Lowcountry Dog Magazine- October 2022

Publisher

Brian Foster

Chief Canine Officer

Media Manager

Alyssa Helms

Canine Correspondent

Lovey

Copy Editor

Chelsea Salerno

Staff Writers

Hali Selert

Taylor

Photographers

Southern Vintage

Taylor

Web and Design Consultant

Olsen

Contributing Writers

Jerrell Hollis

Janell

For advertising and media

We believe that our dogs are our best friends, and that’s why we need a reliable source to turn to for information on all things “dog” in our community. Our mission is to be the number one Charleston area resource for dog owners regarding regional dog-centric and dog-welcoming events, health & wellness information, dog training, trends, and local news. We also strive to be a mouthpiece to the public for various Lowcountry-based pet nonprofits, and we promote pet adoption and other responsible pet care practices.

Founded in Charleston, South Carolina in 2005 as a print magazine, we re-launched in 2015 as “Charleston’s Digital Dog Magazine.” We continue our mission to be the best dog friendly resource in the Lowcountry.

Cover and above photo by Jeanne Taylor Photography of Artemis, our fall model contest winner.

In this issue

SIT, STAY... BEHAVE: Dog Astrology

HEALTH & WELLNESS: Meet the Breed: The American Shelter Dog

FEATURE STORY: Plight of #4000Beagles Underscores Heartbreaking Reality of Animal Testing

LOCAL DOG EVENTS

IN THE NEWS

Rescue Spotlight: Carolina Poodle Rescue

GO GREEN: Adopt A Recycled Dog!

Halloween Safety for Dogs! Peanut's POINT OF VIEW

Halloween can be the spookiest night of the year, but keeping your pets safe doesn’t have to be tricky. The ASPCA recommends taking these simple, common sense precautions to keep your pet happy and healthy all the way to November.

Stash the Treats

The candy bowl is for trick-or-treaters, not Scruffy or Fluffy. Several popular Halloween treats are toxic to pets. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for cats and dogs, and sugar-free candies containing the sugar substitute xylitol can cause serious problems in pets. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.

Watch the Decorations and Keep Wires Out of Reach

While a carved jack-o-lantern certainly is festive, pets can easily knock over a lit pumpkin and start a fire. Curious kittens are especially at risk of getting burned or singed by candle flame. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered relatively nontoxic, but can produce stomach discomfort in pets who nibble on them.

Be Careful with Costumes

For some pets, wearing a costume may cause undue stress. The ASPCA recommends that you

don’t put your dog or cat in a costume unless you know he or she loves it. If you do dress up your pet for Halloween, make sure the costume does not limit his or her movement, sight or ability to breathe, bark or meow. Check the costume carefully for small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that could present a choking hazard. Illfitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.

Be sure to have your pet try on the costume before the big night. If he or she seems distressed or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting your pet wear his or her “birthday suit.”

Keep Pets Calm and Easily Identifiable

Halloween brings a flurry of activity with visitors arriving at the door, and too many strangers can often be scary and stressful for pets. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. While opening the door for guests, be sure that your dog or cat doesn’t dart outside. And always make sure your pet is wearing proper identification—if for any reason he or she does escape, a collar with ID tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver for a lost pet. ■

DOG ASTROLOGY

A Look Into Your Dog’s Zodiac Sign

WRITTEN BY: JERRELL HOLLIS, Contributing Writer

Yes, your pets have a zodiac sign just like you! Every single living being on earth that has incarnated on this physical plane has their very own natal chart. However, we’ll get into personal charts another time. I’m always available to give a reading. For now, let’s dive into the celestial behavior of our pets and how it relates to the universe, not only to peek beyond the veil but to see what quirks we may fundamentally share with them and the universe.

Contemporary astrology in the United States is generally associated with the 12 zodiac signs like Virgo and Aries, and their role in personal horoscopes. Centuries ago, early Western astrology often conflicted with astronomy and was considered a scholarly subject. Astrologers made celestial observations to create a system of rules to divine future events on earth; the ancient Egyptians used these to predict their events as well and find where to place their pyramids.

