&[TRAVEL ADVENTURE] ‘23 SOUTH MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE featuring Greatest Pets including VETERINARIANS • CELEBRITY PETS SUPERSTAR ANIMAL PHOTOGRAPHERS and SOUTH'S TOP PET WINNERS plus PET FRIENDLY GETAWAYS + THE COOLEST GEAR FOR YOUR PET CONTACT SOUTH NOW! CLICK HERE!
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
CUSTOM PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
A LOOK BACK ON A LIFECHANGING EVENT
A LIFE-OR-DEATH SITUATION. A SPLIT-SECOND DECISION. AND CONSEQUENCES THAT CHANGE A LIFE FOREVER. MACK KITCHENS FACED THEM ALL IN ONE SHINING MOMENT OF HEROISM.
WRITTEN BY BARRY KAUFMAN WITH MINDY SCARLETT + ABIGAIL WOODS PHOTOGRAPHY /TIFFANY GOGGIN
AFTER MORE THAN A YEAR, MACK KITCHENS IS READY TO TALK ABOUT THE AUGUST EVENING THAT CHANGED HIS LIFE FOREVER, AND THE HEARTBREAKING DECISION HE HAD TO MAKE WITH A LIFE ON THE LINE. The spry 64-year old was out kitesurfing on the south end of Georgia’s Tybee Beach as he had fairly regularly for years. Tides on this beach tend to ebb and flow with a fury, creating relentless currents that are as dangerous as they are ideal for kitesurfing. As he readied to take on these waves, Kitchens heard the first warnings that death had rolled in with the tide.
“It was dark, but I could hear the girl screaming, so I pretty much used her as a beacon,” said Kitchens. Hollering at a bystander to call 911, Kitchens mounted his board and paddled out to the rescue guided only by screams. They would eventually lead him to two teenage girls, trapped by the currents 100 yards from shore.
“They went out at low tide and didn’t realize that tides came in so quickly,” he said. “You have a whole ocean filling up a small space. They were in a hot spot, and they got caught in a whirlpool.”
Finding the first girl, Kitchens spotted the other one about 20 yards away. In a do-or-die moment, he had to make a tragic decision. To save the one girl he’d found and make it out alive, he would had to leave the other behind. “I was focused on the girl still in the water and I was watching her as she had become so tired of the struggle that she kind of just gave in and slipped away,” said Kitchens.
He returned to shore where the Coast Guard was already waiting. Despite the fatigue wracking his body, despite the deteriorating conditions, he went back out for the other girl. Even so, in his heart he knew it was too late. Her body would wash ashore in Chimney Creek near Spanish Hammock following a search by The Coast Guard, Chatham County’s Mosquito Control Helicopter, Tybee Fire Department, Tybee Marine Rescue Squad and Tybee Police Department.
SOUTH’S GREATEST
Every year Savannah attracts nearly 15 million visitors from all over the globe. South’s Award-Winning travel edition features the greatest places to eat, stay, play and shop on the Coastal South. it truly is a guide to Southern Culture, Events, Dining and more. This issue also features spring break destinations and other travel features for those readers that love to explore what the South has to offer.
Also Featuring South’s Greatest Adventures / Pets / Places to Eat, Stay, Play & Shop!
CUSTOM PROFESSIONAL EDITORIAL
154 SOUTH SUMMER 2021 (9) BOB 88 2021.indd 154 6/14/21 1:16 PM
Space: January 25 // Art: February 1 // March-April-May
ISSUE
SPRING
SOUTH MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE ‘23
”
“
IT Tybee Island native, Mack Kitchens and his four-year old Great Dane, Boo.
GOD PUT ME WHERE I NEEDED TO BE AT THAT MOMENT. SUMMER 2021
SOUTHERN BEACH LIFE
STARTED WITH A SCREAM.
