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, and Alyssa Helms, our Media Manager from 2020 to 2024.
Publisher
Brian Foster brian@lowcountrydog.com
Canine Correspondent
Lovey social@lowcountrydog.com
Media Assistant
Samantha Stinner media@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
Contributing Writers
Danielle DeLizza
Britain Jones
For advertising and media inquiries please email contact@lowcountrydog.com
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Lovey’s Lowcountry Livin’: Dining Out Etiquette
Sit, Stay, Behave... Three Things I Would Teach My New Dog!
HEALTH & WELLNESS: (Don’t) Scratch That Itch
FEATURE STORY: Charleston Veterinary Referral Center Expands
LOCAL DOG EVENTS
IN THE NEWS
RESCUE SPOTLIGHT: Colleton County Animal Services
GO GREEN: Adopt A Recycled Dog!
Cover Photo & Above Photo by Jeanne Taylor Photography
Dining Out Etiquette:
a dog’s guide to fine dining
As a four-legged furry friend, I enjoy spending time with my human, especially when they decide to take me out for a meal at a restaurant. However, there are certain rules and etiquettes that every dog should follow to ensure a pleasant dining experience for everyone involved.
First and foremost, it’s essential to mention that not all restaurants are dog-friendly, so it’s imperative that your humans do proper research beforehand to find establishments that welcome canine guests. Once you have arrived at a dog-friendly restaurant, remember that you are representing all dogs and should strive to leave a positive impression.
Being a scared dog like me, I prefer the quieter spots and luckily there are lots of them in the Lowcountry. One of my favorites is Sesame Burger (NOT A SPONSOR BUT SHOULD BE). They have a small outdoor covered patio with about 5 or 6 tables. They always promptly bring me a bowl of water and dad orders me a turkey patty. I enjoy my water and patty under the table, resting safely between dad’s legs.
Another favorite spot is Ellis Creek Fish Camp on James Island. They have mostly outdoor seating and even have a doggie menu! They are one of our featured dog friendly eats like
Lovey's lowcountry livin’
Tattooed Moose’s locations and our amazing advertisers with us.
Here are my tips to make sure you get more dining experiences in the future.
1. NO BARKING. Humans don’t seem to like it when you talk about how much fun you are having.
2. STAY CALM. Best to just sit or lay next to your human and not bring attention to yourself.
3. STAY OFF THE TABLE. This should go without saying, but it tends to be frowned upon when you get on table- not sure why.
4. ONLY TAKE FOOD OFFERED. Stealing food off your or another human’s plate is definitely not allowed and may get you a time out.
I like to say that my favorite dining experience is at home on the sofa when dad has take out and he shares his chicken or pizza crusts with me. ■
Would you like us to make a list of the top dog friendly restaurants in the Lowcountry? Let us know!
Three Skills I Would Teach My New Dog, and
No, it’s Not
Sit
WRITTEN BY DANIELLE DeLIZZA Trainer & Owner of Strong Mind K9
You just got a new dog or puppy, how exciting! You want to teach him or her as much as possible, let them become part of your routine and social life. Where do you begin? Whether this is a new puppy or a new adult dog bonding with your family, these three skills are the beginning steps of training, bonding, and welcoming them in your home successfully. I hope this can simplify it for you and give you a good place to start.
Engagement Training
Teaching your dog attention and how to engage with you is one of the most important skills to start. What’s a dog’s obedience if you do not have your dog’s attention from the beginning? And no, I do not mean waving a treat in their face to bribe them to pay attention to you. I want genuine focus and I want to teach them to devalue distractions and value you as their owner. This is the foundation of them looking to you for direction.
First, I want to find what motivates them. Does your dog like treats? Maybe toys or attention. Once I figure out what they value, I start teaching your dog to engage with you. This looks like teaching them their name and eye contact. Their name is the number one word or “command” you will say to your dog, so, in that case, let’s add meaning to it by teaching them to engage with you when you say their name. I expect a nice solid look up if they’re next to you. I want to develop this habit of looking up at you when they are looking for direction, or if I had simply called for their attention. I will also
teach them an informal recall with their name so you can receive engagement when they are distracted. With this you are able to undervalue distractions that may over excite them or cause fear, both of which could cause bad behaviors that we would have to re-socialize them with additional training. Attention training also helps those dogs that could potentially be fearful or over stimulated with distractions.
