CAROLINA
TAILS SUMMER 2016
A Charleston Animal Society Publication
2016 Summer Bucket List: Your Pet Roadmap to Fun! Elephants Leave the Big Top Blondie the Horse One Year Later The Stories Behind Your Team’s Mascot
carolinatails.org
SUMMER 2016 | CAROLINA TAILS
1
2 CAROLINA TAILS | SUMMER 2016
SUMMER 2016 | CAROLINA TAILS
3
CAROLINA
TAILS
Publisher: Keith Simmons Editor-in-Chief: Dan Krosse Managing Editor: Joe Elmore Graphic Design: Heineman Design Copy Editor: Teri Errico Writers: Teri Errico, Ellie Whitcomb Payne, V.H. Hansen, Dan Krosse, Joe Elmore Cover Photo: Mike Mulligan Photographers: Mike Mulligan, Marie Rodriguez, Caleb Wilson, Ellie Whitcomb Payne, Brian Stiles, Aldwin Roman Content Contributor: Kay Hyman Distribution Manager: Brenda Fletcher For inquiries regarding advertising, distribution or suggestions in Carolina Tails call (843) 352-9048 or ksimmons@charlestonanimalsociety.org.
Contents SUMMER 2016
5
Welcome
6
Pet Pointers
9
Blondie: One Year Later
10
Our Summer Bucket List
14
The Heat is On Helping Your Pet Cope
16
Boating with Pets
18
Hurricane Evacuation: Pet Checklist
20
Elephants Leave the Big Top
24
Mix 96 Two Girls & A Guy
25
Summer Pet Movie Preview
28
The Story Behind Your Team’s Mascot
32
CAS Honors the Military and the Animals Who Served Too
34
Take Me Home: Adoptions!
36
My Turn: An Inspiring Road Trip
38
How a Dog is Saving Kittens
40
Yes, Your Fish Recognizes You!
8 10
2455 Remount Road, North Charleston, SC 29406 (843) 747-4849 President: Elizabeth Bradham Vice President: Helen Pratt-Thomas Vice President: Ann Long Merck Vice President: Matt Watson, CPA, CVA Secretary: Laurel Greer Treasurer: Aussie Geer Members of the Board Kiara Barnett Mary Black Eugenia Burtschy Hal Creel, Esq. Andrea Ferguson Gerri Greenwood Hank Greer Sarah Hamlin Hastings Ellen Harley Cynthia Hayes Patricia Henley Johnny Maybank
Megan Phillips Bob Rife Dillard Salmons Stevens Diane Straney Elliott Summey Joe Waring, Esq. George “Pat” Waters Peter Waters Jeff Webster Nancy Worsham Tami Zerbst
Chief Executive Officer: Joe Elmore Media & Marketing Consultant: dpk media solutions
Please contact regarding Carolina Tails distribution, advertising or suggestions. For all other inquiries, please contact Charleston Animal Society.(843) 410-2577 ksimmons@charlestonanimalsociety.org Carolina Tails is published quarterly by Traveler Communications Group, an independent publishing company. PO Box 22677, Charleston, SC 29413 (843 352-9048). Carolina Tails is a registered trademark of Traveler Communications Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the express written permission of the publisher is prohibited.
4 CAROLINA TAILS | SUMMER 2016
Cover: Caroline Bradner with Coastal Expeditions and her rescue dog Scottie.
20 40
Elizabeth enjoying a summer bucket list hike along Whiteside Mountain in North Carolina, with her dogs Alice, age 12, and Eugenie, age 9.
Welcome DEAR FRIENDS,
T
his issue discusses animals used for entertainment, specifically elephants and orcas. We were all extremely relieved earlier this year when Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus announced that they would retire their touring elephants in May. Kenneth Feld, the CEO, testified in a US federal court in 2009 that circus elephants were struck with metal-tipped prods, called bull hooks, practices which he said were necessary to protect circus workers. I mean, really? Elephants are herbivores, who live in matrilineal, cohesive groups of family and friends, where all work together to take care of each other, including raising the calves. They are some of the most peaceful animals on earth, with incredible recall and infrasonic communication capability. Would we want to see any elephant, or any creature for that matter, working as a slave, in a strange, and hostile environment? I would think not. Like elephants, orcas are notable for their complex societies. In fact, only elephants and higher primates, such as us, live in comparably complex social structures. Unlike any other known mammal species, resident orcas in the eastern North Pacific live with their mothers for their entire lives. These family groups are matrilineal, consisting of the oldest female, her sons and daughters and their offspring. Because females can reach age 90, as many as four generations can travel together. These family groups are highly stable, with individuals separating for only a few hours at a time, either to mate or forage. So, given orcas' complex social and family bonds, can there be any doubt as to how absolutely inhumane it is for organizations such as Sea World to seize orcas, and then keep them in solitary, captive situations? ONLY after receiving huge public pressure did Sea World make the decision not to feature orcas any longer- too little, too late, as far as I am concerned.
