Lowcountry Dog Magazine- June 2024

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 Carolinas’ number one 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 Lowcountrybased 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. From 2015 through 2019, we went digital. in 2020, print returned and we have grown to become “The Carolinas’ Source for All Things Dog,” with print distribution throughout the Carolinas, and digital readers worldwide.

Every issue of Lowcountry Dog Magazine is dedicated to Peanut, our Chief Canine Officer from 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 Writer

Jeanne Taylor

Photographers

Southern Vintage Photography

Jeanne Taylor Photography

Web and Design Consultant

Laura Olsen

Media Intern

Katherine Bannister

Contributing Writers

Heather Summers

Dr. Hannah Visser

For advertising and media inquiries please email contact@lowcountrydog.com

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Lovey’s Lowcountry Livin’: Your 2024 Beach Guide

Sit, Stay, Behave... Get off Your Couch, Do a Dog Sport!

HEALTH & WELLNESS: Ocular Disease in French Bulldogs

FEATURE STORY: A New Kind of Care: Veterinary Emergency Group

Myths & Falsehoods LOCAL DOG EVENTS IN

Spay & Neuter to Save Lives

GO GREEN: Adopt A Recycled Dog!

Cover Photo & Above Photo by Erik González

Your 2024 Beach Guide

Let me start by saying that I love the beach! Originally, I came from the Rock Hill area, but, since my mom was fostering me a few years ago, she took to me to the beach for the first time with Peanut and I was hooked. The sand is fun to dig in and get dirty, and the tide pools are fun to splash around in.

The Lowcountry is lucky to have several beaches to spend time at, but you need to be aware of each beach’s rules when it comes to dogs.

Lets take a look at 4 of our local beaches:

SULLIVAN’S ISLAND

All dogs on the island: (including residents) day visitors and vacation renters, must have a dog permit from the town. Permits are $35 per dog ($25 for residents) and are issued at Town Hall, 1610 Middle St. Owners should have proof of rabies vaccine.

Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach 5-10 a.m. May 1 to Sept. 30 and from 5 a.m. to noon Oct. 1 to April 30. From May 1 to Sept. 30, no dogs are allowed on the beach between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Pet waste bags are available near the entrance of each beach access path.

Lovey's lowcountry livin’

IOP

Dogs are allowed off leash on the beach between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. April 1 to Sept 14 and then 4 p.m. to 10 a.m. Sept. 15 to March 31. At other times, dogs have to be leashed – even if they’re splashing in the water. And pet owners should clean up after their dogs. All dogs belonging to Isle of Palms residents must have a current City of Isle of Palms dog license; visitors are not required to have a dog license. IOP does have a dog park behind the Recreation Department at 24 Twenty-Eighth Ave.

FOLLY BEACH

Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 1 to Sept. 30. At all other times, dogs must be leashed and under voice control. Owners should clean up any pet waste.

KIAWAH ISLAND

Dogs visiting Kiawah Island must be leashed year round. There are two off-leash dog areas but dogs must be under voice command: the first area stretches from Beachwalker County Park for 1,000 yards to the west and the second area is located between the Beach Club and the Ocean Course pedestrian beach access. Dogs may be off leash from Dec. 1 to March 15 on the central portion of the beach between Beachwalker County Park and the Beach Club.■

2024 Lowcountry Dog Model Contest

Time to vote for our 2025 Lowcountry Dog Calendar and the cover of our next issue!

VOTE AT LOWCOUNTRYDOG.COM/MODELCONTEST until June 30th!

Vote for as many dogs as you like but only once per dog!

Get Off the Couch, Do a Dog Sport

WRITTEN BY HEATHER SUMMERS, Certified APG, Dog Sport Enthusiast, Charleston Dog Training Club

Having a dog to come home to and cuddle with on the couch when you are tired or have had a hectic day at work is both pleasurable and a stress reliever, but it doesn’t fill the complete needs of your dog nor build your relationship in a truly meaningful way. This shouldn’t be all we give to our dogs day after day. Yes, they do need their down time, but that shouldn’t be all they do. They didn’t choose you; you chose them and your dog needs, wants and craves more. They communicate to you all the time letting you know they want to do things with you. They want to hunt, play, run, learn, investigate, grow, make you happy and so much more. So, I ask you, are you listening?

