Tails of the Lowcountry Magazine Dec 2016 Jan 2017 by Tails Magazine

CATS • DOGS • EQUESTRIAN • EXOTICS • HOMESTEADING • WILDLIFE

Vol 1 editiOn 5 - DeC jAN 2016 ……………………………………………………

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5 Upcoming Events 6 Photo Contest Winner's - Horses 7 Friend Me | Adoptions - Sponsored by Ligato's Fine Jewelry 9 Voice of the Sound | Redfish in the Sound - Chris Kehrer 10 Equine Companions - Kieran Paulsen 13 Working K-9 Spotlight | Xena & Chatham County - Sponsored by Shepherd Tactical 14 An Artist & Her Dog | Musings about Savannah & Paris - Tiffani Taylor 15 Pageants are Going to the Dogs... - Heather Bruemmer 17 Pet Health & Wellness | History of Dog Food - Janice Elenbaas 19 Butterbean the Blood - Sugar Hound 21 An Oyster is an Oyster is an Oyster | Part 3 - Hannah Seigworth 24 A Mother's Guide to the South Carolina Aquarium - Ande Nehila 25 Exotic Top 10 - Justin Smith 27 The Cat & the Little Boy - Jane Payne 28 Coloring Page 1 29 Coloring Page 2 30 The Lovely Way Hospice is Going to the Dogs - Nicole Moore 31 Tails Gift Guide 33 Barking Bluffton | Share Page 34 Books for People who Love Animals & BOOKS | Wet Dog - Linda Burton 35 Collage Page 36 Squawk 37 Contributors 37 Classifieds | From the Homestead

CATS

EXOTIC

DOGS

HOMESTEADING

EQUESTRIAN

WILDLIFE

PEANUT GALLERY

C AT E G O R Y

K E Y

VOLUME 1

Equine Companions

14 17

DEC JAN 2016

An Artist & Her Dog

Pet Health & Wellness: History of Dog Food

Butterbean the Blood-Sugar Hound

Publisher Ande Nehila Managing Editor Joe Nehila Editor Hannah Seigworth Creative Direction Nosoco Designer Jason Kelly Cover & TOC Photography Jo Rackliff Contributors Justin Smith, Hannah Seigworth, Linda Burton, Nicole Moore, Tiffani Taylor, Chris Kehrer, Kieran Paulsen, Heather Bruemmer, Janice Elenbaas, Jane Payne Photography Credits Michael Hausman, Lee Steinberg, Jo Rackliff Community Liaisons Justin Smith, Nicole Moore, Carlie Sohayda Nosoco dba Tails of the Lowcountry 175 Boardwalk Dr. Suite H Ridgeland, SC 29936 843-882-7803 info@tailsofthelowcountry.com www.tailsofthelowcountry.com

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.

Cover Stories

EDITION 5

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December 10, 2016 • 4 pm – 5 pm @ Santa Elena History Center

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SCDNR Public Forum on Cobia

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REDFISH IN THE SOUND

ed drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as redfish and spot tail bass, is (in some circles) the most coveted game fish in coastal South Carolina. Renowned for their big fight and great taste, red drum are fished from as far north as Maine all the way to Texas and into Mexico. Found near structure such as oyster reefs and smooth cordgrass, when the tide is high, these fish prey on crustaceans and small fish. To protect red drum there are two regulations in South Carolina:

spawning aggregations. These choruses are so loud you can hear them through the hull of a boat! Dr. Eric Montie at USCB has been recording these vocalizations for the past four years. He hopes to one day completely map the distribution of redfish, spotted seatrout, and many more species in the May River. The vocalizations he records along with water parameters allow him to not only pinpoint the exact location, but also the exact time and date in which these fish begin to vocalize. This research could lead to better protection of the species during the spawning season to ensure its continued survival.

1 - Limit the catch-and-keep size to those 15 to 23 inches in total length; anything over or under that range must be released. Experienced fishermen go for the ‘bull’ drums, a term used for larger red drum. North Carolina’s state record red is a whopping 94 pounds and estimated 60 years old, while South Carolina’s record is a formidable 75 pounds. These ‘bulls’ are strictly catch and release because they contribute the most to the red drum population with how many eggs they can produce.

While USCB’s Dr. Eric Montie is contributing passively to the better understanding of our prized redfish, Al Stokes at Waddell Mariculture Center, a SCDNR research facility located in Bluffton, South Carolina, is actively contributing to the population. Waddell has been producing, growing, and restocking red drum for the past 20 years. Waddell produces an estimated 2 million red drum per year along with several other species such as cobia, spotted seatrout, and striped bass. Once the red drum are released they are monitored and sampled by SCDNR and recreational fishermen with DNA kits. With the DNA, SCDNR is able to tell exactly what population that fish is from and whether or not it was produced at Waddell. The sampling helps SCDNR better understand the population’s health and stability.

2 - Limit the per person per day limit to 3 red drum. People come from all over to fish for red drum in Beaufort County; to maintain a healthy population there are several entities, such as SCDNR’s (South Carolina Department of Natural Resources) Waddell Mariculture Center and USCB (University of South Carolina Beaufort) that are making efforts in tracking and restocking this prized game fish.

Come and visit the Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center where you can see exactly what Dr. Eric Montie’s research looks and sounds like as well as get up close and personal with Waddell’s prized red drums.

Redfish are in the family Sciaenidae, better known as the drum family, which includes species such as spotted seatrout, Atlantic croaker, black drum, and weakfish. These species share the drum family due to their unique ability to create sound by vibrating a sonic muscle against their inflated swim bladder. In most of the species only the males vocalize and they do so to communicate for territorial and reproductive reasons. In the murky productive waters of Beaufort County, from the end of June until the beginning of October, red drum chorus and create large

By Chris Kehrer Naturalist/ Education Coordinator

COMING SOON

TOPICS DOGS, CATS, WILDLIFE, AMERICA, FISH, PETS, EXOTICS, REPTILES, BIRDS, AQUATIC, HORSES, FARMS, EDUCATION, OUTDOORS, HEALTH, INSECTS, CRYPTO, & MORE.

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orses can be described in three words: nomadic, gregarious, and social. In the wild they lead lives of wandering, walking for hours each day to find the best grazing and to avoid predators. They are highly communicative animals with a range of vocalizations and body postures that each have their own meaning. While our equine friends may not neigh back and forth like chatty humans, everything from a shift of their hindquarters to a flick of their ear will communicate to those who are listening. Being gregarious also means that horses are profoundly social. These animals thrive on companionship and studies have proven that horses who are isolated have higher stress levels and are more prone to abnormal behaviors and depression. Ideally, a horse has at least one other equine companion,

but that’s not possible for every owner. Some horses will reject or act aggressively toward others. Luckily, there are a handful of animals with which horses will bond. Some are historic barnyard fixtures like dogs and cats, while others are more unusual, like donkeys, goats, and cows! ESPN E:60 produced a short video available entitled “The Derby horses and their barnyard buddies” which readers and equine fans may enjoy.

Dogs have been essential to livestock and farming since they were domesticated. Originally, their role was that of a protector watching over herds. Today most barn dogs enjoy a less demanding life and fill the roles of emotional support, team mascot, or barn buddies. One of the most well documented relationships between horses and dogs come from the sport of Fox Hunting.

