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
F
www.thestinkypetco.com
The Stinky Pet Co.
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 Laurie Uebelhoer Dr. Hannah Visser Isabel Alvarez Arata Kristina Contreras 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’: A Tribute to a Champion Sit, Stay, Behave... The Making of A Dog Model HEALTH & WELLNESS: Common Ocular Issues with Hunting Dogs FEATURE STORY: SuperZoo! Lowcountry Dog goes to Vegas
LOCAL DOG EVENTS
IN THE NEWS RESCUE STORY: The Day Nachos & Queso Brought Us to Tears GO GREEN: Adopt A Recycled Dog!
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Tribute to a Champion!
Lovey's lowcountry livin’ conditioning Doni to prepare him for the 2014 event.
Doni & Deb Feller graced the February 2020 cover of Lowcountry Dog Magazine WRITTEN BY: LAURIE UEBELHOER Adonis (Doni) Feller was born on December 30, 2011 on a small farm in Meggett SC. He was one of 8 puppies, 3 yellow and 5 black Labrador retrievers. We wanted a yellow male and he was the only one so he came home with us. He was an amazing puppy, right from the start. He quickly learned all the important dog things...sit, lie down, come, fetch, and most importantly, love. Doni loved playing with balls and frisbees and became a sporty dog early on. He learned to launch into the water from a dock easily. In February of 2013, Doni and Jason Uebelhoer competed in the DockDogs event at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. He did well, but we knew he had more in him. Deb Feller, his owner, spent the next year working and
From that season on, they never looked back. Doni and Deb competed in over 80 DockDogs competitions spanning nearly a decade. Doni and Deb often found themselves at the top of the podium at many competitions. Just a few of his accolades: • • • • • •
Top ranked Yellow Labrador Retriever 5 years in a row..2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 Top ranked and champion Youth team 2014 and 2015 with Kaitie Uebelhoer Top ranked and champion Veteran Dog 2020 Top ranked and champion Legend Dog 2022 Elite Champion 2014 Inducted into the DockDogs Hall of Fame with Deb Feller 2021 Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Champion 2015, 2016 and 2018
Doni will be greatly missed by his family and his fans. He inspired many teams to learn and compete in DockDogs. He was a gentleman to the end. He crossed the rainbow bridge surrounded by his family on September 10, 2023 after an acute illness. ■
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The Making of a Dog Model WRIT TEN BY JEANNE TAYLOR, Staff Writer
When we first brought Roux home in 2015, he was a five-month-old terrorist of a dog and it was a good ten days before I attempted to take any studio photos of him. Confident he would be as challenging for photos as he was in our day-today real life, I braced myself for a long session. I imagined my lights being knocked over and backdrops being ripped from the stand while this puppy version of the Tasmanian Devil ran dizzying circles around me. But when that little menace sat where I asked, when I asked, and turned his head just so perfectly, I was stunned. Surely, that was a fluke! But when he then proceeded to make eye contact and complied with more requests than not, I just about fell over. It was then that I knew I had a model on my hands. He was born for this. Conversely, when we adopted Gracie in 2017, she was TERRIBLE for photos! She avoided looking at the camera or had her ears glued so far back on her head they looked like they went missing! But with time and practice, she now runs into my studio, jumps on the bench and waits for her photo opportunities. Where Roux was a natural, Gracie’s skills came with time and practice. Here’s the thing: THIS DOES NOT COME NATURALLY TO MOST DOGS! Trust me – I meet and work with a LOT of dogs through my business and my volunteering! Think about it – it’s confusing – a giant black eye (which we humans know is the camera) coming toward you! How terrifying! No wonder so many dogs shy away from it. There are some very easy ways to help your dog become a top model for projects like the annual Lowcountry Dog Model Contest or other photo contests you may want to pursue.