Do you sense a theme here? I hope so. Elephants, orcas and all the animals in our lives deserve our respect in the same way that human life deserves our respect. And there is a lot that we can learn from these two species. Unlike many primates (and yes, that includes us), elephants seldom try to seek dominance or status, which only come through age and its related experience. It is the experience and prodigious memory of a matriarch that allows her to lead her family to far-off food and water in drought times, to skirt populated areas, or to travel long distances under the cover of night. The slaughter of a matriarch for her tusks often endangers the survival of her remaining family members, who may not collectively possess her wisdom or experience, just as the unexpected death of a head of household may jeopardize the welfare of an entire human family. Before I leave you, please take a moment to read our articles on boating safety and hurricane evacuation planning. And don't forget to try our bucket list of what to do with your dog this summer. As my photograph shows, my list is pretty simple - hike, hike, hike!! Have a wonderful summer, All the best,
Elizabeth Bradham, President, Charleston Animal Society
SUMMER 2016 | CAROLINA TAILS
5
NEWS:: You Can Use
SUM
M
PET POINTERS
New ER Tidb s its
Farewell Bretagne As reported by the New York Times: “Bretagne, a golden retriever believed to be the last surviving search-and-rescue dog to brave the rubble of the World Trade Center site, looking for survivors of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, died at a veterinarian’s office in Cypress, TX, on June 6th. She was 16 years old. “Her death was confirmed by the rescue team Texas Task Force 1, whose officers lined the sidewalk outside the veterinarian’s office to bid farewell to Bretagne, who was euthanized after kidney failure.”
Caitlyn Anti-Cruelty Fund Benefits on LGD16 Caitlyn sends a big thank you out to everyone who donated on Lowcountry Giving Day (LGD16) May 3rd. Despite technical glitches with the LGD16 software, 620 Charleston Animal Society Donors found a way to give to the Caitlyn Anti-Cruelty Fund. In the 24-hour giving campaign, $83,000 was raised through individual donations and then matched by two generous supporters, Deborah Chalsty ($73,000 match) and The Pearlstine Family Fund ($10,000 match) for a total raised of $166,000. In May 2015, Caitlyn was found on the streets of North Charleston with her muzzle taped shut. She was dehydrated and starving. But today, she is thriving. The world watched as Caitlyn recovered from her injuries and soon became the face of anti-cruelty efforts across the country. In a fitting tribute, Charleston Animal Society launched the Caitlyn Anti-Cruelty Fund. In 2015 Charleston Animal Society staff was involved with 273 cruelty cases and saw the need to do more in this arena. The organization developed a multi-pronged approach to help with this problem, with the majority of funds being allocated to medical treatment and outreach: 1. Medical treatment of cruelty cases will be handled with this fund. Toby's Fund was initially designed to handle the basic medical needs of animals that on a daily basis, come in with heartworm and other manageable illnesses or injuries. As we treat more cruelty cases, Toby's Fund will be unable to sustain overall medical treatment and animal cruelty cases. 2. Outreach efforts to educate and help pet owners enhance care for their pets before it becomes neglect. We have seen excellent results from our Pets for Life program that focuses on the Chicora Cherokee area. We believe having the ability to replicate this in other parts of our service area could reduce the number of abuse cases we are seeing, since a great majority of the cases are neglect brought on many times by a lack of education. 3. Investigations helping law enforcement effectively charge animal abusers. Our anticruelty investigator is trained to work cruelty cases and can help gather information that can stand up in court. 4. Training for animal control officers, law enforcement and the courts to bring animal abusers to justice, 5. Rewards leading to the arrest and conviction of animal abusers: In many cases, as with other crimes, people are hesitant to step forward with information, and rewards can help draw out leads for investigators. If you would like to donate to the Caitlyn Anti-Cruelty Fund, please visit: www.CharlestonAnimalSociety.org/Caitlyn.
6 CAROLINA TAILS | SUMMER 2016
Komodo Dragons saying hello.
Top 10 Reptiles Proving that scientists will study anything… a group of researchers from England and Israel ranked the world’s most “popular” reptiles, revealing the species that captured the public’s imagination. The data source? Wikipedia! The researchers looked at 55.5 million page views in the year 2014 for all of the 10,002 species of reptile accessed in the English version of Wikipedia. And the winners are: 1. Komodo dragon 2. Black mamba 3. Saltwater crocodile 4. King cobra 5. Gila monster 6. Cottonmouth (viper) 7. American alligator 8. Leatherback sea turtle 9. Nile crocodile 10. Boa constrictor
ISABELLA DAY
Canine Research Breakthrough It’s a question that’s puzzled scientists for centuries: “Where do domestic dogs come from?” A new paper, published in Science, is focusing on two locations – one in Europe and one in Asia. Based on a combination of genetic testing and archaeology, researchers believe domesticated dogs emerged independently from two separate (possibly now extinct) wolf populations that lived on opposite sides of the Eurasian continent. This means that dogs may have been domesticated not once, as widely believed, but twice. Major clues came from the genes of a 4,800-year-old dog bone specimen found in Ireland, but DNA from 59 ancient dogs living up to 14,000 years ago was also analyzed by a team from England, France and other countries. The results suggest that dogs were first domesticated from geographically separated wolf populations on opposite sides of the Eurasian continent. Most dogs today are a mixture of both Eastern and Western dogs—one reason why previous genetic studies have been difficult to interpret.
