Tails of the Lowcountry Magazine Oct Nov 2016

CATS • DOGS • EQUESTRIAN • EXOTICS • HOMESTEADING • WILDLIFE

Vol 1 editiOn 4 - OcT NoV 2016 ……………………………………………………

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5 An Oyster is an Oyster is an Oyster | Part 2 - Hannah Seigworth 7 Friend Me | Adoptions - Sponsored by Ligato's Fine Jewelry 8 Publitor's Message | Op-Ed: Pollinator Apocalypse | Photo Contest Winners 9 Behind the Scenes with Sea Island Carriage Company - Bonnie Drew 11 Moving to the Lowcountry with Pets - K.G. Elliott 12 Contributors 13 Raise Them Right | Hunter Cattle Co. - Nicole Moore 15 IHSA Champion Road Winds Through Savannah - Alexandra Doucet 17 Working K-9 Spotlight | Kyra & Chatham County - Sponsored by Shepherd Tactical 18 Barking Bluffton | Share Page 19 South Carolina State Heritage Horse | The Marsh Tacky - Erica Veit 21 Tails on Trails | A Dog-Friendly Adventure - Vivian de los Rios 23 Isaiah Davenport House & The Ghost Cat - James Caskey 24 Exotic Top 10 - Justin Smith 26 Voice of the Sound | Sea Turtle Recap 27 Polo | High Sport in the Lowcountry - Amy Milling 28 Walk. Run. Golf. | Dogs Best Friend Getting Technology Boost - Suzanne Hobbs 29 Books for People who Love Animals & BOOKS - Linda Burton 30 Wag-O-Ween - Sharon Bordeaux 31 The Art of Julie Ferris - Tiffani Taylor 32 Q & Animal with Rowan Jacobsen 33 Collage Page 34 Coloring Page 1 - Katrina Kelly 35 Coloring Page 2 - Mira Scott 36 Visit the Lowcountry on Horseback - Laura Fenelli 36 Classifieds | From the Homestead 37 Squawk 38 Adopt a Athelete, Adopt a Greyhound - Karen Shea

CATS

EXOTIC

DOGS

HOMESTEADING

EQUESTRIAN

WILDLIFE

PEANUT GALLERY

C AT E G O R Y

K E Y

VOLUME 1

Moving to the Lowcountry with Pets

13 19

-

OCT NOV 2016

Raise Them Right Hunter Cattle Co.

South Carolina State Heritage Horse The Marsh Tacky

27

Polo High Sport in the Lowcountry

Publisher John Burton Associate Publisher Ande Nehila Managing Editor Joe Nehila Editor Hannah Seigworth Creative Direction Nosoco Designer Jason Kelly Cover Photography Jan Taylor Contributors Justin Smith, Hannah Seigworth, Linda Burton, Nicole Moore, James Caskey, Bonnie Drew, Alexandra Doucet, Erica Veit, Amy Milling, Laura Fanelli, Karen Shea, Vivian de los Rios, Sharon Bordeaux, Amber Kuehns, Erin Weeks, Michelle Pate, K.G. Elliott, Julie Ferris, Mira Scott, Rachel Jones, Tiffani Taylor, Katrina Kelly Photography Credits Jan Taylor, Michelle Morris, Daufuskie Marsh Tacky Society, David Malosh, Lawton Stable, Erin Weeks Community Liaison Justin Smith, Nicole Moore Nosoco dba Tails of the Lowcountry 175 Boardwalk Dr. Suite H Ridgeland, SC 29936 843-882-7803 info@tailsofthelowcountry.com www.tailsofthelowcountry.com

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Copyrighted. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in Tails of the Lowcountry magazine are those of the authors or columnists and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. Tails of the Lowcountry retains the right to refuse any advertisement. For questions of animal health, wellness, and safety, readers should consult professionals.

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Cover Stories

EDITION 4

n the first part of this article (found in our August/ September Wildlife issue) I told you a story - a story about how, once upon a time, I didn’t like oysters. Until I tried Lowcountry oysters.

Then in the article I explored the process of how these bivalves reproduce, oyster spat, and the steps that a farmer must take to ensure their survival along the way.

But what does it take to get these juvenile oysters all the way to the table? And how exactly does a person get into oyster farming? And who are our Lowcountry shell stars?

Get to Know Local Oystermen frank roberts, lady's island oysters

Frank’s family has lived in the Chesapeake area since the 1700s, and he remembers visiting his grandparents as a child and learning about oysters. “We didn’t farm them,” he said. “Oysters and crabs were just part of the lifestyle there.” Work brought him to Connecticut, where he made his living as a police officer by night and a commercial fisherman by day.

When he first moved to Beaufort a plan began formulating in his mind to make a business out of oyster farming. Why?

“I don’t know. They’re just something I’m attracted to. I love growing them. I love eating them.”

Moving to Beaufort the second time, he learned from an older local that the area had once had “some of the best single oysters around... and essentially, everyone ate them all.” When the man learned of Frank’s desire to grow single oysters, he told him, “If you can grow them, you’ll sell them... I guarantee it because Beaufort has got the greatest oysters.” And sure enough, he grows them - over 2 million a year - and they all sell.

The youngs, may river oyster company

For as long as they’ve lived in the Bluffton area, Brad and Olivia Young have been passionate about the May River. Both of them had their own jobs, and neither of them thought about getting into the oyster business until later in life.

A man in the Bluffton area had been experimenting with raising oysters, but raising a young family at the time proved to be less than conducive to growing his business. Knowing the Youngs’ passion for the river and the environment, he asked them if they would consider taking over for him. And they did. Brad and Olivia run the farm with their two nephews, Austin and Andrew, and they 5

didn’t stop there. “We wanted to focus on providing really good oysters, but we also wanted to educate the community about how our farm impacts the river and the community.” So they reached out to Chris Shoemaker at May River Excursions about giving farm tours, and a partnership was born. From the description on their website, you can take a “1.5 hour tour... down the majestic May River where you will learn about the ecosystem of the salt water marsh where the oyster plays a central role.”

Andrew carmines, shell ring oyster company

Andrew is no stranger to the ocean, the area, or even oysters. The Carmines family has owned Hudson’s Seafood on the Docks on Hilton Head Island since the 1970’s, and the foundation that the restaurant was built upon is none other than a giant bed of oyster shells.

In addition to his position as General Manager at Hudson’s, Andrew, along with his friend and colleague Rob Rowe, also spearhead a soft-shell crab shedding every springtime in a packinghouse at the restaurant.

With a flow-through water system that helps the crabs molt, they can take the crabs immediately from the packinghouse to the table. The crab shelling lasts only for a month - albeit an “arduous month,

That prompted the start to what could be a good limerick, “from here to beer in about a year.” When the oysters reach around 2.75 inches, they can be sold to restaurants. There’s a lot more to the process than that, but that’s the short-and-sweet of it. For those interested in learning more, I’d recommend speaking to any of our local oyster farmers.

where you end up delirious and silly,” according to Andrew.

Carmines said that Rob asked him, “Well, what are we going to do when we’re not watching crabs for 24 hours a day?” And that’s when they got the idea of oyster farming.

Using the discarded oyster shells from the restaurant, they dump them into the river to provide the hard substrate needed for the oyster seed to attach themselves and continue the growing process. The oysters they harvest go straight to the tables at Hudson’s, and Andrew enjoys educating customers about this unique sea farm-to-table experience.

anything but lazy While the reproductive and culinary aspects of oysters are magical, what’s even more impressive, in my opinion, is the magic that happens while the oysters are still in the rivers.

cash crop

If you have seen Finding Nemo, remember the part where Nemo has been captured and put in a fishtank, and the fish are trying to escape by making the tank dirty enough so the dentist has to take them out to clean it? In the movie, they jam the water filter, and the tank becomes cloudy and scummy, making it difficult for some of the fish to function. Oysters are a natural water filter!

As stated in the previous article, Frank Roberts is acknowledged as the pioneer in these parts for responsible oyster farming.

Right now, his is one of the only companies in this part of the Lowcountry that runs a hatchery. Farms like May River Oysters buy seed - or baby oysters - from companies like Frank’s and cultivate them until they are ready to be delivered to local restaurants (or in Andrew’s case, served at his own restaurant).

Shell Ring Oyster Company currently gets their seed from Bill Cox on Yonges Island.

One oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of saltwater a day. You can imagine the impact on the environment. Just as trees take in carbon dioxide and put out oxygen, oysters filter pollutants and algae out of the water, returning it to the rivers, marshes, and oceans better than when they sucked it in. When I asked Olivia about this filtration, she impressed upon me that “oysters are the filters of the entire saltwater ecosystem. If oysters are over-harvested, the entire ecosystem goes down.”

A batch of oysters should ready at the same time, so the oysters are consistently measured via sieves and put in different silos based on their size. When juveniles in a batch grow enough, they are moved to buoyed cages and set throughout the marshes and rivers to finish maturing. The length of time it takes for the oysters to move from the hatchery to the river is about two months.

I hope you enjoyed Part 2. Pick up next issue when I explore the culinary aspect of oysters!

A man had once asked Frank, “How long does it take from this time until they’re sitting in front of me and my bottle of beer?”

By Hannah Seigworth, Editor at Tails

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Publitor’s Message nother issue is reaching your hands, this time with a horse theme. But so much more is happening other than just about horses, as you can see. And you, dear reader, could probably care less what we have to say.

So, why not start off with a bit about bees! For the rest of this story and more, visit tailsofthelowcountry.com - John Burton & Joe Nehila

Op-Ed: Pollinator Apocalypse

On the morning of August 28th, death fell from the sky killing millions of honey-bees in Summerville, South Carolina. In the first aerial application of the pesticide, Naled, in 14 years, the county had overlooked informing Flowertown Bee Farm and Supplies, an operation with 46 hives, of the plan to spray. Several hobby beekeepers who weren’t on the local mosquito control registry also lost their hives, bringing the total loss to approximately 3 million bees.

The spraying was in response to four local residents being diagnosed with the Zika virus, which is mostly transmitted through the bite of the infected Aedes species mosquito.

Serious fetal brain defects, including microcephaly, are thought to be caused

by Zika. Gullian-Barre syndrome, which affects the nervous system causing extreme muscle weakness, is also strongly associated with the Zika virus.

As of September 14th, all confirmed cases of the Zika virus in the United States are travel related, with the exception of Miami, Florida.

There, pregnant women, women of reproductive age, and their partners are all encouraged to be tested for the virus.

Flowertown Bee Farm and Supply has responded to their loss in the healthiest way they can, deciding to move forward by focusing on educating the public. They have created a GoFundMe campaign designed to fund an educational program.

Certainly, the Zika virus is a cause for concern, but before taking impetuous actions, the long term and widespread consequences of solutions should be thoroughly considered and weighed by responsible objective parties.

The accidental extermination of millions of the earth's vital partners in sustainability has created an uproar, and continued attention to the issue by regular citizens might make all the difference in the world.

PHOTO CONTEST WINNER'S Check Out Tails of the Lowcountry's Facebook page for details or the next Contest and Coloring Contest!

Send us your Photo's to be part of the Collage Page!

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red carriage rolls peacefully along Craven Street in downtown Beaufort, a center of history and culture in South Carolina. A proud tour guide points to a preserved antebellum home to her right, and every head turns toward the mansion with appreciation for Lowcountry architecture and man-made beauty.

If you are the guest, you will exit the old-fashioned rig at the conclusion and get in your car to go home. Your imagination will no doubt brim with the facts and legends of the quintessential South, but you may also be wondering about the massive horse that put the muscle into creating the unique environment and experience.

You know his (or her) name because the guide introduced you, but where does the horse go after the workday? You may wonder about the equine lives behind the scene of this small-town, American business.

The five draft horses of Sea Island Carriage Company live on a 175 acre farm, one of the largest undeveloped pieces of property south of the Broad River.

The land is home to other horses and various farm animals. Experts recommend pasturing with at least 1 acre per horse, but these guys (and girl) have plenty of bonus space with 8 acres of private pasture.

Nichole Grabenbauer, owner of the company, regards her horses as part of the family. Every day at about 7:30am, she drives down the dirt road by the pasture and makes a loop at the end to position the trailer. You might notice her

on the road in the company’s red F-250 with a sign on her trailer declaring, “Hold Your Horses, Don’t Tail Gate!”

“They know when I’m coming,” Nichole says. By the time she parks the truck, all five horses are crowded at the gate, waiting for breakfast. The horses range in weight from about 1800-2000 pounds and in height from 16.3 to 18 hands. They get new shoes every 4-6 weeks and vet checkups every six months, or as needed.