Their behaviors on how they communicate to us for our attention remind me of the old Looney Tunes cartoon, Chester and Spike. Does this sound like your relationship?

Chester the Jack Russell is jumping around excited to see and spend time with Spike the bulldog (the boss in the relationship). Chester says, “What are we going to do today boss? You want me to dig up some bones for you because you and me are pals?” Sadly, he gets no response as Spike just sits there. Then Chester says, “Hey Spike, you want to play ball, well, do you?” As Chester drops the ball at Spike’s front paws. Spike says, “nah”, while pushing him away. Chester sadly says, “of course you don’t like playing ball. Hey Spike, you want to

run and chase cars, does that sound like fun?” Again, Spike says, “nah”, and pushes him away. Chester again says, “you’re right, that wouldn’t be fun. Hey Spike, you want to go find a cat?” Spike suddenly gets excited and says, “CAT, show me the cat, let’s go!” Chester so excitedly bounces and trots with Spike to go find a cat and to spend time with his best pal.

The act of doing an energizing activity with his pal Spike made Chester feel alive and fulfilled, while giving me comic relief as I watched the cartoon. Spike was annoyed at Chester for pestering him but the thought and enjoyment of them going to get the cat helped build their relationship and helped keep them both active, giving their lives meaning and purpose. Yet this scenario is all too accurate, except for the part where many of us don’t get off the couch to do something with our dog. What activities are going to get you excited, like Spike, to make you get up and spend time with your pup fulfilling your needs and theirs, while also having a fabulous time with your best pal? Even now as I sit to write this article, my dog Amavi is jumping up on me, whining at me, and nudging my hands off the keyboard begging me to get up and do something with her.

Having a dog to do activities with is satisfying and it has mental and physical health benefits for both of you, giving each of you the opportunity to live a happier life. The various sports for dogs can be so rewarding and could be the opportunity you both need to live a richer life.

The Sport of Competitive Obedience

One of the several sports that I do with my own dogs that we have here locally at the Charleston Dog Training Club is Competitive AKC Obedience, where my dog and I work as a team to earn titles and work to achieve seamless connection between us, all while my dog shows off the obedience skills they have learned. It requires minimal physical exertion on my part and more mental thought - same for my dogs, except at the upper levels the dogs are required to be able to leap over a couple different types of jumps

even while retrieving objects. For AKC Obedience trials there are 3 levels to compete: Novice, Open, and Utility level. Each level requires 3 qualifying scores to earn the title and move onto the next level. There are alternative levels that are not required but might benefit your team, and levels that accommodate lower jump heights, but I digress. This all sounds simple but it takes time in training, dedication, perseverance and a good working team relationship. When you earn the qualifying score or title it’s the moment that reminds you of the time you spent working with your pal creating those meaningful moments of connection. Why wouldn’t we want more of that joy and jubilant time? I sure do!

Small Habits to Get Results

Whatever sport activity you choose to do it can seem overwhelming at first. There are many different skills you have to teach your dog and it can seem like it would just be easier to say you don’t have the time, but if we break down our training into small 3-5 minute habits and place a small precursor habit before the training session each time, we can make a huge impact on how often we train, how quickly our dogs learn a new skill and how fast they become proficient at it.

So, what do I mean by a small precursor habit? It’s the small thing you do (habit) every day before a short training session. It creates this “must train; want to train my dog” feeling. As an example, for me working on my Competitive Obedience, my dog having the perfectly straight “front” skill (where your dog sits directly in front of you perfectly straight after doing a previous skill) is extremely important and it takes many correct repetitions before it becomes automatic for the dog, without them having to think about doing it correctly and it’s not an easy task. So, to get the reps in and to make it a habit every day, I let my dog out to potty as soon as I wake up, I then drink my morning juice which is my precursor to then grab a couple training treats as the treat jar sits right beside my morning cup. I then let my dog in and start my “front” skill training session. I get several reps in, which only takes me a minute or two and then we are done. I feed her