April 12, 2016, is now officially known as “Isabella Rybak Day” in the City of Charleston, as proclaimed by Mayor John Tecklenburg to the citizens of the Lowcountry. So how does a self-described entrepreneur and animal-lover earn such acclaim? This 13-year-old from Daniel Island has already accomplished much in her youth, including launching the non-profit K9 Warriors, as well as becoming a youth brand ambassador for the Warrior Dog Foundation. Her passion for animals and charity found a path to fruition after reading the book Navy SEAL Dogs by Navy SEAL Mike Ritland. The author’s explanation of the training and missions the dogs undergo inspired the teen to collect and send care packages overseas in support of the military working dogs. “I knew we had police K9s but I didn't know that we had dogs that protected our country,” says Rybak. “The further I got into [the book], I realized I wanted to send packages to provide them with anything that they needed.” A social media campaign ensued and in less than three months a care package worth $655 was on its way to Afghanistan. When the sergeant overseas received the package he was more than appreciative, he was impressed. He posted about it on his Facebook page and conveyed his admiration for the young volunteer. Word got around and soon the city of Charleston received a phone call from US Air Force Staff Sergeant Aaron Souza praising the kindness and effort put forth by Rybak. Shortly thereafter, she was invited to city council to be recognized. “I thought I would go and the Mayor would say a few things,” recalls Rybak. “He started reading the proclamation and afterwards he said, 'Isabella's passion began after reading Navy SEAL Dog by Mike Ritland and, speaking of Mike, Mike are you here?' and Mike Ritland walked in the door with his Canine Joe. It was a huge surprise.” The smiling audience applauded as the two exchanged hugs and few dry eyes were left in the chamber while cameras flashed to capture the moment. Rybak believes that while her young age may help encourage donations, it is her love for K9s and her ambition to help these service animals that makes her nonprofit successful. She solicits, collects, and sends the items all on her own, except, she adds, she does need a driver, for which she thanks her mother. Rybak plans to send her next package out this summer, which is well on its way to doubling the size of the first. Anyone wishing to donate to K9 Warriors can send an email to itsadoglife24@gmail.com or drop off supplies at Harry Winston Pet Boutique in Mount Pleasant.
SUMMER 2016 | CAROLINA TAILS
7
Inbox:: Reader Feedback
DEAR CAROLINA TAILS: I received Carolina Tails in the mail this morning. The first article I read was “Scout and Kimber.” I had tears in my eyes while reading it. A great story, but so sad about Scout. Also, a great beginning for Kimber. God Bless Our Military! – Susan Easley My husband and I are both in tears after reading the story of Scout and Kimber. Thank you to Charleston Animal Society for helping this family. Steve's wife is an awesome person for standing by her husband. Most of all, THANK YOU Steve for your service. Semper Fi! – Billie Joe Nagorniak OMG, bawling like a baby. You guys are the BEST to help Scout and Kimber’s family! Much love from the other corner of the US, Seattle. – Sherry Howland
Event Calendar
Send your comments to CarolinaTails@CharlestonAnimalSociety.org.
Hi – about the “Ask the Vet” question regarding the cat, Sparta, who has licked off all the hair on his tummy. I'd like to add that boredom might tie in here also as a possibility if Sparta is an only cat. We normally have two cats at a time. After our Siamese died, the tabby, Tondi, licked her tummy hair free, then added bare inner legs before we got her a kitten companion. She immediately ceased the licking as she now had new entertainment! We really do believe that her boredom led to the excessive grooming. – Linda Peterson
Yappy Hours JULY 7, AUGUST 4 & SEPTEMBER 15, 4pm – 8pm, James Island County Park Come join Charleston Animal Society and reward yourself and your pooch after a long day at the office! Bring your favorite furry friend to enjoy live music and beverages at Yappy Hour at the James Island County Dog Park. The Yappy Hour series promises great music and fun! $2.00 per person park admission (or free for Gold Pass Members). Beverages available for purchase on-site. Outside food, alcohol, and coolers are prohibited
RiverDogs “Dog Days Monday” JULY 18, 7:05pm, RiverDogs Stadium “The Joe” in Charleston Bring your pup to the park to cheer on the RiverDogs and then head up to the Ashley View Pub for $1 Dogs and $1 Draft Beers. Charleston Animal Society dogs hoping for a spot on your home team will be available for adoption.
Charleston Gay Pride Parade & Festival AUGUST 13, 9am: Parade / 10am: Festival, Downtown / Brittlebank Park The fun starts with the parade in downtown Charleston all the way down King Street! The party then moves to Brittlebank Park. Look for Charleston Animal Society in the parade and stop by our booth at the festival!
Dog Day Afternoon SEPTEMBER 10 & 11, Noon – 5pm, Palmetto Islands County Park / Wannamaker County Park Charleston County Parks plans to end summer in a big, wet way for you and your pooch. Dogs are invited to come swim and enjoy the lazy rivers and other water park features! Dogs must have current vaccinations. On Saturday, September 10th, the fun starts at Palmetto Islands County Park in Mt. Pleasant. Then on Sunday, September 11th, the action shifts to Wannamaker County Park in North Charleston.
Firefighter Calendar Debut Party OCTOBER 1, Memminger Auditorium Voted “Best Party” in 2014 & 2015, this is one hot party you don’t want to miss. Firefighters who are posing for the calendar with rescued animals show it all off at the calendar debut. It is sure to sellout, so get your tickets today at www.CharlestonFirefighterCalendar.com. 8 CAROLINA TAILS | SUMMER 2016
CEO SPOTLIGHT:: Horses & Heat
BLONDIE: ONE YEAR LATER
AGE I R CAR USTRY IND
One year after Blondie collapsed on a downtown Charleston street, many wonder why nothing has really changed in the way carriage tours operate.