Fox Hunting in America began in the 1800s. The tradition hails from Britain, but as the United States grew into its nationhood American fox hunting took on a distinctly different character. The first organized hunt took place in Virginia in 1840. While British hunts focused on actually killing the fox being pursued, American riders emphasized the thrill of the chase itself and left the fox alive. Fox Hunting commences with a host of ceremonies all it’s own and the horses and hounds are the most famous players. Fox hunting horses don’t have to be any specific breed, but since fox hunting often requires galloping for long stretches and jumping large obstacles, Thoroughbreds are favored. The hounds are specially bred scent hounds, usually either an American or English Foxhound, and are always referred to as hounds, not dogs. They are trained to respond to a series of cues given by the huntsman, who is responsible for their breeding, training, care, and direction during the hunt. The canines are sent out before the field of riders, pick

livestock, but they can be a risky breed for the average horse owner. Horses are large, powerful animals and do not take kindly to being chased. Dogs that nip at a horse’s heels or jump into pastures to herd the horses are likely to be kicked, trampled, bitten, and possibly killed. Today many farms use machinery and chemicals for jobs dogs used to fulfill, but horses, humans, and dogs have a long history of cooperation so even if a dog doesn’t have a specific job, it’s

which lessens their chances of being adopted. Barns are ideal homes for feral or semi-feral cats, especially older cats, because they don’t have to adjust to the demands of a conventional home. Barn cats should always be spayed/ neutered, vaccinated, and taken to a vet if they ever require medical care. Barn cat owners should also be aware that cats will hunt birds in addition to mice, and even a single cat can pose a serious threat to local birdlife. In addition to these classic barn companions, some other animals are compatible with horses. Cows, goats,

out a fox’s trail, and lead the hunt until the fox goes underground or the hounds lose the scent. Hounds aren’t the only hunting dogs associated with horses. Almost every barn in the world comes with some kind of vermin -- usually rats -- that pose a threat to feed, leather, horses and people. Before chemical solutions were invented people needed a small, energetic dog with a strong hunting instinct to keep their barn rodent free. That dog was often a Rat Terrier. Rat Terriers were bred to hunt rats, squirrels, and other small vermin. Hugely popular on farms in the 1920s, they were a cheap effective means of pest control. Rat Terriers tend to be gentler and less aggressive than Jack Russell terriers and have been crossed with several other breeds to create crossbreeds to suit. In the South Rat Terriers were often crossed with Beagles to create a larger dog more capable of participating in trailing and hunting in packs. Another traditional barn breed is the Dalmatian. These dogs have a long partnership with carriage houses and carriage horses. They were originally used for protecting carriages during traveling. Trotting beside the carriage to discourage thieves from attacking the passengers, their natural courage and affinity for cooperating with horses led them to their famous position as a firehouse dog. Before the advent of fire trucks, firefighters used fast, powerful horses to haul water tanks to the site of a blaze. Dalmatians may have been used to lead the tanks to the fires, and upheld their watchdog reputation by protecting the equipment and horses. One common misconception about barn dogs is that any working breed will thrive in a stable. Herding breeds like collies, shepherds, and sheep dogs may be fine if well trained or if working in tandem with horses to control

common to see one on a farm or sitting in a golf cart at a horse show. If dogs are too demanding for a busy stable owner, cats might be a useful alternative. Cats are another classic barnyard animal. History is unsure of when and why exactly cats became domesticated, but they served as dependable mousers on many farms throughout the ages. Cats may require less maintenance than dogs, owing to their more independent personality. Often times barns acquire cats when feral cats emerge from the surrounding woods seeking shelter or food. If it suits the owner of the barn, they might start leaving food out for the cat and the cat is likely to stick around. Barn cats are also often adopted from rescues like Barn Cats Incorporated, which is a program that re-homes feral cats in barns or other outdoor locations. If cats have been feral their whole lives, they may struggle to adapt to being around humans in close contact, 11

and donkeys are the most common choices in America. One of the reasons they work well with horses is they have complementary grazing habits. Cows will graze evenly, horses pick the most nutritious grass, donkeys need very little forage, and goats are good for browsing underbrush. They also all share similar herd instincts and social behaviors. Cows, goats, donkeys and horses certainly communicate differently, but they seem to understand each other’s company and when put together may fill the psychological need for companionship. Generally people report very few issues between equine and non-equine companions. Turning horses out with cows, goats, or donkeys is a well accepted alternative to buying a second horse, however, every animal is an individual and there are no guarantees. Always introduce animals gradually and watch them carefully for signs of fear or aggression. If a pairing isn’t compatible, do not put both animals at risk by trying to force the relationship. An important point to remember about non-equine companions is that they require special care. Donkeys, for example, digest forage much more efficiently than horses do, which makes

them much more susceptible to laminitis and founder. Cattle feed often contains additives that are poisonous to horses, goats may climb over or through common horse fencing, and dogs and cats need to be trained or prevented from interacting with horses in a manner that might lead to injury. Owners should always be sure to conduct thorough research before adding a new animal to their barn.

One of the most unique relationships between horses and non-horse companions is that of racehorses and the animals brought in to keep them company during stressful times. According to an article by Christine Winter of the Chicago Tribune, one Arlington trainer said, “the practice of keeping a goat in the stall with a nervous horse has been around for a long time, probably as long as there have been racehorses.” Racehorses are often high-strung and nervous, so they may need help managing the stress of training and racing. Goats seem to exert a calming influence over horses and keep them company in the barns, trailers, and sometimes even on the sidelines of the track. It’s unclear exactly why horses bond with goats, but the phenomenon isn’t limited to goats. One of history’s most famous racers, Seabiscuit, actually had three companions; a dog (Pocatell), a pony (Pumpkin), and a spider monkey (Jojo). All to keep him company during his rise to fame. While American Pharoah was making history accompanied by a 6-year-old gelding named Smokey, his contemporary Strong Impact shared his stall with Charlie the pig. Fudge the goat is BFF with Mike Maker and Google, Yahoo, and Pickles are the names of other Thoroughbreds’ bleating friends. Books abound featuring unusual pairings, both fun pictorial diversions perfect for children and more comprehensive treatments. Equine companions can bring a smile to each of our faces, but more importantly, provide stress relief and companionship to horses (a herd animal) unable to be in a herd. By Kieran Paulsen

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Working K-9 Spotlight

XENA & CHATHAM COUNTY f you haven’t noticed, Belgian Malinois’ have become a top breed for working K-9s. They are incredibly smart, agile, have a strong protective instinct, and have a high sniffing drive. Malinois come from a herding background as far back as the late 1800’s. During that period these dogs were selectively bred and were recognized as a breed in the early 1900’s. In fact, Mals were used in service during World War II as medics, patrols, and messengers. Naturally, since Malinois are such an active breed they’re considered one of the healthiest breeds, making them perfect for tough jobs. Last issue we highlighted Kyra, a Belgian Mal with the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office. This issue we highlight her coworker, Xena.

Her three year career has been punctuated by hundreds of busts, helping to keep illegal substances off the Chatham and Savannah area streets! But drug detection isn’t all Xena does. She also helps her handler, Officer Steven Davis, train new dogs and handlers! In fact, Xena spends more time helping to train new dogs in crime fighting than she does working the streets these days. Clocking in 16 hours each month to help create new elite K-9s keeps her busy on top of the calls she gets to go investigate scenes and search event venues. Xena is one of six narcotics dogs, and those K-9s combined with three bomb dogs make up the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit. In the event a criminal decides to try and hurt Xena or the other K9s, federal law was put into place that keeps K-9s and police horses protected. The punishment for assaulting or killing a working dog or horse is a hefty fine and up to 10 years in prison! This law was put into place after the United States Police Canine Association thought our four-legged heroes needed more protection from on the job dangers. The law helps to make criminals think twice before they try to hurt any inservice animal. Our furry defenders need protection, just like the men and women that comprise local law enforcement. The Federal Law Enforcement Animal Protection Act has already given countless criminals serious jail time across the country. Justice. Is. Served!

Xena is a 5 year-old Belgian Malinois who has been working for Chatham County for 3 years. Born in the Holland region of the Netherlands, she takes her commands in German and Dutch. Xena immigrated when she was two, when she received her training to become a drug detection K-9. As a detection dog, Xena can find anything from cocaine to meth, and anything in between.

Once Xena is done for the day she goes home with Officer Davis to enjoy some R&R. Being a Belgian Mal means Xena loves to play and stay active. She spends her off-time in the backyard obsessing over toys, sticks, and balls. When Xena gets home from work she comes home to her own room with a queen sized bed. Being a hard working K-9 has it’s privileges and I think it’s safe to say that Xena has earned it. Good work Xena, our local K-9 warrior princess.