Socialization
When you get a new dog or puppy, socialization is conditioning your dog to people, environments, weird objects, textures, and sounds, etc. But it’s also analyzing how your dog reacts to these new things and being proactive about possible reactions with training. Socialization with your new dog or puppy will help you gain information and/or expose them to new things.
For a new puppy, we are exposing them to new experiences as positively as possible. More often than not, this is where I add my attention and focus training to properly condition your dog into situations. This will help combat possible negative situations where they might decide to be frightened or overly stimulated.
Socialization for an “older” but new dog to the home may look a little different. Whereas a puppy we are conditioning so much newness, a dog that is a bit older we are learning about how they approach environments/situations and what behaviors may need to be modified. Dogs that have experiences under their belt give us an additional challenge of spotting potentially more gained behaviors such as fears, overstimulation, reactivity. This is where we need to step in as their owner and learn what training goals we have for our new dog.
Crate Training
I know, I know, I am yet another trainer telling you to crate train your dog. It’s not mean, it’s the most proactive tool you can have when house training your puppy or dog. This gives your dog an overall start of structure in their own environment.
Crating should not be considered a punishment, it should be a timeout from training. Remember training isn’t about obedience, it’s teaching them potty training, house training, and socializing them to different situations in the home. The crate should also be used as a resting place to teach them self soothing instead of being hyperactive non stop, which in turn can cause boredom and bad behaviors. Without the crate, we are setting our dogs up for failure by allowing them to choose what and what not to do when they’re bored. We have all seen what fun things dogs will find when left unattended- or the scarier part, not knowing if they will get into mischief. I know for my peace of mind, my house is safe, their training is safe and waiting for me, and most importantly, they’re safe. Avoid the vet bill and save your money for training.
In conclusion, having these three skills will set you up for success in the beginning of your relationship with your new dog. While working on these three skills to learn more about your new dog or puppy, write down your goals and start researching training and trainers. You will have a great baseline to start advancing their obedience and modifying behaviors. Happy Training!
At Strong Mind K9 my mission is to strengthen the bond of you and your dog. I want you to truly understand your dog and how to clearly communicate with them in any scenario throughout their lives. Bond, trust, and a clear level of communication are what truly strengthens their minds and our relationship with them. Every dog is different, that’s why Strong Mind K9 offers free evaluations to fit you and your dog in the most appropriate program to fit your goals. I specialize in a balanced training approach where I train you to be your dog’s trainer and about your dog’s behaviors. I offer Puppy Programs, On and Off Leash Obedience with behavior modification, and Service Dog training. Any dog and human can be trained, let me help you strengthen you and your dog’s mind today!
Check us out on our socials and sign up for a free evaluation with me! ■
If you ever want to start an argument where no one will win, bring up the topic of pet allergy relief. Outside of politics, I have never seen such a sway of opinion!
On one side, you have traditional veterinarians who may lean toward allergy testing or therapies such as APOQUEL (in pill or chewable form) or Cytopoint (an injectable), both made by the same manufacturer. These prescription products are often the go-to for traditional veterinarians when treating symptoms for patients with itchy skin or inflammation due to unknown allergies. Itching is miserable and vets want their clients’ pets to feel good. And with APOQUEL, for example, promising improvement within the first 24-hours, and Cytopoint right behind it for its lesser possible side effects, on the surface these sound like a solid choice. And for some pets, they may well be.
But there are two sides to every coin and there are plenty of arguments both in favor of and vehemently opposed to the use of chemical products, with plausible links to pets developing diseases as a result of their immune systems being suppressed by drugs like these. Within their own package inserts and safety information, there are ominous warnings. The manufacturer was even cited in 2018 for an APOQUEL misbranding violation by the FDA as it pertained to its website representing the drug as “safe” and with “minimal side effects”, which contradicted their Important Safety Information and associated risks with use.
Those who are pro-medication remedy (or at least not anti-) have pets who have had favorable experiences and no adverse effects or minimal side effects. I know people on both sides of this discussion - pet parents, traditional veterinarians, and other holistic pet professionals – and I have known pets on the entire spectrum exhibiting no apparent effects to the opposite end with cancer diagnoses.
For my sometimes-itchy dog, the mere possibility of his immune system becoming compromised or developing a cancer from a medication makes these therapies a non-consideration for me, so I have had to dive further into alternative and holistic remedies to support him.