By the late 17th century with the rise of Greek physics/mathematics, it was considered to be pseudoscience in the mainstream. However, this “ancient” ideology had been outsmarting astronomy for centuries and some believe it still does in modern day, if not go hand-in-hand. Keep reading to see your pet’s fortune based on their date of birth.

Capricorn

December 22–January 19

Capricorn is the 3rd earth zodiac sign. These pups represent the pinnacle of all dogs. These puppies are disciplined, dedicated, and hardworking. Pets born under this sign thrive on work such as herding and throw themselves into the outdoors with intelligence and resolve. They are generally easy to train, and they will always want something to do. They also prefer toys that utilize cognitive skills!

Aquarius

January 20–February 19

Aquarius is the 3rd air zodiac sign. Puppies born under this sign are inventive, freedom-oriented, and eccentric; they all need to be different. These pets definitely have a will of their own, like to roam, and may not always listen. They are intelligent but will always have their inner puppy on display, making their personalities quite comical.

Learning your pet’s zodiac sign is a big step to understanding how profound our universe is.

Photo by Jeanne Taylor Photography

Pisces

February 20–March 20

Pisces is the 3rd and final water zodiac sign. These puppies are sympathetic, compassionate, understanding, and gentle. Pups born under this sign are sensitive to their environment and should be trained with a light touch. They also feel more secure if they have their own “spot” (pillow, bed, perch, or rug). They are loyal and very sensitive to their owner’s moods. Once they imprint on someone, it’s for life. Pisces animals are also more curious than most, so keep an eye on them to avoid things breaking.

Aries

March 21–April 20

Aries is the 1st of the fire zodiac signs. These pups represent the springtime of the zodiac— the time for life’s budding renewal. Thus, puppies born during this period are full of life and vitality, yet anxious to be out and about exploring their world. You can count on these pets to be headstrong, pushy, curious, impulsive, and energetic. Aries puppies have leadership traits and will let you know what they want. They may even be in charge! Even if there are training challenges, they are also very loyal to their family.

Taurus

April 21–May 20

Taurus is the 1st of the earth zodiac signs. These pups represent the planting of the seed. Taurus pet personalities are docile, earthy, relaxed, or stubborn. Pets born under this sign are generally strong and fond of comfort (like the most comfortable place to lay down!), love food and snacks, and like things to stay the same. While Taurus pets may be stubborn, they are also very protective and like to keep an eye on the safety of their home and family.

Gemini May 21–June 20

Gemini is the 1st of the air zodiac signs. It represents the breezes that prepare us for a new season. Pups born under this sign love diversity, and are always racing around the yard or home. The best part is they are intelligent, fun-loving, and curious about everything. They are very friendly and playful and will probably have MANY toys.

Cancer June 21–July 22

Cancer is the 1st of the water zodiac signs These pups represent the realm of emotions. Cancer pets are sensitive, extremely loyal to home and family, caring, and fond of food. These animals tend to attach themselves firmly to you and will guard and protect you faithfully. Their barks may get out of hand but don’t worry, they’re just saying “Hey I love you”. (I *woof* you.)

Leo July 23–August 22

Leo is the 2nd fire zodiac sign. The pups are strong, magnanimous, and playful. Leo’s pets want to lead, have lots of energy, and—like their totem, the lion—they have their “pride.” They also possess natural abilities, can not be told what to do, are fiercely protective of their dens, and like to be noticed, so just know you’ve got a fighter and a lover on your hands.

Virgo

August 23–September 22

Virgo is the 2nd earth zodiac sign. The puppies represent the harvest of the planted seed. These pets like to accomplish things. Pets born during this time are easy to train, intelligent, discerning, capable, and quick to housebreak. They like to be groomed, which you will see be a very easy process! Virgo pups will make lasting memories with you.