BY JOE ELMORE, CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY CEO
ONE YEAR AGO, A HORSE NAMED Blondie was pulling a wagon full of tourists on the congested streets of downtown Charleston when it was apparently spooked by a cement truck. The horse was startled and fell to the pavement where it lay helpless for three hours. Tourists and bystanders brought water to Blondie and attempted to assist him. Multiple efforts to lift the horse to its feet failed, with Blondie crashing back down on the hot pavement hitting his head against the hard surface. An equine practitioner arrived on the scene nearly an hour-and-a-half after the fall and began directing people to cool down the pavement with water. The veterinarian immediately began administering fluids to Blondie. Following multiple other incidents with horse-drawn wagons, Charleston Animal Society requested the City of Charleston to conduct an independent review of the incident for the purpose of preventing similar occurrences in the future. The City agreed to an “independent” review but then effectively shut Charleston Animal Society out of it. The recommendations from the report fell far short in addressing the incident, particularly compliance with the ordinance and industry standards regarding workplace and transportation accidents. In fact, some of the findings and recommendations both contradicted and duplicated current law. Had Charleston Animal Society been allowed to fully participate in the committee, it could have pointed out these errors. In this issue, you will see the Carolina Tails Summer Bucket List—things you need to do this summer with your dog. At Charleston Animal Society, we have a “Bucket List” for the working carriage animals downtown—two things that can be done TODAY to improve the humane conditions the horses must work under:
1. Bring the official city thermometer down to ground level in the market area. Believe it or not, this thermometer is five stories in the air, on top of a hotel, enjoying the sea breezes that horses working on the hot asphalt do not benefit from. This thermometer is used to determine if it’s too hot for horses to stay on the street. 2. By law, carriage operators are supposed to limit the load their animals carry. But nowhere in the boarding process is the fully loaded wagon weighed. Trip after trip, time after time, this unregulated weight takes a toll on the animals’ health. Although little progress has been made in the year since Blondie lay helpless for three hours on the hot pavement, particularly with compliance and enforcement of the current law regulating animal-drawn vehicles, Charleston Animal Society is
hopeful and eager to work with the new administration in creating humane working conditions for the equines pulling wagons. Most importantly, the Animal Society continues to offer assistance to the City in this regard, specifically identifying areas of the current law related to heat and load that are not being followed. It is time to put teeth into the enforcement and compliance of the existing law. We continue to be optimistic about working with all concerned parties toward preventing incidents like that of Blondie from occurring. But until we feel confident that the city and industry operators are taking the welfare of these magnificent animals seriously, we will continue to work as a watchdog on this industry. Thank you for your continued concern for every animal in our community.
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING THAT CONCERNS YOU INVOLVING CARRIAGE TOUR ANIMALS: 1. Call (843) 709-1985 and a tourism enforcement officer will respond. 2. Email Cruelty@CharlestonAnimalSociety.org. Our staff will follow-up with city officials to see how your concern was handled.
SUMMER 2016 | CAROLINA TAILS
9
COMMUNITY: You & Your Pet
ER M SUM UN F
Carolina Tails Summer Bucket List BY ELLIE WHITCOMB-PAYNE Skip the summer road trip and instead, check off the Carolina Tails Summer Bucket List. There are 91 days of summer and we want to make sure they don’t slip by without you making the most of each and every day. Let’s get this summer party started! ICE CREAM DATE Did you know that some Sonic franchises offer a free “Pup Cup” ice cream at the drive-thru? Starbucks, Dairy Queen and even Chick-fil-a also offer pet treats in some areas. If you want to pass on the sweets, but still treat your dog, check out local shops Hairy Winston or All is Well for some specially-made treats. You can even try making it yourself. A Google search turns up over 34 million results for dog ice cream. As with any diet decision, make sure you check with your veterinarian before indulging.
ROXBURY PARK Off of Toogoodoo Road in Meggett, SC, Roxbury Park is a recent addition to the roster of outdoor public gardens in the Lowcountry. Funded through Greenbelt grants, the town-owned property features two large ponds, hiking trails and eight unique ecosystems, according to its website. Even better, they allow “quiet” leashed dogs! Other local gardens allowing dogs include Charles Towne Landing, Drayton Hall, Magnolia Garden & Plantations, and most city owned parks.
A NIGHT STROLL ON THE BEACH Raise your paw if you love the beach! All area beaches allow dogs, and a moonlit stroll as the waves roll in will be a lasting summer memory for your pup. Make sure you know the summer rules because each municipality is different. Sullivan’s Island requires a $35 dog permit, but allows pups off-leash between 5 a.m. and noon in the summer months. Folly Beach allows dogs on a leash between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m., while leashed dogs can visit Kiawah’s Beachwalker Park and Isle of Palms any time of day. Isle of Palms also offers early morning off-leash times. 10 CAROLINA TAILS | SUMMER 2016
RIVERDOGS GAMES Monday home games at “The Joe” are Miller Lite Dog Days and you can bring your pup to the park to cheer on Charleston’s hometown team. Baseball fans get to enjoy hotdog and beer discounts, and part of the proceeds go to a selected “Dogs with a Cause” charity (including Charleston Animal Society). A great reason to make America’s favorite pastime a family tradition!