breakfast and then I start to get ready for work. The precursor is drinking the morning juice. I enjoy it, but now I know it’s time to train and my dog is ready as well. The same thing happens when I get home. As soon as I get home, I come through the door and my dog is excited to see me. I then grab the treats from the jar and head outside to train some agility skills or whatever I had planned for that day, but the precursor is coming through the door and greeting her. Her excitement gives me energy to go outside and spend time with her. The plus side is, I wear her out before coming in to do dinner. After dinner is over, we lay in bed and have cuddle time. Both of us are fulfilled and we’re creating an amazing relationship together and when we go to trials and compete, I’m creating these joyous moments in my life, helping me live to the fullest. What an outstanding species we have been gifted to spend our precious time with.

Now get up and go enjoy spending time with your dog, you won’t regret it. ■

Ocular Disease in French Bulldogs

WRITTEN BY DR. HANNAH ELIZABETH VISSER, DVM DACVO

Charleston Animal Eye Specialists

French bulldogs are the most popular dog breed in the country for the second year in a row. These pint-sized dogs are easy to love with their little wrinkly faces and often have the personality of a class clown; however, they do come with a variety of possible health disorders. These health issues can include brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, allergies and intervertebral disc disease, just to name a few. French bulldogs are also a breed of dog veterinary ophthalmologists commonly see for several different ocular conditions, some of which are vision-threatening and some which are less concerning.

One of the most common reasons why we veterinary ophthalmologists see Frenchies are dermoids which are areas of haired tissue that incorrectly form on or around the eye. Dermoids are congenital malformations, meaning puppies are born with this condition. The abnormal tissue can cause irritation due to hairs rubbing on the eye, thus the recommended treatment is surgical removal of the tissue typically while preserving the eye and vision. Thankfully, following surgery most dogs have an excellent prognosis.

French bulldogs are also a breed of dog which are often diagnosed with a prolapsed gland of the third eyelid which is commonly called a “cherry eye”. The third eyelid is a normal structure present in animals which contains a tear gland. In breeds such as Frenchies the ligament that holds the gland in place is too loose or relaxed and this can allow the gland

to prolapse or flip out of place. It is common for these glands to prolapse within the first year of a dog’s life and it is very common for one to prolapse and then the other to do the same within a few weeks to months. The recommended treatment for cherry eyes is surgical replacement of the gland. Removal of the third eyelid gland can result in decreased tear production, otherwise known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, which can result in corneal scarring or corneal ulceration. With surgical replacement, “cherry eyes’’ have an excellent prognosis.

Another ocular condition we see commonly in French bulldogs are corneal ulcers. An ulcer is a wound on the surface of the eye. These can vary from superficial ulcers which typically heal in about a week with appropriate treatment to deep corneal ulcers which can result in perforations which are very painful, can be blinding, and may even require surgical grafting or removal of the eye. French bulldogs as well as many other breeds are considered brachycephalic, meaning their skull shape has a shortened nose. This skull shape has resulted in shallow orbits, the orbit being the bony socket of the skull which holds the eye. The more shallow an orbit is, the more eyes are exposed which creates the “buggy eyed” appearance. Brachycephalic dogs have also been shown to have decreased corneal sensation, meaning they do not feel the surface of their

eyes as well as a dog with a longer nose. These two factors, the increased exposure and the decreased sensation, make it much more likely for these dogs to suffer from corneal ulcers. The fact that most Frenchies think they are WWE stars while at home playing probably doesn’t help them avoid ocular injuries either! An interesting new clinical finding is that French bulldogs may also be predisposed to corneal ulcers caused by Canine Herpes Virus. This disease can be spread from mother to puppies and is incurable. For unknown reasons veterinary ophthalmologists all over the country are seeing a rise in herpetic corneal ulcers in French bulldogs as a breed. Unfortunately, this means these dogs are at an even increased risk of developing corneal ulcers throughout their lives. Antiviral treatment has been used both to treat and prevent corneal ulcers and in many cases appears to be effective. The prognosis for a patient with a corneal ulcer varies greatly as it is dependent on many factors such as the depth of the ulcer, bacterial infection of the ulcer and appropriate treatment.