Journey, a Belgian, is the only female in the group, and she takes her “boss mare” position seriously. Nichole had to pause the interview for a moment to wave Journey away when she tried to crowd one of her companions away from his feed bowl.

The four geldings are Merlin, Silver and Jango (Percherons) and Sam (Belgian).

Sam is sporting a beautifully braided blonde tail. Nichole uses the technique to prevent Sam’s thick tail from tangling and becoming matted. He was recently in downtown Beaufort for training, and you can follow his progress on the company’s Facebook page. But the newest horse in the family is not Sam, it’s Jango. Nichole has been working with him in harness under the large covered arena at the farm. She teaches them to move forward with the “kiss” sound and “whoa” to stop. Using these universal commands makes it easier for the horse and the different tour guides with which he may work.

Despite her tendency to be a little bossy, Journey has bonded with Silver.

Sam and Merlin often pair up to graze together in the pasture. Jango is new and still learning where he fits in with the herd, but Nichole has noticed Merlin and Jango grooming or “fleaing” each other’s withers (shoulders). “It’s

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the first time I’ve seen Merlin really being affectionate with another horse,” commented Nichole.

The morning routine is to dish out everyone's breakfast into large rubber feed bowls. They eat a high fat, low starch Seminole feed, and they also receive vitamins through Smartpaks for joint and muscle recovery. “I go through at least a 50 pound bag of feed per day.

The horses have so much grass I have to mow it, they can't keep up with it! We also drop a round bale of hay once a week.”

Every morning and evening while they are eating, Nichole examines each horse for anything that needs attention. She pokes gently into their ears to check for ticks and runs her hands down their legs.

Her first aid kit is always ready to treat a random scratch that might occur. This daily attention keeps the horses used to being handled, even in the summer months when they work very little.

“Obviously, some days we don't work if it's too hot, and they'll just stay in the pasture,” Nichole says. The evening routine is much the same as the morning, minus the vitamins.

Next on the agenda, Nichole decides which two horses work based on the schedule and drivers.

“We rotate them so no one is working more than they should be.” Halters are lined up and hanging on the fence by the gate, and all of the farm gear is perfectly organized.

It’s a 22 mile drive to the staging area in downtown Beaufort where the carriages and harnesses are kept. Each horse begins the day with grooming from his/her driver.

The work day can be as

short as an hour, depending on the season.

“When the work days is over, it takes us 15 minutes to return to the staging area by carriage, and from there we unharness. Everyone gets a bath and rests before they are hauled back to the farm. Keeping them 22 miles from town is for their benefit. We chose this farm because it has adequate space and grass. It would be convenient to have them in my backyard, but they deserve a place to come home and relax after work just like we do.”

The horses are released back to the pasture, where they promptly drop and roll, enjoying a stretch in the

sandy dirt surrounding the gate. Then they do whatever they like until the next morning begins the routine again.

The corner of the pasture has multiple Live Oaks swathed in Spanish Moss, casting shade and making it the perfect place to leave a bale of hay. A huge trough also sits protected from the sun, continually running with fresh water.

Aside from clover (which Nichole found out after a scare one day causes a bit of excess drooling) and alfalfa treats, the horses enjoy apple slices from a little girl who lives down the dirt road.

She often visits with her grandmother. Between the oaks, friendly neighborhood girl, and open space, the small farm is idyllic for these draft horses. On their first trip, bystanders could feel rumbles as they ran, pranced, and danced in the fields.

“Typically their behavior is very leisurely, so most of the action I see is rolling. They’re in no rush,” Nichole says. “I get lost in time out here. I enjoy watching them do whatever they want in their free time. One of my favorite things is watching the sunsets over the trees with my family.” Nichole looks across the field and snaps a picture of the cattle egrets as they take flight above the horses.

As I left, the sky was dark blue with fluffy white clouds. The pasture, with its rolling fields and boundary of Live Oaks and pines, gives you the impression of peaceful solitude, even though it’s not too far away from the hustle and bustle of town.

“You know, I never get home on time because I spend extra time out here. The horses come over to the fence to socialize, and this one (she points to Sam), he’ll come and put his head in your lap. He thinks he’s a lap dog. Usually, if you’re here, Sam is here. They are always curious about what I’m doing. Work is a family thing too. The kids will come out and help and love on them. When the horses are done with attention, they just walk away. One day I hope to buy some land so we can all live in the same place. But for now we are all content.”

By Bonnie Drew, Writer & Tour Guide

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hen my husband and I first considered moving from Washington D.C. to the Lowcountry, we were enthralled by the novel possibilities – sunfilled skies, sand beneath our toes and a more relaxed pace in which to raise our two children. Not that we didn’t and don’t love all that Washington has to offer, we do. But the siren song of the South continues to seduce those near to and above the Mason-Dixon!

We made the expected checklist of positives, of which there are many, and areas of concern – the top being good schools for our children, then six and nine. But also topping the list, considerations of the quality of life for our fourlegged children – one youthful dog and one long-in-thetooth horse.

We wondered how our energetic (completely against type) and unbelievably thickcoated (very much type) Bernese Mountain Dog would adjust to the heat? Bred to watch over mountain-grazing cattle in Switzerland, Roux-

Bee thrived on our 10 acres of rolling, four-season Virginia hay fields. She trotted along bicycles in the spring and summer, pulled sleds in the winter and chased deer, well, pretty much year-round!

Having never set eye or paw on a manicured fairway or putting green, she was a contented “outside” dog, with very few rules – golf or otherwise. Could she find happiness contained inside and on the end of a leash?

Commonwealth of Virginia, decided to forge ahead and “commute” (like many people I’ve now met) back and forth while he assessed the local landscape and established new business ventures in Bluffton and Savannah.

That drill lasted just a few months, as children seem to grow faster, procuring new skills and losing more baby teeth when you don’t see them every day. For the sake of everyone’s sanity, we needed be together – as a family – in one location. And the Lowcountry won.

What about my thin-skinned, off-the-track, red-headed (chestnut) thoroughbred.

How would my aging gelding fare in the intense summer heat and tenacious grip of a sand gnats, swarm or other flying, biting winged beasts? Zoot was known to tear around the paddocks, Tasmanian-devil-madmanstyle, from the buzz of a few measly barn flies. It was only funny when it wasn’t dangerous. For an old guy, he still had a lot of spunk left in his “hind quarters.”

So two summers ago – after much hand-wringing and shedding bittersweet tears – we picked a nice spot just off a lovely, tidy golf course on Hilton Head Island. Our team set up shop with a new school and new routine – the kids, myself and husband, and Roux. As heart-wrenching as it was, I made the very difficult decision to leave Zoot behind at his familiar, comfortable barn hoping it was the right choice.

With so many considerations and because we had the luxury, we stayed put. At first, my husband, having lived his entire life in the

The decision made perfect sense for all the reasons I detailed earlier – heat, bugs, his age, and everyone’s safety.

Horses can have trouble adapting – not unlike some people. For such large and powerful creatures, they can be extremely quick to falter. Leaving Zoot where I knew he was thriving was a comfort when there were so many other uncertainties.

I believe we make the 11

best decisions we can with the information we have at the time. When new information presents itself, we can make new decisions. Monday morning quarterbacking serves no purpose other than to create blame or guilt. We make decisions and move forward as brave and bold as we can. I teach this to my children and ask my friends to remind me, when I’m in doubt. I’ve needed a little more reassurance the past few months.

Zoot often came out of winter a little thin, a little less robust than he started.

He had a typical, sensitive thoroughbred’s stomach.

Each spring, when the ground thawed, we wormed him, tested for parasites, upped his supplements and feed.

He would usually respond positively and within a few weeks. But this year was different. The woman taking care of Zoot was concerned that he had lost “a lot” of weight. We agreed to worm him, follow the usual protocol and assume the best.

Parents of pets and people know that funny feeling – when something isn’t right. I can’t explain why, but I had developed a nagging worry that something wasn’t right with Zoot. I finally asked a friend from Virginia to run over to the barn and check on him. Unfortunately, a massive hailstorm hit that night. It knocked out windows in cars and homes. She wasn’t able to drive over to check on Zoot as planned.

A few weeks later, I got the call no one wants. Zoot had suffered a dangerous bout of

changed our routine to walks around the barn and meditative work in the ring. We were both happy.

I tried my best to assess what I heard over the phone and what I saw in photos. I questioned the vet. I sent another experienced horsewoman friend to go put her hands on Zoot’s belly for one more opinion. I weighed the information as it was presented. I listened to Zoot.

colic– a common, but sometimes deadly gastric problem that generates tremendous pain in the gut.

It was now a blazing hot July in Virginia. All the horses at the barn were uncomfortable. But Zoot seemed to be in particular distress. The vet administered a pain medication to help relieve the discomfort and his caretakers said they would keep a close eye on him.

Zoot had been such an unexpected blessing. Meant for another person, he came to me by happy accident – always ready to tack-up and workout whether he felt like it or not. The only thing we didn’t see eye-to-eye on was trail riding. But I finally listened to what he was saying and

contributors Justin Smith is a lifelong lover of unlovable animals.

A Beaufort native, he resides on Lady’s Island. Justin currently breeds Crested Geckos.

Hannah Seigworth counts her parents and cat, Buttons, as her biggest fans.

Hannah will be the podcast maven of the upcoming Tails series.

Linda Burton is a Beaufort County literacy teacher, mom to three great college kids, and lover of all animals.As much as she has tried, she has given up on the ‘no dogs on the couch’ rule.

Nicole Moore is the mother of three and an alternative medicine guru. She loves reading, writing, animals, and playing dress-up while leading visitors on culinary tours of Savannah.

James Caskey happens to be a big deal. The author of numerous books about ghosts haunting the likes of St. Augustine,

Then, on a hot Monday in July, surrounded by his barn mates, Zoot left us behind, trusting we would be okay, eventually. When life ends, the transition can be difficult. We grieve and keep moving forward, albeit changed. I wish I had been there at the end. And yet, I know he was comforted and loved by those who were. There was nothing I could have done to change the outcome.

It was, what it was, I remind myself when I start to ruminate over Zoot’s last few days.

Roux takes long vacations at my parents’ small farm in Florida where she can run wild with her cousin Derby, a nervous, tricolored Jack Russell terrier. Those visits, while hard for us, help her tolerate her life on the leash and screened porch. Life is full of compromises, adjustments and change.

I am taking my lead from all of them as I remind myself that we make decisions the best we can, in the moment and with what information we have at the time.

Life is as imperfect as it is finite. Might as well be brave and bold.

By K.G. Elliott, Animal Lover

Of course, it’s natural to reflect on life after a death in the family and assess where we’ve been and where we’re going on this impermanent journey. When I see my children jumping waves, building inventive sand structures on the beach, smearing pluff mud on their faces and shrieking with joy at some new discovery – it reassures and reaffirms our move to the Lowcountry.

New Orleans, Charleston and … Savannah, James knows how to show someone a good time. Learn more about Cobblestone Tours at ghostsavannah.com Bonnie Drew has lived in the Lowcountry for 22 years and works as a journalist contributing to Bluffton Today and BeaufortOnline. com. As a tour guide downtown, she is well-versed in over 500 years of local history and actively involved in the current happenings.

Alexandra Doucet contributes to the new equestrian division of SCAD’s studentnewspaper, District.

Hailing from Little Rock, AR, a student and student-athlete, Alex enjoys writing about the team and their magnificent equine partners.

Erica Veit relocated from Green Bay to attend SCAD for graphic design and competed on scholarship with their equestrian team. She relocated to South Carolina’s Lowcountry and was instrumental in establishing the Daufuskie Marsh Tacky Society.

Amy Milling is the mother of two adorable children and a champion of the Old Town Bluffton Neighborhood

Association. A lover of her family, family dog, and neighborhood, Amy enjoys promoting the great town of Bluffton.

Laura Fanelli moved to Beaufort sight unseen in 2013 and fell in love with everything Lowcountry. Very different from growing up in the “Icebox” of Northwestern Connecticut. But, she does still secretly miss the cold weather and snow.

Karen Shea is a Charleston chapter of the Greyhound Pets of America volunteer in the Lowcountry.

She is instrumental in facilitating adoptions and events in Bluffton, Hilton Head, Beaufort, Savannah and Pooler for greyhounds and greyhound-lovers.

