info@southernvintagephoto.com
www.lowcountrydog.com
27
The parks in Charleston are 1. So fun! 2. Filled with men. James Island County Park has the perfect vibe. It is big enough I can have three dates in 15 minutes and not have to run into them again if I don’t want to. Last time I was there, I ran into a guy I met at Alhambra Hall once. We watched the shrimp boats come in together but he ghosted me after that so it was a bit awkward. He came up to me all sweet and nice like nothing had happened. Boy bye! I ran to the other side of the park never to see him again. Next! There are so many historical landmarks in Charleston and I am excited to check them all out. I went to Angel Oak Tree recently. It was majestic. I sniffed so hard that day I thought my nose was going to bleed. I got tired and was ready to go home. I had zero energy to try and meet anyone. Next! I have gone a couple places for brunch with the girls. Revelery. Tattooed Moose. Tobin’s Market. I don’t go to too many crowded places because people can be annoying. I don’t feel comfortable when strangers want to touch me. I know my skin looks soft and I have a cute nose but I need my space. Leave me alone. They also always ask if I’m a boy. All you have to do is look….just look. Next! When I’m feeling bored, I will bark in my mom’s face until she get out of her three day old sweat pants and takes me walking around downtown. I love checking out King Street in my signature color: pink. So many places have water bowls outside. Even though it is not Figi water, I still appreciate it. I’ve seen a lot of cuties but we never have enough time to exchange numbers before one of us is window shopping. Dating can be exhausting but can also be so fun. Boyfriend or no boyfriend. Love or no love. You need help navigating the single world. My mom is my help…and my meal ticket (shh). Every time I drive over the Ravenel Bridge I sing in my head “i’m jumpin in my ride, headin out tonight. I’m solo, I’m ridin solo” by Jason Derulo. I am so happy to be in Charleston. If you’re single, call me. ■
Top: On the prowl for my new bae at a dog park near you. butt sniffers need not apply. Bottom:If you think you have what it takes to be my bae, look me up on Instagram @maddy_sharpei
F E B R U A R Y
2 0 2 1
Vaccine Clinic Tuesdays 9:30 am -12:30 By Appointment Only
SPAY AND NEUTER Monday - Thursdays Morning Drop-Off By Appointment Only
PET HELPERS SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC
To Set up an Appointment
Call 843-302-0556 View Full List of Services at
pethelpers.org 1447 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC
www.lowcountrydog.com
29
Local Dog Events 2/ 01 / 2 021 to 2 /2 8/2 02 1 Low co un t r y Dog M o d e l Co n test Ent er You r D og in o u r An n u al Mo d el Co nt est a t l owco u nt r yd o g . co m / mo d el cont est
2/ 08/ 2 021 N a t i o nal P i z za Day for Pets fo r Pe t H e l p e rs M O D Pi z z a , 11 to 9 pm
2/ 20 / 202 1 Low co unt r y Dog ’s 6 th Ann ual Eat , Dri n k & Rescu e Sm ok y O ak Tapro o m , 1 to 5 pm
2/ 28 / 202 1 Low co un t r y Dog ’s Paws o n t h e Pa t i o
Zepp el i n Pi z z a , J ohn s I sl an d 1 to 4 pm
3/ 20 / 2 021 T h e Re cko n i ng Pal mett o Isl an d s Co u nt y Park
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 !