A slightly less common ocular condition seen in French bulldogs is glaucoma or elevation of pressure within the eye known as intraocular pressure. Glaucoma is both vision-impairing and painful. Patients with glaucoma often seem to exhibit symptoms of headache-like pain that their human counterparts describe. Clinical signs of glaucoma are squinting, redness around the eye, cloudiness to the eye itself and changes in vision. In cases of glaucoma, immediate treatment is necessary to decrease intraocular pressure in hopes of saving vision and relieving discomfort. This treatment typically begins with eye drops; however, long term prognosis for eyes with glaucoma is very poor. In most cases eye drops fail to control the intraocular pressure long term and patients require surgery to keep them comfortable. Glaucoma is a condition which requires frequent medications and rechecks so it can be a significant time and financial investment. Although French bulldogs are not the most common patients we diagnose with glaucoma, the frequency of this condition appears to be rising each year and it has devastating consequences.

French bulldogs are taking over our neighborhoods and veterinary practices. Chances are you have a friend or family member who owns a Frenchie or maybe even own one yourself! Any pet owner should be aware of clinical signs of an ocular condition such as redness, squinting, excessive tearing, vision changes or a cloudy appearance. If you notice any of these in your pet, whether it is a French bulldog or other four legged creature, you should seek veterinary care. Thankfully there are many excellent veterinarians in the lowcountry that can help. We at Charleston Animal Eye Specialists would love to be a part of your veterinary team! ■

Welcome to A New Kind of Care: Veterinary Emergency Group

WRITTEN AND PHOTOS BY: JEANNE TAYLOR, Staff Writer

When I walked into Veterinary Emergency Group to begin formulating this article, my first sight at the entryway was a gurney telling me this hospital is prepared to respond instantly to whatever comes through their doors. I was immediately greeted by Hospital Manager Nick Dixon, who exudes the calming presence so critical in traumatic situations such as pet emergencies. My first thought was: this place is different … special.

Founded in 2014, Veterinary Emergency Group has grown over the last decade to 79 locations nationwide, ready to serve our beloved pets. The Mount Pleasant hospital has been assisting pets and their families since March 7, 2024, under the medical direction of Dr. Alexandra MacLean. Easily accessible, VEG’s facility is located at 2183 N. Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant, near the Six Mile Marketplace Shopping Center. Their red rocking chairs out front are a nod to their predecessor at that site, Cracker Barrel.

The large space is bright and exceptionally clean. State-of-the-art equipment is visible throughout the treatment and surgical area, and recovery and monitoring kennels are outfitted for comfort as evidenced by the soft bedding that awaits sick or injured pets. The LCD monitors throughout the

space give the sense you have entered a human hospital, with large screens updating a patient’s status and next steps in care, making it easy for all staff to view, no matter where they are in the room.

As an open concept facility, owners are not only able but also encouraged to remain in the treatment area with their pets, keeping them more at ease and quashing the anxiety of the unknown often created by separation during an emergency visit. This concept even includes staying in the surgical area with your pet during a procedure (if you aren’t squeamish, that is). They believe transparency is key and in the best interest of the pet and their guardian. As a pet guardian, I firmly believe this too.

Mr. Dixon relayed they see an average of about 30 emergency patients daily on weekend shifts. Collectively, VEG locations have seen almost 662,000 animals over the last 12 months. Mr. Dixon further shared how VEG handles the initial communication between a client and the veterinarian. “When someone calls with an emergent medical question, they speak to a doctor right away. Subsequently, when someone enters the hospital, they will also connect with a doctor right away. By following these two guidelines, we’re able to provide the best 24/7 emergency pet care to the Charleston community.”