Libra September 23–October 22

Libra is the 2nd air sign. Libran pets have a constant need to be related—with their environment, with other animals, and with people. Pets born under this sign will go to great lengths to please you. They also follow you around and most likely prefer to sleep in your bed.

Scorpio

October 23–November 22

Scorpio is the 2nd water zodiac sign. This sign rules over willpower. Scorpios are by far the strongest members of the zodiac. Pets born under this sign are willful, stubborn, and intelligent. They are also mischievous and have an insatiable curiosity, so expect your little one to get into your things!

Sagittarius

November 23–December 21

Sagittarius is the 3rd and final fire zodiac sign. Puppies born under this sign are seekers of freedom and adventure. Sagittarian pets have lots of energy and enjoy challenges. They also like to move around—and not just in the backyard. As they love action, these pets want you to take them with you when you go hiking or for a simple car drive.

If your pet has any of the qualities listed above in their horoscope, this just means that in a small way, your pup is a reflection of your own personality. We all come from the same stardust, we’re just experiencing it all a little differently. Learning your pet’s zodiac sign is a small step to understanding how profound our universe is. Its hard to know the exact location, date, and time our pets were brought onto this planet but we can already predict they will be fortunate after placed in our palms! ■

Dogs can’t hold their licker.

Join Freshfields Village for the annual Dogtoberfest and Pet Expo, Saturday, October 22 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.

Meet the Breed: All-American Shelter Dog!

WRITTEN BY JEANNE TAYLOR, Staff Writer

Let’s start with some frequent questions often found on rescue and shelter posts.

A cute puppy photo is posted on socials with a brief bio about how it was brought to a shelter by a caring Good Samaritan or Animal Control Officer and how it’s now available for adoption. And so, it begins …

“How big will he get?” and “What kind of dog is he?” or “Is he good with kids?”

Generally speaking, NOBODY KNOWS!

The Lowcountry is unfortunately overrun with stray dogs, puppies, and a crisis-level overpopulation issue. Puppies and adult dogs land in our shelters daily and in many cases, their lives must start from scratch. Did they live with other animals or children? That kind of information is rarely known.

In response to size questions, adopters should assume a puppy’s full-grown size can be estimated using a number of online tools, and some best guesses by folks who have experience with dogs of mixed genetic heritage as well as basic knowledge of dog growth charts. A veterinarian can also offer an educated opinion about how big a puppy will grow to be, but the definitive answer for a shelter stray could be anyone’s guess!

Posts about adult dogs who may have a unique appearance will get these questions too and the response is similar – unless an animal was surrendered and the owner provided the information, dogs are typically described using their perceived predominant breeds – Labrador, hound, terrier, etc. However, an exceedingly small portion of a dog’s DNA is actually responsible for their appearance so these descriptives can truly be tossed out the window.

The only TRUE way to determine ancestry will be a DNA test. A fun fact that many are surprised to learn: puppies in the same litter can have

multiple fathers so a DNA test for one sibling may not yield the same result as another. So, if you are waiting on a littermate’s adopter to pay for a test, know that those results may not be accurate for your adopted pup!

In recent years, these dog DNA services have become wildly popular and the databases have grown, allowing for more accurate identification of overall breed composition. Embark DNA boasts a 95-99% accuracy rate for their reports. Generally recognized as the leader among testing agencies, Embark can identify 200,000 markers, which is twice what competing companies offer and is further set apart from the industry pack by the use of a research-grade DNA genotyping platform.

Wisdom Panel also offers several kit options and is sold at a lower price point; there are other test kits on the market as well, but the accuracy of the Embark tests is unmatched.

I have personally used Embark for our shelter dog and the process was simple – it was a gentle mouth swab, a mix in a test tube with a stabilizer, and voila! Off it went. The turnaround timeframe for results was quite reasonable and their communication throughout the process was impressive. Her results returned as we suspected: 100.0% Catahoula Leopard.