Rule No. 1: Know Your Dog Your dog likely has many facets to their personality and you will know best what they look like when they are comfortable and confident, happy or worried. Some will pin their ears back when concerned or stressed, but throw them straight up or forward when they are excited or curious. Ears make a big difference in the story a photo will tell. Some dogs overheat very quickly and as a result, their tongue will hold a starring role in their photos. Other generally fearful dogs often will not willingly look at the camera, so you’ll have to work a little harder for their attention. The Basics You can never discount the importance of basic obedience training. Solid sit and stay commands will do wonders to improve their modeling abilities; the more commands they know, the better! A down stay or a place command will open up a whole other world of potential photo opportunities too. Ideally, make sure they will
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All Photos by Jeanne Taylor Photography www.lowcountrydog.com
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work for other people too and not just you – this will help when a photographer or other muse may need to instruct them either in your absence or because you are in the photo with them. Rewards Most dogs will work for high value rewards - the higher the value, the better the response. Make it something novel, different from their everyday meals or their usual treats. Find what they love and be sure to have plenty of it on hand for practice and for their modeling sessions exclusively. Candids, Action and “Dog”umentary Photos These real-life photos are so fun and will really share a glimpse of your dog’s personality. To capture these successfully, you should plan to have your camera or phone always ready to go because they happen just that quickly.
Make it fun! Make it so they WANT to work for you. Expand your tricks when you can – do you have multiple dogs? Teach them to hug! There are so many ways to make them stand out from the rest of the proverbial pack. Surfaces Expose your dog to different surfaces – benches, brick ledges, wood planks on docks, etc. The more familiar they are with these different textures, the better equipped they will be to execute your commands when the time comes to do so in public. Always praise the positive reactions – showing no fear or successfully overcoming their fears is truly rewarding and praiseworthy!
Portraits Portraits are, of course, a likeness of the subject either as a photo or another medium, but they are also a representation showing the essence of your subject. THAT is what you want to capture. Is your dog a goof? A somber mutt? Maybe a bit of a diva? The key to a successful portrait isn’t just technical quality – it’s first unlocking WHO THEY ARE so you know what to pursue. It really is more than just being a pretty face. Modeling If you are Mom-ager to a dog who aspires to model for print or other social media pursuits, there are easy ways to help prepare your furry charge for success – and these simple tips will actually help your dog’s confidence in other areas of their life as well. Practice. Take a few minutes a day or a couple days a week and practice basic commands – sit, stay, down and/or place. As with any training, reward the behavior when they have a successful execution.
Above: Adoptable dog, Daisy, model for her adoption profile. Next page top left: Samoa & Alaska strike a pose. Next page top right: 2021 Fall Model Contest Winner, Artemis on her cover shoot for the October 2022 Issue.
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Most Important Exposure Speaking of the public, the reality of our world is that other dogs and people are everywhere! Scary traffic noises can also be an issue for some pups. Make sure your dog can comfortably handle seeing other dogs or bystanders nearby, even if in the distance. This one can be particularly important for programs like the model contest since your dog may be one who is asked to pose with other dogs (assuming they are dog-friendly), or in settings around the Lowcountry that would be used to create the calendar i.e., parks, docks, marinas or beaches. There is no downside to taking them on field trips or adventures so they are better acquainted with outings when the big day comes for a model shoot. Safety First Never sacrifice safety for a photo! Keep your dog leashed in public spaces or according to beach restrictions or other local laws.