Vivian de los Rios is a writer/illustrator from Ellijay, GA. She is a professional painter, amateur gardener, and terrible cat herder and goes on "sketch dates" with her husband Alejo. See Vivian's work online at www.vivianhansen.com Sharon Bordeaux lives in Savannah and writes about animals, environmental issues and local history. She wonders if donkeys make good house pets and is the former publisher of a popular

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Savannah animal magazine.

Rachel Jones grew up on a lake where she learned to love water and nature. After earning a Biology degree, she spent 3 years as a salt marshes near Charleston before becoming a Naturalist at the Port Royal Sound Foundation.

K.G. Elliott found her way home back to the swampy south where she scans the Lowcountry’s blue skies for bald eagles, following a career writing about legal eagles in the also swampy city of Washington D.C. Tiffani Taylor is the owner/operator of Tiffani Taylor Gallery in downtown Savannah and the founder of Savannah Art Walk.

Inspired by her grandmother, Tiffani pursues her passion creating every day.

Mira Scott is a Hilton Head artist and owns Picture This Gallery. Her zoo-keeping, dolphintraining Scottish French-Canadian father sparked her love for creatures and her mother’s Russian-Polish heritage influenced her use of detailed repetitive patterns.

warm breeze blows as I pull up to the Hunter Cattle Company. It’s a farm right out of a storybook. Red buildings with white trim stand cheerfully in the sunlight, decorated with antique equipment and vintage signs. Dust rises up from the dirt road, and the illusion of stepping back in time is nearly perfect. Nearly -- because this is a working farm and store. The adjacent grass parking lot is filled with pickups and other vehicles. Hunter seem to be thriving, running a flourishing business built on sustainable agriculture.

I met them in their combination store and kitchen, where it became clear very quickly that these friendly people are a close knit family.

Related or not. Kristan manages the farm with the same firm but thoughtful boundaries that she maintains with her 5 homeschooled children: Forrest - 10, Bear - 8, Canyon - 6, Tail Boone - 4, and Meadow - 1. Their cousins live on the farm, too: Riley - 12, Daniel - 11, Liam - 3 and Jacob - 1.

Their Grandma, Debra, provides support with a sense of calm and warmth. Around them a purposeful group of farmhands and family go about their tasks. Today they are preparing for the next day’s farmer markets, loading trucks and tending to the details. There’s a short discussion about a problem, and Debra smiles and explains, “Growing pains. Better to have them than not!”

Ten years into their adventure, they’re quite experienced and successful at handling growing

pains. Originally, their family business was real estate, and their plan was to only farm food for themselves. Soon friends and neighbors began asking about their meats, and a small business was born. Accelerated by the market crash in 2008, and a fire that destroyed their office computers with all their real estate records, they had little choice but to step forward in faith and become The Hunter Cattle Company.

“A family business is like a marriage,” Kristan tells me, as we tour the farm in their Pioneer.

Forrest is at the wheel, and handles the cart with skill. (Before we began, Kristan explained that farm kids are different. They are required to learn how to step up and deal with hard work and challenges, and they do.) She goes on to say that having the business has made them all better people, because there’s no room for selfishness.

They must always think of others.

Looking at the animals, one can see how seriously this family takes their responsibilities.

The farm is well maintained, and the animals are healthy and calm. We approach cows and horses, and they stare at us without fear or concern. I step off the cart to get a better look at a beautiful brown and white quarter horse, and it walks right over, so we’re nearly nose to nose. Its power is breathtaking, with its large brown eyes gazing at me from a good two feet up. Kristan laughs, “They’ll get into your personal space!” And that’s how the rest of the tour went, up close with the animals, with the exception of a group of baby pigs, who ran hog wild.

912.823.BEEF

HUNTERCATTLE.COM 13

Occasionally, the family has to defend themselves against those who question their respect and love of animals. They vehemently assert that they are animal lovers, and take pride in being responsible meat eaters. National Geographic tells us that the world’s meat consumption has nearly doubled since 1961.

With this kind of demand, I am happy to see a family concern like Hunter contribute to the movement and discourse on responsible farming.

Some may prefer to express their appreciation of animals by being vegetarian, while others go paleo, or develop a kinship reminiscent of Native Americans. One thing is for certain, these farmers care.

FORREST AND THE BIRD Forrest, our cart driver, is an accomplished survivalist. Kristin told me he often heads to the woods, hunts and cooks his own dinner. One day, while he was out the phone rang. His Grandfather answered and heard Forrest crying on the other end. “What’s wrong? Are you hurt?”

That was the fear. Parents can relate. No, he wasn’t hurt. A bird was. Forrest had taken a rare indirect shot, and the bird had not fallen. It had flown into the woods, injured, and Forrest couldn’t stand the thought. He was in tears.

This young man is learning to steward the land and its creatures, bringing to mind the reverence held by the Native American buffalo hunters of the plains from a bygone era.

THE MOVEMENT

The Hunter Cattle Company is part of a movement that focuses on providing food that has superior nutritional value and respects the animal's natural environment. The cattle here are fed a diet of 100% grass, mother’s milk, and natural forage. They roam expansive pastures with wide open space and forested areas for shade and protection. When it’s time to harvest them, the family aspires to create minimal stress during the experience.

These days, many consumers are aware that maintaining a natural, supportive environment for livestock and increased nutritional value go hand in hand. Studies show the benefits of eating grass fed beef. Most notable is the difference in fat quantity and quality. Grass fed beef can be as low in fat, and therefore calories, as skinless chicken breast. The type of fat found in grass fed beef is important, too. Research shows the levels of Omega-3 fatty acids to be two to four times higher than in conventionally farmed beef, putting it on a similar level with salmon.

Eating lean beef lowers levels of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol. With Americans eating an average of 66.5 pounds of beef a year, the benefits, which include a lowered risk of heart disease, can really add up. Other advocates laud the health benefits of consuming grass fed beef, like greater amounts of beta-carotene, CLA, vitamin E and B-vitamins, and the minerals calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Additionally, the animals at the Hunter Cattle Company farm do not receive antibiotics, steroids, added growth hormones, and are not exposed pesticides. If an animal does require antibiotics for medical reasons, it is removed from the program. Integrity is important to the farmers as individuals, as well as in their herds.

There is no shortage of interest in Hunter Cattle Company’s mission. Their meats are featured at farmers’ markets and restaurants throughout the area, and their popularity continues to grow. You can also find them in fine grocers and natural supermarkets.

Intrigued? If you would like to experience farm life yourself, you can book an overnight stay in one of their farm lofts. They’ll even let you pitch in and learn about farming firsthand! After so many requests for information on how run a sustainable farm, offering farm stays has become one of the solutions. So too are special events for families and children, inviting others to connect with the land and the animals that give their lives for our nutrition and benefit.

“Education is so important,” Kristan emphasizes. “People want to know why our meats are more expensive. It takes a lot more resources to to raise a cow sustainably than conventionally.

A Hunter cow takes twice as long to raise than a commercial cow, and at least twice as much land.

It cost more to process the cow, and there are fewer being processed.”

I was grateful for my trip to Effingham to visit the farm and the unique family that tends to the beautiful, happy animals that adorn it.

Leaving, I felt energized, encouraged by the focus on sustainable and natural agriculture, and most importantly - that it was happening in my “backyard.” We have the option of voicing our opinions by choosing where we spend our dollars, and I’ll be looking for Hunter Cattle at my local store.

By Nicole Moore, Tails Staff Writer Photographs by Michelle Morris

UPCOMING EVENTS GEORGIA A-SCARY-UM Oct 1 - 31, 12:30pm georgiaaquarium.org

HALLOWEEN AT UGA AQUARIUM Oct 15, 10 - 11am marex.uga.edu/calendar

Growing pains.

Better to have them than not!

FROGWARTS

Oct 16, 11am  savannahchildrensmuseum

OYSTER ROAST FOR A REASON Nov 5, 5 - 8pm marex.uga.edu/calendar

SCUBA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN Nov 25-Dec 23, 9am scaquarium.org

2016 DOG SHOW

Dec 10, All Day savannahkennelclub.org

14

ihSa Champion Road Winds through Savannah 2015 National Championship

Labor Day Weekend 2015

7:30am November 15, 2015

Final exams are creeping up and homework is piling, but all eyes are on a the stream coming from Massachusetts. The entire team is unable to attend the show, just like any other team sport. Everyone in Savannah is there in spirit; holding hands, muttering exciting words of encouragement while teammates are in the ring, and shouting for joy as the final points are tallied and Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) is announced the national champion. The Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) title is headed to Savannah in the hands of the SCAD Equestrian team.

Pictures on Instagram are full of the smiling faces of family and friends, enjoying the pool, lake, or barbeque. Leaving home to move into a dorm is always difficult and bittersweet, but missing celebrations with family is the toughest part of going to college. Joining sixty teammates in a week of riding, laughing, running, and taking over the cafeteria as a group of hungry riders in breeches is well worth any sacrifice.

The Bees are back, and ready to train in preparation for another run at the national championship.

It’s a day of howling winds and bitter cold. The holding ring where competing riders mount is full of horses with heavy blankets secured over their saddles. Amid the mounts, a sea of handlers in SCAD emblazoned black jackets. A few horses canter around the ring in an attempt to warm up freezing muscles. Hands held to mouth. Blow hot air. Rub hands together.

Repeat. It’s not about me, focus on the horse. The show must always go on.

5:45am January 12, 2016

3:00pm April 2, 2016

May 7, 2016

Labor DayWeekend 2016

It’s forty-five degrees outside with a strong wind gusting through the hallway of an outdoor basement.

Thirty riders sit on the ground, the only sounds: sniffling and the crinkling of power bar wrappers. A set of keys jangles in the distance and the students rise in unison. It’s time to work out again. We may not have come to Savannah expecting the cold, but we did expect to work hard.

It’s hour six of the IHSA Zone 5 championships, and the SCAD team is showing strong. The riders’ hard work in workouts, yoga, and lessons is paying off in inspirational ways. Not only is the team winning, it’s winning by a wide margin. Not only are the riders to credit, the entire team is supporting the show – including the amazing barn of SCAD horses. Every member is playing his or her part from announcing, to running the office, to making sure every horse is in the ring on time. In the final stop on the road to nationals, SCAD is full steam ahead.

The last SCAD athletes are in the ring at the IHSA National Championship, and everyone is waiting on the edge of their seats for the results as we vie for our second straight title.

Once points are calculated after this final class, and win, SCAD are announced champions. The national championship title comes back to Georgia again, and not Atlanta, or Athens, but Savannah. And even though everyone is exhausted when boarding the bus after packing the barn and horses up, the energy in the air is electric.

Why? Because the only thing better than winning a title is defending it!

Hurricane Hermine is swirling along the coast of South Carolina and Georgia, delaying flights and cars coming into the city of Savannah. Luckily, Hermine decides to move along quickly as the SCAD Equestrian team needs to move in and prepare to begin the work they started last year. No rest for the weary, or back to back national champions. Preseason is starting again!

hat makes a championship team? It isn’t just one person riding for themselves, or one person working out in the gym.

It is hard work done together, bonding over a shared desire to be great, together.

Becoming a championship team is not an easy task. Doing it two years in a row is even tougher. Even more difficult than that is building a team of nationally rated riders in a school that may, at first glance, not have a clear equestrian direction.

The Savannah College of Art and Design is a nationally acclaimed art university, churning out some of the most highly trained professionals in the country. From Pixar animators to fashion moguls, the graduating classes are nothing short of unbelievably talented. It is surprising to many, then, that the school also is home to the IHSA National Champions for two years running, and one of the most acclaimed equestrian collegiate programs in the country.

The SCAD Equestrian program began as a small IHSA team, growing in number each year. Later, the school decided to add 15

is part of

Celebration

equine studies as a minor. From there, the interest grew and now Equestrian Studies is one of SCAD’s newest and fastest growing majors, bringing in a growing number of students every year. However, the team is not only comprised of equestrian majors - it draws from every walk of the SCAD life, from graphic design to fashion.

This is special. A team of this size would become prone to mishaps and issues. Instead, the program grows. And grows. The size is not a hurdle, it’s a strength. Members push one another every day, and the cheering section is never quiet.

This is especially true at home shows, and the team also benefits from the old adage, “many hands make light work.”

Coach Ashley Henry knows what being a star athlete takes, since she got her start as a member of the team while attending SCAD. Being aware of the trials students would face allowed her to help mold scholastic athletes into champion riders. Henry understands the sacrifices her team makes, and their competing priorities. Team members are encouraged to be students first, not only star athletes, dedicated to their majors, projects, and portfolios.

With two rides a week (or more during show weeks), a workout with personal trainers, and yoga, the SCAD team strives to become the best.