With the national veterinary shortage, other local veterinary hospitals have made difficult decisions to close on weekends from time to time due to staffing constraints. While understandable, of course, it often happens without notice and has, at times, left pet owners in a tailspin as emergencies are by definition unpredictable. Stepping in to meet this need, VEG staff are onsite 24/7 including holidays, and are all welltrained to assist you and your pet through their trauma or emergency situation. This isn’t limited to dogs and cats –staff are skilled in treating birds, reptiles, and small animals as well. While I was there, the only patient in the facility was a tiny baby bird, guesting in an incubator and waiting for a wildlife rehabber for transport. A review of their comprehensive website will reiterate what this open concept portrays: the client matters, and that means furry and human - and an in-person visit to their facility will further confirm it for you. Treatment rooms and waiting areas are nicely appointed and spacious. Even the seating is all convertible to cots for family members who may want to stay overnight with their ailing pet.

One of VEG’s local reviews reflects the importance of this offering.

“The set up in the hospital is really great. Everything is open and I (the pet parent) could see everything that was going on. All of his testing, examination and treatment [was] done right in front of me. My puppy never left my sight. When it was determined that he needed to be admitted overnight to be closely monitored, I was told I could stay with him for as long as I wanted. They even offered to set up a cot for me if I wanted to stay with him all night. They were extremely compassionate and helpful. They wanted me to be as comfortable as my puppy! overall, amazing experience...highly recommend this business!!!” Robin C.

A trusted friend also had occasion to use their services just this week for her senior tripod dog, so I asked her to review her experience:

“When my pet faced a veterinary emergency, VEG was my immediate choice. From arrival to departure, the care was exceptional. The open concept, though surprising at first, proved efficient. The veterinarian swiftly attended to my dog’s needs, and the vet techs were fantastic. Despite needing X-rays, induced vomiting, and meds, I was in and out within two hours—a significant improvement from past experiences elsewhere. I felt genuinely cared for and wouldn’t hesitate to return to VEG if needed.”

Staff Culture

The veterinary field in general experiences a high burnout rate among staff. My sense of the culture at VEG, though, is one of camaraderie and support. Their “family room” displays a wall of positivity including special notes of recognition or encouragement by other staff members or clients. There are reminders for staff to take a breath or not take things personally when clients are terrified, and to just keep going. VEG is fully staffed and it’s clear that staff retention is important to them.

Mr. Dixon shared, “At VEG, we believe that our culture is what differentiates us from all other ER hospitals. ‘We are not normal’ and we strive to revolutionize the world of emergency veterinary medicine. It’s what makes us proud.”

Care and Compassion

When emergencies happen, pet parents shouldn’t have to think twice, yet the prospect of an expensive bill will give some pause and this can create a life threatening or even fatal delay in treatment. VEG accepts Care Credit and Scratch Pay as payment channels. They also partner with a nonprofit foundation that assists community members who may be unable to afford their pet’s emergency care. Funded through donations, fundraisers and community partners, the program supports local animals with care and lifesaving treatment.

If the need arises, know they are there for you 24/7, ready to aid and comfort you and your pet and guide you through what they understand is a challenging time for both of you. ■

elegant portraiture for lowcountry lovers

www.southernvintagephotography.com | info@southernvintagephoto.com

Written by Alyssa Helms, Media Manager

Photo by Erik González

The American Pitbull Terrier (APBT), while an AKC recognized breed, is often lumped into a group of stocky, block-headed dogs, and referred to more generally as “pitbulls. The APBT is a breed with a rich history, but plagued by myths and misconceptions leading to stereotypes, breed-specific legislation targeting “pitbulls” and in some cases, their untimely demise simply because of their appearance.

The APBT dates to 19th century England where they were originally bred for bullbaiting and later used as fighting dogs. When these practices were outlawed, APBT’s were eventually brought to North America and used as working dogs on farms and ranches, often valued for their strength, loyalty, intelligence, and more.

But someone somewhere had the idea to alter their utility for personal gain, and this wonderfully loyal and loving breed became negatively associated with dog fighting, a brutal and illegal activity that continues to tarnish their reputation. Media outlets tend to sensationalize disturbing stories of alleged pitbull attacks, lending fuel to the fire that these dogs are inherently vicious and unpredictable. As a result, they continue to be labeled as dangerous dogs and discriminated against through breed-specific legislation in many parts of the US and internationally.