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or eleven years I have had the comfort of my petite heartbeat and best friend by my side: Lil’ Papa Taylor. He has seen me through my journey and comforted me, as well as brought me great joy and companionship. Now that I am an Artist living between Paris and Savannah, Lil’ Papa accompanies me during this exciting chapter of my life. Our adventures include running the Tiffani Taylor Gallery together in Savannah, where he is the official greeter, to painting and touring Paris, and enjoying time with friends and family in Utah and Wyoming. I do believe having him in Paris is our greatest adventure so far… Living in Paris for Lil’ Papa means: Walking without a leash along the Champs-Élysées, enjoying long walks through the city of Light and Love, as well as having an international entourage of friends at the parks to play with. His gait is different in Paris; I daresay he prances! I love watching his prideful walk with his head held high, a slight bounce with each step. He is now also bilingual, understanding both French and English! His favorite activity is finding baguettes in the park from picnickers. Normally, I have to chase him to retrieve them before he eats too many…

One of my favorite memories we made was when I purchased my first house in Savannah in 2005 and he chose to walk through my painting palette and leave colorful little paw prints on the new carpet. Later, when I opened my Gallery in 2011, having him with me to greet patrons and friends was special. Now, our adventures flying internationally together and seeing the world are creating amazing, magical new memories. He is my most loyal companion and my joy. When I reflect on our life living between what I consider to be the two most beautiful cities in the world, Savannah and Paris, I think: Not bad for

a lady from very humble beginnings in Ogden, Utah (my roots,) nor, for a rescue chiweenie (dachshund and Chihuahua mix) from Houston, Texas. I am grateful for the day, eleven years ago, when I was visiting Houston and saw his sweet face and soulful eyes at a Humane Society. His brothers and sisters had already been adopted. I saw him and knew immediately he was my furry bebe. Each day I am grateful to have my most loyal companion and best friend with me on this beautiful journey. By Tiffani Taylor

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t is early morning in Estill, South Carolina. Although it’s not yet light, you can hear roosters crowing as two young girls load a crate of black Sumatra chickens into the back of the family minivan. Both girls have their hair set in hot rollers. “It’s because of the humidity,” says 15 year old Sophie Docalavich. “You can’t take the rollers out until right before you show up, otherwise the hair goes flat. Even with a bunch of hairspray!” Sophie, her mother and sister are headed to a photo shoot. They are preparing to take some photos for the website and promotional materials of the Miss Volunteer Service International pageant. Sophie is an ambassador whose mission is lifting children out of poverty through sustainable agriculture.

Miss Volunteer Service International is not a beauty pageant in the usual sense. While the women and girls involved do dress up and wear glamorous hair and makeup on stage, the focus of the program is to encourage participants to learn the power of volunteerism, leadership and public speaking to change their lives and their community. Gowns are modest and no scoring takes place based on the physical beauty of the contestant. The organization, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, prides itself on developing the social consciousness of its participants, not their appearance.

birds can help families living in extreme poverty. My Sumatras are more ornamental, but I use them to make a point. If you select the right heritage bird - like a Dominique here in the US - they don’t need AC, or expensive feeds to produce eggs. They raise their She goes on at length about own young, no need for expensive how the Sumatra chicken is like incubators and brooders. Eggs are For Sophie, the prospect of the many of her other heritage birds, such healthy, high quality protein! photo shoot is very exciting. developed as a landrace breed. Even small children can care for She is full of nervous energy “It means they are uniquely chickens, and they usually love and righteous conviction about adapted to the climate and food doing it!” Her love and care for the the importance of her platform. available there. Keeping heritage birds is evident as she strokes the This is the first time she will be photographed in the evening gown she designed with feathers from her heritage Sumatra chickens. “There is so much education left to be done about these heritage breeds.” Sophie says.

beetle green plumage of the hen Across the yard from Sophie, with which she is posing. another MVSI Queen is struggling with her partner for Sophie doesn’t just give lip the photo shoot, a rambunctious service to the importance of the lab mix puppy named Caesar. birds and other animals she cares Jasmyn Schettino, a 13 year old for, she lives it. She won several teen from Bluffton, is MVSI’s ribbons exhibiting her Nigerian reigning National Teen. Jasmyn Dwarf goats at the 2015 South is an accomplished actress Carolina State Fair, and shows her who already has performed in birds at poultry shows throughout several feature films, and local the year. She uses those shows commercials, but her passion is as opportunities to talk about helping unwanted animals to find the difference such animals are their forever homes. She has been making in the developing world. volunteering for the Palmetto Sophie regularly visits public Animal League shelter for more schools to talk about extreme than a year. poverty and how small scale agriculture, like backyard chicken “I have just always loved animals. keeping, can be a lifesaving We have always had dogs at source of food and income for the home, and knowing that animals world’s poorest people. are being hurt and abandoned Another avenue for her advocacy has been the ONE Vote campaign. The fifteen year old student met with several of the Presidential candidates to talk about the importance of providing smart foreign aid and agriculture assistance to the poor in sub-Saharan Africa. ONE is non-partisan and she met with candidates on both sides of the debate. However, the project she is the proudest of is a small one. By saving money earned from selling her goats, Sophie was able to raise funds to donate a starter poultry flock to the Real Care Ministries orphanage in Jinja, Uganda.

school and making appearances at adoption events. She feels like her glitzy crown is a draw, to make people wonder who she is and what is going on. While it is typical of pageants to require queens to have a platform cause and make appearances (Miss America was the first to do this) a new generation of pageants is asking more of young women in terms of time and commitment. Indeed, every young woman who competes for Miss Volunteer Service International is in the running for a Presidential Volunteer Service Award. The minimum commitment is 100 hours a year. At a time when youth are being bombarded by all kinds of

“I think participating in this kind of service based competition can really help girls to grow and shape their view of the world and themselves." makes me so mad. I want to do something about it.” says Jasmyn. Her mission is ending animal cruelty. Her mom, Christina Irish, is a member of the Couponing Mommy Club of Bluffton, so they spend time together clipping coupons and looking for opportunities to buy quality dog and cat food at a discount to donate to PAL.

Jasmyn feels good about spending the time clipping coupons with her mother. “It takes some time, and my mom will kind of point out when there are good sales or times where we can combine coupons, but it is worth it to know you are supporting such important work.” Jasmyn also collects newspapers to donate and makes sure to put on her crown and sash when it is time to make her donations. “When we drop stuff off, I always make time to stop and play with the puppies and kittens. It helps them to feel safe with people, and we take pictures for the website.” Jasmyn smiles with obvious pride, “They tell me that the animals I pose with in my crown almost always get adopted sooner.”

“I was so excited to see the pictures of the kids with their chickens! I actually got a bit teary.” Sophie remarked. The director of the orphanage, Mutebe Ratiph, posts regular updates on the project to Facebook so Sophie can follow the progress of the project and offer pointers on caring for the birds. A recent post showed the children, whose regular diet is primarily comprised of a meatless corn porridge, happily collecting eggs in their mud and straw chicken coop. Sophie is proud that the chickens not only provide food, but help the children learn important life skills. “I am so grateful to know how to raise my own food. I live in a culture where I can choose to go to McDonalds, but I always feel like knowledge Some of Jasmyn’s other projects is power.” have included doing a “pennies for puppies” fundraiser at her

negative influences, can pageants, best known for producing the likes of Honey Boo Boo, really be a vehicle for positive growth and development in young women? Georgiana Nedelcu, the Director of the MVSI Competition and passionate equine rescue enthusiast, thinks so. “I think participating in this kind of service based competition can really help girls to grow and shape their view of the world and themselves. We use the pageant world’s “Queen” branding as a way for the girls to get attention for what they are doing, but in truth being a titleholder is really a job. They have to study,

practice, maintain a professional appearance, and know that they have put themselves forward as a role model. They will have a great advantage over their peers who may struggle with things like preparing for a college interview or giving a talk at church. Girls in our program practice those skills for years, and they have a deep connection to the work they are doing. I don’t think it’s an accident that many of our girls are choosing missions that relate to animals. Animals provide us with so much, from food, to companionship. They are an obvious choice for girls who want to give something back, and the passion runs so deep, they don’t even realize how hard they are working.” As for Sophie, her passion for helping children in the developing world to live and eat healthy drives her daily. She has big plans for her year long reign as an ambassador. This includes a goal of providing 20 more chickens and four dairy goats (three does and a buck) to Mutebe Ratiph’s orphans. With a grin, she shares the story of a recent triumph. “Well, my mom shared the pictures from the orphanage on Facebook and already I’ve had so much interest. A family friend called up and pledged $40 right away and our pastor asked me to come and present the project at church! The little children are so excited. I’m making a difference.” By Heather Bruemmer

History of Dog Food eople and dogs have been intertwined throughout history. Some say the relationship goes back 15,000 years, while others say even longer. Dogs have been eating our table scraps for millennia. So how did the current trend of feeding dry kibble come to be? The first recorded book on farming was written over 2,000 years ago by the Romans. The first recipe for dog food was barley bread soaked in milk and added to sheep bones. During the Middle Ages, royalty had cooks to prepare stews of grains, vegetables, and meat mixed with the hearts, livers, and lungs of whatever livestock was available. In the 1800’s, the Empress of China fed her Pekinese shark fins, quail breasts,

and antelope milk. But common folk fed their dogs whatever they ate. Their dogs were lucky to have crusts of bread, bones, potatoes, cabbage and other leftovers.

on to organize the canine dog show for the 1878 World’s Fair in Paris. His involvement with the Allied Terrier Dog Club of Westminster in 1886 inspired the largest pet show in the world, the Crufts Dog Show. And Charles Crufts never had a dog, only cats!