Just like humans, pets can experience food and environmental allergies. Roux is our first dog with skin concerns – and by concerns, I mean he itches sometimes and gets dry skin. I do my best to wipe him down if he’s been outside (he loves to roll around in the grass!); his diet is also now completely devoid of chicken (which has helped tremendously), but sometimes, he still cycles through an itchy phase. What’s a dog-parent to do if you don’t want to pursue chemical relief or put your pet through testing? You explore natural alternatives!
This is not in any way intended to diagnose or treat a condition. Your dog’s health and well-being are paramount; please discuss your particular concerns with your veterinary provider.
ALLERGIES and THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Simply put, allergies are the body’s immune response to “something” to which it has developed a hypersensitivity, whether food or environmental. One of the best things we can do to support our immune systems, and those of our precious pets, is to repair and maintain good gut health!
FIX THE GUT
In recent years there has been increased discussion on the microbiome, thanks to experts Dr. Karen Becker and Rodney Habib. Their eye-opening research has created a wall of resistance at times, seeing traditional veterinary medicine at odds with a more integrative or holistic approach. With pet care in the United States approaching $104B as an industry, pet parents not only appreciate having options, but now they are also demanding them.
Diet and good nutrition are key. You may have heard the phrase, “carbs feed cancers.” While we are not all carrying degrees in biology, what can be easily explained is that glucose is needed for cancer cells to survive, thrive and reproduce. Kibble is often loaded with carbs. If you are not able to gently cook or otherwise feed a more wholesome diet than kibble alone, experts do recommend supplementing your pet’s meals with other whole foods to offset nutritional deficiencies. Economy is understandably a consideration for most families and doing the best you can for your pet within your own budget should be the goal.
SUPPLEMENTS and ALLERGY MEDICINE
Where Benadryl, for example, was always considered a safe bet and could even be used in pregnant or nursing females, Zyrtec is now a popular product for our pets’ allergy relief too. Zyrtec has longer staying power, so issuing meds is usually once per day where Benadryl is given every few hours depending on the symptoms. Quercetin, however, is a natural antihistamine that some pet parents have recently discovered
and tout its effectiveness - and it doesn’t carry the side effects that Benadryl does with long-term use. Quercetin is considered safe for dogs and the best absorption is through food incorporated into the diet, but there are prepared supplements you can purchase as well. Another apparent benefit of Quercetin is that it is known to help reduce inflammation, which, in turn, translates to reduced itching. Lastly, this gem of a substance has been shown to limit the growth of cancer cells. It should be noted that Quercetin is not recommended for pets with kidney disease. As always, be sure to speak with your veterinarian for brand suggestions and dosing for your pet’s particular circumstances if you decide to add Quercetin (or Quercetin with Bromelain) to their regimen.
IMMUNOMODULATORS
Immunomodulators such as functional mushrooms can also be tremendously helpful in course-correcting the innerworkings of a pet with allergies. Turkey Tail and Maitake are wonderful options to consider for immune support and balance. Both are available through trusted sources such as RealMushrooms.com – always consult with your pet’s primary veterinary provider before adding any new supplements to their diet, especially if they are taking other medications or have any health conditions.
WIPE ‘EM DOWN!
Our Roux loves to roll in the grass, especially if it’s been freshly cut – and even moreso if we haven’t had a rain! If he’s been outdoors enjoying the sun for a few minutes, or we have been trail walking, I’ll wipe him down or clean his feet and pads to mitigate an itch that could lead to paw licking or ear scratching. Without putting him through allergy testing, we worked to rule out a sensitivity to chicken and after removing chicken from his diet entirely, there has been a noticeable reduction in his itchiness overall. With dogs like Roux who are sometimes prone to these types of responses, it doesn’t take much to send their systems reeling. Some pets do need allergy tests as their symptoms are quite severe and constant, so if your furry friend suffers terribly, please speak with your vet to see what you can do to get to the root cause so they can start to feel better.
DRY SKIN and ITCHING
Nature is an incredible inventor and coconut oil (virgin coconut oil, to be precise) can offer a multitude of benefits for itchy dogs. It is a powerful antimicrobial with multipurpose applications, able to be given in small amounts as part of your dog’s diet, used sparingly to brush their teeth, or
can even be massaged into their fur. Talk about benefits! And you don’t need to use much to have an impact. Most dogs enjoy the taste of coconut so you will want to make sure you can manage your pup for a few minutes while it absorbs into their coat. It’s best to bathe them, massage it into their skin and then rinse off after 5-10 minutes. If they feel oily to the touch you can rinse again or even use a light shampoo; then be sure to rinse thoroughly. A little goes a long way so don’t overdo the quantity. Other natural options for moisturizing their skin include, but are not limited to, Vitamin E oil as well as chamomile or green tea baths.