While getting up at five in the morning to work out, riding in the bitter cold or sweltering heat, budgeting the time for horse shows, and extra preparation rides can be tiring, no other experience can compare. A collegiate equestrian program offers life-long friendships, amazing riding opportunities, and at SCAD, a chance to participate in the best [English] equestrian program in the nation. This is evident not by the hardware and ribbons lining the walls of the trophy room and barns, but in the laughter and smiles.

While riding on its own is important, the real strength of the team comes from times off the horses. Training and yoga build muscle and are targeted at not just making riders stronger, but making them more adaptable in the saddle.

But team strength comes from more than muscle.

Hugs and high fives as riders walk out of the ring with blue ribbons are great, but as misty eyes at the end of the year banquet attest - the best part of the SCAD team is not its talent, or its wins. The best part is friendship, sportsmanship, and the selflessness of everyone involved with the team. But winning IHSA isn’t bad either.

Twice. In two years. But who is counting?

Being one of the largest IHSA teams, SCAD Equestrian calls over sixty riders its own.

By Alexandra Doucet,Savannah College of Art and Design Photos credited to Jan Taylor Illustration by Jackie Gentile

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16

Working K-9 Spotlight

KYRA & CHATHAM COUNTY or over a century, canines have been an indispensable part of law enforcement and military operations. Working dogs have come a long way over the years with extensive training in bomb, drug, and weapon detection. Behind the scenes, K-9 units are working every day to keep us safe and the streets clean. In this new regular piece from Tails, we’re highlighting a local K9 that puts in just as much work as the officers on the streets! In this issue we would like to introduce Kyra (kee-rah) with the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office’s Regional K-9 Resource Team.

The Chatham County K-9 Team was formed in 1989 with a single dog and has since turned into Georgia’s center of training programs for K-9s with nine active duty canine officers. Each dog is trained in one specific job like explosives, drug, or weapons detection from the time they are around a year and a half old. All of these dogs are bred overseas in a European country (Czech Republic, Netherlands, etc.) and are then brought to the states for training.

After that, handlers from various law enforcement agencies get to pick their new partner.

Dogs then build a bond and team with the handler over the course of a year (on average) preparing for a decade long career of fighting

RD

E PH E H S

crime. At the end of the day each dog goes home with their handler and takes two trips to the vet a year. Four legged officers are trained to do regular jobs, like sweeping buildings and public events for explosives. What else might be in a day’s work? They’re often called out to traffic stops to sweep for weapons or drugs. K-9s are requested regularly when politicians or VIPs come to town to enhance security. To add to these duties, Chatham County is the hub for K-9 training in the region, responsible for training dogs for over 60+ agencies across the Southeast.

OPTICS SUPPRE

Their working team consists of six drug dogs and three bomb dogs. Kyra is one of those dogs.

Kyra is a gorgeous Belgian Malinois.

At four years young, she’s been active duty with Chatham County only two years. While a lot of dogs are taught commands in German or Polish, Kyra is fluent in Dutch since she was born in the Netherlands! Kyra’s job as a K-9 is explosives and weapons detection which she trains for regularly. Do-badders had better beware with Kyra on the streets.

So far in her short time as a working dog she’s pulled at least 75 guns off the streets of Savannah and the surrounding area. Thanks Kyra!

Every day, once Kyra’s shift is over, she goes home with her handler Sergeant Jason Livie to two other dogs and three pigs. (Sounds like a full house.) Kyra and the other dogs on the team are on an on-call rotation where they could be called upon at any time to come and do what they do best, just like their police department colleagues. When she’s home, she enjoys being a regular dog and playing with chew toys. But when it’s time to work, Kyra is as professional as they come. Stay safe Kyra and Sgt. Livie, and thank you for your service!

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R I TA G E H

Studies from Mississippi State University have proven the Marsh Tacky has a unique fifth gait, a distinction even amongst other gaited horses, which contributes to the breed’s stamina. This gait was officially named the “Swamp Fox Trot” in 2010. English plantation settlers came to the Lowcountry with indigo, rice and sea island cotton and further domesticated this sure footed little horse.

traits of Iberian horses.

Tacky stock in the world.

Lowther’s great great grandfather acquired a number of fine horses from a foray during the Civil War. Then in the 50’s, Lowther would travel by boat to the once bridgeless Hilton Head Island, round up a few head of feral Tackies as he needed them (which was tradition), and take them back to his farm in Ridgeland. He managed his herd's breeding carefully, and was ultimately credited as a champion of preserving the breed. Its “grandfather.”

Conservationists only discovered the Lowther herd in the 90’s.

Postbellum, the Marsh Tacky carried out all kinds of day to day activities in communities native to the Lowcountry, like the Gullah. In World War II, Marsh Tackies ridden in patrols on s we celebrate the one The Marsh Tacky in History, were Hilton Head Island by “Beach year anniversary of the Heritage and Legacy Pounders" to protect the formal organization coast from potential of the Daufuskie While the Marsh Tacky There Nazi U-boat or enemy Marsh Tacky Society, is important for are only spy landings. Due I cannot help but genetic conservation, around 400 to the enormous reflect upon the they also have Marsh Tacky's contributions that incredible history great historical in existence the Marsh Tacky has of the breed and significance. today. made to development, feel humbled and Domesticated as pack transportation, excited to be a part animals in the Native agricultural and wartime of its bright future.

American deerskin trade efforts, the Marsh Tacky was As the only Marsh route from as far south as St. designated the South Carolina Tacky preservation Simons, GA to Charleston, SC, For the first time in history, a State Heritage Horse by group that exists in their the breed was used during public auction of the Lowther Congressman Mark Sanford native habitat, our barn is the American Revolution by herd was held on July 2, in 2010. located directly across from many of the irregular forces 2016. Nearly 100 horses.

Freeport Marina. Sometimes of General Francis “Swamp Marsh Tacky Conservation Enthusiasts from throughout referred to as “Downtown Fox” Marion. Marion the east, Florida, Alabama and Thanks to modern progress Daufuskie,” and his troops are The Tennessee, traveled for the such as the automobile, this approximately believed to have Marsh opportunity to own a once common marsh 150,000 visitors had a technical Tacky is living piece of these horse was nearly pass through advantage a critically history. horses extinct along with Freeport thanks to the endangered breed developed other Spanish annually. For Marsh Tacky's of Spanish Colonial into their own Colonial horses the first time in smaller size, horse that is breed, which was in the 1950s. Mr. two decades, keen “woods unique to South recognized DP Lowther, of there are now sense” and ability Carolina. in the mid Ridgeland, SC is four Marsh Tackies to navigate the 2000’s. the single largest on Daufuskie Island swamps compared owner of where hundreds to the larger European Marsh of years ago they thrived breeds of the British Cavalry. independently.

book and other organizations “Tacky” registry, celebrating the is derived Adapted developing area’s heritage and from an Old to the hot, a robust history.

English word muggy climate website that means of the Lowcountry, Marsh Tacky with helpful “common” or the breed is famous Future links and “cheap.” for its instinctual information, as In 2015, 17 newborn ability to pick up well as the revival Marsh Tackies were their feet in pluff of the Marsh Tacky recorded. One of those is mud or swampy beach races. a little bay roan stud colt conditions. with a star on his forehead Beach races named Lucero. Directly from Tackies originated as a Lowther's herd in Ridgeland, are island in the early eighties. postharvest and as his name implies, a smaller Lowther named him Gullah Lucero has a bright future. horse, averaging "Hacksaw," and Hacksaw and celebratory He will grow up to become 14-15 hands and At its his compatriots remained tradition where the father of many more weighing 700-900 lbs conclusion, integral in the preservation riders would tackies, and will sire the while possessing about 40% of the stock for decades. race their first Marsh Tacky foal to be disproportionate of the horses Currently there are four horses horses against born on Daufuskie in three stamina and were sold. Many in the DMTS herd, Lucero and each other for decades. Also born in 2015, the strength. joined preexisting three mares. The breeding bragging rights.

Daufuskie Marsh Tacky Society herds and all will program will be well underway Today the family is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit contribute to the by spring of 2017, and rivalries and bragging organization whose continued welfare of this by the following remain strong. The backbone mission is to Compared endangered species. year (with a little of the Marsh Tacky community promote and to other luck) there include those in small, family protect these breeds they have The fate of the breed lies in will be a new owned breeding, training and critically a deep yet the hands of enthusiasts and Marsh Tacky hunting operations throughout endangered narrow chest which promoting the breed to the baby born on the region. More information is animals in the improves their public is critical. The Carolina Daufuskie available on the CMTA website context of endurance, as well as Marsh Tacky Association soil again. as well as through Carolina its historical a short, strong back, was founded in 2007 to Marsh Tacky Outdoors and roots on sloped croup and preserve and promote the Horse Tales TV, which airs Daufuskie Island. low-set tail. breed. Highlights of CMTA’s For more on local public broadcast DMTS focuses on accomplishments include information about channels. Also, the public breeding, training getting the Marsh Tacky the Daufuskie Marsh may view Marsh Tackies at and sales, educational recognized as the South Tacky Society visit their Coastal Discovery Museum and special events.

Carolina State Heritage Horse, website or find them in Hilton Head, and through partnering with the American on Facebook. partnerships with The organization brought the Livestock Breeds the Santa Elena first two horses "home" to Conservancy to Brought Foundation, Daufuskie last September from develop and

by Spanish

By Erica Veit, Founder/ Morris Lowther's farm. Ironically, DP record the Conquistadors, Executive Director of the Center for was responsible for taking the Marsh Tacky explorers and Daufuskie Marsh Lowcountry last known stud early settlers in the Tacky Society - erica@ Heritage, Marsh 1500’s, tackies thrived daufuskiemarshtackysociety.

Although and Tacky independently on the org. the breed off barrier sea islands Photos credited to comes in almost the such as Hilton Head Daufuskie Marsh all colors except and Daufuskie for Tacky Society. paint or pinto, prized hundreds of colors include buckskin years. dun, claybake dun, roan and grulla, with primitive markings such as dorsal stripes, zebra striping on the legs, withers bars, and thick, ombre double-manes and tails.

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ur family dog, Crispin, (an Australian shepherd-ish mutt from the pound) was beyond excited to get in the car for our excursion.

He has a bad habit of sneaking into open cars (assuming that all cars lead to new places and fast food chicken nuggets), so you can imagine his glee at actually being called into the car personally. My 11-yearold cousin Chloe also accompanied us, though she was fully aware we were going to a park and that chicken nuggets would not be involved.

A friend told me that state parks all over Georgia have joined together encouraging dogs and owners to hit the trails by offering a fun program with incentives. "Tails on Trails" only costs $15 to join, and if you and your furry companion complete the trail at each of the eight participating parks, you get park

swag: a t-shirt for you and an adorable bandana for your pup. Oh, and bragging rights. Each park has one trail designated as perfect for you and your dog, though the dogs are welcome on all the trails if you feel like overachieving.

I pulled up to the ranger station at Fort Mountain State Park, located in the north Georgia mountains a half hour from my home. Boasting a lake, a recently restored fire tower, a mysterious Native Americanbuilt wall, beautiful trails through hardwood forests, and of course some amazing views of the rolling mountains, it wasn't just Crispin that was excited about our little adventure.

The station was abuzz with talk of bears.

As a veteran of bear-encounter-training at Yellowstone Park, I wasn't particularly concerned until another ranger came in and said a bear needed to be removed from the campsites and relocated. Okay, yes, perhaps a bear hanging out in the campsites isn't such a good idea. He was lovingly

21

nicknamed "Trashbear," and could be recognized by the patch of mange on his head.

Still undeterred, I waited till the bear hubbub died down and got myself and Crispin registered. I also noted on the map where the campsites were, in case we needed to avoid Trashbear. Crispin is a bit naive when it comes to making new friends.

Within minutes we were on the trail, a one-mile loop around the lake. Crispin had leapt out of the car and pulled on his harness, a real trailblazer, immediately dragging me and Chloe into the shade of the trees. The trail was quite level and well-maintained, and the trees often opened up on one side for a clear view of the still, peaceful lake.

Crispin didn't have any patience for our desire to stand and stare across the waters, but pointed out lots of other interesting things to us. For example, I would never have noticed a beautiful patch of wildflowers had he not decided to chase a lizard that had run into them, and he very kindly pointed out the deer scat before we stepped in it. I imagined what it must be like for a dog to "see" so many things with his nose, and experience this pretty place in a whole other sense.

We walked quickly, not wanting to slow Crispin's gleeful pace. He did stop for a while to see where a few ducks were headed, so we caught our breath.