Please, don’t get frustrated or ever force a behavior. Some dogs will never be model material - and that’s OKAY! They may try very hard for you, but you will know your pet best and if you see they are uncomfortable when you practice certain tasks, don’t push them to continue to do something you know they don’t enjoy. (I had a stunning dog who hated having her photo taken and nothing I would do would ever change that. It’s just who she was.) When I asked Mom-ager to Artemis the Aussie, Lowcountry Dog Magazine cover dog from 2022, what she finds most important about training a dog for modeling whether for print or social media, she replied, “The biggest thing about creating content with Artemis has been mood! She really feeds off how I feel. I have learned to always have fun with it and keep everything positive- which is what it should be about in the first place!” So go get started practicing and see how it goes. Once your dog has nailed their sit and stay, grab your camera or cell phone and see what you can do! And if you need help, you know where to find me. ■
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H E A L T H
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Common Ocular Issues With Hunting Dogs WRITTEN BY HANNAH VISSER, Medical Director for Charleston Animal Eye Specialists
It’s no secret by the English setter in our practice logo that I have a love for gun dogs. With hunting seasons approaching, it’s important to know how to care for your hunting companion’s eyes. Hunting dogs are frequently in an environment rich with opportunities for ocular injuries. The most common ocular injuries are associated with foreign debris such as plant material obtained while running through brush, grass or marsh lands. Although it’s not possible to completely prevent these injuries, early detection and appropriate treatment are key. Early detection begins with the essential “tailgate check” after each day out in the field. This involves checking the dog’s entire body for injuries, often with them standing on a truck’s tailgate. Most veterinarians have adopted a “snout to tail” approach in their physical examinations which means they examine each part of a dog’s body starting with the nose working back to the tail. This system prevents us from missing portions of an exam and can be adopted by any owner doing an exam on their own dog. A “tailgate check” should be performed immediately following a hunt in a well-lit area or with the use of a light source such as a flashlight. You should train your dog to allow you to examine their eyes by opening their eyelids as well as rolling the eyelids outwards to view the pink tissue surrounding the eye called conjunctiva. The outside of the eye itself should be white and the dog should not be squinting or holding the eyes shut. If any of these abnormalities are noted, the dog should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Every gun dog owner should carry a first aid kit for both themselves and their canine companion on hunting trips. There are free resources such as www.gundogdoc.com which outline all the essential materials in a complete canine first aid kit. Every kit should include a bottle of saline eye rinse. These bottles can be purchased over the counter at any pharmacy or grocery store and can be used to rinse the surface of the eye as well as the conjunctival pockets. Conjunctiva lines the surface of the eyelids and forms pockets under the eyelids which collect plant material, seeds and pollen. These retained foreign materials can be irritating and cause corneal ulcerations or inflammation called conjunctivitis. Corneal ulcerations are wounds on the surface of the eye which are painful and can be threatening to vision as well as to the eye itself if not identified and treated quickly. After a day of hunting, be sure to thoroughly rinse your dog’s eyes as well as conjunctival pockets with saline to eliminate these potential irritants.
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Many dog owners take prevention of ocular injuries a step further by using protective glasses. There are several excellent options for ocular protection on the market that can be considered. One such option includes a brand called Rexspecs which come in a variety of colors, designs and sizes; they even sell replacement lenses for the inevitable scratches. With patience and time many dogs can adjust to wearing these and they can prevent serious injuries from branches, grasses and more. Often these dogs will even associate the eyewear with their upcoming adventure and become excited to put them on and get to work! Watching a trained dog flush, retrieve or point brings joy to many gun dog owners and often strengthens the bond we have with these animals. Make a “tailgate check” and saline rinse part of your post-hunt routine just as you do taking celebratory photos and loading the truck. Careful examination and rapid identification of ocular irritations or injuries can often ensure these dogs have comfortable visual eyes for seasons to come. ■