If you are considering adding coconut or any other oil to your dog’s diet, please consult with your veterinarian to determine the best amount and schedule – it’s always recommended to begin slowly so you can monitor for digestive or other effects. Some dogs who are predisposed to certain conditions such as pancreatitis may/will not tolerate it well, so it’s important to discuss with your provider before adding to their meals.
Itching is a vicious cycle: itch creates the desire to scratch, which can create irritation, which reinforces the need to scratch or lick, which can lead to hot spots and infection. You can’t simply slap a Band-Aid on a dog. Gently cleansing the affected area (daily) and applying a topical spray for hot spots has been my normal response. There are natural brands such as Wondercide that include herbs safe for pets to ingest if they happen to, but unpleasant to their sense of smell so they will avoid licking the area. This allows the area a chance to calm down and heal. Once hot spots develop, it’s important to curb them as quickly as possible as they can become easily infected, and may then require antibiotics or medicated topicals.
There are CBD-infused pet products that are also designed to support your pet’s healing skin. Always research the company and brand, read user reviews, determine the sourcing of their ingredients and that they are verified in thirdparty labs, and ensure the products are made in a National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified
Several brands of pet supplements now offer chews aimed at supporting itchy pets too. These are typically easy to administer as tasty chews rather than in pill form. They are not a magic bullet, but according to some testimonials, in only a brief period of time pet parents are seeing positive outcomes with reduced itchiness.
While veterinary medicine has come millions of miles from its origins in ancient Mesopotamia, Mother Nature will always keep an option in her back pocket you can consider too. And that’s the goal here: just to encourage pet parents to research more natural alternatives and then have an informed discussion with your veterinarian.
Speak with your pet’s provider and explore all the choices to not just find relief for your pet, but also to strengthen their immune system so their bodies can repair themselves from the inside too.
■
Charleston Veterinary Referral Center Expands to Meet Growing Pet Care Needs: A New Era for Veterinary Excellence in the Southeast
WRITTEN BY BRITAIN JONES
Field Marketing Manager, Charleston Veterinary Referral Center
In the fall of 2024, Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC), one of the Southeast’s leading veterinary hospitals, will embark on an exciting journey of transformation with the groundbreaking of a major expansion project. This ambitious initiative marks a new chapter in the hospital’s dedication to providing the highest level of veterinary care to pets and their families in Charleston, South Carolina, and beyond. By the time the project is completed in 2025, CVRC will have doubled its facility from 16,000 square feet to an impressive 32,000 square feet, allowing the hospital to offer an expanded range of services, better accommodate its growing clientele, and solidify its role as a premier veterinary referral center.
Meeting a Growing Demand for Veterinary Services
Over the last several years, Charleston has seen significant growth in its pet population, with more residents relying on veterinary services to care for their animals’ health and well-being. As the only Level I certified emergency and critical care hospital in South Carolina, recognized by the prestigious Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS), CVRC has become an indispensable part of the Charleston pet community. The demand for specialized veterinary
services has increased, and CVRC is rising to the challenge with this expansion.
“Our mission has always been to provide the highest standard of veterinary care, and this expansion is a testament to our dedication to that mission,” said Holly Williams, Hospital Director at CVRC. “With the increased space and new capabilities, we will be able to offer an even greater level of service to our clients and their pets.”
The expanded facility will enable CVRC to better serve its growing number of patients and introduce cutting-edge technologies and new treatment areas. With more physical space and updated equipment, the hospital can continue to be a leader in veterinary innovation, while also improving the overall experience for pet owners who visit the center.
A Look Inside the Expansion
The CVRC expansion is more than just a growth in square footage—it represents a commitment to enhancing the quality and breadth of care provided to Charleston’s pet community. The project will introduce several key features aimed at elevating the hospital’s ability to treat more patients and offer specialized services that are often hard to find outside of major metropolitan areas.