Embark offers several kits: standard breed identification (which is what we did), breed and health, as well as a breeder health kit. These kits are affordably priced and Embark goes one step further, connecting users whose pets have shared genetic history. If a possible family member tests and they make a match to your pet’s DNA, they will email you the other user’s information including the percentage of shared DNA! Through this we have located a number of close family members for our Gracie, and this part has been so intriguing, especially since she was a stray who ended up in the shelter system.

While it’s fun to know the ancestry, dogs who return at a 100.0% breed ID can’t be registered as purebreds. Being able to answer the question of, “What is she?” is the biggest benefit to breed ID testing. The Breed + Health kits, however, offer much greater insight into conditions that you as a caring pet owner may need to be aware of so you can monitor your pet’s health more specifically.

Lowcountry Dog Magazine’s most recently hired canine correspondent, Lovey, was adopted from Carolina Haven Rescue. Lovey joined her new family as a puppy and once she settled in, her dogmom, who also happens to be the publication’s Media Manager, moved forward with a DNA test through Embark as well. Lovey’s identification came back with multiple breeds, all of which combined to create a beautiful, healthy girl!

A Wisdom Panel sample report on a mixed breed also provided percentages broken out in an easyto-follow format, as in the case of Annie Moo, also a rescued pup.

When it comes to our canine companions, many of us want to know as much as we can to further our bond and understanding of these amazing beings – and let’s face it, genetics are fascinating! If you’d like to learn more, you can investigate the Dog Genome Project and review the different test options to find one that suits your data requirements and budget. Then swab your pups and see what you get! ■

Plight of #4000Beagles Underscores Heartbreaking Reality of Animal Testing

WRITTEN BY JANELL GREGORY, State Director for SC, Humane Society of the United States photography provided by HSUS

Animal lovers were captivated by this summer’s news concerning the Humane Society of the United States’ efforts to place nearly 4,000 beagles spared from a lifetime of suffering as test subjects into loving homes. This story marked the first time many people became aware that dogs are even used in such tests and the staggering fact that approximately 60,000 dogs suffer this fate each year. We can leverage this heightened public awareness to extend the drive for non-animal methods of testing that are swifter, more accurate and less expensive than animal use, and of course, better for animals.

It was an all hands on deck situation as the HSUS took on the responsibility for coordinating placement of the beagles. Their placement with HSUS shelter and rescue partners followed a lawsuit filed against contract testing firm, Envigo, by the Department of Justice, alleging Animal Welfare Act violations at Envigo’s dog breeding facility in Virginia. Government inspectors found beagles were killed instead of receiving veterinary treatment for easily treatable conditions. They determined that nursing mother beagles were being denied food and the food that they did receive contained maggots, mold and feces. Over an eight-week period, 25 beagle

puppies died from cold exposure. A number of dogs suffered injuries after being attacked by other dogs in overcrowded conditions, according to inspection records.

Multiple shelters and rescues in South Carolina answered the call to provide placement and facilitate adoptions for these dogs, including Carolina Poodle Rescue, Low Country Animal Rescue, and Pet Helpers Adoption Center. Many if not all of the beagles placed with these organizations have already found loving homes in South Carolina and have started to live the happy lives they deserve. Across the country, as part of the larger efforts, hundreds of dedicated animal protection workers and volunteers, more than 120 shelters and rescues in at least 29 states, and thousands of adopters and foster homes played a critical role in this operation.

Even after all they’ve endured, the nearly 4,000 beagles removed from this breeding facility are the lucky ones. If the breeding facility hadn’t been cited and sued over poor treatment and conditions the dogs endured, they would almost certainly have been sold to a laboratory. If the laboratory that acquired them was tasked with

testing the safety of drugs or chemicals such as pesticides or weed killers, those substances may have been concealed in their food or forcefed to these dogs every day for months, so technicians could monitor their reactions, which could include seizures, vomiting and lethargy. Eventually, if the dogs didn’t die from those doses, they would likely have been killed so their tissues could be examined in necropsy exams.