Socio-economic status throughout history has always had an impact on the way we feed our family. The Industrial Revolution in the mid 1800’s brought the growth of the middle class. But the turning point for our dependency on dry dog food came from a different professional, an electrician from Cincinnati, named James Spratt.

As with most popular ideas, other folks copied Spratt’s cookies. 1908 saw the first bone shaped biscuit and the first kibble dog food created by F.H. Benner. Benner sold his company 30 years later, in 1931, to Nabisco and they renamed his cookies Milk Bones. Now dog food was in grocery stores. The 1930’s seemed to be the golden age of processed dog food. Ken-L-Ration brought the first canned horse meat option. They sponsored a popular radio show, The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin. 50,000 horses a year were slaughtered for the production of dog food.

His travels, selling lightning rods, often took him to the docks of London. There, he watched sailors tossing leftover ‘ship’s biscuits’ to the local dogs. These biscuits, made from flour, salt, and water, needed no refrigeration and were the staple of the crew’s diet during long sea voyages. Spratt made a few variations to the sailor’s biscuits and created his own dog biscuits. His recipe used wheat flour, beetroot, and vegetables mixed with beef blood. He named his creation ‘Spratt’s Patent Meal Fabrine Dog Cakes’ in 1860.

By 1964, the newly created Pet Food Institute went on a mission to stop people from feeding their dogs table scraps. They funded ‘reports’ explaining the dangers of table scraps and encouraging the use of packaged dog food as the more responsible choice. During the next 10 years the industry grew to include 1,500 brands of dog food. The major players were all processed food companies: Mars, Nestle, Colgate-Palmolive, Proctor and Gamble, and Delmont.

But the war also meant rationing of both meat and tin. Canned dog food sales fell. Companies like Ralston Purina borrowed technology from their cereal division to puff up dry kibble to keep it crisper and make it more palatable. Dogs seemed to like the change and so did consumers.

Today, there are over 80 million dogs in the United States. Pet food is an 11.5 billion dollar industry. Kibble is still the way most people feed their dogs, but times are changing. Processed foods for human consumption are being questioned as 68% of Americans are overweight according to a 2010 CDC statistic. 53% of dogs in this country are also overweight or obese. Obese people and dogs are prone to many ailments such as arthritis, diabetes, increase blood pressure, heart and respiratory diseases, ligament injury, kidney disease, cancer, and decreased life expectancy. In the case of dogs, life expectancy in overweight dogs decreases by 2.5 years.

The post war economic boom saw an increase in home sales and a move to the suburbs. Supermarkets were now filled with processed and fast foods. There was now an abundance of agricultural scraps from slaughterhouses, grain mills,

America’s dog owners are worried about what to feed their best friends. According to Psychology Today, 81% of people consider their dogs members of the family. 4,150 dogs and cats died due to melamine contaminated pet food in 2007. The

By 1941, 90% of dog food was canned. The 40’s also saw a dramatic change in the American diet. Feeding the troops during WWII was a priority. A stable shelf life for food and portability became crucial. Products like Spam were popular and the start of the processed food revolution began.

Ten years later he brought it to the United States and the American pet food industry was born. This man was an entrepreneur with vision. He hired a young British salesman named Charles Crufts. Crufts went

and processing plants. Pet food companies saw opportunities. They now had a way of capitalizing on the waste products of the human processed food industry. People wanted convenience in the foods they ate and the foods they fed their dogs. Kibble fit right into that trend, it was cheap and easily available.

Canine Cancer Research Foundation states that cancer rates in dogs have gone up dramatically in the last 10 years and now one in two dogs will be diagnosed with the disease. Author and respected leader in pet nutrition, Dr. Donald Strombeck, DVM, PhD, shows concern, “Why are so many pets getting cancers, renal failures, hepatic diseases, multitudes of skin and coat problems? Diseases and illnesses we simply shouldn’t be seeing. Illness and poor nutrition affect each other.”

responsible for the quality of their lives. They have lived with us for thousands of years. Over time we have seen how our attitudes, customs, and knowledge about food have evolved. Today our dogs’ health issues are mirroring our own conditions. Economics and convenience still play a major role in how we feed our families. Let’s hope that the next decade reflects our growing awareness of the benefits of fresh food, fresh air, and clean water – our health, our dogs’ health, and the health of the planet depend on it. By Dr. Janice Elenbaas

The awareness of the connection between health and our diet is driving a dramatic rise in sales of organic foods and beverages. Over the last 10 years the industry has grown from $1 Billion in 1990 to $26.7 Billion in 2010, said the Organic Trade association. It is not surprising to see the popularity of a diet rich in natural, whole foods for our dogs, growing too.

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ou may know Todd and Jo Rackliff as the owners of The Sugaree, the bakery and restaurant on the corner of Burnt Church and Bruin in historic Bluffton. Their shop is well known by locals, providing delectable treats such as donuts, cinnamon rolls, and cake pops, as well as hardier options like sandwiches (curry chicken salad - yes please) and a loaded baked potato salad that is out of this world. But what you may not know is that Todd has Type 1 diabetes. Yes, that’s right. He owns a restaurant with “sugar” in its name, and he has diabetes. Ironic much? Fortunately, Todd and Jo both have an excellent sense of humor.

Type 1, Type 2 What’s the Difference? Before we get to the good part, let’s talk diabetes for a second. I have no family or friends with diabetes, so I had to ask, what is the difference between the two types of diabetes? The Rackliffs were more than willing to educate me. While Type 2 diabetes is often associated with genetics or lifestyle, neither of these factors play a part in Type 1. They certainly didn’t for Todd. None of his family was ever known to have diabetes, and because of his high metabolism, he never struggled with weight, which is what many associate with diabetes. The cause of Type 1 remains a mystery, and for now, so does the cure.

Donuts & Doorways! Jo explains it very simply: “Your pancreas produces insulin to control your sugar levels. Your body needs sugar to function, but too much is not good and too little is not good either. You need to stay within that 80-120, a normal range". “Have you ever eaten like, 6 donuts, and thought, gosh, I shouldn’t have eaten all that sugar? But your body will adjust to that and get rid of the excess. People like Todd, their bodies don’t do that.” 19

Todd was diagnosed as a 12-year-old boy growing up in the backwoods of Maine when his blood sugar was in the 1200 range. In other words, a diabetic coma! “When you have Type 2, your pancreas produces some insulin, just not on a fully active, regular basis. It was described to me this way: When you have Type 2, a door opens to your pancreas, and some comes out. If you have Type 2, your door only opens so far, so it slowly releases insulin into your system. If you exercise and watch what you eat, that door will open wider." “With Type 1 . . . your immune system attacks the pancreas as if it were a foreign body and prevents the pancreas from producing any insulin whatsoever.” She went on to explain that because Type 1 is essentially an autoimmune disease, the body won’t accept a pancreas transplant, so that’s not even an option for people like Todd.

So what to do? Like Type 2 diabetes, finger pricks and insulin shots are a way of life. The key is remembering to do them on a regular basis. When the Rackliffs’ dog Oscar was alive, he kept Todd in a daily exercise and eating routine. “Controlling your blood sugar is all about routine,” says Todd. “Having a dog really helped a lot.” When Oscar was hungry and needed to be fed, Todd would take care of his diabetic needs as well. But when Oscar - and then later their 16-year-old rescue dog, Spike - passed away, that routine went away. “Being in food and bev, there’s no set mealtime. You’re on your feet all day, and you just eat when you remember to.”

Yeah, I remember those Handfuls of Fries in between Waiting Tables.

instant bond with Todd. That bond was part of the reason that they decided to pursue a different program. Rather than paying extra for a dog that was already trained, why not start with what they had? Having gone through private and group obedience lessons, Butterbean is just starting her service dog classes. “She’s not your typical service dog breed,” says Jo. “Bloodhounds are known to be very stubborn, so the training process may take us a little longer.”