New Capabilities and Advanced Medical Equipment
The expansion will bring in state-of-the-art medical equipment that will enhance CVRC’s ability to diagnose and treat complex conditions. New specialized treatment areas will be established, enabling the hospital to offer services in fields like oncology, neurology, cardiology, and critical care with the most advanced tools available.
The increased capacity means CVRC will be able to treat more emergency cases, an essential service given that the hospital is open 24/7/365 for emergencies. The investment in new technology and equipment will ensure that CVRC remains at the forefront of veterinary medicine and continues to be a trusted resource for pet owners seeking expert care for their animals.
Increased Parking and Client Convenience
In addition to medical upgrades, the expansion will address the practical needs of CVRC’s growing clientele by providing increased parking. One of the common challenges faced by clients visiting veterinary centers is finding convenient parking, especially during peak hours. By adding more parking spaces, CVRC ensures that pet owners can more easily access the facility, reducing stress and creating a smoother experience for both pets and their owners.
Enhanced Service Capacity and Staff
The additional space will allow CVRC to hire more staff, expanding the team of specialized veterinarians, technicians, and support personnel who are essential to providing comprehensive care. With more staff on hand, the hospital will be able to shorten wait times, see more patients, and provide more personalized attention to each pet’s unique needs.
This expansion aligns with CVRC’s commitment to being a full-service facility, offering everything from emergency care to complex surgeries and physical rehabilitation under one roof. It will
also allow for the growth of urgent care services, which are increasingly in demand as pet owners seek immediate, high-quality medical attention for their animals.
A Transformative Journey for the Charleston Pet Community
The groundbreaking ceremony for CVRC’s expansion is set for fall 2024, kicking off a yearlong construction process that will be closely followed by the local community. As a vital part of Charleston’s veterinary landscape, the expansion is eagerly anticipated by both long-time clients and new pet owners seeking exceptional care. “This expansion is not just about growing our physical space; it’s about growing our ability to care for the pets and people who rely on us,” said Williams. “We are thrilled to embark on this journey and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our community.”
Charleston is home to a diverse and passionate pet-owning community, and CVRC’s expansion will allow the hospital to extend its reach even further. The additional space will make it possible for the center to take on more complex cases from across the Southeast, as well as offer specialized services that are not readily available in the region.
The Future of Veterinary Medicine in Charleston
As Charleston continues to grow, so does the need for advanced veterinary care. With this expansion, CVRC is positioning itself as a leader not just in South Carolina, but in the broader Southeast region. The hospital’s reputation for providing cutting-edge treatments and compassionate care has already made it a trusted name among pet owners, and the new facility will only strengthen that legacy.
The year-long construction process will be completed by 2025, marking a major milestone in CVRC’s history. Once finished, the center will stand as a 32,000-square-foot hub of veterinary excellence, fully equipped to meet the needs of Charleston’s growing pet population.
About Charleston Veterinary Referral Center
Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC) is a renowned small animal emergency and referral hospital located in West Ashley, just 20 minutes from downtown Charleston. Open 24/7/365, CVRC specializes in emergency medicine, urgent
care, critical care, internal medicine, cardiology, neurology, oncology, surgery, and physical rehabilitation. It serves patients from across South Carolina and beyond, offering comprehensive care for a wide range of medical conditions. CVRC is proud to be the only veterinary facility in South Carolina to have earned Level I certification from the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS), a designation that underscores its commitment to excellence.
As Charleston’s pet population continues to grow, CVRC’s expansion ensures that the hospital will remain a key resource for pet owners seeking the best possible care for their animals. To stay up to date on the expansion and other news from CVRC, visit CharlestonVRC.com.
The future of veterinary medicine in Charleston looks bright, and CVRC is leading the way with its commitment to innovation, compassionate care, and service to the community. With this expansion, CVRC is set to make an even greater impact, helping to ensure that pets in Charleston and the surrounding region receive the best possible care for years to come. ■
DESERVES THE BED YOUR DOG
SHOP IN ONE OF OUR 170 STORES OR AT
Photography by Jeanne Taylor Photography
Dogs truly are out of this world. From their adoration and unconditional love, to their antics that will keep their humans endlessly entertained. But if you are here and reading Lowcountry Dog Magazine, you already know that!
Each October issue boasts a theme, often costumed (because … well, Halloween, right?). And the issue’s featured pups will have been the winners of one of the magazine’s model contests held throughout the year. This year’s cover kids hail from Charleston SC and are members of a six-pack of Dachsunds. They have impressive resumes and are consummate professionals when it comes to their modeling!