BOAT TRIP TO WOLF ISLAND This beautiful beach on the Stono River offers a short stretch of sand for boaters and dogs to get out and stretch their legs. A short walk inland opens up into a stunning wooded canopy of miniature Angel-Oak-like live oak trees and several primitive camps sites. Get here early though, the beach only fits about 10 boats easily. Other boat-accessible islands include Morris Island, the north-side of Kiawah, and Capers Island. Be careful to observe posted signs as many islands are private property and some are protected sanctuaries. .
YAPPY HOURS A day at work is a great excuse to take advantage of Charleston Animal Society’s Yappy Hour held one Thursday every month from 4-8pm at James Island County Park. Take your dog to meet other dogs, listen to music, eat yummy food and make great friends. Mark your calendar for July 7, August 4, September 15 and October 13.
DOG DAY AFTERNOON A great way to wind down the summer is to make sure to get out to the Dog Day Afternoon held September 11 at Whirlin’ Waters in North Charleston. Dogs of all kinds get to cool off in at the waterpark before it closes for the season. There is a small charge for the pups but humans are free! Be sure to register for the event by calling 843-795-4386. .
SUMMER 2016 | CAROLINA TAILS
11
2016 Carolina Tails Summer Bucket List
12 CAROLINA TAILS | SUMMER 2016
DOG PADDLE If you don’t have a boat, rent one! Or, even better, rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboard. Coastal Expeditions is a pet friendly local business with a boat for just about any sized dog. The manager, Henry Brandt, III, recommends calling ahead to plan your trip- each vessel has its pros and cons when paddling with your pup. “Canoes typically have high sides which could make it hard to get your dog back in if it jumps out,” says Henry, “where a kayak is lower to water and is easier to get the dog back in but doesn't usually have as much internal space.” And, yes, paddle boarding is an option for the more experienced dog paddlers.
RICKSHAW RIDE Yep! Your under-control dog is allowed to join you on a rickshaw ride in Charleston. We suggest asking for a ride past Charleston's beautiful Pineapple Fountain at sunset. These chauffeured tricycles will take you to all the landmarks and even hit up some of the dogfriendly guided walking tours. Plan a three-wheel trip with Charleston Rickshaw Company or Charleston Bike Taxi.
BARN JAM AT AWENDAW GREEN Barn Jams allow leashed dogs—and well-behaved off-leash dogs—at their concert series which occurs every Wednesday night at Awendaw Green (located on Highway 17 North past Mount Pleasant). Eddie with Awendaw Green also invites people and their pups to the Palmetto Brewery Loading Dock Music Series for free performances and $5 beers Friday nights.
JAMES ISLAND COUNTY PARK DOG PARK One of the biggest off-leash dog parks in the area can be found off Riverland Drive at James Island County Park. The space features three beaches and a large open space where dogs of all shapes and sizes play fetch, sniff butts, swim and explore. Courtesy water fountains near the entrance can be used to rehydrate and rinse off while a little dog section offers refuge for some of our smaller furry friends. And if you’re looking for summer romance, many couples tell stories of meeting for the first time as they watched their dogs splash and play together. Dog parks are also located in North Charleston and Mount Pleasant.
SUMMER 2016 | CAROLINA TAILS
13
HEAT INDEX:: Protecting Pets
THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER Keeping Your Pets Cool
HOME DID YOU KNOW THAT THE PHRASE “DOG DAYS OF SUMMER” came about because Sirius, the dog star, rises in the constellation Canis Major, during the hottest, sultriest days of the year – typically July and August. Surviving those Charleston “dog days” in comfort depends largely on the health of your home’s air conditioning system – for you and your pet. Imagine how miserable you would be if your AC went out one sticky summer evening. If your pet spends a lot of time indoors with you, they are going to miss the cool air just as much as you will! Pardee Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning has been serving the Charleston community since 1934. Here are some tips from Pardee General Manager Mark Hoadley: • Stay in tune – having a yearly AC tune-up could avoid unexpected AC repair in the future, and can help make your air conditioner up to 30% more efficient.. • Filters Are Your Friends - Pardee Service Experts will replace your home’s basic air filters when they conduct your AC Precision Tune-Up as part of your regular A/C maintenance. You can (and should) also replace your HVAC air filters on your own, and it’s advised that you do so regularly. • Extra Credit – if you think a new HVAC system might be in your future, act now. Homeowners can receive a tax credit of up to $500 on high-efficiency central air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces purchased through December 31, 2016. A new system may save you up to 50 percent on your monthly energy bill. • Surviving Stormy Weather – severe summer storms can affect your AC system. If your air conditioner sits in standing water, due to a torrential downpour or other unexpected issues, call for an AC inspection as soon as possible. PAID ADVERTISEMENT For more information, visit www.pardeeserviceexperts.com. Pardee’s provides a full range of heating and air conditioning services, including maintenance, repair and new equipment, although Hoadley says he doesn’t think they have ever installed an AC system in a doghouse.