What an incredible gift it would be to see this world as if for the first time - to notice every leaf and bug and bird, every stone and scent and sound - like my dog does. The sky was a pure blue, the air surprisingly cool for an August day in Georgia. A female cardinal, duller in color than her male companion, landed in the tree over us. We kept a wary eye out for bears, just in case. And then another family with a dog came around a corner, and Crispin was on his feet again.

Dense with trees - beautiful hardwoods with different shapes and foliage colors casting a deep, cool shade - our path led us from small to large spectacle.

Quieter for a moment, on the far bank from the lake's swimming area and groups of picnickers, we were able to reflect. Emerald green moss seemed to glow from under a few trees, and Crispin sniffed at some fascinating orange mushrooms, knocking one over with his nose. He sneezed and Chloe laughed, but he had his revenge when he dashed in front of her and tripped Chloe with his leash.

I read somewhere that going for a walk in the woods has a profoundly positive effect on people - from reduced stress to improved memory function, attention span, and overall energy. I think if you add a dog to the equation, those positive effects multiply exponentially. Their joy becomes your joy. And I believe that they encourage us to keep going even when we're tired. Crispin's brown tail is tipped

with white, and the steady back-andforth swing of it is hypnotic. I'd lost track of time, simply enjoying the steady pace of the hike and admiring the way the sunlight dappled the ground.

I didn't realize how far we had walked when suddenly we were near the end of the trail.

The trail was just the right length for the three of us. The trees started to open up, widening as we came full circle to the swimming area of the lake.

The weather was beautiful and the park was full of people. We passed numerous picnic pavilions full of families celebrating (or mourning) the end of summer, and Crispin's nose perked up once again at the smell of burgers on a grill.

A few kids passing by gave Crispin a pat on the head. I'm sure he felt like a good dog, having led our expedition with no bear fights and finding our way back to the car without trying to steal anyone's hot dogs. He jumped into the backseat and immediately flopped down. All of that exploring, sniffing, and dragging me around with his leash must have been exhausting. It's that good kind of tired, the kind you get when you've taken in a full day's worth of beauty and nature and fresh air. Just one day though - another day, another park. Where to next?

Walking a dog is one of the simple joys in life.

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A little fresh air and exercise is nice, but there's something special about the way a dog can make you look at the world.

Imagine your dog's excitement if, instead of taking out your cell phone or strolling on your normal neighborhood route, you both hit the trails and discover something amazing.

Here is a list of parks participating in the "Tails on Trails" program: Fort Mountain - Chatsworth F.D. Roosevelt - Pine Mountain Don Carter - Gainesville Sweetwater Creek - Lithia Springs High Falls - Jackson Fort McAllister - Richmond Hill Red Top Mountain - Acworth For more info, visit www.gastateparks.org

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s a certified and licensed Savannah tour guide for the last 15 years, I’ve gotten some wonderful questions from tourists on my walking tours. I recently was leading a ghost tour in the Historic District when a shy eight-year old raised her hand. “Are there any ghost stories in Savannah involving animals?”

Her timing could not have been more perfect, because we were right around the corner from perhaps Savannah’s most endearing legend: the spectral cat of the Davenport House.

Built in 1820, the Isaiah Davenport House was originally constructed as a private residence. The former home has been converted into a house museum. Naturally, this means that pets are forbidden. According to members of the staff, however, a four-legged phantom is still quite comfortable in the house. You can’t keep a good ghost down!

Just a little history before we get our paws on the only purring ghost in Savannah: Isaiah Davenport was born in Little Compton, Rhode Island in 1784. He moved to Savannah around 1796, and quickly gained a reputation as a skilled builder. Unfortunately, in 1827 at the age of fortythree, Isaiah Davenport contracted yellow fever and died. He only lived in his beautiful home for seven years. His wife Sarah was a widow at age

thirty-nine. She ran the home as a boarding house for a number of years. The house served as a private residence and was then sectioned off in the 1890’s into apartments, which quickly grew into a tenement house.

The condition of the building declined, as did much of Savannah’s Historic District.

Plans were made in 1955 to demolish the Davenport House to make way for a parking lot. A group of seven women fought to save the house from destruction, and succeeded mere hours before it was scheduled for demolition. It was renovated and finally opened to the public in 1963, quickly becoming one of Savannah’s most popular house museums. The Historic Savannah Foundation went on to become one of the most important preservation organizations in the United States.

There have been stories circulating about a previous occupant who appears unwilling to leave the former home, but this former resident is of the feline variety. No one seems to know where the kitty has come from, but many agree that it is there. A spectral orange and white tabby cat (some refer to it as being yellow) has been seen either entering or living within the house, both when this house was a tenement and later as a museum. The furtive feline has been seen in several rooms by different members of the staff, often times darting from room to room. The cat seems to have a special connection to the very young: children have been known to call a cat that no one else can see, and one child was seen stroking the air, as if petting an unseen kitty.

The museum has embraced their special fourlegged haunting: there is now a plush ‘ghost cat’ doll available in the downstairs gift shop.

The Davenport House stands as a testament to the preservation and conservation of the city

by forward-thinking and concerned citizens. Is it really so farfetched to think that the house, tied so intimately into the fabric of downtown’s character, could have done some preserving of its own? Perhaps the spirit of one special feline has come back to let us know that it also approves.

A version of this story appears in James Caskey’s book ‘Haunted Savannah,’ published by Manta Ray Books in 2013. Republished with permission.

By James Caskey, Owner of Cobblestone Tours

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ets have gotten plain. Cats, Dogs, Rabbits. Boring!

Personally, I like the creatures off the beaten path, or more from under a rock. I’m talking about exotic pets, animals from other parts of the world, the stuff you don’t see every day. I’ll admit, being a reptile guy my entire life, I’ve never kept the furry exotics - just the scaly or eight-legged ones. Luckily, the list of options for friendly exotic reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates is only limited by your imagination. Since I only get so much page space, I’ll just go over ten of the best species for getting into exotic creepy crawlies. This list was made with size of the species, space requirements, and level of care all in mind.

Crested Geckos These small lizards might be one of the easiest reptiles to keep! They require no special lighting since they’re nocturnal and thrive in temperatures in the 70’s.

Being one of the most popular herps in the hobby, they’re also commonly available online and in most pet store chains. Feeding Crested Geckos is also easy with commercial diets available along with being insectivores.

Adult crested geckos usually max out at around 8 inches. Their overall size makes them perfect for smaller living spaces like apartments.

Children’s and Spotted Pythons These two small Australian pythons are put together because they’re related (same genus Antaresia), have the same care, and stay about the same size.

Children’s Python’s are a little smaller.

Care for both Children’s and Spotted Pythons is easy and low maintenance. As with most snakes, these pythons eat mice of the appropriate size. Both species are readily available online at affordable prices.

Size: 36 - 40 inches (Children’s) 60 inches (Spotted). Enclosure: 20-gallon.

Pacman Frogs The first Amphibian on the list is the Pacman Frog. These frogs have grown in popularity over the years. Adult Pacman frogs resemble Jabba the Hut, being very fat and stationary. Since these frogs are naturally ambush predators, they’ll eat just about anything that will fit in their mouth (which is large!). In captivity they’re usually fed crickets and roaches but also enjoy worms and can even eat small mice as adults. Care requires a moist substrate, regular daily mistings to keep them humid, and a live plant or two like Pothos helps with any waste. Thanks to captive breeding these now come in a variety of colors and “morphs”.

Size: 4 - 7 inches (f) 3 - 4 inches (m).

Enclosure: 10 or 20-gallon. Temp: Room.

Gargoyle Geckos Gargoyle geckos are relatives of Crested Geckos (originally together in the same genus Rhacodactylus) inhabiting the same island of New Caledonia. The difference between the two is Gargs get a little bigger (in length and width) and Gargoyles are usually a little less prone to being skittish. This species looks considerably different from cresteds having a much more cryptic pattern color to them.

The care for these guys is exactly the same as cresteds making them extremely easy!

African House Snakes Here’s a species you won’t see recommended very often! House snakes are a small snake species that don’t get the attention they deserve. They feed voraciously on mice of the appropriate size and are known for their appetites!

Currently there are several genetic morphs available like albinos.

Size: 30 - 55 inches.

Enclosure: 10 to 20-gallon. Temp: 70 - 88 degrees (ideally in middle).

Panther Geckos Also called Ocelot geckos (our last gecko recommendation), these nocturnal lizards are native to southern Madagascar. This species enjoys eating insects like crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, all dusted with appropriate supplements. Since these aren’t climbing geckos they can be kept in a terrestrial set-up. There’s plenty of online resources to purchase these.

Size: 3 - 5 inches.

Enclosure: 10-gallon for single adult.

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Russian Tortoise Tortoises and turtles are usually a little tough to recommend for this kind of list due to their needs for a little more space than most smaller reptiles. Luckily, Russian Tortoises are a smaller species that are easier to accommodate. If kept with the best care this species can live for more than 40 years! 40 years! If their pen is outdoors, make sure it’s set under the ground at least 6 inches because these little guys like to burrow. For substrate use a mix of sand and dirt and offer semiburied clay pots or rocks for them to dig in or under. Offer a basking corner or end at 90 to 100 degrees that’s turned off at night and a UVB light for healthy growth during the day. A good spring mix of leafy greens supplemented with kale and collard greens are loved by this species.

They also relish dandelions!

Size: 8 - 10 inches.

Enclosure: 5 square feet.

Bumble Bee Toads The second amphibian on this list is one that’s not very well known outside of the hobby. Bumble Bee Toads are small, gorgeous amphibians with striking black and yellow colors. Native to Paraguay, Brazil, and Northern Argentina, Bumble Bee Toads are a great choice for a naturalistic vivarium. Unlike other amphibians, this species doesn’t require high humidity on a constant basis preferring to be a little drier. Some coco fiber for substrate with properly disinfected magnolia leave and driftwood are a good and easy option that also looks appealing. Small pinhead crickets are the best dietary option for Bumble Bees.

Size: 1 - 1.5 inches.

Enclosure: 10-gallon for up to 6.

Blue-Tongued Skinks Hailing from Australia and Indonesian Blue-Tongued Skinks are a great choice as an alternative to Bearded Dragons.

They have awesome colors, lots of personality, and are easy keepers.

Depending on the locality/subspecies, Blue-Tongues can live upwards of 20 years! Being a terrestrial species, the more floor space the better. BTS should be provided a basking end of their enclosure with temperatures of 90 to 100 degrees and UVB light exposure for 12 hours a day. For tank substrate, dry cypress mulch is an attractive option just be sure it’s ONLY cypress mulch and doesn’t have fertilizers added. For food, BTS are omnivorous, enjoying a variety of foods like collard greens, peas, squash, mango, strawberries, hard-boiled eggs, and PREMIUM canned pet foods just to name a few!

Size: 18 - 24 inches.

Enclosure: 20-gallon (juvenile) 40-gallon (adult) for singles.

Milk Snakes When it comes to snakes, it doesn’t get much more colorful than Milk Snakes.

Relatives of Kingsnakes, their sizes are manageable and aspen shavings as a substrate work perfectly. Like the other snakes listed, mice of the appropriate size are the staple diet. If there’s a drawback to this group of serpents it’s that as youngsters they can be skittish and flighty, but will calm down with age.

Size: 36 inches.

Enclosure: 10 to 20-gallon

Just like with any pet, doing your research ahead of time when picking out the right species can save you from future headaches. The short descriptions of the species mentioned are by no means a full detail of care and remember these animals are living creatures and deserve a caring home. There’s so many options for pets, stop reading and start exploring!

By Justin Smith, A.K.A. The Lizard King 25

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3. Pick up litter.

Why? Loggerheads eat crunchy things like crabs and whelks… Plastic is crunchy and does not digest.

It causes an impaction that is fatal. Plastic bags and balloons in the water resemble jellyfish, the primary food source of Leatherback sea turtles.

4. Respect sea turtles by observing them from a distance on the beach.

• Highest number of nests since start of nest protection program in 1980 • More than 1,200 more than previous record in 2013 • Three of the past four years have been recordbreaking nest numbers in South Carolina

Report dead or injured sea turtles and nest disturbances to DNR at 1-800-922-5431.

Report sightings of live, healthy turtles to DNR at http://www.seaturtle.org/istor.

Support our program for continued conservation of sea turtles in South Carolina through the purchase of a specialty vehicle license plate or Check for Wildlife on Form I-330 on your state tax return.

he record numbers are heartening, but it’s also important to bear in mind that Loggerheads are still a long way from what the U.S. Fish and Wildlife considers South Carolina’s target for “full recovery”, which is 9,200 nests.