Instead of subjecting animals to invasive tests, we should be putting greater investments toward organ-on-a-chip technologies, 3D printing, organoids, computational toxicology and other alternatives to animal testing. These alternatives are not only more humane, but even more reliable than conducting these tests on animals. Approximately 90% of drugs ultimately fail in human trials, an estimated half of this is due to unexpected toxicity in humans following animal tests in which no toxicity was observed.

In addition to toxicity testing, dogs are used in many types of biomedical experiments, including those involving cardiac, neurological, respiratory and dental research. In some cases, they may be specially bred with a chronic or fatal disease,

such as muscular dystrophy. In other cases, healthy dogs may be operated on to produce the symptoms of a serious condition, or to remove or damage their organs in preparation for further experiments. They are also typically killed after the research has been completed.

It’s important for the public to understand that these animal testing methods are legal, and in some instances required, and they continue to occur despite the growing evidence that animal tests can lead to inaccurate conclusions and all

too often cannot be usefully applied to humans. We have been working for years to change the landscape for all animals used for research and testing through policy change, corporate engagement, commitment to humane science, and lobbying for increased resources for development of non-animal methods. Animal testing is a complicated issue and change at the scale we need will require a scientific paradigm shift that involves a reorientation of academic and industry science as well as stronger funding and endorsements of non-animal methods by government agencies—all of which can only happen when the public voices their support.

To get us there, members of the public can urge the Food and Drug Administration to stop relying on outdated animal testing, and to make a much stronger commitment to funding, developing and accepting non-animal test methods. If you would also like to help end cosmetics testing on animals, and the sale of cosmetics tested on animals, throughout the United States contact your legislators in support of the Humane Cosmetics Act. For those who want to ensure they buy products from companies with a strict cruelty-free standard, visit LeapingBunny.org ■

session

WE'LL RETRIEVE

Photography by Jeanne Taylor Photography

Stephen King’s IT might be our favorite horror movie, with Pennywise tempting young Georgie into the sewer after his paper sailboat. The innocent red balloons appearing throughout the movie are unnerving as we hope that Georgie will survive the encounter with Pennywise.

Jason Voorhees from Friday the 13th came on the horror scene in 1980 and has been in countless movies, reboots and crossover films like Freddy Vs Jason in 2003, where he took on Freddy Krueger from the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. Well, neither Freddy nor Jason have faced off against their K-9 counterparts until now! Artemis first took on the Jason role and quickly made the machete welding killer an ole softie in no time. Samoa took on the Freddy role with ease to make your worst nightmares come true. The real Freddy was quickly won over as well, but not before Roux and Gracie wanted to act out the 2003 crossover classic, Freddy vs Jason. This is shown in our centerfold and on page 28.

Special thanks to the Cane Bay Killers for volunteering their time and talents to this issue. Check them out on Facebook at the facebook group Cane Bay Killers.