Fee, Fi, Fo, Fum, I smell the blood of a Diabetic Low! However, the difficulty comes when the blood sugar drops, and the diabetic remains unaware until he is unable to do anything about it. “Todd’s gotten so used to the symptoms that he can’t even tell when he is going to crash anymore,” says his wife, Jo. “Over the years I’ve learned the signs. It’s the little details - like if he puts the butter in the wrong place. And I tell him, ‘You never put the butter there.’ But the tricky part is that the symptoms never appear in the same order. It’s like a moving target.” While his wife has developed ninja-like skills at detecting when Todd’s blood sugar is going to drop, she can’t always be by his side. “It’s better now that I work at the restaurant full time, but before, I had another job and he was by himself sometimes. And that’s dangerous when you’re working in a kitchen.”

You ain't nothing but a Hound Dog!? Solution? Several years ago, the couple discovered and looked into a well known service dog program out of Virginia. They did quite a bit of research but eventually learned, to their dismay, that a service dog from this program would cost $15,000. “That’s a car. That’s a lot of money for someone who has ongoing medical bills, especially when service animals aren’t covered under insurance.” So they waited and looked around for a dog to replace their beloved Oscar and Spike. A daughter of one of their customers bred bloodhounds, many of which became Search & Rescue dogs. “Why not?” they thought. Jo had been wanting a working dog, and Todd had always wanted a bloodhound. It was perfect. Enter Butterbean. Only 2 months old when they bought her, she developed an

But I had to ask, how in the world do you train a dog to detect when a man’s blood-sugar levels are dropping? The answer was more complicated than I had thought. It starts off with introducing Butterbean to the smell of Todd’s blood sugar. But not from blood - from clothing, from saliva samples, from sweat samples. And the samples should be within a range of when blood sugar levels are beginning to drop so the dog knows what to be alert for. Everyone knows that dogs have a keen sense of smell, but what many don’t know is that dogs use their sense of smell a lot like humans use their sense of sight. Just as we can see individual threads in a tapestry, dogs can smell individual ingredients. If you were to bake chocolate chip cookies, you would be able to smell the cookies themselves. Dogs can smell the flour, the chips, the sugar, the butter. And bloodhounds can smell more keenly than even the average breed. Even with their superpowers, bloodhounds need to be able to isolate the smell. If Todd and Jo stopped at just letting Butterbean sniff clothes from a specific bag at home, the dog might begin associating that smell with the bag, with home, or even with a particular deodorant that is present. On top of intense obedience training to familiarize the dog with different atmospheres and situations, scent training includes switching up when and where the dog will smell Todd’s dropping blood-sugar levels, as well as varying what he wears. 20

One day, Todd and Jo might use a bag of clothes with one type of deodorant. The next day, they might hide a sweat sample in the car. The day after that, the dog might have to search for it on an article of clothing amid the noise and confusion of a grocery store. “Part of the training is getting Butterbean to recognize that common denominator,” says Jo. “And she is being trained to give a single, short bark when she finds it.” Butterbean may be a work in progress for right now, however there is no doubt that she has already improved Todd’s life, not only as a service dog, but a friend. “She absolutely loves Todd,” says Jo, “and hugging is one of her favorite things. When she isn’t in her harness, she can be such a goofball.” So far the couple has received only positive responses from the community. At present and in the future, the Rackliffs plan to use Butterbean as an education tool, hoping to raise awareness for diabetes and service dogs alike.

Photos credited to Jo Rackliff

An Oyster Is an Oyster Is an Oyster . . . Or Is It? ( P a r t 3 : Ta s t e t h e O c e a n )

Fun Fact: Since oysters from commercial oyster beds will be sent to restaurants and served to the public, it is DHEC and not DNR that must test for bacteria and spillage. Only after 21 days of being “spillage free” can DHEC declare a commercial oyster bed open for business again.

hat gives an oyster its hasn’t held a strong presence in the oyster value? Is its worth meworld for a number of years, don’t call it asured in taste, benefit a comeback (locals knows we have been to the ecosystem, ability here for years): Lowcountry oysters are to produce the occasional beginning to mop up the competition in pearl, or the fact that it is a all three categories, winning over the hearts member of the animal kingdom? and tastebuds of chefs all over the nation. I would answer . . . yes. In the first two articles in this series, I From Backyard to Fine Dining introduced you to the world of oysters: how they reproduce, how they grow, and So which way is the best way to eat an what it means to be an oyster farmer. We oyster? It all depends on what you want delved into the intricacies of their biout of your experience. Half of what makes ology and importance to the environment an oyster wonderful is the atmosphere in as I endeavored to convey the sense of which you eat it. Here in the Lowcountry, wonder that I felt upon learning more we’re famous for getting together with about these bivalve miracles. family and friends by the water and roasting oysters by the light of the setting sun. But what about the culinary side? Are all After they’re roasted, all you need is a oysters created equal? Is one preparation shucking knife, crackers, a bottle of hot better than another for bringing out their sauce, a towel, and a lot of bug spray. flavor? Before I go any further, let me harken back to what I explained in a previous Or you could try them fried. In Louisiana parts. Oysters are filter feeders. A single especially, you’re often going to see fried oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water oyster po’ boys on the menu. You can form a day. With that much of an ocean, river, your own opinion on this, but I’ll admit or marsh flowing through, it is no wonder that I like fried clams and fried shrimp a that an oyster will develop a flavor profile whole lot more than I do fried oysters. I to match its environment. (And I started spoke with Clay, one of the waiters at The off not liking them.) Oyster Bar in Bluffton, and he said that the owner is adamant about not serving How are Oysters like Wine? fried oysters at his restaurant. “There are so many places in the South that serve According to most of the farmers I spoke fried food,” says Clay. “He doesn’t want us with around the Lowcountry, oysters are to be another one of those places.” like wine. Or if you prefer, craft beer. Myriad factors can affect the taste of an oyster Instead, Jimmy Soules and his crew present - the vegetation around it, the mud, the both raw and steamed oysters (as well as minerals, the pollutants (or lack thereof). other seafood dishes) in a way to expand Anything that is present in the water can, the mind and delight the palate. For my essentially, add a subtle (or not-so-subtle) own little tasting, Clay provided a very layer of flavor. Just as grapes develop flavors from knowledgeable rundown about each oyster’s their soil or even the amount of sunshine origin and flavor notes. My favorite besides they receive, so will an oyster be influenced the Bluffton oyster was a beautiful little by its environment. bivalve from Canada called “Beausoleil,” which is French for “beautiful sun.” It possesses When researching for this article, I was a milder flavor than the Lowcountry surprised at how many different kinds of varieties and, because of that mildness, is oysters exist. Every region of the world considered a good starter oyster that grows oysters has a different flavor, for newbies. shape, and coloration. Like wine tastings and beer flights, oyster tastings are becoming popular in modern seafood Hunting for Buried Treasure restaurants. Earlier that day, I was privileged to go out According to Frank Roberts of Lady’s Island on the May River with Andrew and Austin Oysters, an oyster’s taste is rated by its Harter of May River Oyster Company. Because it’s 1) salinity, 2) sweetness, and 3) clean finish. an “R” month, it’s prime oyster harvesting And while our little neck of the woods time. Unfortunately, Hurricane Matthew 21