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SUPERZOO! L ow co u n t r y D o g g o e s t o Ve g a s ! W R I T T E N B Y I S A B E L A LV A R E Z A R AT A Contributing Writer
Every year since 2004, pet lovers have descended upon Las Vegas for SUPERZOO, the largest pet industry trade show in the United States. Established by the World Pet Association (WPA) in 1950, SUPERZOO has had many iterations. SUPERZOO 2023 gathered almost 20,000 pet professionals including 1,200 exhibitors and 3,200 buying companies in a 330,000-squarefoot show floor, a 10% increase in attendance over 2022. Held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, SUPERZOO 2023 welcomed pet lovers from 84 countries and all 50 states. Because of its popularity and magnitude, SUPERZOO provides a massive platform for pet businesses and entrepreneurs hoping to showcase their products and services, including innovative pet care solutions, grooming supplies, pet fashions, bedding, and accessories. Attending SUPERZOO is also a valuable experience for buyers, independent retailers, bloggers, podcasters, and creators looking to discover the next big thing in petrelated technology, nutrition, chews and toys among the show’s over 1,000 product debuts. “SUPERZOO is an incredible opportunity for those in the industry to come together, network, and discover the latest trends. This is an invaluable opportunity for all of us to stay on top of the largest innovations and developments” said Britt Kascjak, Director of Content & SEO for BlogPaws, a pet business education company focused on teaching pet professionals the ins and outs of growing an online business through the creation of high-quality content. The show was divided into curated sections and included vendors specializing in dogs, cats, small mammals, aquatics, reptiles, birds, and,
ABOVE: Lowcountry Dog Media Manager, Alyssa Helms, on Day 1 of SUPERZOO. OPPOSITE: Alyssa with Shorty Rossi from PIT BOSS & Shorty’s Rescue. more minimally, horses. While cat products are gaining popularity, dog-specific offerings far outnumbered those intended for other species. Because pets are welcome, SUPERZOO 2023 attendees got to enjoy the company of celebrity dogs and “petfluencers” like Dixie the Praying Dog with a flower in her hair, Jack the Surfing Dog in a floral shirt, Yorkies Sammie and Maddie covered in pearls and bows, and Apple the Golden in a custom-made dress. The Groomer’s Marketplace was part retail showcase and part art exhibit. Dogs spotted in this area were artistically coiffed and colordipped as part of ongoing grooming competitions. On SUPERZOO’s Grooming Stage, groomers competed for Best First-Time Competitor, Best International Competitor, and Best Pet Stylist in Show, among other titles. Special contests included the Creative Styling Competition and Abstract Design Challenge. Competitors were grooming for a portion of the over $35,000+ in winnings at stake. The Grooming Marketplace also featured a dog spa, indoor doggie playground, and outdoor pet relief area.
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“The highlight of SUPERZOO is always making connections - new and old - with the brands we are so proud to bring to our community of pet parents and with our amazing industry colleagues! It’s easy to find “your tribe” in this industry.”
Janet Cesarini, owner of Austin-based pet store Pupology
The Emerging Brands area welcomed first-time SUPERZOO vendors wanting to wow buyers with their innovative pet products. “We really appreciated the Pitch to the Pros sessions hosted by the United Inventors Association, which was new in the Emerging Brands section,” said Kerry Cooke, creator of Splash Spray Leash Handle. Pitch sessions allowed brands to showcase their original products to investors, retail buyers, entrepreneurs, and potential licensees in a format reminiscent of the popular TV show Shark Tank. Navigating the show floor and countless live product demos with the help of SUPERZOO’s handy mobile app, 2023 attendees could come face to face with celebrities the likes of cat behavior expert Jackson Galaxy and MMA artist Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, who was at the show promoting Boss Dog Brand’s tactical dog leashes and harnesses. In the Natural and Health area, Green Juju, a brand known for its whole-food supplements, was promoting