For his actions, he was hailed as a hero. But that’s not exactly how he sees it. “It’s not what people think it is,” he said. “It was just tragic and that’s the only thing I can really say.” All the same, when the grandmother of the girl he was forced to leave behind reached out, Kitchens showed his trademark humility. “It was a humbling moment being thanked for something you didn’t accomplish.”
Below: Chance, chimpanzee and animal actor who appeared in the film “The Wolf of Wall Street.” Right Page (L-R): Harry, Standard Poodle, Daisy Mae, miniature Vietnamese potbellied pig. Bottom: Domesticated Siberian fox.
78 SOUTH SUMMER 2021 Musi often posts stories to go along with his photographs and many of them are just as amazing as the images. Many people envision our work in the studio as “beautiful baby, beautiful” and the dogs responding with pose after pose like models before the lens of the famous fashion photographer and international spy, Austin Powers. The reality is, I’m somewhat unable to speak when the first time when was rejected from my childhood garage band for not being able to sing and play drums at the same time. Damn you Phil Collins. When we work, this leaves me with limited menu of grunting noises and the occasional an animals attention. It also passes for kind of barbaric shorthand between Callie and I, until she tires of it and gets mad at me, which she finds helpful in getting my attention. Zorro 12 year-old Standard Poodle, too damn often the case with the nice lady holding food and am still learning to live with rejection. This is more frustrating because Zorro is a very special dog that lights up room when he enters and want dog like that to like me. always been there for the people who needed him most, some at the end of their lives and some who would miss those people the most. Our connection was fleeting and dramatic, longer version of the moment is stored in my This photograph came together when was finally able to vocalize a sound that engaged Zorro. was trying to say his name but it came out with poor rationing of consonants to vowels; Shtwaand snack of some kind. He turned to me, tilted his head and then he gave me “the eyes.” The eyes that had comforted, the eyes that had gotten him out of trouble, the eyes that had earned him more than his Beautiful baby, beautiful. –The young Vincent J. Musi, pictured in January 1968 with a neck, has since gone everything from honeybee to an —from around the globe to
IT’S A PET THANG
Inside
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
CUSTOM
CUSTOM PROFESSIONAL EDITORIAL ANDHANKYPANKY COOLOFFONAHOT SUMMERDAYIN THESOUTH. 74 No. STYLE OF THE NEW SOUTH HAGOOD COXE-A NEW SOUTHERN CHARMER PG.130 BILLY REID H THE GREY CHRIS JERICHO H SERENBE UGA X H SOUTHERN PETS SOUTHERN STYLE ISSUE AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2018 South THE STYLE + LUXURY ISSUE ISSUE South’s Pets 2019 Photography by Cedric Smith ABOUT SAVANNAH, MENTIONING ALL OF ITS SERVICES FOR PETS. HERE, WE TAKE A LOOK AT JUST South’s Greatest Pets // The votes present the Best in Show // Page 46 Elaine Seabolt and her boyfriendWill with their August September 2019 Dr. Shealy Emergency Room Doc Elaine Seabolt and Will Price have quite the menagerie. Every animal in their household has its on story. ➽ Start with Jack, the rescue Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Jack was on the ACKCS website for adoption. He had been fostered for a couple of years by a lovely South Carolina woman. Jack was considered unadoptable due to injuries he had sustained at the hands of an owner. These injuries included broken spine and severed tail which requires Jack be diapered at all times for the remainder of his life. “He’s as sweet and loving as can be,” says Seabolt. Many thanks to all the good work the ACKCS does on behalf of these wonderful dogs. Joining Jack are brother goats Yankee and Dandy, pair of six-month-old Nigerian dwarf goats the couple adopted from The Tucker Farm in Rome, Georgia. They arrived via carrier at 3 