were lying by themselves, already possessing the necessary requirements of deepness and 3-inch length. But many of them were a part of clusters. “If there’s a cluster of them, you want to find the oyster that’s largest and longest. Then we’re just going to knock the rest of them off like this,” said Austin, chipping at the cluster with a small pick until the excess had been cut off. He explained that the discarded smaller oysters and shells would give future seed material to attach themselves to. This technique is what is known as snarled up the works for many an oyster “re-seeding” an oyster bed. farmer around here, and DHEC has only recently opened up certain oyster beds After spending a morning basking in the sunshine and fresh air, snapping photos, for harvesting. and hunting for buried treasure, it was We ended up boating to an area of their time to head back and begin the next leg lease that grows wild oysters, since none of my journey. of the leased areas containing their far2 Types of South Carolina Fishing Licenses med cages were open. Because I don’t have a fishing license, I wasn’t allowed to Recreational Saltwater Fishing License harvest the oysters myself. However, the Cost? $10/yr. guys showed me what to look for as they Perks? Harvest 2 bushels of oysters twice filled several restaurant orders for both each week single oysters and clusters. Where can I harvest? Any state or public shellfish ground My experience out on the oyster reefs was Where can I purchase a license? DNR, everything I could have hoped for. Since many retail outlets such as Walmart, local the air was cold and we were out on the tackle shops or at dnr.sc.gov/purchase. water, I was thankful for the rubber boots html. and warm, waterproof jacket that I had Additional rules? Visit dnr.sc.gov/marine/ purchased from the men’s department shellfish/regs.html at a local big box store. (Seriously, what’s Maps? Visit dnr.sc.gov/marine/shellfish/ with the women’s section? Cute clothes shellfishmaps.html but so not practical.) A crisp, azure sky surrounded us, and sunlight sparkled off Commercial Fishing License the small and choppy peaks of the May Cost? $25/yr. (plus an additional $75 license River. Pelicans floated lazily on both the if the harvester wants to use state shellair and the water, and several dolphins fish grounds) even made an appearance. It was like a Perks? No quantity limits scene straight out of a movie. Where? State Shellfish Grounds with a permit (free) for each state ground you On top of that, I felt privileged to witness will use and privately managed culture the passion that the brothers have in their permits through arrangement with the job, as well as the humorous, culture permit holder laid-back manner in which they approach Where can I purchase a license? DNR it. “Welcome to our office,” one of them commercial license offices and at three joked.“I like what you’ve done with the point-of-sale agents (See details at dnr. decorating.”“Thanks. A guy named Matthew sc.gov/licenses/commercialpricing. came in and threw things around a bit, but html.) we’re cleaning it up.” Additional rules? If you choose to sell your product, it must be through a licensed My only nervousness surfaced when we wholesale dealer with a shellfish certification. finally anchored, knowing that I would You may not sell direct to customers have to step off the boat straight onto unless they are themselves a licensed the reef. My lack of balance is the stuff of wholesale dealer. Visit dnr.sc.gov/malegends, and I knew that if I took a wrong rine/shellfish/commregs.html for more step or slipped, one of three things could info. happen: 1.) I could land face-first on a bed of razor-sharp oysters, 2.) I could fall into Information provided by SCDNR the water (which the brothers claimed was still warm, but which I’d say is a matter of opinion), or 3.) I could sink into the pluff mud and have a bear of a time trying to From Farm to Table climb my way out. But with the brothers’ help, I successfully navigated the oyster That afternoon I visited the new Bluffton beds and advanced to the next level of restaurant, FARM, for an oyster tasting. Previously the Executive Chef at the our quest. Palmetto Bluff Inn, Chef Brandon Carter We started out looking for clusters and seeks to create a dining experience that then moved on to single oysters. Some educates and delights the community while bringing it together. Although his 22

restaurant is called FARM, he says that In other words, smiling faces plus beautiful he tries to stay away from the tag “farm places equals delicious oysters. to table.” “Having fresh, local ingredients should be the bare minimum. We like to The rest of our tasting proved to be say, rather, that we’re seasonally driven enjoyable, educational, and exceptionally and locally inspired.” tasty. With each dish, the sommelier, Thaddeus, paired a wine that perfectly I pull my stool up to the counter where complemented both the flavor notes of there is an excellent view of the kitchen the oyster and the spices and herbs used. and I could easily converse with Brandon. Check out the end of this article for a recipe I was pleasantly surprised to discover that for Chef Carter’s second (as well as my the oysters the Harter brothers harvested favorite) preparation from the tasting. with me in tow that morning were on the menu for our tasting. The feeling was a bit Your Turn surreal. So now it’s up to you. If you’re already an He created three preparations, the first oyster “meroir,” (an oyster connoisseur), one being the unadulterated May River you can probably name your favorites and oyster itself. Never having tried a raw one you already take an active role in helping before, I was a tad apprehensive about to preserve the oysters’ environment. the texture and wasn’t quite sure how to But for the rest of us who are new to the eat it. When I asked Brandon, he replied, game, it’s time we educated ourselves. “I usually just pick it up and knock it back in one go.” Rowan Jacobsen, author of the book A Geography of Oysters, has created several So I did. The texture wasn’t as bad as I websites to educate the public. You can thought it would be. As far as the taste use oysterguide.com as a valuable resource went, if eating Skittles is equivalent to tasfor buying oysters, finding festivals and ting the rainbow, eating oysters is like tastastings, reading articles, and more. Want ting ocean spray. to know more about a specific region’s flavor profile? On oysterater.com, people We then talked regions as Chef Carter can rate and review oysters from all over prepped the second dish for us. “When the nation. I get oysters from, say, the Virginia area, they’re very characteristic of minerality, These molluscs are a vital player in local and you get some cuwaters. Without them, much of our marsh cumber notes in there. and river life would become sick and die. Ours are briny. If you And because their taste is affected by like salty oysters, ours what they filter, the responsibility shifts to are the ones.” Truth. us to keep the water pollution-free. Better There’s always existed water means better oysters. among regions some debate as to who grows the king of all oysters. Naturally, Even if you don’t like oysters, I encourage every region claims to grow the best. Are you to give them another try. Because as they wrong? Brandon doesn’t think so. I’ve endeavored to explain here, an oyster When asked why, Chef Brandon replied, is not an oyster is not an oyster. “Because of the freshness. When you walk outside, the air smells like oysters. You ~Hannah Seigworth, Editor get that salinity in the air, and it tastes like oysters, and then when you eat the oysters, it brings it all together.” That, and the Chef Brandon Carter’s Oyster Preparation: people you’re with. Chili Ginger Mignonette 1/4 c. Thai chilies, thinly sliced (You can sub Serrano chilies in a pinch.) 1 Tbsp scallions, chopped 1 in. ginger root, peeled and minced 1 shallot, minced 1 stalk lemongrass, tough exterior discarded, tender center minced 3 limes, juiced 3 lemons, juiced 2 tsp Bulls Bay Sea Salt 2 Tbsp basil, picked and rough-chopped with a sharp knife 2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped Combine all ingredients with the exception of the basil and cilantro. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. Add basil just before you’re ready to serve so it stays nice and vibrant. Pairs well with Francois Montand Brut.

THE TOUCH TANKS Though Finding Dory gives you a different perspective on these aquarium staples, we are still big fans of using two fingers to stroke starfish. All ages love hands-on learning.

ran out of the viewing area of the Great Ocean exhibit at the South Carolina aquarium with my nursing cover on and my one month old baby, you know, still attached. Chasing after my one and a half year old toddler, who has made a game out of bolting when my head is turned, was less exciting with my infant in arms. Had this been a typical day at the aquarium I would have taken my time to better situate myself before chasing after him, but there just so happened to be busloads of children from summer schools, day camps, and day cares milling around fishes, birds, turtles, and sharks that day. Ezra would quickly get lost in the throng. Noticing my situation and more than embarrassed look, a young, kindlylooking staff member grabbed Ezra's hand before he could get too far away, and brought him back to me. Turns out the South Carolina Aquarium rescues more than sea turtles. They also rescue frazzled mothers. As a mother to three small children, it's important for us to get out of the house. With two of my friends, we had a total of nine kids running up the boardwalk-style ramp to the entrance of the aquarium, set on the tidal Cooper River. Have you been to the South Carolina Aquarium? If you have, you'll know what I mean when I say it was hard to get our herd of kids far past the entrance; the floor-to-ceiling Carolinas Sea Tank puts the colorful fish found in local habitats right at noserubbing distance.

THE SNAKES Not originally from the South, one of my big concerns in moving here was the snakes. How would I know a rat snake from a water moccasin? Is a rattlesnake's rattle really loud enough for me to hear over the noise of children? (The answer is yes, by the way.) This was perhaps the most practically educational experience for me and my three year old, Zeph, who loves all things creeping. Seeing the snakes so close and active helped us easily and safely identify the different snakes in our area.

THE PASSPORTS The older children (5-10) hunted down every passport station to get their stamp. This kept them engaged when their younger siblings took too long at a single exhibit. This is an example of how SCA works to keep all ages engaged.