We’re partners on a fascinating genetics project that’s looking at the identity of loggerhead nesting females in NC, SC, and GA (an area called the Northern Recovery Unit). This work, spearheaded by Brian Shamblin at the University of Georgia, allows us to “fingerprint” each of these animals and identify when and where each one lays a nest. We’ve been able to pinpoint places in South Carolina where up to three generations of female sea turtles are nesting – mothers, daughters, and even granddaughters – which gives us a big-picture perspective about how loggerheads are faring in our waters and the size and health of their nesting population.

Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, north of Charleston, is home to the largest nesting population of loggerhead sea turtles not just in South Carolina, but along the entire Atlantic coast from North Carolina to mid-Florida! The nest numbers at Cape Island in particular dwarf the rest of the state each year (1,592 in 2016), and we work closely with U.S. Fish and Wildlife staff and volunteers in the Refuge to count, monitor, and protect each of those nests.

Other sea turtle nest hotspots include undeveloped beaches managed by the state – places such as Botany Bay Plantation, North Island (Yawkey Wildlife Center), and Edisto Beach State Park. Kiawah Island and Hilton Head Island are two locations popular among both beachgoers and nesting sea turtles that respectively saw 354 and 411 nests this year.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of SCDNR’s sea turtle nest protection work. We oversee a network of about 1,100 volunteers that, combined with the remote beaches patrolled by our biologists and partners such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, provides close to 100% coverage of the South Carolina beaches on which sea turtles nest. These folks are up before dawn each morning from May to October to do the challenging work of locating, identifying, counting, protecting, and sometimes relocating sea turtle nests to ensure the greatest number of sea turtle hatchlings make it off South Carolina beaches and into the Atlantic Ocean. Sea turtle conservation in South Carolina is truly a team effort.

HOW CAN YOU HELP? During Sea Turtle Nesting Season, May - October, it is important that visitors: 1. Keep beach front lights out 10pm - 6am (HHI City ordinance).

Why? Lights deter nesting females and attract hatchlings.

2. Fill in holes.

Why? Sand Castles and holes are obstacles to nesting females and frighten them, causing them to False Crawl (change course and fail to nest).

Hatchlings coming out of the nest and making their way to the ocean will fall into holes and are unable to get out.

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In 2016, a new special interest group of the Women's Club of Sea Pines was formed, TURTLE TRACKERS, to help educate the public for the protection of sea turtles nesting and hatching on HHI. They have organized public turtle talks, raised money for flyers, rack cards, door hangers, etc. all to spread information..."a call to action" for lights out, to fill holes, pick up litter, leave nests undisturbed. They will continue to be an extremely helpful resource for the HHI Sea Turtle Protection Project for years to come.

CONTRIBUTORS INCLUDE: Amber Kuehns Spartina Marine Education Charters, Erin Weeks SCDNR Marine Resources Division, Michelle Pate SCDNR Sea Turtle Coordinator, Rachel Jones of PRSF Photos credited to Erin Weeks

Polo ponies often have several months off between seasons. During this time, the horses have time to relax, roam in large areas of pasture and be with other horses. The break is welcome not just for the ponies, but for dedicated fans of the sport who exert themselves creating wonderful ambiance in their tents and memorable picnics.

Polo with a Purpose ne of the world’s most elite sports returns to Bluffton for its 23rd event to showcase the highly-trained ponies and disciplined players in the equestrian sport of polo. While polo is not a native sport to the Lowcountry, this event has been revered in Bluffton since 2002. Now an annual fixture, the 23rd Polo for Charity event will be held on Sunday, October 23 at Rose Hill Equestrian Center. Gates open at noon and the match begins at two.

Hosted by the Okatie Rotary Club, this Bluffton tradition began when a founding Rotary member, Dr. Sandy Termotto, also a polo enthusiast, suggested the club bring polo to Bluffton. Now the best players in the Southeast, along with other seasoned professionals, descend yearly upon Rose Hill to showcase their talent while helping raise money for great causes.

Polo Players, Ponies & Traditions Most do not realize the dedication Polo players have to their sport. Intense athletic routines include weight and cardiovascular training, and riding, along with training and grooming horses (called ponies). Then comes practicing the actual game of polo.

Because of the ferocity of the sport, it is often said that polo players entrust their lives to their ponies. (It’s important to note that during polo matches, ponies are substituted often to ensure they do not get too tired or injured.)

“Players rely heavily on their ponies as part of the team like any other competitive sport,” commented Tony Leister, the polo event coordinator.

“They have to be in a good mental and physical state connected to the riders.”

Polo matches are more than just spectating. Divot stomping is a way for guests to get in on the fun. At halftime, attendees can help out the ponies by replacing the mounds of dirt torn up by their hooves during play. Tailgating is one of the oldest polo traditions and the Bluffton event is no exception. Tailgaters are encouraged to get creative with decorations in their tents and with their attire. Prizes are awarded for best picnic as well as best hat at Polo for Charity!

The Okatie Rotary Polo for Charity event is a great way to see a world-class sporting event featuring top-rated equestrian talent in Bluffton – all for a great cause. This year, polo will raise funds in part for Moss Creek Marines (MCM) who help provide funding needed to place assistance dogs with veterans. In conjunction with Paws4Vets, they are able to provide Service Dogs for Marines suffering from PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, and many other mental and physical injuries. Those service dogs help make civilian life livable for our heroes.

At Paw4Vets, each dog is trained for a specific need. For example, a physical or neurological assistance dog enables veterans with limited mobility to lead a more independent life by providing balance, stability, and support. Veterans with PTSD or brain injuries may need a dog to interrupt violent flashbacks and intense nightmares by detecting changes in their handler’s cortisol levels. Some dogs can even detect his/her companions’ blood sugar levels and alert the handler to take medication or get medical attention. Proper training is costly, and one hundred percent of the proceeds donated to (our local) Moss Creek Marines go to help a deserving veteran obtain a companion service dog, medical equipment, or financial aid.

Tickets are $20 at the gate on the day of the match or $15 per person in advance (at BB&T bank locations, Markel's and the Engel & Volkers office).

Children under 12 are admitted free. In addition, Patron packages are still available. Event organizers would like to thank this year’s lead sponsors Engel & Volkers and Lang Capital, as well as the numerous other local businesses who make the event possible.

For more information, call (843) 298-3055 or contact us at rotarypolo@ hotmail.com.

By Amy Milling, Champion of Bluffton (The Tails staff hopes our readers will support local groups trying to support our community, both individuals and animals. Polo for Charity has a rich tradition of supporting the local Boys & Girls Club, Family Promise, creating USCB scholarships, and more. “Every human mind feels pleasure in doing good to another.”

-Thomas Jefferson)

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WALK. RUN. GOLF. Dog’s Best Friend Gets Technology Boost

Charity

ust a few years ago, in 2013, Greg won five events on the South Florida (Golf) Tour. A crash in November of the same year changed his course and caused Greg serious weight gain. "I couldn't swing a club. My body couldn't do it anymore,” shared Greg.

23rd Match

P LO

Fast forward. A once promising pro golfer, he went from being at the top of his game to having a body he didn't recognize. "I felt so frustrated because I had been injured in an accident. I couldn't work out. My body hurt."

After three years of yo-yo dieting, this athlete seriously considering going under the knife.

He thought liposuction was his only option.

Greg says, "I would do cardio and eat tuna and drink water. I would lose 15 pounds, then gain it all back. I had enough of the up and down. I needed a long term solution."

A local company has emerged to help people like Greg get out of their health rut. With no surgery, downtime, or side effects, Fast Fit Body Sculpting is seeking to be a healthy solution for dog’s best friend. Whether walking the dog or swinging a club has become painful or challenging, Fast Fit provides a healthy, sustainable solution.

Greg had a complimentary trial session to experience the technology. Fast forward again, and in just a few months he lost 21 inches off his stomach, and 30 pounds. He's also kept it off.

Photo by Regine Johnson

Fall 2016 Sunday, October 23

Silent Auction with fabulous packages!

Rose Hill Plantation Bluffton, SC Gates open at noon Match starts at 2pm

Tickets: $15 in advance $20 at the gate Children under 12 - Free Available at BB&T bank locations, Engel & Völkers (800 Main Street) and Markel’s INFO: (843) 298-3055 rotarypolo@hotmail.com TO BENEFIT:

Platinum Sponsors

Okatie-Rotary-Polo-for-Charity

MOSS CREEK MARINES - SERVICE DOGS FOR DISABLED MARINES AND OTHER BEAUFORT COUNTY CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTED BY THE ROTARY CLUB OF OKATIE

Your Retirement, Investment & Tax Specialists

Gold Sponsors:

C. Parker Cook, Jr. Cook Farms Ltd.

Law Office of Barbara McFadden Diamond Sponsors:

John Mosca, CPA Media Sponsors:

Island

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"People see me and ask 'What are you doing?’ and I just tell them, ‘I went to Fast Fit.’ You should, too!" Greg is dusting off his golf clubs, and said “I'm playing in Alabama at the Robert Trent Jones Tour for the first time in three years.” Whether avid golfer, fisherman, or dog walker, technology is offering a healthy alternative to help people get their body back.

By Suzanne Hobbs, Co-Owner of Fast Fit Body Sculpting

Books For People Who Love Animals

&BOOKS

The Eighty - Dollar Champion Genre: Biographies & Memoirs Written by Elizabeth Letts s a child, I grew up around horses. I feel very fortunate to have spent time watching my father ride and train our equine family members. Their pasture was basically our front yard, nestled in a picturesque valley of horse farms. I sat many days on my front porch watching these majestic animals live a happy life on our small farm. All I wanted to do was ride, and I gained a huge respect for not only their beauty and gentle spirit, but their incredible athleticism. The local rodeo was where I watched in awe as riders and their horses worked in sync.

The most exciting competition to me was the barrel races. Their speed and agility evoked sheer amazement, as well as control and connection to one another.

So it was with excitement that I read the #1 New York Times Bestseller, The EightyDollar Champion, by Elizabeth Letts. Set in the late 1950’s, this is the true story of Snowman, a horse bound for the slaughter house, and the man who saved him, all with just eighty dollars. Harry de Leyre and his wife immigrated from Holland after WWII with literally a box holding their possessions to start a new life in America. A man with an incredible instinct for horses, Harry took one look at the beaten down plow horse and knew Snowman had something special. Through patience, determination, and an incredible bond, the two, against all odds, became champions in the sport of show jumping. In the post-war era, Harry and Snowman’s amazing story was an inspiration.

As you read their story, you can’t help but fall in love with the gentle spirit of both rider and horse and the intuitive trust between the two. This is the story of an underdog, a workhorse in the company of thoroughbreds, who showed the world that if just given a chance, the extraordinary can be achieved.

By Linda Burton, Beaufort County Educator

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s if a spell has been cast, hundreds of costumed dogs haunt the streets of downtown Savannah on a certain October Saturday. Dogs expecting treats. Dogs posing for photos. Dogs taking rest breaks at outdoor cafes. Dogs having one of their best ever days.

It is the day that dogs trick or treat in Savannah, a beloved tradition in this dog-friendly city.

Wag-O-Ween did not begin with bubble, bubble, toil and trouble. It originated in a flash of quirky, good magic that occurred when four friends took their dogs trick or treating one autumn evening around the 31st of October. They arranged to meet in the historic district and stroll to the home of mutual friends who were waiting with dog biscuits. The Australian Shepherd wore a superman costume; the standard poodle dressed as a rabbi; the lab mix came as a prisoner. And the Airedale was sans costume.

Slacker. His person; however, was wearing a full body pink pig suit.

Inexplicable.

Walking along, sipping red wine and oblivious to the stares of passing motorists, Sara said, "Wouldn't it be wonderful if all dogs could go trick or treating throughout downtown Savannah?"

What the founding friends did not know was how much their fledgling idea would charm and captivate. People start planning costumes months in advance and often dress in outfits coordinating with their dogs. Out-of-towners drive in for Wag-O-Ween and some stay the weekend. The response from treat "vendors" has been tremendous. The first year, 40 locations gave out treats; last year there were over 100. 100! Businesses who are not in downtown Savannah and rescue groups asked to be able to be take part and now they set up tables and tents in Wright and Calhoun Squares. Restaurants with outdoor seating anticipate the afternoon rush of people and dogs ready for refreshment.