weeks old and were bottle fed for three months by Will. Thanks to Will, they live quite the life of luxury including a renovated goat pen with custom-built shelving for them to climb and sleep on, custom hay feeder and a multi tower playground called “Goatberry Farm” located in their own private pasture. “I picked Yankee because I’m from New York and Elaine picked Dandy because of her Southern Roots,” said Price. "If we get another one, we’re getting a girl and calling her Doodle." For more information on how to adopt go to ackcsc.org. PET TALK DR. SHEALY HAS SEEN MORE THAN HIS SHARE OF PET EMERGENCIES. OPERATING CLINIC THAT WOULD RIVAL THE COUNTRY'S FINEST, HE HAS BROUGHT FIRST CLASS PET CARE TO THE LOWCOUNTRY. It’s every pet owner’s worst nightmare — your dog or cat gets injured or sick in the middle of the night. That’s where Dr. Paul Shealy comes in. The practice at Coastal Empire Veterinary Surgery has 24/7 staff of experts in each veterinary field — from internal medicine to oncology, neurology to complicated surgery. “The main thing for me is that we have 24-hour care,” Dr. Shealy explains. “The things that we handle happen around the clock.” One of the first cases Dr. Paul Shealy treated was boa constrictor that fell from a sixth story apartment. The boa survived. He may not typically treat pets as exotic as that today, but his knowledge of canine orthopedics is no less exceptional. He studies ortho-biotics to help speed healing time after pet surgeries. He’s expanding his world-class campus on Stephenson Avenue — which already has its own physical therapy center, complete with underwater treadmills and shock wave therapy to make sure your pet gets the care they need to heal properly. If an accident happens to your pooch, Dr. Shealy will do everything in his power to get your pup back to health. vss.org PHOTOGRAPHY BY CEDRIC SMITH ➽ PHOTOGRAPHY BY D. PAUL GRAHAM August September 2019 41 THE STYLE OF THE SOUTH IS REFLECTED IN OUR FURRY FRIENDS. OUR OFTEN- IMITATED, NEVER DUPLICATED SOCIAL GRACES, OUR FLAIR FOR FASHION AND OUR PASSION FOR PAMPERING ARE A PART OF WHO WE ARE. BY EXTENSION, THEY ARE JUST AS MUCH PART OF THE PETS WE LOVE. Vincent Musi National Geographic photographer Vincent Musi has turned the lens to “The Underdogs,” giving shelter dogs a chance to shine. BY VINCENT J. MUSI 76 (Radley) is unique recipe generous pinch of Cocker Spaniel to spice things up.” - Vincent Musi ISSUE #88 ❖ SUMMER 2021 F15TEEN: SURVIVING THE TEST OF TIME These Southern businesses have stood the test of time and smashed the 15-year mark, sharing their stories of success. Written by Mindy Scarlett, Photography by D. Paul Graham and Blake Crosby SOUTH’S GREATEST PETS Always a reader favorite, South’s Greatest Pets contest winners get to work showcasing the cutest kitty smiles and puppy-dog eyes in Savannah. Written by Lauren Flemming, Photography by Angela Hopper LEGAL EAGLES 2021 The verdict is in: South’s list of legal professionals takes the guesswork out of finding representation that raises the bar. Written by Mindy Scarlett, Photography by D. Paul Graham and Blake Crosby BEACH DINING These island culinary hotspots on Tybee are guaranteed to serve the best bites and beautiful views. Written by Lauren Flemming, Photography by Tiffany Goggin 96 58 144 CONTENTS 122 SPRING ISSUE Space: January 25 // Art: February 1 // March-April-May
that four-legged friend of yours beats the heart of a true wonder of the animal kingdom. Some of the South’s most famous locals are hedgehog duo Lionel and Lilo, Juniper the Fox & Friends and Sammi the Chicken. Celebrities that stand out from the rest of the flock