2 /1 4/2 02 1 Be rke le y A n i mal Ce n te r 1 t o 4p m
2 /2 0/2 02 1 Bullies 2 th e Rescue 1 2:30 t o 3:30
3 /1 4/2 02 1 Be rke le y A n imal Ce n te r 1 t o 4p m
3 /2 0/2 02 1 Bulli es 2 th e Rescue 1 2:30 t o 3:30
4/ 30 / 2 021 Ya ppy H o u r
Wann amaker Park 5 to 7 pm
5/ 1/202 1 May t he Dogs Be With You Fest i val Deep W a t er Vi neyard 10 - 5 pm
5/ 7/2 021 Yappy H o u r
Wann amaker Park 5 to 7 pm
6/6/ 202 1 Low co unt r y Dog Days of Summer
Ta tt ooed Moose J ohn s I sl an d 3 to 6 p m
10/ 1 0 / 202 1 Wo o fsto ck 2 02 1 : A Lowco un t r y Dog Fest i val fea turi ng Siste r H a ze l ! H anahan A mph ithea ter, 11 to 7 pm wo of st ock 2 0 2 1 . co m
C h eck out our Event s page for e ve n more local event s and to ch eck fo r da te changes. www.lowcountr ydog.com/ events
F E B R U A R Y
2 0 2 1
www.lowcountrydog.com
31
In The News NYC man chooses to go to jail rather than give dog back to his employer Barry Myrick is barking mad. The pest control professional is in a fight with his former employer, M&M Environmental in Queens, over his loyal partner — a bedbug-sniffing pit bull mix named Roxy. “She’s my best friend,” said Myrick, who even has a tattoo of Roxy on his leg. “I committed to her long ago, and nothing’s going to come between me and her.” Myrick, 37, had worked with Roxy for four years, inspecting commercial and residential properties, before he was laid off from the company in March.
The White House welcomes two very good boys. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’s victory in the 2020 election signals several changes in the coming months. But perhaps the cutest update is that the White House will acquire two very good boys: Biden’s German Shepherds, Major and Champ
Dog days of Florida come to an end, with total demise of U.S. greyhound racing within sight Man’s best friend ran one last time at Palm Beach Kennel Club on New Year’s Eve, more than two years after state voters axed the sport.
Click images above to read the full story. For more top stories, visit www.lowcountrydog.com/top-stories
F E B R U A R Y
2 0 2 1
www.lowcountrydog.com
33
ROSIE’S RESCUE STORY WRIT TEN BY: JEANNE TAYLOR With a story like this, it’s hard to know where exactly to begin so let’s start at September 14, when Rosie and Violet were rescued from neardeath by a dedicated Berkeley County Animal Control Officer. These two dogs were found chained to opposite sides of an abandoned house, with no food or access to clean water. Rosie’s story was particularly compelling as her physical condition was much worse and it was unclear whether she could even survive the night at Veterinary Specialty Care. Both suffered from obvious neglect: in addition to the emaciation, Rosie had a golf ball-sized tumor hanging off her leg and Violet’s spleen was so enlarged from Ehrlichia, a tickborne illness likely acquired from living outdoors without preventives, it looked like she had a football in her midsection. Both girls were also found to be heartworm positive. Their story made local news - and their abuser was freed – and continues to walk among us, unpunished for his deeds. But that is another story entirely. After two nights in critical care, Rosie was transferred to a medical foster once she was stable. She was pitifully weak still and unable to stand on her own, but the veterinarians were guardedly optimistic that with time, several small meals each day, and a loving environment, she would someday turn the corner and become healthy enough for her multiple mast cell tumors to be removed, her heartworms to be treated and that she would ultimately go on to be adopted. While Violet’s situation was less tenuous, she also needed a medical foster and was placed in a home where she could be monitored and begin to recover. Her medicals were less extensive and she was able to transition to her forever home sooner (where she continues to thrive). It is certain Rosie would not be alive today were it not for a foster family willing to commit to her ongoing extensive care needs. That included weekly vet visits for weigh-ins and bloodwork to check her varied dangerous levels, multiple small meals daily, and perhaps most importantly, helping to heal her broken spirit through a calm and loving approach and consistent reassurance. At Day 2, while still too weak to stand, she laid in her bed and wagged her tail when spoken to – her will to survive was in check and it affirmed for her fosters that this was just the beginning of her “Part 2” in this life.