Wag-O-Ween is 77 years old (that's 11 human years) and Sara Portman, proprietress of Canine Palace, remains at the helm. The event in unaffected by time and continues to focus on its original goals. Thousands of dollars have been donated to rescue efforts because of Wag-O-Ween and countless hours have been donated to making it a success. The celebration of the bond between dogs and people is one of Sara's greatest joys as she watches them arrive to purchase maps, eager to spend a pleasant afternoon wandering the beautiful downtown streets together. Happy, Happy Wag-O-Ween!

By Sharon Bordeaux, Hot Diggity Dog of Savannah

There were two goals: 1- fun for dogs and people and 2- raising money for animal rescue efforts. The event would be uncomplicated: • Choose the Saturday closest to Halloween that is not the Georgia vs.

Florida game.

• Ask downtown businesses to hand out free dog cookies to trick or treating canines.

• Have an artist design a map showing the participating businesses.

• Keep the cost affordable: $5 per adult, no charge for children 16 and younger.

• Raise additional money through a costume contest and raffle items.

Wag-O-Ween 2016 is on Saturday, October 22 from noon to five beginning at 602 Abercorn St. Maps and wristbands can also be purchased the week before at Canine Palace. (Cash and checks only for pre-event sales; credit card accepted at event.) For more information call 912-234-3336 or 912-508-3336 caninepalacesavannah.com wagoween.com

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Julie: Creating is a beautiful thing. Having the ability to make something from nothing is truly supernatural and I believe my gift of creativity is merely a divine reflection of my Creator.

Tiffani: That is beautiful. I have similar feelings about my artwork and nature.

Any final thoughts?

Julie: To create something for me starts with being inspired by an idea or thought, to reflect on it, to love it, to explore it, and then to give material existence to it.

ot many people know this about me, but growing up in Utah and Wyoming, I was a barrel racer: Rodeos, wranglers, boots and all. Trail rides were my favorite though, where you could just feel at one with the horse, smelling the fresh air, and the ease of the ride is perfect for studying the beauty of nature.

The glowing leaves of aspen trees in divine light, as well as a plethora of wildflowers, continue to inspire my paintings today. I have always felt horses were my Spirit Animal and I can honestly say that no one captures the essence of these magnificent creatures better than my friend, and fellow Savannah College of Art and Design Alumna, Julie Ferris.

Currently, Julie has an exhibition at The Grand Bohemian Gallery in Savannah, which will then travel to The Grand Bohemian Gallery in Charleston.

She also has a beautiful instagram feed that will inspire you with images of her paintings in progress, finalized paintings, and whimsical, endearing photographs of her beloved dachshund, Gretchen (@ julieferris_equine_artist).

Tiffani: Can you tell me about your love of horses and driven inclination to capture their spirits on canvas?

Julie is a highly regarded equestrian artist, who specializes in commission work. The details on her pieces are divine, breathing true life onto canvas, as you can see from the photos included with this piece. From Haunch to Hooves, each element of their anatomy reflects her love of the subject and care for a horse’s individual majesty.

For more of Julie’s work, please visit the Grand Bohemian gallery in Savannah, Georgia. You can also view her work online at www.julieferrisart.com and on Facebook at https://www.facebook. com/Equestrian.Fine.Art/

By Tiffani Taylor owner/operated of Tiffani Taylor Gallery.

Julie: Art and horses have always been my most loved passions and favorite pastimes since I was young.

As a junior in high school I decided that I wanted to pursue the journey of being an equestrian artist.

Tiffani: So your passion for horses influenced your decision to become an artist.

Has anything changed?

Julie: My style and perspective as an artist have changed over the past 9 years, however, my muse stayed the same. Because of my experience with the horse through years of riding, interaction, and observation, as well as studying by book, I have come to the place where I am now. Painting the horse in this way, I try to invite the viewer to see a horse from a different perspective, ultimately evoking a range of emotions and responses.

Tiffani: How would you describe your style of painting?

Julie: My style is a mixture of contemporary realism and impressionism combined with numerous other art principles. I also only paint with the finest brands of professional grade oils such as Williamsburg and Sennelier, which capture the richness of my subject well. I intentionally paint my horses on a white background with some texture to add variation because I feel this is the best way to keep my subject the main focus without distractions.

Tiffani: Can you tell the readers a bit about your creative process?

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Art by Julie Ferris

for information, visit

WWW.SAVANNAHARTWALK.COM

Q& food, nature, and travel writer, Rowan Jacobsen is a James Beard Award-winning book author and magazine contributor. Among the books he has written are A Geography of Oysters, The Living Shore, American Terroir, Shadows on the Gulf, and coming this Fall, The Essential Oyster. Rowan has been published in the New York Times, Harper’s, Vice, and others, and his work has been anthologized in The Best American Science & Nature Writing and Best Food Writing collections.

We definitely wanted to know more about Rowan’s writing, but considering our recent coverage of responsible oyster farming, we thought it fitting to pick his brain about oysters, too. That, and because we are officially into the R months. Mmm... Oysters!

What inspired you to become a food/travel/nature writer? And why oysters, specifically?

I’m fascinated by the interface between people and the natural world. I think that tells us a lot, and I find that food is one of the most compelling areas to explore that interface. Oysters are probably the purest example of that relationship.

What other critters do you enjoy writing about?

Anything that still has its integrity in good condition. Bees, salmon, loons, kelp, tigers, elephants, apple trees...

What's the most fascinating fact you've learned about oysters?

That they literally build one of the most important ecosystems in the world out of seawater.

n i m a l

maybe for seaweed farming.) You can’t have too many oyster farms.

For the uninitiated, can you explain the idea of "named" (specialty) oysters?

Oysters are traditionally named for the body of water they come from. Most of those bodies of water can’t be trademarked, so many oyster growers come up with a trademarked name to distinguish themselves from their competitors.

A few thoughts or comments on the Southeast, especially Beaufort (though we do love Charleston)?

The Southeast has traditionally done a better job than the Northeast or Northwest in preserving its wild oysters, which is admirable. Ironically, it meant that the other areas were first to turn to farming, which tends to produce a fuller, fatter oyster (the same way that farmed pigs tend to be plumper than wild ones). Farming also tends to have higher quality control.

This meant that Southeastern oysters got a bad reputation, but that is changing fast now that the Southeast has embraced modern aquaculture techniques, and the southeast is now producing STUNNING oysters.

As far as taste goes, do you have a favorite?

No, I don’t. My favorite oyster is the freshest oyster I can find. (In other words, fished out of the water on the spot.)

With Rowan Jacobsen make great cooked dishes.

What do you say to people who tell you they don't like oysters?

They have probably never had a well-produced one. The difference is night and day. Just like with tomatoes.

How will your book The Essential Oyster differ from The Geography of Oysters?

Geography was more of a primer on the world of oysters. Essential is a full-blown celebration, with lots of color photography and profiles of individual oysters and oyster growers. The first one was for the nerds. This one is for the hedonists.

Anything self-promotional you'd like to add about the new book?

I worked with an amazing photographer named David Malosh, who frankly captured the essence of oysters in a way that they have never been seen before. So I think that between David’s photos and my description, which also try to capture oyster’s essence in a brand new way, we will give people a whole new way of seeing these amazing creatures.

What are your favorite oyster preparations and why?

Like the French, I eat all my oysters raw.

I don’t think they

What are your thoughts on sustainable and responsible oyster farming?

All oyster farming is sustainable, almost by definition. It’s the greenest form of protein production on the planet.

(Except

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To read some of Rowan’s work and find out more about his upcoming book, visit www.rowanjacobsen. com. He’s also created a site called “Oysterater: Kiss and Tell” where you can find, rate, and review specialty oysters. Just go to www.oysterater.com. If you’ve found that you’ve enjoyed all this talk of edible mollusks, be on the lookout for Rowan’s new book, The Essential Oyster! out in October. If his wit and earnestness are not enough, you’ll find his treatment on Southeastern oysters including our own Lady’s Island and Charleston fascinating.

Photos credited to David Malosh

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Coloring Contest Winner - Claudia Ramirez, age 13, in 8th grade.

Visit the Lowcountry on

HORSEBACK

Our Lowcountry is known for so much beauty I don’t even know where to start. Beaches, wildlife refuges, a temperate climate and lots of animal lovers. We love living the outdoor life, we love our animals and are always looking for ways to make those interests intersect. How about horseback riding?

There is nothing more peaceful, mind clearing, or if you want, romantic, than a horseback ride down a quiet country trail or beach.

Lowcountry & Resort Islands Tourism Commission represents Hampton, Colleton, Jasper and Beaufort Counties—all of whom have horseback riding facilities and would love to have visitors, locals or tourists—take a trail ride.

Where better to hear the siren’s call of the ocean tide than on horseback while enjoying the smell of the salt air and pluff mud, and feeling the ocean breeze on your face. Take a leisurely ride on a trail, quietly observing local wildlife in its unique habitat: water birds looking for shrimp along the banks of a salt marsh, squirrels chattering as they jump from Live Oak to Live Oak looking for their next meal, fiddler crabs retreating into pluff and reeds as they play their namesake sounds.

Making your way slowly down a surfside or forest trail, you might happen across one of our many turtles pond hopping looking for food. And as any experienced trail rider knows, always have one eye open for Lowcountry critters living their lives trying to go about their daily business. Awareness of your surroundings and a healthy respect for animals in their natural

habitat will keep everyone safe and make it an enjoyable experience.

Listening to your horse clip clop through the quiet of a forest trail, quiet conversation with your guide, friends, and family is a rare treat.

Cantering across one of our beautiful beaches is the perfect way to spend an afternoon or to jumpstart a romantic weekend with someone you love. What a way to make beautiful memories with loved ones and new equine friends.

Welcome to our beautiful Lowcountry: easy to get to but impossible to leave.

By Laura Fenelli, Local Horse Whisperer Photos from Lawton Stable Here are a few resources provided by Laura and the Lowcountry Tourism team: Above Standard Equestrian Park (843) 812-4225 www.abovestandardequestrian.com Camelot Farms (843) 838-3938 www.camelotfarmshorses.com Deep Sigh Horse Farm & Riding Academy (843) 846-2276 www.dshorsefarm.com Daufuskie Island Stables at Melrose Resort www.melroseresort.com (843) 341-2922 Daufuskie Marsh Tacky Society www.daufuskiemarshtackysociety.org (843) 290-9119 Lawton Stables www.lawtonstables.com (843) 671-2586

from the

homestead Homemade Goat Soap Recently featured in Vogue Magazine!

Sheldon Family Farms •­ 843.694.3144 Hay is for Horses Charity Selling Hay for Animal Upkeep.

Call Leslie •­ 912.257.6605

Farm Fresh Eggs Chicken, duck & quail. Free range, happy hens.