WORK, TRAIN, REPEAT. 84 SOUTH SUMMER 2021 Legendary K9s Are Made, Not Born Anyone who has spent enough time in Savannah’s bar scene has probably seen it all. It’s just that kind of town. But even the mostforming tricks. bar with his dog Leda were not only fun, they proved excellent opportunities for marketing. on my back, sit on different statues in the squares. She’d sit in the bar beside us… in the fountain area of City Market she’d be doing obedience and I’d get at least five customers that way,” he said. That interest fueled dream that Hughes had been germinating for nearly decade: training dogs by utilizing brilliant methodology that emphasizes play while teaching commands. “I woke up one day and decided really wanted to do this with my life, so quit my job and started with $67 in my bank account,” he said. promote my business. From there it took off.” With the help of his wife to promote his now flourishing busiare dogs. We tend to put our own feelings into a dog and that’s not what they understand,” he said. “You have to let dog be dog and direct it. When it’s in that happy state it will want to please you and “Around here you see a lot of trainers going straight to shock collars,” added Becca. “We don’t do that. We’re balanced trainers but mostly positive with little bit of negative. Using an E-Collar on dog before the dog understands basic commands is 100 perthe time with leash work before conditioning dog to an E-Collar.” Phillip believes a trainer’s job is to work with an animal’s own instincts and genetics to guide them toward better behaviors. Oures include four to six week off-leash obedience course as well as a behavior modification course that takes “however long it takes to fix the issue.” He trains all ages, breeds, and sizes. “From chihuahuas to dogo Argentinos.... we train them all. You’ll occasionally see Fred the turkey, Sam the duck or Wilbur the pot bellied pig in my training videos. We live on farm so every animal around here plays role in training, if for nothing more than to teach dog to ignore a Legendary K9 has amassed a slew of success stories, highlightsuccess is more rewarding to him due to what it allows him to do.ing for myself because loved being around them. I had natural knack for training, so incorporated great work ethic handed down from my papa, with passion for animals to get where am today. could never have done this without the help of my wife and kids. Everyone here helps. Most families enjoy vacations, my family wakes up every day, 365 days year, holidays and all and we “My success story is waking up everyday and doing what I love. to the community by taking in shelter and foster dogs to give them second chance.”herd), Thais (Belgian malinois Dutch X), Lykos (Belgian malinois), Move over, Cesar Millan. There’s a new dog whisperer in town. “From chihuahuas to dogo Argentinos.... we train them all. You’ll occasionally see Fred the turkey, Sam the duck or Wilbur the pot bellied pig in my training videos. We live on a farm, so every animal around here plays a role in training, if for nothing more than to teach a dog to ignore a distraction.” – Phillip Hughes The LK9 brand mascot Leda, who is three-years-old next to her buddy Thais who is two-and-a-half-years
A LOOK BACK ON A LIFECHANGING EVENT “
A LIFE-OR-DEATH SITUATION. A SPLIT-SECOND DECISION. AND CONSEQUENCES THAT CHANGE A LIFE FOREVER. MACK KITCHENS FACED THEM ALL IN ONE SHINING MOMENT OF HEROISM.
WRITTEN BY BARRY KAUFMAN WITH MINDY SCARLETT + ABIGAIL WOODS PHOTOGRAPHY /TIFFANY GOGGIN
STARTED WITH A SCREAM.
AFTER MORE THAN A YEAR, MACK KITCHENS IS READY TO TALK ABOUT THE AUGUST EVENING THAT CHANGED HIS LIFE FOREVER, AND THE HEARTBREAKING DECISION HE HAD TO MAKE WITH A LIFE ON THE LINE. The spry 64-year old was out kitesurfing on the south end of Georgia’s Tybee Beach as he had fairly regularly for years. Tides on this beach tend to ebb and flow with a fury, creating relentless currents that are as dangerous as they are ideal for kitesurfing. As he readied to take on these waves, Kitchens heard the first warnings that death had rolled in with the tide.
“It was dark, but I could hear the girl screaming, so I pretty much used her as a beacon,” said Kitchens. Hollering at a bystander to call 911, Kitchens mounted his board and paddled out to the rescue guided only by screams. They would eventually lead him to two teenage girls, trapped by the currents 100 yards from shore.