Looking at Rosie, all you could see were her bones and imagine the horrors of what she had endured. But in her face, you could see her soul and her big brown eyes said she would get through this. She graciously – and cautiously - accepted petting and one miraculous day, she leaned in and actually asked for affection. There have been so many turning points in her story! Slowly her weight began to creep upwards. While her bones were still quite visible, they began to blend and became less prominent – after a time, it wasn’t all you saw when you looked at her. The patchy fur that once was so telling of her poor physical condition began to come in new and her white coat presented healthy and soft. Her gait improved and her movement became fluid – she joyfully chased tennis balls and ran toward the treat bag when she heard it shake. She even began to play. Fact: Fosters = Life Savers. Fact: Volunteering truly is its own reward. Not all animals require the same level of support as medical fosters. For many, fostering provides the perfect opportunity to really get to know an animal – a short-term foster can then provide insights that help make them more appealing to certain candidate families. Giving them a chance to be out of a noisy, scary shelter and relax in a real-life setting has helped countless animals go on to the find their permanent homes. Animals in shelters NEED the chance to show who they really are, and fostering affords them that opportunity. And shelters and rescues typically provide all the resources – veterinary care, food, treats and even training support. All they really ask of fosters is love, compassion and basic care. At four months to the day from when she was first unchained, Rosie left her lifesaving medical foster to transition to what will be her forever home. She continues to recuperate from her heartworm treatment and has a minor procedure remaining to be completed but at this point, it’s just paperwork. Rosie is now HOME and has a last name of her own. There are many animals needing fosters – both shortterm as well as more extensive care. Check with your local shelter or rescue if you are in a position to volunteer your time and temporarily open your home to an animal in need. To every foster, everywhere, thank you, from Rosie and every other precious life saved.. ■ photo of Rosie by Jeanne Taylor Photography
F E B R U A R Y
2 0 2 1
www.lowcountrydog.com
35
T H A N K
Y O U
T O
O U R
R E S C U E
S P O N S O R S
Keep Your Puppies Warm! NATURAL GAS & PROPANE INSTALLS
DAYCARE
BOARDING
GROOMING
1090 Jack Primus Road (Just off Clements Ferry)
843.556.8086 Proud Parents of Eunoia Rescue
Vintage Antique Edwardian Art Deco Victorian Jewelry
Lucee's Treasure Chest
10% of sales donated to local spay & neuter efforts
etsy.com/shop/LuceesTreasureChest
F E B R U A R Y
2 0 2 1
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
www.lowcountrydog.com
37
GO GREEN | ADOPT A RECYCLED DOG
PET HELPERS
CAROLINA BASSETT HOUND
THESE ADOPTABLE DOGS ARE SPONSORED BY:
CAROLINA COONHOUND
F E B R U A R Y
2 0 2 1
BERKELEY ANIMAL SHELTER
LIBBY AND MACE’S PLACE
SOUTHERN PAWS
THESE ADOPTABLE DOGS ARE SPONSORED BY:
www.lowcountrydog.com
39
GO GREEN | ADOPT A RECYCLED DOG
BULLIES TO THE RESCUE
EUNOIA RESCUE
THESE ADOPTABLE DOGS ARE SPONSORED BY:
H.F HELP
F E B R U A R Y
2 0 2 1
LAKESIDE ANIMAL RESCUE
SOUTHERN TAILS
WATERS ED GE
THESE ADOPTABLE DOGS ARE SPONSORED BY:
www.lowcountrydog.com
41
DORCHESTER PAWS
HALLIE HILL
THESE ADOPTABLE DOGS ARE SPONSORED BY:
CAROLINA BOXER RESCUE
F E B R U A R Y
THE
2 0 2 1
DOG PARK
AT WANNAMAKER COUNTY PARK
C H A R L E S TO N CO U N T Y PA R KS .CO M
Photo courtesy of SeamonWhiteside
www.lowcountrydog.com
43