its new line of freeze-dried dog and cat food as the team at CBD Dog Health and MycoDog’s booth educated attendees on how to choose the best CBD and mushroom extract tinctures for their pets. From human-grade dog food to freezedried cat treats and more, the Natural and Health area made it clear that the market for natural pet products that promise to enhance pet health and well-being is continuously expanding. SUPERZOO 2023 attracted innovative pet companies hoping to solve pet parents’ most common problems. Sprinkle & Sweep’s pet mess solutions, Pet-Pourri’s pet-safe odor eliminator, and Oxyfresh’s dental care line which includes a water additive created to reduce tartar buildup and bad breath, stood out as practical,
affordable ways to make pet parenting a bit easier. Technology-based training tools, GPS trackers, and automatic feeders also caught the attention of attendees looking to take their pet’s daily care to the next level. Colorfil Air Filters, touted as the best air filters for homes with pets, won first place in the New Product Showcase, an area that highlights new additions to the marketplace from both emerging and established brands. From high-end carriers, designer-inspired collars and leashes, and other unique pet gear, SUPERZOO’s Specialty and Lifestyle area highlighted products to keep pets and their people on-trend and looking their best. As enrichment garners the attention of more pet parents, many of SUPERZOO’s exhibitors showcased ways to keep pets, primarily dogs, engaged and entertained. From PawzNDogz™’s premium snuffle mats to revolutionary pet dishes like the Mine Pet Platter, SUPERZOO 2023 gave pet lovers and those catering to dedicated pet parents new and improved playtime and feeding solutions. West Paw’s new dog-centric board game, aptly named The Dog’s Best Friend Game™, created
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by pet behaviorists, seasoned pet experts, and game design pros, hopes to inspire the whole family to sit, stay, and play. With stunning products ranging from pet-centric homewares and furniture by 4 Cats & Dogs and art history-inspired plush dog toys by Cavall, shopping was almost inevitable at SUPERZOO 2023, especially on day 3, when many exhibitors offered deep discounts on their specialty products. The FedEx Office adjacent to the event space made shipping an abundance of goodies home seamless and for many, highly necessary. SUPERZOO 2023 attendees agreed that coming together with pet lovers of all backgrounds was a unique and uplifting experience. “It was an event to connect with brands you’ve idolized and wanted to meet. It’s so great to shake a hand and meet in person. Also, [by attending] I learned of some new products I otherwise would have never seen. I love supporting new brands and seeing opportunities for growth as an influencer and pet parent,” said celebrity dog trainer and TV personality Chrissy Joy. She and Fuji, a mini Aussie and the newest member of The Joy Crew, had a great time at the show. SUPERZOO 2023’s organizers took excellent care of exhibitors and attendees. DJ performances greeted attendees as they entered the show each morning. The R&R Lounge featured customized
ABOVE: Famed groomer, Gabriel Feitosa. OPPOSITE: Writer, Isabel Alvarez Arata & MMA star, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. BELOW: Isabel with Adrienne LeFebvre and Jae Kennedy of the Two Crazy Cat Ladies, Pet Parent Coach, Jessica Fischer.
“SUPERZOO is the Super Bowl for the pet community. It’s amazing for everyone to gather in our hometown!“ she said. She and Jae Kennedy are the founders of Feline Essential and world-famous pet industry influencers with millions of views and multiple viral videos on social media. ‘SUPERZOO 2023 was crazy awesome!’ The energy of so many animal lovers in one place refueled our souls!” Adrienne Lefebvre of The Two Crazy Cat Ladies
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chair massages and an aura picture service, a great way to relax and recharge between meetings and events. The Live Music Lounge, sponsored by Tuesday’s Natural Dog Company, featured a full bar and live musicians for low-pressure networking and friendly catch-ups. SUPERZOO 2023 was a three-day trade show with an additional paid education program designed to address the evolving needs of today’s groomers and retailers. The show also offered free educational talks on the trade show floor covering topics like client interaction, profits, performance and sales. Evenings were jam-packed with happy hours, meet-ups, and an epic party at Mandalay Bay Beach that included a DJ, live music performances, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and giveaways.