“They went out at low tide and didn’t realize that tides came in so quickly,” he said. “You have a whole ocean filling up a small space. They were in a hot spot, and they got caught in a whirlpool.”
Finding the first girl, Kitchens spotted the other one about 20 yards away. In a do-or-die moment, he had to make a tragic decision. To save the one girl he’d found and make it out alive, he would had to leave the other behind. “I was focused on the girl still in the water and I was watching her as she had become so tired of the struggle that she kind of just gave in and slipped away,” said Kitchens.
He returned to shore where the Coast Guard was already waiting.
Despite the fatigue wracking his body, despite the deteriorating conditions, he went back out for the other girl. Even so, in his heart he knew it was too late. Her body would wash ashore in Chimney Creek near Spanish Hammock following a search by The Coast Guard, Chatham County’s Mosquito Control Helicopter, Tybee Fire Department, Tybee Marine Rescue Squad and Tybee Police Department.
For his actions, he was hailed as a hero. But that’s not exactly how he sees it. “It’s not what people think it is,” he said. “It was just tragic and that’s the only thing I can really say.” All the same, when the grandmother of the girl he was forced to leave behind reached out, Kitchens showed his trademark humility. “It was a humbling moment being thanked for something you didn’t accomplish.”
CUSTOM PROFESSIONAL EDITORIAL
”
IT Tybee Island native, Mack Kitchens and his four-year old Great Dane, Boo.
GOD PUT ME WHERE I NEEDED TO BE AT THAT MOMENT.
SOUTHERN BEACH LIFESUMMER 2021
154 SOUTH SUMMER 2021 (9) BOB 88 2021.indd 154
David Pence, along with his wife, Michelle, are raising the roof on the pet industry. GGANG ANG Join the FROM INSURANCE AGENT EXTRAORDINAIRE TO PET ENTREPRENEUR
CUSTOM PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
PAMPERED PETS Wag-O-Ween, Doggie Carnival, Costumes on the Woof , From Wags to Riches the Dawgs and more. We’ve got a paw on the pulse. SPRING ISSUE Space: January 25 // Art: February 1 // March-April-May
SOUTHMAGAZINE.COM Spas, Salons & Hottest Home Trends 6 REAL ESTATE BROKERS & Page 52 Welcome to the JUNGLE LORI JUDGE
PROFESSIONAL EDITORIAL Spring 2022 COME, SIT, HEAL bite. It’s BVC’s unique calling card, and Iyer specifies, “We offer of physiology – pharmacist, radiology, internal medicine, oncology, dental care, specialty cardiology, advanced orthopedics, To paint more experiential picture, Iyer said, “from basic diagnostics to hip surgery, where else aspirate, diagnose lymphoma, do ultrasound and x-rays, and possibly start chemotherapy all in one doesn’t even include the more boutique services like chiropractic and acupuncture. in Western and Eastern medicine, they extend their high standard of service beyond the office, “even night,” said Dr. Iyer. He doesn’t consider it extraordinary; he just considers customer service. “Some-mediately or at the latest, within day.” Even more, instead of hearing from nurse, tech, or employee, That direct-to-consumer, one-on-one conversation not only reassuring, it leads to moreter approach behind. “A lot of new clients come in for second opinion,” and when they do, Dr. Iyer also not going to overdo it. You don’t always have to plans aren’t always the right thing to do. We won’t let our clients be surprised. We proceed with thorough Remember, as extensive as their array of options veterinarian experience, which so reassuring when you’re concerned about your fur-family and figuring out where to turn. Dr. Iyer takes this personally saying, “I love that can do every aspect of medicine and have an animal leave the same day even from something major. It’s absolutely remarkable to see smiles on people’s faces when dog that had removed, and the dog night and day different.” Level of care is equal to personal touch as BVC treats each patient as our own, and our clients as kin.” Not just clients, but also translating this care well-being of those working in one of the most