Local Dog Events

10/1 through 10/8 EMPTY THE SHELTERS ADOPTION EVENT

$25 Adoptions emptytheshelters.org

10/7/2022 Black Out Curtain Adoption Event

Dorchester Paws 5 to 7 pm

10/8/2022 Shrimpfest w Kind Keeper

4468 Mineola Ave, Little River, SC 9 to 5 pm

10/8/2022 Pawlooza

5033 Dick Pond Rd, Myrtle Beach, SC 9 to 1 pm

10/15/2022 Adopt and Shop Firefly Distillery 12 to 4 pm

10/15/2022 Ghostwalk

Hutchinson Square 6 to 9 pm

10/21/2022 Granton Manor Haunt

Adoption Event

Cane Bay 4:30 to 6:00

10/26/2022 Granton Manor Haunt

Adoption Event

Cane Bay 4:30 to 6:00

10/22/2022 Dogtoberfest

Freshfields Village

10/29/2022 Fall Festival

Mt Pleasant Towne Centre 12:00pm

11/5/2022 Annual Fur Ball Gala for Pet Helpers

Charleston Gaillard Center

11/5/2022 Art-n-Soul Market

Mystic Farm & Distillery 12 to 4 pm

11/06/2022 Lowcountry Dog’s Dia De Los Perros Festival

Tattooed Moose Johns Island 2 to 6pm

WOOFSTOCK’s NEW DATE IS

SATURDAY, MARCH 25th at Hanahan Amphitheater go to WOOFSTOCKMUSICFEST.COM

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

In The

More than 300 dogs rescued after state’s largest dog fighting ring busted

A team of more than 60 federal, and state law enforcement officers, as well as rescue agencies assisted in what is believed to be the biggest takedown of a dogfighting operation in South Carolina history.

He rescued cats and dogs amid war in Ukraine. Now he’s saving animals from Ian’s wrath.

Mike Merrill has rescued animals from disasters and war zones, but as Hurricane Ian barreled down on Florida, he realized that his next mission would be saving animals in his home state.

Dorchester Paws seeks emergency storm fosters

Dorchester Paws is urgently looking for emergency fosters to take in animals throughout hurricane season.

The animal shelter says they have been advised to evacuate animals on campus as they are guaranteed to have flooding at their low-lying facility.

Anyone can be an emergency foster at no cost.

Click images above to read the full story.

more top stories,

WRITTEN BY: ALYSSA HELMS, Media Manager

Carolina Poodle Rescue is much more than a halfway point; it is a sanctuary and enrichment center. Located in Cherokee County, it is also their Dreamweaver Farm where their eleven rescue horses and several other types of animals can roam. The commitment of the owners to continue to expand, the awesome volunteers, and the over-the-top care that the animals receive are just a few examples of what sets Carolina Poodle Rescue apart.

To explain the mission of Carolina Poodle Rescue, let’s start all the way at the beginning in 2000 when Donna Ezell, the soon to be founder, owner and director, was working with shelters and humane societies. She adopted her first poodle and it wasn’t long before she began focusing on only poodles. Poodles are smart, loyal companions, goofy but stoic, hypoallergenic, and don’t forget gorgeous! As Donna was falling in love with her own rescue, she was also heartbroken knowing euthanasia was becoming so normal and frequent, especially in rural areas with little to no funding to perform emergency veterinary care or handle the capacity of the influx of strays/surrenders. During this time she was using her garage to take in “one by one until none at all”. Twenty-two years later; Donna, her husband (The Dog Father), and the CPR dream team have successfully had over 10,000 animals and dogs of all breeds adopted.

While they now have a thriving facility that currently houses a little over 200 animals at a time with 20 or more superhero caregivers on site at all times, and loyal foster and volunteer teams all around

the country, it wasn’t always this way! There has been a lot of work done to the building. They continue to add to the property to accommodate for more animals. They have re-purposed several 12x12 sheds into air-conditioned, quiet places for recovery and hospice cases, new intakes, cat housing, and even shipping containers they’ve revamped to use for dry food and extra storage spaces. The Dog Father spends the majority of his time tending to the property and thinking of ways to enhance it.

Because of the amount of experimental breeding being done to create an acquired animal with all the right features; such as Aussiedoodle, Bernadoodle, Goldendoodle, Cockapoo, Maltipoo...the list goes on; about half of the dogs taken in are from breeders. We have even seen a Great Doodle - a very big, well-mannered 4-month-old working on his social skills. The problem is, they sadly end up in a shelter once they get too big or haven’t been trained properly. There are said to be fifty to sixty different Doodle mixes while there are only three recognized by the AKC. Poodles are nowhere near an easy breed to handle, and bad breeding of even pure breds can lead to long-term and even fatal problems.