elegant portraiture for lowcountry lovers
The party didn’t end once SUPERZOO 2023 came to a close. Mindy Meiering, creator of the Rainbow Bridge Deck, a deck of beautifully illustrated cards designed to support grieving pet lovers through the loss of a cherished pet, is looking forward to maintaining the SUPERZOO 2023 spirit long after the show. “Meeting so many wonderful new people from all walks of the pet industry and making new business connections and friendships that I look forward to nurturing and growing was my favorite part of the experience!” she said. The pet industry is a $100 billion industry, which continues to grow as pet lovers further prioritize their pets’ care, quality of life, and longevity. SUPERZOO’s ongoing success is a testament to the bond pet parents share with their pets and the power of coming together over shared interests and goals. “This year’s SUPERZOO surpassed our highest expectations, reaffirming its status as the definitive event for the pet retail community. The enthusiasm displayed by attendees, exhibitors and industry leaders alike was truly remarkable,” said Mike Karsting, WPA’s SVP of Events. “SUPERZOO is a space where innovative advancements are celebrated and visionary ideas take flight”. ■ www.southernvintagephotography.com | info@southernvintagephoto.com
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Fall Model Contest Finalists
vote at lowcountrydog.com/modelcontest
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with every bottle sold
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Photography by Jeanne Taylor Photography
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a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away... It is a period of civil war. Rebel spaceships, striking from a hidden base, have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Empire. During the battle, Rebel spies managed to steal secret plans to the Empire’s ultimate weapon, the DEATH STAR, and space station with enough power to destroy an entire planet. Pursued by the Empire’s sinister agents, Princess Leia races home aboard her starship, custodian of the stolen plans that can save her people and restore freedom to the galaxy. Her ship is intercepted by an Imperial Star Destroyer under the command of the ruthless Darth Vader. Before she is captured, Leia hides the plans in the memory system of astromech droid R2-D2, who flees in an escape pod to the nearby desert planet Tatooine alongside his companion, protocol droid C-3PO. The droids are captured by Jawa traders, who sell them to moisture farmers Owen and Beru Lars and their nephew Luke Skywalker. While Luke is cleaning R2-D2, he discovers a holographic recording of Leia requesting help from one ObiWan Kenobi. Luke learns that his father fought alongside Obi-Wan as a Jedi Knight during
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the Clone Wars until Vader, Obi-Wan’s former pupil, turned to the dark side of the Force and murdered him. Obi-Wan offers Luke his father’s old lightsaber, the signature weapon of Jedi Knights.
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R2-D2 plays Leia’s full message, in which she begs Obi-Wan to take the Death Star plans to Alderaan and give them to her father, a fellow veteran, for analysis. Although Luke initially declines Obi-Wan’s offer to accompany him to Alderaan and learn the ways of the Force, he is left with no choice after discovering that Imperial stormtroopers have killed his aunt and uncle and destroyed their farm in their search for the droids. Traveling to a cantina in Mos Eisley to search for transport, Luke and Obi-Wan hire Han Solo, a smuggler indebted to local mobster Jabba the Hutt. Pursued by stormtroopers, Obi-Wan, Luke, R2-D2, and C-3PO flee Tatooine with Han and his Wookiee co-pilot Chewbacca on their ship, the Millennium Falcon. Before the Falcon can reach Alderaan, Death Star commander Grand Moff Tarkin destroys the planet after interrogating Leia for the location of the Rebel Alliance’s base. Upon arrival, the Falcon is captured by the Death Star’s tractor beam, but the group evades capture by hiding in the ship’s smuggling compartments. As Obi-Wan leaves to disable the tractor beam, Luke persuades Han and Chewbacca to help him rescue Leia after discovering that she is scheduled to be executed. After disabling the tractor beam, Obi-Wan sacrifices himself in a lightsaber duel against
Vader, allowing the rest of the group to escape the Death Star with Leia. Using a tracking device, the Empire tracks the Falcon to the hidden Rebel base on Yavin IV.