It should be noted that proper identification of pitbulls has become one of guessing rather than a certainty, which is also problematic, especially when dogs with these physical characteristics find themselves homeless and in a shelter system. Any dog, regardless of their actual breed, mis often labeled “pitbull” if their head is blocky or the body is strong or muscular. This needs to change.

MYTH 1: Lock Jaw

One of the most pervasive myths about this beautiful breed is their supposed “lock jaw,” the belief that their jaws will literally lock closed, and they will not release their grip. This myth has been debunked by experts who confirm that, in fact,

they do not have any unique jaw mechanism that allows them to “lock” their jaws.

MYTH 2: Untrainable

Any dog can be trained! Myth #2 is that these dogs cannot be trained or socialized., when the truth is they are highly intelligent and usually very eager to please, making them exceptionally trainable and responsive to positive reinforcement. With proper training and socialization, they have proven repeatedly they are meant to be loving and well-behaved family pets.

MYTH 3: Bred to be Vicious

Myth #3 stems from the unfortunate history of dog fighting where some pitbulls were selectively bred for aggressiveness. It is critical to note, however, that aggression is not a breed trait,

and is instead a result of irresponsible breeding and outdated, negative training methods that are often abusive and rather than building a bond, they create a culture of fear, which can activate a constant state of “fight or flight”. Temperament tests conducted by the American Temperament Test Society have shown that APBTs have a passing rate of 82% + — compared to just 77% across the general dog population. These dogs are not born aggressive and for a dog to exhibit this behavior toward a human is not the norm. Though trained for centuries to fight other dogs or bulls, as a class of dogs they have not been bred to be aggressive to humans. And responsible breeders will not use dogs in their program who exhibit any aggressive tendencies – the same cannot be said for backyard breeders.

Conversely, these dogs are well-known for their affectionate nature, loyalty, and love for their human companions. Like any dog, with the right care and training, they can be wonderful family pets.

Breed-Specific Legislation

Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) aimed toward dogs visually identified as pitbulls seeks to regulate and restrict ownership of these dogs. BSL in America and other countries typically includes measures such as mandatory muzzling in public, special licensing requirements, housing modifications such as secure fencing, higher insurance premiums for owners, and in some cases, outright bans on owning pitbulls. Some rental companies will not allow pitbull-type dogs to reside on their properties, often leading to surrenders to shelters when housing becomes an issue and owners are left with little to no choice in the matter.

BSL may also include measures to prevent the breeding of pitbulls, such as mandatory spaying and neutering to reduce the population of perceived potentially dangerous dogs. While we certainly support spaying and neutering in response to the pet overpopulation crisis, to demand it of one breed is unfair when it would be better served as an across-the-board solution.

More than just the APBT

While the APBT has been lumped into a class of dogs, the term “pitbull” covers four different breeds and any mixes thereof. They include the American Bully, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Terrier Bull Terrier, and the American Pit Bull Terrier. While there are some similarities, each has its own unique characteristics.

APBT: the tallest and most athletic of the four types of Pitbull-type breeds.

American Staffordshire Terrier: slightly shorter and stockier than the APBT.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier: smallest of the four.

American Bully (pictured below, not to be confused with the American Bulldog): the most unique of the group, the most stout and closely resembles the classic Bulldog breed. The American Bully, XL Bullies, and Shortie Bulls are variations of that have gained popularity in recent years, often bred for their physical traits, such as size and muscle mass, rather than their temperament. While backyard and less responsible breeders may prioritize appearance over temperament, bringing with it a host of health problems and deformities, responsible ones focus on producing healthy and well-adjusted dogs.

Dog Fighting

In the United States, dog fighting has a long and troubling history. Throughout the years, dog fighting with pitbull-type dogs has continued as a secretive and underground activity with organized rings hosting illegal fights for profit and sadistic entertainment. Despite efforts by animal welfare organizations and law enforcement to combat this brutal activity, dog fighting persists in pockets across the country. Those individuals who specifically breed dogs for fighting purposes have contributed to the perpetuation of this cruelty by producing generations of dogs with aggressive behavior and a high prey drive, solidifying the public’s connection between pitbulls and dog fighting. Despite these dark associations, we must always remember that these dogs are not inherently aggressive or violent. Efforts to educate the public and enforce laws against dog fighting are essential in combatting this heinous practice and protecting the welfare of not only pitbulls, but all animals involved.