THE SPACE Though we seemed to have picked one of the busiest days of the year, my group was still able to maneuver two strollers, and (again) NINE kids, around the tanks. Successful architectural planning if you ask me. THE SALT MARSH EXHIBIT Not the most glitzy, this was my personal favorite. In the wild we have very few opportunities to see our flying and swimming neighbors up close, yet SCA has done an incredible job of helping you feel like you're just down the road from your home - only with better views. I enjoyed watching the pelicans (did you know they were so big?!) waddle and flap, while the kids loved the tanks right at eye-level.

Perhaps one of the most memorable, and most telling experiences of the day was as we were leaving. As we walked back down the boardwalk to the parking garage (it’s close, by the way, but not too close) my friend’s oldest daughter looked down into the Cooper River just feet below us and pointed out a horseshoe crab swimming in the sandy, open water. South Carolina Aquarium is a great marriage of nature and observation.

I'll spare you the details of our group taking in every exhibit, but let me share a few highlights from the perspective of a stay-at-home mom.

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ast issue I mentioned 10 awesome exotic reptiles and amphibians to own that may be new to some people. Now I know that not everyone is a fan of the creepy crawlies I suggested previously but for all you herpetophobes, this article covers the mammalian side of the exotic pet spectrum. Before we jump in, I have to stress that with ANY exotic animal - research and know what you’re committing to. Exotic pets require space, time and money, which is a lot of responsibility. Also, sometimes local restrictions apply. If you can handle it, then welcome to the resistance. The species listed are also not in any particular order.

Genets These small African carnivores are bizarre - a cross between a cat, a ferret, and a raccoon. Genets are nocturnal animals that can be on the skittish side. These cat-like creatures are excellent climbers that will make use out of things with height, including you! Enthusiasts recommend that they have an enclosure with measurements of at least 4’ x 8’ x 6’. Consider their space needs as you consider genets while their diet is easier, ferret food, fruit, cooked chicken, mice, and eggs.

Rats Another option that is often shunned due to their reputation is rats. Believe it or not, rats make great pets! They’re incredibly smart, loving, and affectionate. Endless brands of food and housing can be found at your local pet store which makes rats among the easiest animal on this list to keep. The few downsides are that rats are nocturnal and cages have to be cleaned often due to the smell. You stinky rat!

Pygmy Goats If you have the space and want something a little bigger, then Pygmy Goats are a fun option. Just like their name suggests, Pygmy Goats are considerably smaller than the regular goats you’d see at a petting zoo. Goats of any size require a sizeable amount of space and are herd animals - which means they do best if there’s more than one of them. If you live near a local feed and seed store they are bound to have the food and hay these guys need to be happy. Just be sure to move all the plants you love (and any potentially toxic ones) from out of the pen because goats eat just about anything (read: everything)!

Muntjac Deer One of the world’s smallest species of deer, the Muntjac Deer might just be the least known animal of our Exotic Top 10! These mini deer get about the size of a large house cat and are native to southern Asia but have been introduced to areas of the UK. These tiny mammals are omnivores eating grass, fruits, roots, bird’s eggs and even small animals! If you can find someone who breeds these, a Muntjac deer would make a fun pet! 25

Miniature Donkey Continuing on the cute farm animal path, we have Miniature Donkeys. If your home has a bit more space, consider these very affectionate mammals. The miniature versions register at just 36” tall. Move over Little Sebastian! You may be surprised how smart these animals are, and that miniature donkeys can also be trained. Just like goats, food can be found at the local feed and seed. It’s recommended that they also have a pal to keep them company, and many people use these guys and goats to accompany their thoroughbreds. Go figure.

Skunks Yep you read that correctly, skunks! People have been keeping these as pets for a while but skunks have never been very popular. Like cats, skunks can be litter trained and require behavioral training similar to dogs. A lot of consideration is needed before one dives into skunks as pets. A very active and smart animal, they usually are trouble magnets. This is where the behavioral training is crucial. Dietary needs are often debated in the skunk circle because their nutrition needs are somewhat complex. Some commercial diets are available but most don’t consider them a cure-all. A varied diet of insects, eggs, and poultry (among other things) is key.

Sugar Gliders Sugar Gliders are probably one of the more demanding options on this list. We often see them sold at various expos or online and think that they must not require much care because they’re small. Believe it or not, these small marsupials can live up to 15 years! They require a varied daily diet of insects, fruit, and veggies. Gliders are also very social so you may end up getting two. Since they are social, gliders also require interaction time with their owner. These furballs need spacious housing with lots of hiding pouches and these marsupials are also nocturnal, so beware. If you can handle their demands and if gliders are legal in your area (check your laws!), then they can be sweet, joyful pets. .

Hedgehogs Maybe not much of a surprise, but c’mon! We had to include these cool critters because they’re readily available and don’t take up much space. Hedgehogs don’t require more space than a guinea pig would, they don’t make noise (way less than a guinea pig does in fact), and best of all, they aren’t imported from wild populations. Diet-wise, these guys are bug-eaters, so a diet of crickets, mealworms, wax worms, or even small dubia roaches fed daily is necessary. Downsides to these as pets are their shyness (which can be worked with), they’re nocturnal (so you probably won’t see them in the day), and the obvious, they are prickly!

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The biggest thing to remember when adding any exotic animal to your home is that while they may be legal to keep in the U.S., local laws still apply. Also, research as much as possible before taking the leap into exotic pet ownership. Plenty of owners bite off more than they can chew with some of these animals when they don’t read before they buy. They are just like any other pet and require time and proper care. The best dog-human bond comes from knowing the temperament, disposition, and activity level of a breed. The same is true in the exotic world. But if you can handle it, like I said before, welcome to the resistance!

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Fennec Foxes Not feeling a dog or a cat? Fennec Foxes might be the perfect in-between! These small foxes are the best of both worlds. Fennecs have space requirements similar to a cat or dog but should be crated when home alone. One of the cool things about these foxes is they can be litter box trained! Their diet in the wild consists of a wide variety of small animals, plants, eggs and insects. Fortunately for captive animals, there’s a commercial diet available to make it easier to give them the good stuff they need. A reliable vet is recommended just like it would be for any cat or dog. Be sure to also check local laws to make sure you can keep these in your city/county.

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Chinchillas Chinchillas were probably to be expected - they’ve become popular over the years. Like Sugar Gliders, Chinchillas are longlived animals reaching ages of 20+! Social as well, this mammal does great in pairs and when given plenty of attention. For diet, commercial brands are available that have the proper nutrition for Chinchillas to thrive but they also need to munch on hay. Caging should be a minimum of “16 x “18 x “16 (larger, even better) with proper bedding and a dust bath (they LOVE dust baths!). If you can handle the commitment, then enjoy your super soft pet Chinchilla(s)! Who knows, next thing you know you may be participating in showing them...

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y father was born in the spring of 1929. When I was a little girl my family gathered in the living room most Sunday evenings and played games, sang songs, ate popcorn, and listened to my father tell stories from his childhood. This is how I remember the story I liked best.

One day he lay on the floor watching the cat curled up behind the stove. The fireplace poker leaned next to the stove and reminded him of the branding iron they used on the cattle. Every spring he watched his father heat the branding iron in the fire until it was red hot, then place it on the animal until it had burned to the hide and left the brand. My father could see the cat didn’t have a brand and logically wondered how people would know she was his if she didn’t have a brand. The cat lay lazily in the stove’s warmth never suspecting a thing as my father stuck the poker in the wood stove until it was red hot. But when he put that hot poker on her skin she yowled, hissed, and put up a flight. She never cared much for my father after that, but every neighbor knew whose she was. By Jane Payne Editor’s Notes: It’s important that Tails connects people to animals, educating and inspiring. Here are some questions to consider after reading this article (especially for our young readers): What purpose did cats used to serve for most homes and do they still serve on farms? How is it different being a work animal versus a pet? What was something the little boy could have done to help his parents find him easier? When the boy fell in the hole, how did the cat help him? How can you be safe and make good choices with fires nearby? What do we use to help people know where to return our pets? Why did the cat get upset with the boy at the end of the story? Consider a few good ideas of what you can do with your time when you are bored.