TRAVEL & OUTDOORS
Every year there are tragic cases involving animals kept in hot cars, pets outdoors in the unforgiving sun, or those becoming the victim of heat stroke. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion each year due to being left inside vehicles. 9 King Charles Spaniels died in the back of a Mt. Pleasant Physician’s vehicle in the summer of 2014 when he left them to go in and work. These deaths are tragic but entirely preventable. But the first myth to debunk is “cracking a window. Plain and simple, cracking the windows in a vehicle makes little to no difference to lessen the temperature within it. On a hot day, the temperature in your vehicle can exceed 120 degrees within 20 minutes, which can be fatal to your pet. Similarly, be careful when playing with your pets on a summer day. Temperatures outdoors when a dog is left in the sun (and even in the shade) can cause extreme injury or death. Animals can sustain brain damage or even die from heatstroke.
• • • • • •
14 CAROLINA TAILS | SUMMER 2016
RULES TO LIVE BY: Never leave a pet inside a parked car. Limit time outdoors. Decrease level of play due to heat. Exercise during the coolest times of day. Always have water available. Look for cues from your pet that he or she is getting hot.
SUMMER 2016 | CAROLINA TAILS
15
OUTDOORS: Boating
ST R I F TE MA
THE SALTY DOG’S LIFE Boating Safely with Your Pets BY ELLIE WHITCOMB-PAYNE PHOTOGRAPHY ELLIE WHITCOMB-PAYNE
IF EVER THERE WAS A MAN’S BEST friend, it was Drake. Faithful and loyal, the golden retriever was a high-energy companion that would follow my husband to the ends of the earth. His devotion was probably best displayed one December afternoon when we were picnicking on one of the many ‘boat only’ islands that we frequent throughout the year. Mark, my husband, decided to take our little jon boat exploring further up the creek. Our two goldens were on patrol roaming the island while the rest of us relaxed on the beach. Out of nowhere, Drake splashed into the water and after Mark. It seemed harmless until minutes later my husband was forced to turn around to scoop his first mate out of the chilly winter water. As fun and relaxing as boating can be, it’s not carefree. Knowing our dog, we could have anticipated Drake’s reaction to my husband’s joyride. It’s a funny story to tell now, but the risks were real: the potential for exhaustion or the dangers of propellers and other boats. Boaters should always be prepared by stowing anchors and securing dog life vests and leashes to protect their pups. If you’re thinking of boating with your dog, pack 16 CAROLINA TAILS | SUMMER 2016
your emergency kit and consider some of these cautionary tales from local boaters before shoving off. All Aboard An iconic image of a boat dog shows the happy pup on the bow, ears flapping in the wind as the vessel cruises through the water. This is also the posterchild of what not to do with dogs on a boat. Channels are marked alerting boaters to hazards under the surface, but as you move into the smaller creeks, there are no such indicators. An unexpected hit on a sandbar or oyster bank can cause a sudden stop, sending everything in the boat forward, including a bow-riding pooch. A wake from a passing boat or even a misstep from a not-so surefooted pet could call for a rescue. If your dog won’t stay safely in the boat, a leash is a good idea, as Blake Young discovered one summer. Hank, a lab rescue from Charleston Animal Society, has been boating with Young since he was three months old. One afternoon, Young trawled the boat over to the marsh for a closer look. Hank unfortunately took the dark shore as a safe place to explore and jumped in only to
immediately sink up to his neck. “If you have a lot of people on the boat, a mudcovered dog is not a lot of fun,” Young warns. “Just try to imagine pulling a 75pound dog out of the pluff mud.” Hank was lucky to only have a few minor oyster cuts. Keleigh Porter thought for sure her German Short-Haired Pointer would love
OUTDOORS: Boating
the boat, but she never predicted the level of anxiety six-month-old Abby would have. The vessel offered no refuge from the constant swaying or the roaring motor. Abby tried to find comfort hovering behind her people, but finally the dog had enough. Porter recalls, “We weren’t going very fast so she just stepped right off the boat into the creek. It was like she thought she could walk on water but all she did was sink.“ Porter believes the event traumatized the puppy and advises that short boat trips to calm areas is wise for new boat dogs or anxious pets. Allow them to get used to the sounds, smells and feel of the boat first. Matt Walker recalls a boat trip when his friend’s dog took a taste of some raw squid and ended up with a barbed hook in her upper lip. “Take home message,” Walker writes on Facebook, “if fishing with dogs on boats, be careful of food on hooks.” And, don’t forget the bathroom break. Jared Villalobos tells us that his dog, Beta started pacing frantically and trying to jump off the boat after a few hours on the water. Beta couldn’t hold it anymore and decided to use the boat deck as a place to relieve herself. “She tried to warn me,” he writes. “I just wasn’t listening well enough.” DisemBARK When it is time to disembark, remember to protect those paws! As many flip-flopwearing beachgoers know, the sand can be extremely hot in the summer months, so consider placing your blankets on the wet sand below the high tide line. That is just one reason to consider dog boots or paw protectors (starting at $12 on Amazon). Broken glass and trash are also concerns, as well as cacti and other prickly plants. Sandspurs specifically can cause much discomfort, as Young warns. “Hank gets caught up in them a lot when on the beaches. You can see something is wrong with your dog limping but the sandspur can be lodged way up into the web of the feet and not easily seen. I've taken probably six or seven from one paw before.” These plants are mostly found in the vegetation on the dunes and are best avoided by everyone. If your dog is a swimmer, jellyfish and sharks are possible threats in the salty rivers near the ocean. Move upstream and there’s the very real danger of alligators.
Always bring more fresh water than you think you’ll need. After all, you never get stuck on a sandbar on purpose. Most dogs need an ounce of water per pound per day, so if you have an 80-lb. dog, that means bring a lot.