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The schematics reveal a hidden weakness in the Death Star’s thermal exhaust port, which could allow the Rebels to trigger a chain reaction in its main reactor with a precise proton torpedo strike. Han leaves the Rebels to pay off Jabba, after collecting his reward for rescuing Leia. Luke joins their X-wing starfighter squadron in a desperate attack against the approaching Death Star. In the ensuing battle, the Rebels suffer heavy losses as Vader leads a squadron of TIE fighters against them. Han and Chewbacca unexpectedly return to aid them in the Falcon, and knock Vader’s ship off course before he can shoot Luke down. Guided by the voice of Obi-Wan’s spirit, Luke uses the Force to aim his torpedoes into the exhaust port, destroying the Death Star moments before it fires on the Rebel base. In a triumphant ceremony at the base, Leia awards Luke and Han medals for their heroism. Star Wars is property of Lucas Films. LTD. Thanks to our models: Indy (Luke Skywalker), Mango (Princess Leia & Obi Wan), Mauve ( Darth Vader), Shannon & Maggie (Han Solo & Chewbacca)
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STRONG MIND K9 Professional Dog Training
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LOWCOUN T RY DOG EVEN TS 1 1 /05/2 023 Dia De Los Perros Fest ival Tattooed Moose J oh ns I sl an d 1 2 /0 9 /2 023 Home for th e Hol i days
U P COMING EV ENTS IN 20 24 E AT, DRIN K, & RESCU E Feb 2024 LOWCO U NT RY DO GA PA LO OZA ( new d a te to b e a n n oun c ed ) MAY T HE DO GS B E WIT H YO U FEST IVA L May 2024 Ch eck out our Events page for eve n more local events and to ch eck fo r da te changes. w ww.lowcountr ydog.com/ events
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In The News k-9 Officer Rico killed in the line of duty on Johns Island. n a press conference, officials confirmed a K-9 named Rico was killed in the events that transpired Thursday afternoon that led to the death of Ernest Robert Burbage III, the suspect in a manhunt that started Wednesday afternoon and stretched into the following day.
Woman who allegedly abandoned dog at airport and flew to resort hit with animal cruelty charges A woman accused of intentionally abandoning her dog at a Pennsylvania airport before she boarded a flight to a resort in Mexico earlier this month has been charged with animal cruelty and related charges, authorities announced Thursday.
Pooch sneaks into Metallica concert, jams out with crowd in Los Angeles A four-legged fan recently snuck into a Metallica concert and stayed for the entire show in Los Angeles. According to the legendary band, which is currently sporting its 72 Seasons World Tour, a dog named Storm wandered into SoFi Stadium, grabbed a seat, and enjoyed the entire show.
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adjective // (of a dog) having one’s true identity concealed. Join Freshfields Village for the annual Dogtoberfest and Pet Expo, Saturday, October 28 from 1-5pm. Bring your furry friends to the Village for this free and family friendly event to benefit local rescue organizations. The day will include adoptable meet & greets with local rescue groups, pet vendors, a pet costume contest and music. And for the dog moms and dads—beer and wine will be available for purchase.
SATURDAY // OCTOBER 28 // 1:00 TO 5:00 PM // ON THE VILLAGE GREEN
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RESCUE STORY: The Day Nachos & Queso Brought Us to Tears WRIT TEN BY: KRISTINA CONTRERAS Bullie 2 the Rescue When you think of Nachos and Queso, I would imagine only good, yummy things come to mind. Us too, but those thoughts changed in early August of this year. Bullies 2 the Rescue got a message from Dorchester Paws about several dogs that were severely neglected at a home in Berkeley County. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the first, the second, or even the third this year. We had just picked up Brina, who was found severely emaciated in a neighborhood in Summerville. We picked up Sprinkles from Dorchester Paws just months prior, also emaciated and carrying a large, cancer infected tumor. Dasher, who was picked up off the side of the road, was emaciated and had a tumor in his ear. It’s becoming a pretty big issue we are seeing around the Charleston area. When the shelter reached out with photos, despite much neglect as we’ve been seeing, we were gutted still. Their photos were horrific and the amount of neglect sickened us to our stomachs. We didn’t hesitate to scoop them up and get to work, making all these things a distant memory. Seeing them in person and the severity of their conditions was something the photos couldn’t prepare us for. Nacho was so mentally disconnected that he didn’t even have the energy to stand up. Queso was the shell of a dog, every single rib and hip bone sticking out. Picking them up didn’t even feel real. They both weighed a third of the weight they should have been. Nacho didn’t acknowledge the presence of new people. He looked so much like he had given up. Upon hearing more about their story, we understood why. It was relayed to Bullies 2 the Rescue that someone had called in for a welfare check on some dogs