Animals weren’t allowed in the house, especially cats, but one was after she’d been a hero. This cat loved to curl up behind the wood stove on chilly, winter days. She kept my father company while his older siblings were in school. One day, before she became a hero, the cat tagged along behind my father as he went out to play. He climbed the hill behind the house – far beyond earshot – to play in the snow. He fell through a pocket of snow down into a deep hole. He couldn’t climb out! He was there for a very long time. When they noticed him missing, my grandmother and grandfather called and called, but heard no answer. The snow wasn’t new and there were tracks everywhere. They searched and worried. They lived near a deep river that concerned my grandmother to no end, and my father was little, only four or five years old. It was getting colder. As the family searched, they noticed the cat stayed up on the hill. She seemed to walk in circles. Not finding my father anywhere, they went to see what caused the cat to stay on the hill. They found my father down in the hole that the cat was circling. Overjoyed, they gave the cat a spot in the house behind the stove. (No, its name was not Lassie.) Often bored waiting for winter to pass and his brother to come home from school, my father created trouble.

arlene Schuetz noticed the difference in her aging father, Charles “Bud” Schuetz, soon after he began walking her great dane, Max. Where he had been noticeably slowing down, he was suddenly getting out into the neighborhood again and socializing. Darlene had moved to Hilton Head from California to be near her parents. In anticipation of this, Darlene’s father began to tell people about the dog that was coming to live with them, usually even forgetting to mention Darlene. After they arrived, the walks started, and not only did Bud regain a spring in his step, Darlene’s mother, Dolly, brightened up as well. In her work at Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, Darlene saw a

great untapped potential in the use of therapy animals. She called Abby Bird, the owner of Alphadog Training Academy, for help. Abby was immediately on board. She had been hoping someone in the hospice community would reach out. Together they created a program working with dogs and their owners, and dubbed it “HosPets.”

He believed that the dog could indicate the patient’s anxiety level by how close it stayed to them. In the 1960s, Boris Levinson, a respected child psychotherapist, became known as the father of animal assisted therapy when he discovered that the presence of his dog helped a non-verbal boy communicate. Today, thousands of therapy animals are making differences in the lives of patients.

Today, the Hos-Pets program has over 60 dogs. To participate in the program, the dogs complete the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen program, where they prove their excellent manners and people skills and learn to be comfortable around equipment like wheelchairs and oxygen tents. Dogs who will serve in hospitals complete the Therapy Dog International certification, as well. The benefits of pet therapy are well established, going back to the late 1800s. It was Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, who first noticed small pets helped to lower levels of anxiety in psychiatric patients. She wrote about the subject in her book, Notes on Nursing, and the use of animal assisted therapy grew as a result. Later, in the 1930s, Dr. Sigmund Freud used his dog in psychotherapy sessions.

In a hospice environment, therapy animals can greatly improve quality of life. They reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, encourage increased mobility, and can improve relationships between patients and healthcare providers. “It’s amazing what animals can do from a therapeutic position,” says Darlene. “Patients light up when they see a dog.” Hos-pets also helps keep dogs and their owners together. A local woman was declining in health, to which her Westie responded by becoming aggressive. Knowing something was wrong, the little dog didn’t want anyone near its beloved owner. Her hospice caregivers and Hos-pets responded. Bird was able to train the dog and support the woman’s husband, allowing the pet to remain with its owner. Having her little friend with her was a great comfort. There isn’t a more important time to be sensitive to another’s needs than in a hospice situation. And, when planning care for an pet owner who is in hospice, there are many needs to consider. Hos-Pets partnered with Pet Peace of Mind, a national program that assists in the care

of the pets of hospice patients. Hospice Care of the Lowcountry volunteers walk, provide transportation to the groomer or veterinary services and can provide medications, too. An issue that is sometimes overlooked is the care of the pets that are left behind after their owner passes. Occasionally, the volunteers at Hos-Pets have found themselves in charge of locating a new home for an animal before the owner completes their end of life journey. In these cases, the pet owner is able to meet and approve the new family, receiving peace of mind that is truly immeasurable. Clearly, the benefits of pet therapy resonate deeply with patients and their families, and the Lowcountry is fortunate to have this kind of compassion available as well as a group so considerate of furry pets left behind. For more information about this program and others offered by Hospice of the Lowcountry, visit hospicecarelc.org or call 843-706-2296. By Nicole Moore Photos credited to Michael Hausman & Lee Steinberg

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Books For People Who Love Animals

&BOOKS

Wet Dog Genre: Children's Selection Written by Elise Broach Illustrated by David Catrow

f you have a dog, chances are you’ve had a wet dog. A stinky, smelly, happy as a pig in mud, soaking wet dog. While my dogs are not big fans of a bath or swimming, Harley, my Shepherd-Huskey mix, could spend all day trying to ‘eat’ the water coming out of the hose, all while we sprayed it directly at her. She loves it. And pool water... even better. She’ll circle the pool all day, (and I mean ALL day) so long as someone is splashing water for her to ‘bite’. What complete happiness it brings her, and on a hot, lowcountry day, that big, fat, hairy dog is one wet, smelly, happy pooch. And you know what? That makes everyone around her happy too, that is, unless she tries to get in the house. We all become crazy people if our wet dogs get inside. It’s inevitable that a dog will wait until they are inside, and usually standing in the middle of the kitchen, to shake off all that extra water and dirt, all over the (inevitably just cleaned) walls and floors. I found the story ‘Wet Dog!’, written by Elise Broach and illustrated by my favorite illustrator, David Catrow, many years ago, when my kids were young. I was always searching for fun, colorful read-aloud stories, and this one made a connection. David Catrow’s illustrations are so humorous and add to the silliness-factor of the book. This is the story of an old, hot, hairy dog just melting on the porch on a scorching summer day. He decides he needs to find someplace to cool off, so off he goes looking for any source of water (and mud). With each person he meets along his way, he gets a chance to cool off and not only gets a little happier, but shakes off that extra water, oblivious to any victim nearby. Isn’t that how it always goes with a wet dog? While everyone is ‘shooing’ this muddy, drippy mutt away, in the end, they find he has the right idea to beat the heat. Wouldn’t you like to be as happy as a wet dog on a hot day? I thought so. By Linda Burton, Beaufort County Educator

Setting the of in Pooler, Savannah, & the Surrounding Areas. 912.748.0709 Pooler Veterinary Hospital 608 US Hwy 80 East Bloomingdale, GA 31302

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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 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 Collins Quarter 151 Bull St., Savannah, GA 31401 912-777-4147 | thecollinsquarter.com 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 Fox and Weeks 7200 Hodgson Memorial Dr. Savannah, GA 31406 912-352-7200 | foxandweeks.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 Hillbilly Hound Pet Boutique 61 Riverwalk Blvd Unit H Ridgeland, SC 29936 | 843-645-7777 /Hillbillyhoundpetboutique/ 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 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 Treylor Park and Hitch 115 East Bay St., Savannah, GA 31401 912-888-TREYLOR treylorparksavannah.com Your Sound Stage Burnt Church Rd, Bluffton 843-683-7500

Justin Smith is a lifelong lover of unlovable animals. A Beaufort native, he resides on Lady’s Island. Justin currently breeds Crested Geckos and loves creepy crawly friends.

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. Jane Payne is a prolific blogger, covering

Hannah Seigworth counts her parents and cat, Buttons, as her biggest fans. Hannah will be the podcast maven of the upcoming Tails series and writes great articles in her spare time.

self reliance, thriftiness, and homesteading. She has a gaggle of children, and now grandchildren. These days Jane passes her time as an empty nester, teaching, and taking on unusual projects with her husband Calvin. Kieran Paulsen is a soon-to-be graduate

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. Tiffani Taylor is the owner/operator

of the Savannah College of Art and Design. He is an Equestrian Studies major with equal interests in riding and writing. He blogs about both at transequestrian. wordpress.com.

Chris Kehrer is the Naturalist/Education Coordinator at Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center. From Savannah, a USCB grad in Biology, he explored the spawning habits of Sciaenid fish (red drum, black drum, spotted sea trout) and volunteers at Waddell Mariculture Center.

Janis Elenbaas grew up hating the smell that filled the house whenever her mom would pressure-cook a beef head as part of her homemade dog food. "I'll never do that," thought Janice. Now she owns Lucky Dog Cuisine, a company that all-natural food for dogs.

Heather Bruemmer is as talented as is she lovely. A longtime supporter of empowering young women, she supports the continued improvement in education, volunteerism, and development of personal passions.

Ande Nehila fancies herself pretty special. A partner at Nosoco, she grew up in a farm town and has numerous farm-animal phobias - just ask her about ducks or quail.

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