Meet Marlin, Monroe and Emmett.
As Astrodog Marlin boarded A-PAW-LO 18, he knew his main mission was returning home to his people. This pervading thought drove him as he entered the capsule, a bit scared, but excited for the prospect of being the first dachshund in history to land on the Moon!
NASA Control Commander Emmett shared the same mission: Launch, land and return Astrodog Marlin safely to his pack.
As he ran through his control checks with NASA personnel, his nerves began to calm. “I got this,” he said to himself (though it sounded more like “bark bark bark” on the NASA recording that played on the Channel 6 DOG Nightly News). Although the launch itself was terrifyingly loud, it was incredibly fast at least and he held his focus as he was propelled vertically into space.
Marlin inhaled deeply and began to run through his in-flight checks -standard operating procedure for any Astrodog.
And then the quiet came - a peaceful quiet unlike anything he had ever experienced living in a house with five other dogs.
The view from the capsule window was magnificent! In that moment, this pint-sized Astrodog realized just how small he was in the big scheme of the earth’s landscape, and it was a humbling moment.
Time passed strangely as he continued his space trek. There was so much to take in – the stars, the earth below, an alien ship … wait. What? He settled in – but then heard a rumbling. There was initial panic of a malfunction until he realized it was just his belly growling!
Off to the rations of treats he floated, and as he passed the porthole he could see what looked like a huge homemade dog cookie, round in shape, maybe even a little crumbly with its craters. Was that because he was hungry, he wondered or was that really THE MOON?! The only way to know for sure would be to grab a snack and look again.
Sure enough – it was THE MOON in all of its splendor! He had done the unimaginable and would be the first Astrodog to put all four paws on the surface of the Moon!
History was made and with his return trip home uneventful, Astrodog Marlin landed safely and was restored to his pack a hero dog!
Was it a hoax? Was it real? You decide. Only Astrodog Marlin knows for sure what happened up there and he’s not saying. ■
Nom, nom, nom.
On a serious note, we’d like to pay respect to Laika, a Russian street-dog who was sent into space, all alone, on November 5, 1957. Her “given name” was Kudryavka, but she came to be called Laika, which means “barker” in Russian. Laika was sent with only a seven-day oxygen supply and one meal. This was a suicide mission that she surely would not have agreed to if she had been given the option. Laika would become the first living being to orbit the earth. And
while the scientific powers-that-be held the expectation she would die of oxygen deprivation at approximately day seven of her journey, a perceived painless death, we now know that is not the case and she likely passed soon after orbit. Three days prior to lift-off, the husky-spitz mix was placed for travel in what could essentially be considered a crate-sized space in the rocket (Sputnik 2), and she would never exit that box. Reports indicate that while in flight, she was terrified with her heartbeat racing to three times the normal rate and her respiration quadrupling. With the subsequent loss of the heat shield and the temperature in her small space reaching well above 90 degrees, it’s presumed she died soon after launch and perhaps two orbits – alone, scared, confused and trapped. Laika proved that space travel was plausible for a living being, but as a living, sentient being, she did not deserve to be a forced sacrifice. #dogsdeservebetter
Some photos used in creating composites courtesy of NASA, Adobe Stock AI, Canva AI, and Meta AI.
Pair charged with dogfighting after dogs found chained up, injured in Darlington County
Two people face charges related to animal fighting and criminal conspiracy in Darlington County, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said Wednesday.
Jasmine Tyese Williamson, 45, and Wayne Romano McDaniel, 48, were charged with animal fighting or baiting, criminal conspiracy and ill-treatment of animals on Thursday, Aug. 29.
Police K-9 dies
in
line of duty during fiery South Carolina shootout
A search for a suspect ended in a fiery shootout in South Carolina that left a law enforcement officer wounded and a police K-9 dead.
K-9 Mikka was killed during a standoff in Lee County on Friday afternoon, following a chaotic standoff with a suspect wanted in the shooting of a McBee Police Department officer on Thursday night.
Dorchester Co. deputies investigate death of K-9 officer
Lt. Rick Carson said the K-9 was in its handler’s vehicle at the time of its death. An investigation is underway, he said.
“The K-9 will be taken to Columbia this week for a necropsy,” Carson said.
The dog was 5 years old.The handler was demoted to deputy and no longer working with K9 officers.