that were being kept in a garage. When the check was conducted there were 5 dogs all in cages, no AC or ventilation in inches of thick feces and urine. They all had severe pressure sores from being in these cages and neglected for who knows how long. Animal Control was told that someone else had been caring for them because the owner was ill. They surrendered the dogs to animal control. That’s as much as we know. If I am being honest, I had to pause from writing their story because thinking about what they just overcame is still very fresh and the tears still come. I struggled and put off writing it many times. It took a few weeks to start seeing them become dogs and not shells of animals that had no hope. It wasn’t as simple as feeding them and they would be ok. It is very dangerous to overfeed severely neglected animals. There is a condition called refeeding syndrome, so it’s tiny meals
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multiple times daily for weeks as well as lots of rest and carrying them up and down stairs because they didn’t have the energy to take a single step themselves. They were loaded with numerous worms and parasites. They had ear and skin infections, anemia, and were battling upper respiratory infections. It’s been a month and a half now since they were pulled from that garage. Nacho, a shorty Bull, was 16 pounds and he is now 26 pounds. Queso was a mere 12 pounds and she is 19 pounds now. The biggest change is how happy they are. Healing wasn’t just a physical hurdle as there were huge emotional scars. Their world consisted of a tiny cage for so long and they were unsure of their new freedom. They wouldn’t venture out any distance without us near and cheering them on. Confidence was nonexistent. We spent so much time just being near them, loving them, nurturing them. We slept in the guestroom with them as they battled the respiratory infections. We would gently place kisses on them as they slept and little by little, they got closer and closer and gave kisses back. Slowly and cautiously, they have blossomed into playful, loving puppies. They are very affectionate and love going on walks around the yard. They love car rides and beam when you walk in the room. Their little tail nubs have wiggled throughout the whole process. Fear is all but a distant memory for them now. They don’t have to worry about where their next meal will be or if they can breathe clean air. They don’t have to shake or bow down with the uncertainty of an unkind hand. Their story is just starting. We are not certain of their birthday, but their medical team feels Queso is 2 and Nacho is around 4. They will be celebrated from here on out. We shudder to think what would have happened if that unsung hero didn’t call for the wellness check. What if Sprinkles didn’t get picked up walking the streets with that tumor, or if Brina wasn’t given a
chance to know love, what if Dasher didn’t happen to be found on that busy street? We don’t know what is going on in the Lowcountry. Is it the economy? Is it the popularity of the breed leading to increased breeding and then people not understanding the amount of care this breed requires? Is it not knowing where the resources are, so dogs are being dumped or worse off – locked in garages and unfed? We know fundamentally our mission is to educate and we are trying. But honestly, rescues cannot keep up. The abuse, the neglect, it changes you. There needs to be change. It should never get to the point that it did with Nacho and Queso. It takes a village. Thank you to all those who helped these two and those who dedicate to helping those without voices every day. Thank you for those who spoke up when something wasn’t right, the shelters, the rescues, the medical teams, the volunteers, those who donate, and thank you to LowCountry Dog Magazine for giving Nacho and Queso a voice. Kristina and Joey Contreras, foster parents for Bullies 2 the Rescue. Bullies 2 the Rescue is a 501c3 nonprofit catering to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of English and French Bulldogs. www.bullies2therescue.com ■
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GO GREEN | ADOPT A RECYCLED DOG
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THESE ADOPTABLE DOGS ARE SPONSORED BY: ADOPTABLE DOGS ARE SPONSORED BY: THESE
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GO GREEN | ADOPT A RECYCLED DOG
BULLIES TO THE RESCUE
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GO GREEN | ADOPT A RECYCLED DOG
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THESE ADOPTABLE DOGS ARE SPONSORED BY:
C AROLINA BOXER RESCUE
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