Pitbulls in the Shelters

Pitbulls are overrepresented in animal shelters where they face higher euthanasia rates due to breed discrimination. It is important for potential dog owners to consider adopting from a shelter, where they can provide a loving home to a deserving dog. Based on recent statistics, pitbull breeds and mixes make up a significant percentage of dogs in the shelter system. Unfortunately, the euthanasia rates for pitbulls are also disproportionately high compared to other breeds.

Shelters and rescue organizations continue to work toward finding loving homes for these wonderful companions and advocating for responsible ownership.

By educating the public about their true nature and providing resources for potential adopters, we can help decrease the number of pitbull-type dogs in shelters and increase their opportunities to find loving forever homes. Every dog, regardless of breed, deserves a chance at a happy and fulfilling life. Let’s work together to make a difference for these deserving pups.■

Local Dog Events

06/4/2024 DOG DAY TUESDAY at the Charleston Riverdogs vs Carolina Mudcats

Joe Riley Stadium 7:05 pm DOGS WELCOME

06/7/2024 Adoption Event for Dorchester Paws Pickle Bar in Summerville 9 am to 12 pm

06/7/2024 Walter’s Paws on the Patio Walter’s in Murrells Inlet 4 pm

06/18/2024 DOG DAY TUESDAY at the Charleston Riverdogs vs Lynchburg Hillcats

Joe Riley Stadium 7:05 pm DOGS WELCOME

07/09/2024 DOG DAY TUESDAY at the Charleston Riverdogs vs Columbia Fireflies

Joe Riley Stadium 7:05 pm DOGS WELCOME

07/23/2024 DOG DAY TUESDAY at the Charleston Riverdogs vs Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Joe Riley Stadium 7:05 pm DOGS WELCOME

08/07/2024 DOG DAY TUESDAY at the Charleston Riverdogs vs Augusta GreenJackets

Joe Riley Stadium 7:05 pm DOGS WELCOME

08/20/2024 DOG DAY TUESDAY at the Charleston Riverdogs vs Myrtle Beach Pelicans

Joe Riley Stadium 7:05 pm DOGS WELCOME

09/12/2024 Paws on the Patio Burtons at Towne Centre 6 pm to 8 pm

LOWCOUNTRY DOG EVENTS

MAY THE DOGS BE WITH YOU FESTIVAL

Ashley River Park JUNE 22, 2024

PBR: A Pit Bull Rescue Event tbd

BARK IN THE PARK September 2024

DIA DE LOS PERROS FESTIVAL Tattooed Moose Johns Island Nov 3, 2024

EAT, DRINK, & RESCUE Feb 2025

Check out our Events page for even more local events and check for date changes. www.lowcountrydog.com/events

In The News

Goose Creek police adopt German Shepherd puppy from shelter to train as explosives dog

The newest K9 in the Goose Creek Police Department (GCPD) is a rescue from the Berkeley Animal Center.

The GCPD announced K9 Creeker on May 20 in recognition of National Dog Rescue Day. She is a 12-week-old German Shepherd.

Man defends emotional support dog during alleged Florence dog attack

The Florence City Animal Control Office is investigating allegations of a dog attack on Rock Creek Drive in Florence, according to Captain Stephen Starling with the Florence Police Dept.

Starling said a man was walking his dog earlier this week when another dog attacked his animal.

Man arrested for allegedly killing wife’s dog, Charleston Police say

Police in Charleston arrested a man Thursday accused of killing his wife’s dog. Christopher James York, 38, was charged with illtreatment of animals.

Authorities responded to a caller on Monday who said her friend’s husband had shot and killed the wife’s English bulldog. The wife said her husband killed the dog because he was allergic to it and no longer wanted it, according to police..

Click images above to read the full story. For more top stories, visit www.lowcountrydog.com/top-stories

SPAY AND NEUTER TO SAVE LIVES!