As the old-timers of Moncks Corner would say, a splashing dog is fair game to any gator. “Some Dogs Don’t Know How to Swim” When I was on the island recently, a little girl pointed to my golden and asked her mom why he had on a life jacket. The mother responded, “Well honey, some dogs don’t know how to swim.” I was embarrassed for my water-loving retriever in his slightly lopsided, sun-faded, sand-covered life vest. I didn’t bother to explain that we use it as a precaution because he swims too well, and too far, despite his advancing age. But, perhaps a bit of storytelling would help future boaters learn secondhand the mishaps that can occur when boating with man’s best friend.
SUMMER 2016 | CAROLINA TAILS
17
18 CAROLINA TAILS | SUMMER 2016
SUMMER 2016 | CAROLINA TAILS
19
ANIMAL RIGHTS:: On Display
The Show Won’t Go On BY V. K. HANSEN
M
aybe it’s in the eyes—small yet reflective, sunken in a tidal pool of lines, and heavily draped in thick, wiry lashes. “I think circus elephants always look so sad,” said Lowcountry mom and doctor, Jen Fiorini. “I’m glad to see them go.” Barnum and Bailey’s Ringling Brothers Circus parted ways this past May with a 145-year-old tradition: its show-stopping elephants. It was an enormous decision, based as much on business as opposition. “Could we have continued to fight every battle with city halls around the country?” asked Feld Entertainment spokesman Stephen Payne. “Yes, we could. But we decided in our heart we’re an entertainment company, so let’s not do that.” Legal fights with animal rights groups over alleged mistreatment, abuse and neglect have prompted dozens of cities to ban elephants altogether, as well as the bull hooks believed to control them. The excitement of going to shows was soon overshadowed by parades of protesters as well. “The last time I went to the circus was 18 years ago,” said Charleston mom, Brandi
20 CAROLINA TAILS | SUMMER 2016
W O H S PER P STO
(Counterclockwise from left): • Elephants were trained for tricks by using a bullhook. • Baby elephant being “trained” with bullhook. • Elephants are now in retirement in Florida. • Orcas will no longer perform at SeaWorld. • (Next Page): A Silver Back Gorilla like Harambe, killed at Cincinnati Zoo.
Wombwell-Kotwoski. “We were eye-level with the elephants when they were paraded around the big top. I immediately got sad. Their eyes, my God their eyes, I swear some were crying.” Payne says he can’t foresee public sentiment. “If I could look into my crystal ball and predict the future, I would be in a different position.” But, he says, the circus evolves. “If you look back into the 1800s, Thomas Edison debuted the light bulb on Ringling Brothers. I don’t think people today would pay money to see a light bulb.” Victory for Animals “This is a game-changing victory for elephants of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, for everyone who fought for this moment and for the progress of animal welfare in America,” said ASPCA President and CEO Matt Bershadker. “Scientific research suggests elephants possess uncanny intelligence, remarkable depth and complexity, and a highly developed social structure,” said Janice Zeitlin, CEO of the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee, where pachyderms can escape entertainment and exhibition for long-term care. “The sanctuary has learned from our own elephants there can be great physical damage from both the training for and the performance of unnatural behaviors, such as standing on their hind legs, riding a tricycle or standing on their head.” Zeitlin applauds Ringling Brothers’ decision, but says elephants born in captivity in North America will most likely spend the rest of their lives that way, perhaps in zoos. Nearly a dozen Asian elephants are off the road, retired at the Ringling Brothers Elephant Conservation Center near Lakeland, Florida. But their work may not be done. They will be bred, as a pediatric oncologist from Utah considers studying their blood. It’s been discovered elephants rarely get cancer. “It is difficult, if not impossible, for captivity to replicate an elephant’s natural habitat and meet the dynamic social needs of these amazing animals,” Zeitlin explained. For example, in the wild she says, elephants walk an average of 10 to 15 miles a day. Blackfish Elephants used for entertainment are not the only animals surrounded by controversy. Consider killer whales. “More and more people have become uncomfortable with very large animals under human care,” says SeaWorld Corporate Communications Director Aimee Jeansonne-Becka. “We are changing with those attitudes.” SeaWorld announced in March what has been called a watershed moment. It will no longer breed orcas at its parks and will phase out their theatrical shows. “We will introduce new, inspiring, natural orca encounters,” said Jeansonne-Becka. But nostalgia can make it hard to say good-bye. “I don’t support any neglect or mistreatment of any animal,” said Lowcountry resident Charlene Anderson Barbot. “I fell in love with whales and dolphins because of SeaWorld.”
SeaWorld announced in March what has been called a watershed moment. It will no longer breed orcas at its parks and will phase out their theatrical shows
Change may have been inevitable, as SeaWorld faced a tidal wave of backlash following the very public death of one of its trainers in 2010. Initial reports said the 40-year-old veteran slipped or fell into the tank at Orlando’s Shamu Stadium and was fatally injured by one of the whales. Witnesses, and later an unnamed employee, told CNN an orca named Tilikum grabbed the trainer, Dawn Brancheau, and shook her so violently her shoe came off. She drowned. SeaWorld no longer allows trainers in pools with killer whales. Three years later, the documentary Blackfish centered on Brancheau’s death cast an even darker cloud. It accused the company of capturing and separating young whales from their families, first in the wild, and then later in captivity. Mother orcas were shown shrieking. SeaWorld vehemently denied the allegations. Still, the stigma sent stock prices and park attendance plummeting. “There’s been a lot of misinformation spread by those who oppose zoos and aquariums,” said Jeansonne- Becka. “The orca issue was a blocker for our broader message. Wild animals and wild places continue to disappear unless humans awaken to take action.”