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Text Kelsey • 843.368.6227

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Shelters & Refuges Georgia American Black+Tan Coonhound Rescue 912-398-0552 Coonhoundrescue.com Bryan Animal Caregivers 912-727-2694 | bryanac.org Bulloch County Animal Shelter 81 Mill Creek Rd, Statesboro 912-764-4529 bullochcounty.net/animal-shelter Chatham County Animal Control 7215 Sallie Mood Dr, Savannah 912-351-6750 animalcontrol.chathamcounty.org Coastal Pet Rescue PO Box 30462, Savannah 912-228-3538 coastalpetrescue.org D.R.E.A.M dreamrescue.org Dachshund Rescue of North America 127 Brandywine Rd, Savannah 912-398-1892 | Drna.org Effingham County Animal Control 307 GA-119, Springfield 912-754-2109 effinghamcounty.org F.A.C.T.S. 110 Olde Towne Rd, Savannah 912-484-4438 GRRR! Savannah | 912-656-9792 g-r-r-r.com Humane Society for Greater Savannah 7215 Sallie Mood Dr, Savannah 912-354-9515 humanesocietysav.org Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia Inc 4627 US-17, Brunswick 912-264-6246 hsscg.org One Love Animal Rescue, Inc Savannah | 912-572-1251 Oneloveanimalrescue.com P.A.W.S (Pets Are Worth Saving) 410 Hickory St, Springfield 912-754-6033 Petsareworthsaving.com Retire Retrievers Rescue, Inc. Savannah | 909-802-6297 retiredretrievers.org The Humane Society of Statesboro and Bulloch County 105 North College St, Statesboro 912-681-9393 statesborohumane.org Save-A-Life Savannah | 912-598-7729 Savealifepets.org Save Our Souls Dog Rescue (S.O.S) 1231 W E Callaway Rd Claxton 912-547-4129 saveoursoulsanimalrescue.org Second Chances Equine Rescue Inc 7663 GA-196, Hinesville 912-385-8512 | Scer-ga.org Tabby Tales Cat Rescue Savannah, Ga tabbytalesrescue.org South Carolina Beaufort County Animal Shelter 23 Shelter Church Road Beaufort 843-255-5010 | bcgov.net Frances R. Willis SPCA

136 4 Paws Ln, Summerville, SC 29483 843-871-3820 summervillespca.org Friends of Colleton County Animal Shelter 33 Poor Farm Rd, Walterboro 843-893-2651 | Foccas-sc.org Hilton Head Humane Association 10 Humane Way, Hilton Head Island 843-681-8686 hhhumane.org

H.O.P.E. Acres Rescue 1044 Eagle Harbor Ln, Summerville 843-412-3519 hopeacresrescue.org Jasper Animal Rescue Mission (JARM) 1352 Carters Mill Rd, Ridgeland 843-726-7799 JARMission.org L.E.A.R.N. Horse Rescue 6854 Ethel Post Office Rd, Meggett 843-991-4879 Learnhorserescue.org Lovable Paws Rescue PO Box 688, Hardeeville 843-422-1549 lovablepawsrescue.com Maranatha Farm Rescue for Tails 342 Crabapple Ln, Ridgeland 843-816-6676 Maranathafarm.net Palmetto Animal League Adoption Center 56 Riverwalk Blvd, Ridgeland 843-645-1725 Palmettoanimalleague.org Rogue Rescue & Sanctuary 15 Tillman St, Bluffton 843-816-0097 roguerescue.org Tabby House 2127 Boundary St, Beaufort 843-255-5031 Tabbyhousebeaufort.com Nonprofit Associations Augusta-Aiken Audubon Society Augusta Augustaaikenaudubon.org Charleston Natural History Society PO Box 504, Charleston charlestonaudubon.org Coastal Georgia Audubon Society PO Box 21726, St Simons Coastalgeorgiabirding.org Daufuskie Marsh Tacky Society Box 87 Daufuskie Island, SC 29915 843-290-9119 daufuskiemarshtackysociety.org Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center 243 Appaloosa Way, Guyton 912-728-3728 faithetc.org Folly Beach Turtle Watch Folly Beach | 843-588-2433 follyturtles.com Georgia Beekeepers Associations 534 Mt Gerizim Rd, Mableton 770-732-6007 Gabeekeeping.com Hilton Head Island Audubon Society PO Box 6185 Hilton Head Island Hiltonheadaudubon.org Heroes on Horseback P.O. Box 3678, Bluffton 843-757-5607 Heroesonhorseback.org Island Feral Cat Project 912-777-3289 islandsferalcatproject.org Lowcountry Raptors 2509 Lumber Rd, Ruffin 843-908-3235 Lowcountryraptors.org Oconee Rivers Audubon Society PO Box 81082 Athens oconeeriversaudubon.org Ogeechee Audubon Society PO Box 13423 Savannah, GA Ogeecheeaudubon.org SCDNR - Marine Turtle Conservation Program 217 Fort Johnson Road Charleston 843-953-9015 dnr.sc.gov/seaturtle South Carolina Waterfowl Association 9833 Old River Road, Pinewood 803-452-6001 | scwa.org The Bee Cause Project Savannah, GA thebeecause.org The Kiawah Conservancy 843-768-9166 kiawahturtles.com Waddell Maritime Center 211 Sawmill Creek Rd, Bluffton 843-837-3795

Wish Upon a Horse Therapeutic Riding Center 190 Greenwood Dr, Hilton Head Island 843-671-2586 | wishuponahorsehhi.org Zoos, Aquariums & Educational Centers Atlanta Zoo 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta 404-624-5600 zooatlanta.org Bee City 1066 Holly Ridge Ln, Cottageville 843-835-5912 | Beecity.net Center for Wildlife Education 1461 Forest Dr, Statesboro 912-478-0831 academics.georgiasouthern.edu/wildlife Coastal Discovery Museum 70 Honey Horn Dr, Hilton Head Island 843-689-6767 Coastaldiscovery.org Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens 2 Canebrake Rd, Savannah, GA 31419 912-921-5460 coastalgeorgiabg.com Edisto Island Serpentarium 1374 Hwy 174, Edisto Island 843-869-1171 edistoserpentarium.com Georgia Aquarium 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta 404-581-4000 | Georgiaaquarium.org Georgia Sea Turtle Center 214 Stable Rd Jekyll Island 912-635-4444 | Gstc.jekyllisland.com Jacksonville Zoo 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville 904-757-4463 jacksonvillezoo.org Oatland Island Wildlife Center of Savannah 711 Sandtown Rd Savannah 912-395-1212 | oatlandisland.org Port Royal Sound Maritime Center 310 Okatie Highway, Okatie 843-645-7774 portroyalsoundfoundation.org Riverbanks Zoo 500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia 803-779-8717 | riverbanks.org South Carolina Aquarium 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston 843-577-3474 | Scaquarium.org The Center for Birds of Prey 4719 N Hwy 17, Awendaw 843-971-7474 thecenterforbirdsofprey.org Friends of Animals At Home Pet Sitters Savannah | 912-355-9656 athomepetsitters.net Avian & Exotic Vet 118 Pipemakers Cir #110, Pooler, GA 912-348-3924 avianexotichospital.com Aunt Laurie’s Bluffton | 843-940-7116 Auntlauries.com Baleada Express 4 Oliver Ct #102, Bluffton, SC 29910 843-706-9996 | baleadaexpress.com Bay Street Outfitters 825 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902 843-524-5250 baystreetoutfitters.com Beaufort Boat and Dock Supply 1734 Ribaut Rd, Port Royal, SC 29935 843-986-0552 fb.com/Beaufort-Boat-Dock-Supply Big D’s Royal Tees 175 Boardwalk Drive, Ridgeland 843-987-1517 | bigdsroyaltees.com Canine Palace 2805 Bull St, Savannah 912-234-3336 caninepalacesavannah.com Captain Woody’s 17 State Of Mind St, Bluffton 843-757-6222 | captainwoodys.com Catnip-N-Biscuits 2615 Skidaway Rd, Savannah 912-349-5838 catnipnbiscuits.com

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Cocoon 6 Promenade Street #1008, Bluffton 843-815-3315 | Cocoonbluffton.com Colleton Museum & Farmer’s Market 506 E Washington St, Walterboro, SC 29488 843-549-2303 | Colletonmuseum.org The Cottage Cafe 38 Calhoun St, Bluffton, SC 29910 843-757-0508 | Thecottagebluffton.com Erica Veit, Realtor 2 North Forest Beach Drive, Suite 119, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29928 843-290-9119 | charteronerealty.com Fast Fit Body Sculpting 1533 Fording Island Rd #298, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 843-707-2981 | fastfitbodysculpting.com Graveface Records 5 W 40th St, Savannah, GA 31401 912-335-8018 | graveface.com GNC Bluffton 1011 Fording Island Rd, Ste C-106, Bluffton 843-757-4414 | gnc.com Highway 21 Drive-In 55 Parker Dr, Beaufort 843-846-4021 | hwy21drivein.com Hunter Cattle 934 Driggers Rd, Brooklet 912-823-2333 | Huntercattle.com Hubbard’s Maid Service Savannah, Ga 912-961-9131 hubbardsmaidservice.com Jack Frost Homemade Ice Cream 25 William Pope Dr, Okatie 843-705-5669 jackfrosticecream.com Ligato’s Fine Jewelry 80 Baylor Dr #106, Bluffton 843-757-8865 ligatosfinejewelry.com Nosoco 175 Boardwalk Drive, Ridgeland 843-882-7801 Nosoco.com Pets at Peace 7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive Savannah, Georgia, 31406 912-352-7200 https://foxandweeks.petpassages.com/ Pirate’s Island 8 Marina Side Dr, Hilton Head Island 843-686-4001 Piratesislandgolf.com Pooler Veterinary Hospital 608 US-80, Bloomingdale, GA 31302 912-748-0709 Poolervet.com Shepherd Tactical 75 Burton Hill Rd, Beaufort, SC 29906 843-409-9854 Sheptac.com Sea Island Carriage Company 930 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902 843-476-7789 seaislandcarriagecompany.com Sprout Mama Hilton Head Island | 843-683-0827 sproutmomma.com Tails of the Lowcountry 175 Boardwalk Drive, Ridgeland 843-882-7801 tailsofthelowcountry.com The Cottage 38 Calhoun St, Bluffton 843-757-0508 thecottagebluffton.com The Juice Hive 14 Johnston Way, Bluffton 843-757-2899 thejuicehivebluffton.com The Sugaree 142 Burnt Church Rd, Bluffton 843-290-8585 The Wall 175 Boardwalk Drive, Ridgeland 843-882-7801 thewall.events Timeless Interiors 4376 Bluffton Parkway, Bluffton 843-837-8088 timelessinteriorshiltonhead.com Your Sound Stage Burnt Church Rd, Bluffton 843-683-7500

f you followed the 2016 Rio Olympics, you know world champion swimmer Michael Phelps is retiring with a career record 23 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze medals. A professional athlete who spent most of his life training for the pool will now be going home to a life without daily swims, regimented exercise, food restrictions and training. Now Michael has to find a way to negotiate new challenges: doing laundry, changing diapers, grocery shopping . . . it will be an interesting adjustment for Phelps.

And so it goes for a retired professional athlete with four legs: the racing Greyhound, a purebred sighthound that can run 45 mph and has perfect vision one-half mile away. Pari-mutuel Greyhound racing is active in five states: Florida (12 tracks); West Virginia (2); Arkansas (1), Iowa (1) and Alabama (2). What happens to these champions when their racing career ends? It all starts with the Greyhound adoption kennel and volunteers in kennel and community who work tirelessly to find loving homes for these retired speedsters.

This is where the local story begins.

Greyhound Pets of America (GPA) has a team adopting on Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Beaufort, SC as well as Savannah and Pooler, GA. Local volunteers are affiliated with the Charleston, SC chapter of GPA, a national nonprofit organization founded in 1987 that has facilitated over 80,000 Greyhound adoptions. Lowcountry volunteers are passionate about Greyhounds and pride themselves on being the “Nordstrom’s of Greyhound Adoption.” Why? The cross-border team believes adopting a Greyhound hinges on a relationship, not a single

event. Volunteers are there for the adopter throughout the Greyhound’s life, not just when the adoption agreement is signed.

Greyhounds make wonderful pets (yes we are biased); they are beautiful, placid, gentle, affectionate, intelligent, clean and devoted dogs (biased, but it doesn’t mean it’s not true).

Greyhounds are not “yappers” and rarely bark; however, they have a reputation for not being good guard dogs - so stick with a top notch alarm system.

Weighing in at 60 – 92 lbs, these canines come in an assortment of colors and markings.

Adoptees are house-trained, know basic commands and are used to being handled by trainers. Typically this means they are good with children and other dogs. Greyhounds make wonderful therapy dogs, and some can even cohabit with cats. Because of their short hair and low dander, Greyhounds are often a good choice for those prone to allergies. Greyhounds are neutered/spayed and microchipped prior to adoption through GPA. One common misconception about Greyhounds is they are hyper and need to run all the time. A Greyhound is a sprinter, not a long distance runner, and after an exhaustive racing career, they like to sleep most of the day. This is why they have the reputation for being the “45 mph Couch Potato.” They are content to take walks for daily exercise and must be on-leash at all times (you do NOT want to attempt to chase a champion sprinter!). If you are fortunate to have a fenced-in yard, watching your Greyhound run is poetry in motion.

So how do you adopt a Greyhound? Once racing Greyhounds no longer make money in the racing circuit, they are retired to an adoption kennel affiliated with their race track. GPA Charleston works closely with Florida adoption kennels, and Greyhounds are transported here via truck by a dog hauler. Upon arrival, they are placed into foster homes in Charleston for two to three weeks to help them acclimate to home living. You have the option of doing a week or longer “sleepover” in your home prior to adoption to find out if this is the right match for you and your family.

If you are interested in adopting a retired racing Greyhound, visit GPA Charleston’s website and complete their online application (www.adoptcharlestongreys.org). If you would like to meet a Greyhound in person, come to one of our PetSmart Meet & Greets: Bluffton (third Saturday of every month) and Beaufort (first Saturday of every month) from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m..

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By Karen Shea, Volunteer at GPA. Please contact Karen at karenshea2@ mac.com or Chris at caschl@att.net for any Greyhound questions.

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