emotionally challenging industries. This boomersecure, supportive, and positive environment among the professionals caring for your animal family.tele are top notch, pets are amazing, the community so supportive, and we are fortunate to have fanshows — in the broad range of services, advanced facilities, committed family environment, smiling door of the Bluffton based practice. You’ll find them “next to the Publix,” for those T The top-notch medcare. In one of the most emotionally challenging industries, the staff goes above and beyond to IN A COMMUNITY THAT TRIPADVISOR CALLS “OVERWHELMINGLY DOG-FRIENDLY,” BUCKWALTER VETERINARY CLINIC RISES TO THE TOP AS A HIGH-TOUCH, HIGHLY RELATIONAL, FULL SERVICE VETERINARY MEDICAL FACILITY ABLE TO OFFER “PROCEDURES NOT DONE ROUTINELY IN THE LOWCOUNTRY.” PHOTOGRAPHY: BLAKE CROSBY L-R: Buckwalter Vet Freyja and Knox Spring 2022 61 BEST IN SHOW
it is said that a pet’s job is to be a person’s best friend, any pet owner will tell you they do so much more than that – and that’s what makes these furry friends South’s Greatest Pets. SPRING ISSUE Space: January 25 // Art: February 1 // March-April-May
CUSTOM PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY CUSTOM PROFESSIONAL EDITORIAL
CUSTOM
While
CRANFORD 7.
OWNERS: CHRIS AND KIM WATSON
My name is Cranford and I’m not your average poodle. I know when my harness goes on that it’s time to get to work as a support dog, but when it comes off, it’s time to play and get silly! I am patient, loyal, protective, friendly and super smart. I love playing with any kind of ball, taking boat rides to Tybee, chasing bubbles and shopping at Target!
SOUTH SUMMER 2021 99
FAMILY
Because the best Southern pets deserve the best Southern treats, training and tech, we’ve compiled the quintessential guide to showing your furry friend some love.
In this ever growing age of electronics, bookstores seem to be taking a backseat. However, since 1975, locally owned and operated E. Shaver Booksellers continues to be one of the gems of Savannah.
or perfect hostess gifts to peruse.
In the words of one reviewer, “What an awesome bookstore! They have every genre you could possibly imagine and the layout and the cats... it's all so quaint, cute beyond words, like going into a friend's home who freakin' loves books. Love this place. Would come back again and again to enrich my mind.”
And, of course, in between visits catch up on the latest news by tuning into the E. Shaver podcast "Pull Your Shelf Together" on the website.
CUSTOM PROFESSIONAL EDITORIAL
They wanted an upscale, metro feel that would capture the intangible energy of downtown Savannah, and when they discovered the abandoned basement in the old Kress Department Store, they saw a way to make their vision come true. Jazz’d was born, with swanky vibes,
SOUTH READERS' COMBINED ANNUAL INCOME ANNUAL INCOME BELOW $75,000 $75,000 - $99,999 $100,000 - $149,999 OVER $150,000 25% 50% 100% 75% OF OUR READERS PURCHASE PRODUCTS OR SERVICES FROM ADS SEEN IN SOUTH MAGAZINE 73% AGE RANGE OF SOUTH’S READERS YEARS 20 40 60 80 PER 100 READERS SOUTH READERS 102 SOUTH Photography: D. Paul Graham Photography by D. Paul Graham SPECIAL ADVERTORIAL
326 Bull St. Savannah, GA 912.234.7257 eshaverbooks.com South's top spot to curl up with a cat and Savannah's oldest independent bookstore, specializing in new books. Located right downtown, this landmark has seven rooms of books, offering everything from new fiction to the latest in children’s literature. E. Shaver Booksellers have created a cozy and whimsical vibe that is just perfect for endless browsing through stacks. Once settled in to check out a few good books, do not be surprised if one of the shop’s feline denizens decides to climb in your lap. These well-read kitties have even been known to lend a paw or two in recommending what a patron should be reading next. Whether one's literary tastes run to science fiction or biographies, there's plenty of pages to choose from and a plethora
E. Shaver Booksellers
{ BacktoFront:
doing
everything