That’s where Donna, her husband, staff members, and veterinary partners step up. They never turn away from an animal in need regardless of species, breed, how rough the case may look or how much the cost. The facility has great pride in this. Donna has been one of the most devoted rescue advocates I have encountered while experiencing the greatnesses and differences of each rescue throughout the Rescue Spotlight series. They always have one staff member living on site. Dogs are rotated with walks and outside time from 7 am to 10 pm

every single day. Dogs have plenty of space to stretch their legs, hone up on their fetch skills, and just play at the farm.

About 50% of the dogs that come into the rescue are from breeders all around the country, including the Amish Country which breeds many breeds. A relationship with breeders has been crucial in rehoming retired mothers; which typically retire before 5 years old, and unwanted puppies. Roughly another 25% come from shelter pulls and the rest from owner surrender. 40% of their adopters are loyal return adopters, with many adopting several dogs over generations of families. While visiting the farm, we met two families from the Lowcountry who made that drive to find the perfect new family member; one from Georgetown and another from Goose Creek, a family of four and their two rescues, looking to find a companion after a year since losing their last. They were introduced to the dog perfectly picked for them and their lifestyle. They were introduced to CPR by Pet Supplies Plus, saying finding and choosing them was “serendipitous”.

Since their adoption process is a little more in depth and ends with a trip to the rural town of Pacolet, SC in Cherokee County, Donna says only about 50% of the confirmed families make it to the farm to pick up the dog of their dreams. And trust me, all of their animals are a dream. Picture Cloud 9... but with poodles. They have a very thought-out and systematic adoption process in place that has proved itself successful. First, the basics, then the more strenuous portion, a vet check that is always called and confirmed. They don’t do this to be vile or prude, but to

be selective. Carolina Poodle works backwards in that they search for the perfect dog for your family, instead of the family picking the dog or new puppy they think would be perfect. Having this system in place along with the trust of the involved families has resulted in a very low return rate and constant need for more space and help.

Donna knows the struggles of the rescue world in the past. Giving animals the life they deserve isn’t just their job, it’s their passion! They are a nonprofit organization fueled by success stories and support. This farm they created is personal for the Ezells and they instill the same attitude into all of the members of Carolina Poodle Rescue. As a foster mom, I appreciate their extensive process for finding their animals a perfect home. The directors, care-takers, and everyone in between deeply care about the ability for these animals to flourish. If they’re at the Dreamweaver Farm, they are sanctioned so their team takes great pride in being stern with matching each dog to the perfect family.

One potential adopter stated, “It feels different, they vet people very well, they could have all their dogs adopted or none at all. it wouldn’t change how much they love their animals.”

The Charleston volunteer/foster team showed up with adoptable dogs for our Bark in the Park on September 17th, and continuously show up for the rescue like it is a lifestyle. We met important members of the Carolina Poodle family, from longtime volunteers Laura, Idette, and Judy to board member and Lowcountry liaison, Dennis. The majority of CPR dream team members have been around for years and even decades. Find out all the ways to get involved by going to their website.

Here’s Lowcountry Dog’s suggestion... get your day bag and a cooler packed and go experience the heartwarming Carolina Poodle Rescue and Dreamweaver Farm! First an appointment to visit must be made, but it is well-worth it. Just know one of their animals is likely to steal your heart... so get that application and confirmation to adopt first at carolinapoodlerescue.org. ■

THESE ADOPTABLE DOGS ARE SPONSORED BY:

BERKELEY ANIMAL CENTER

PET HELPERS CAROLINA COONHOUND

THESE ADOPTABLE DOGS ARE SPONSORED BY:

BULLIES

THESE ADOPTABLE DOGS ARE SPONSORED BY:

EUNOIA RESCUE

SAVE THE CLEFTS

LIBBY AND MACE’S PLACE

LAKESIDE ANIMAL RESCUE

THESE ADOPTABLE DOGS ARE SPONSORED BY:

SALTY DOG SENIOR RESCUE

THESE ADOPTABLE DOGS ARE SPONSORED BY:

more.