WRITTEN BY: JEANNE TAYLOR, Staff Writer

Spaying and Neutering – many people don’t understand how this can be a lifesaving procedure. Arguments abound regarding what is the appropriate age to alter a pet or questioning whether a pet should be altered at all. Still some persist with the idea that they want their pet to have “just one litter.”

While there is potential merit to waiting until an animal is a little more mature, a risk/benefit analysis clearly places spay/neuter as the frontrunner in this pro/con scenario. There are risks with any surgical procedure, for human or animal, but the risk involved in NOT altering a pet, in allowing a pet to breed and not properly vetting their offspring before sending them into society, puts them at greater risk for shelter euthanasia.

Why?

Lowcountry shelters, like many across the United States right now, are OUT OF SPACE. Shelters and rescues negotiate transfers and transports to try to save as many lives as they can. They place animals in foster homes or offer adoption specials to entice families to come meet their new pet. But there simply isn’t room to accommodate the glut of homeless animals. Period. And that means some will die. #hardtruth

With a sizable portion of Berkeley County SC considered rural, access to affordable and lowcost spay/neuter has been non-existent. Private

veterinary practices estimate the costs for a spay/ neuter to be several hundred dollars and, in some cases, running well over $1,000. Understandably, that’s a stopping block for many pet owners who love their pets but aren’t funded for an expense of that magnitude. So, they take their chances and that is where the trouble begins.

A dog gets pregnant, puppies are born, and families who couldn’t justify the cost of a single spay/neuter procedure are then tasked with caring for a litter of eight new babies too. Puppies aren’t cheap – and families learn the hard way that the expense of properly vetting nine dogs (including the momma) can be unfathomable. So, they give them to friends unaltered; they post them on Facebook and sell them to new owners unaltered. The vicious cycle repeats.

In January 2023, a small group of devoted advocates began working behind-the-scenes to create an effort that would help alleviate this burden for pet parents and in the process ultimately reduce the number of intakes at the Berkeley County animal shelter. Meetings were held with private resources as well as county officials. One county Councilwoman was “in it to win it” and worked tirelessly alongside this small group until finally in April of 2024, fifteen months after the first meeting, the program was launched. Lowcountry Pet Fixers is a volunteermanaged effort, connecting Berkeley County SC pet owners with low-cost resources. The program

has a voucher component, whereby county residents may apply during set open application periods. A limited number of vouchers is available at this time and the group is excited about the impact this will have in the community. The first application cycle in May, 2024 reiterated what we already knew: there is an overwhelming need for this type of service.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

From the time the new Berkeley County shelter opened in June 2021 through 1st quarter 2023, an average of 86% of all intakes arrived at the shelter unaltered.1 To break this down a bit, during the full year 2022, over 5,200 animals of the near 6,000 intakes, whether arriving via animal control, public dropoff or owner surrender, were NOT yet spayed or neutered. At the close of the first quarter 2023, the shelter had already received close to 1,000 intakes that were unaltered. There has been no relief coming from the public and no clear path to otherwise mitigate this crisis. This program was long overdue.

Looking Forward

While the program has been fortunate to partner with a veterinary provider offering quality care for the voucher service, volunteers hope to acquire the support of additional veterinary providers in the future to be able to have resources conveniently located to more geographically distant areas of the county.

The managing group plans to pursue donations to a nonprofit entity to further sustain the program and help support county residents with these resources. For now, after just one application cycle, the program is showing proof of concept, and its core volunteers are excited for the lifesaving impact this will have in the near and long-term. ■

Berkeley County SC residents interested in learning more should visit LowcountryPetFixers.org for more information.

1 Source: FOIA Responses.

THESE ADOPTABLE DOGS ARE SPONSORED BY:

THESE ADOPTABLE DOGS ARE SPONSORED BY:

THESE ADOPTABLE DOGS ARE SPONSORED BY:

EUNOIA RESCUE

CAROLINA POODLE RESCUE

THESE ADOPTABLE DOGS ARE SPONSORED BY:

ROSIE RESCUE

THESE ADOPTABLE DOGS ARE SPONSORED BY:

HALLIE HILL

CAROLINA BOXER RESCUE