102 Spring 2022
Bartleby and Mr. Eliott
a final check of fiction to make sure
is in order }
live music, a wide array of sultry libations and a twist on tapas. The below street level entrance just off of Ellis Square gives a speakeasy feel, and guests can enjoy everything from traditional oysters Rockefeller to truffle mac tions means the amazing not to miss mojitos and an expansive Whether celebration sure to delight. Jazz'd Tapas Bar When Brian and Julie Curry sold their first restaurant in 2002, they decided to create a unique new place based on “The Small Plate Revolution.” SPECIAL ADVERTORIAL CUSTOM PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY FOUR-LEGGED
who do more need more. For those select and protect their people, Modern Icon has gear that stands up to anything. Anyone who owns dog knows they can be tough on their gear. If they’re not chewing on their collars before bolting off to mark their territory all over creation. For pet owner, it can be nuisance. But for those handlers working in life-or-death conditions, can mean far worse. Carolina, and one day was going into roll call and saw one of founder Lee Vartanian. “I’m thinking, don’t want to be next to that dog on the street with that crappy lead being the only thing A nationally ranked professional climber with an eye for down from his grandmother to upgrade and modify his outdoor gear. A better leash was snap. “I went to REI and bought some military-spec black webbing and marine-grade brass snap,” he said. Beyond simply being what Vartanian calls “pace methodology” derived from his time spent teaching special ops rappelling and vertical access. “Pace stands for primary, alternate, contingency, emergency. If snap breaks, there’s loop for a carabiner. All of our equipment has to That first lead set off a flurry of interest among dog handlers within Vartanian’s department and beyond. With that word of mouth came suggestions from all over for different equipment. “I to make some unique products that are used by departments all over the world,” he said. “Everything’s been out of necessity. If something doesn’t exist, we’re going to make it.” Speaking of necessity, the volume of orders coming in soon operation working out of his basement when he decided he just or as someone making gear for every K-9 on the planet?” business that has since outgrown not only his basement but two his old beat partner, Josh Barham joined as his business partner. “I wouldn’t be here without him,” said Vartanian. making gear for dogs that doesn’t just look tough is tough. But we aren’t designing gear for that – we are designing for working dogs,” he said. But even your pooch isn’t out there saving lives, Modern Icon gear is simply built to last. “We hear from so many folks where their dog went through three different From professional climber, to law enforcement, Lee Vartanian’s past experience came in handy when he launched the company that would elevate the quality and style of the K-9 gear industry. WRITTEN BY BARRY KAUFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY: NICK RIDDLE DO GS Redefining the Modern Icon @k9frontliners PRODUCTS THAT LOOK TACTICAL. BUT WE AREN’T DESIGNING GEAR FOR THAT WE ARELIVES, MODERN ICON GEAR IS SIMPLY BUILT TO LAST. WE HEAR FROM SO MANY FOLKS – LEE VARTANIAN THE TOUGH 1.5” SUMMIT COLLAR [$37.99] LEADS START AT $19.99. THE MODERN ICON LEAD A photo is worth a thousand words... Modern Icon has developed a client fanbase that shows their appreciation of the brand by sending in some amazing photos. Amy Way Leather wrapped rigid collars. Photo @k9frontliners @falcothedutch SPRING ISSUE Space: January 25 // Art: February 1 // March-April-May
“I GOT TO A POINT WHERE I HAD TO DECIDE AM I OF BETTER USE TO THE WORLD AS ONE OFFICER ON THE STREET OR AS SOMEONE MAKING GEAR FOR EVERY K-9 ON THE PLANET?”
– MODERN ICON FOUNDER LEE VARTANIAN
SOUTH SUMMER 2021 81
(L-R) Josh Barham and Lee Vartanian, partner and founder of Modern Icon, and Dutch Malinois, Max.
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