Click images above to read the full story. For more top stories, visit www.lowcountrydog.com/top-stories
Colleton County Animal Services
WRITTEN BY: SAMANTHA STINNER, Media Assistant
Located in Walterboro, South Carolina, Colleton County Animal Services was established to provide a safe haven for abandoned and lost animals while actively seeking permanent loving homes for them. Their mission is to enhance the lives of companion animals while supporting pet owners throughout the community! Operating as the sole animal rescue in the county, their shelter receives a wide variety of animals available for adoption. From domestic pets such as dogs and cats, to more rural animals such as horses, goats, chickens, and pigs, Colleton County Animal Shelter does not discriminate in the animals that they care for.
Colleton County Animal Services has grown in capacity throughout the years. Back in 2009, the shelter received approximately 3,600 animals and had to euthanize 90% of them due to space limitations. Currently, their staff consists of 16 dedicated members who work closely with community volunteers, local veterinarians, and national rescue groups in order to maintain the proper health and well-being of the animals. With the support of the community and dedication of their staff, this statistic has been changed. They are now able to save 88% of the animals surrendered to the shelter. Although they are able to save more than before, the shelter is still over capacity with over 120 dogs and 200 cats under their care.
The process of caring for each individual animal at the rescue is quite elaborate. Each animal that is admitted to the shelter is given a thorough veterinary evaluation, receives vaccinations, and is spayed or neutered to help control pet population. On a daily basis, their staff ensures proper care for the animals by providing nutritious meals, regular exercise, and most importantly, love and affection! The animals also participate in various enrichment activities for mental stimulation and emotional well-being. Caring for the animals requires a considerable amount of time and energy. One significant way that people can help contribute to the shelter is through volunteer work.
Volunteer and foster programs are vital to extending the care and socialization that the animals receive beyond what can be provided within the shelter walls. Volunteering can consist of various tasks depending on abilities and involvement. It can be as simple as providing routine care for the animals and organization at the shelter, or as involved as transporting or fostering animals. Something as simple as walking the
dogs ensures that all healthy and able dogs are getting out of their kennels at least once a day, if not twice. The shelter also hosts an event called ‘Pretty Pup Pack Walk.’ The organizer sets a few dates each month and solicits volunteers to walk dogs at offsite locations. Each dog is paired with a walker based on their abilities and they all go on a pack walk together! Participating in playgroups and group walks allows the shelter to provide proper socialization and mental stimulation for the dogs.
Fostering is another way for people to support the shelter. The animal shelter provides all of the supplies necessary for caring for the animal. How is fostering helpful? It allows people to understand how a dog acts in a home environment. By seeing pictures and videos of dogs in a home environment, potential adopters can understand what to expect and grow more comfortable with adopting that dog.
And lastly, the goal for each animal at the end of the day is adoption! Fortunately, the adoption process at Colleton County Animal Services is simple! There is a quick questionnaire that people can fill out that helps the staff match people with the perfect pet! Each animal has a $90 adoption fee that covers their vaccinations, spay or neuter, a microchip, and testing and
prevention for heartworm and fleas. Adoption not only helps provide a loving home for an animal in need, but adds a new family member to people’s lives!
How is Colleton County Animal Services different from most?
What sets their rescue apart is their passion for providing education to the community! They offer numerous outreach programs, including humane education in schools, pet parenting classes, and a spay/neuter assistance program. Their proactive approach to animal welfare and community engagement helps to educate the public on proper animal care and prevent future cases of abandonment and abuse.
In response to the growing demand to care for more animals, Colleton County Animal Services is seeking donations for an upcoming renovation project. This project will not only help improve the facilities, but would also increase the overall number of animals that the shelter could rescue and rehome annually. The dedicated team at Colleton County Animal Services works diligently to properly rescue and care for numerous animals in South Carolina. They have hopes to inspire more community involvement and support to help these animals not only survive, but thrive! ■
Link to foster applicationhttps://bit.ly/CCASFosterApp
Link to online adoptable pets pagehttps://bit.ly/ColletonPets
Interest in volunteeringemail volunteers4ccas@gmail.com
Interest in adopting/rescueemail colletonpetrescue@gmail.com
Interest in Pretty Pup Pack WalkInstagram - @prettypamperedpup
Follow Colleton County Animal Services on Instagram- @colletoncountyanimalshelter