SUMMER 2016 | CAROLINA TAILS
21
“Accredited nonprofit zoos and aquariums, whose primary purpose is education, should not be confused with for-profit circuses...and other animal attractions that have a sole purpose of entertainment at the expense of the animals’ health and welfare.” – Joe Elmore, Charleston Animal Society CEO
THE FIVE FREEDOMS Charleston Animal Society subscribes to the Five Freedoms as its guiding principles in the humane treatment of animals: 1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst 2. Freedom from Discomfort 3. Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease 4. Freedom to Express Normal Behavior 5. Freedom from Fear and Distress
Gorilla Tragedy SeaWorld has promised to promote conservation, but zoos and wild animals are once again breaking news—most recently in May after a beloved Cincinnati Zoo gorilla was shot to death when a child fell into its enclosure. Deciding who’s to blame doesn’t negate the tragic outcome: an endangered animal is dead. Perhaps that’s why local zoos and aquariums are cautious to weigh in. “As an elephant holding facility, we can only speak on the four, female African elephants living in our zoo,” said Columbia Riverbanks Zoo Public Relations Manager Susan O’Cain. “The health, husbandry and welfare of animals cared for in Association of Zoos & Aquariums-accredited institutions are paramount.” The South Carolina Aquarium quickly let us know it’s illegal to display dolphins and whales in captivity in our state, although, the law was recently amended. Previously, it included other marine mammals, such as sea lions and seals. They just went on exhibit at Riverbanks last week. “The best aquariums provide windows into the wild,” said South Carolina Aquarium Public Relations manager Kate Dittloff. “They introduce their guests to animals that are otherwise out of sight and out of mind. They invite moments of empathy for some of the most endangered species.” Charleston Animal Society CEO Joe Elmore agrees there is value in humane educational opportunities, “Accredited nonprofit zoos and aquariums, whose primary purpose is education, should not be confused with for-profit circuses, marine mammal shows, roadside zoos and other animal attractions that have a sole purpose of entertainment at the expense of the animals’ health and welfare. Time and time again, these for-profit entertainment ventures have resulted in tragic outcomes for the animals they exploit.” Empathy, like beauty, is often in the eyes of the beholder. Circuses, zoos and aquariums have long professed care and concern for the animals they show. Most do so for profit. They sell us that rare view into a world we may never really know. But as we look closer, we may find an additional hidden cost, one far too expensive for those already endangered.
SUMMER 2016 | CAROLINA TAILS
23
MEDIA SPOTLIGHT:: Radio Partners
TWO GIRLS & A GUY Mix 96 Team Loves to Save Animals
MAL ES I N A CAT O ADV
BY TERI ERRICO
(L-R): The Mix 96 Team - Mike Edwards, Tanya Brown, Kay Hyman (with Charleston Animal Society) and Brooke Ryan
FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS, KAY Hyman has been making the media rounds, promoting Charleston Animal Society and the furballs that come through their doors. One of her weekly stops is to visit with Mix 96’s 2 Girls & a Guy. The hosts have a loyal following, but they’re also avid fans themselves—of their local animal shelter and their four-legged guests. The trio (Brooke Ryan, Tanya Brown and Mike Edwards) has a strong connection with their listeners, people who trust what they’re saying and who they support. “That’s why we live Charleston Animal Society. We don’t just have Kay on,” Brooke explains. “I adopted my cat there. Mike adopted his
24 CAROLINA TAILS | SUMMER 2016
dogs there and always goes to Kay for questions. Tanya, even though she can’t have an animal, is the first one to step up and get together towels to donate or do the Chili Cook-Off.” Hyman drops by the show every Thursday, after ABC News 4’s Good Morning, Charleston. From there it’s off to Kickin’ 92.5, Y102.5, 98 Rock, 105.5 The Bridge and Nash 96.9. And wherever she goes, animals continue to be rescued listener by listener. Or sometimes, but the show hosts themselves. Years ago Brooke adopted Trace, a 3legged cat who had come on the show, and Mike adopted two dogs, Bucket the Beagle
and Roxy the Pitbull. His newest puppy was a handful, however, and he often turned to Hyman for support. Mike recalls, “Kay always had great advice, but most of it was to give it time.” Mike also found solace in sharing his puppy problems on air. The trio were amazed how many people called in with the same issues and useful tips. “As silly as it sounds, it was just another way for us to connect to our audience,” Brooke admits. Tanya too has found love in Hyman’s visitors—including a Pomeranian she named Jackson Montgomery after the All My Children heartthrob. Though allergies prevented her from keeping Jackson forever, she’s found other ways to help. One example is participating in the annual Chili Cookoff (coming up November 19th)—which she’s won 5 times. She’ll do anything for Charleston Animal Society, she readily admits, unless it has to do with snakes. As a child, Tanya visited Mt. Pleasant every summer and she still vividly recalls one day when she rode a friend’s bike down her aunt’s dirt road. And fell. Next to a black snake. “I screamed and went running, running, running!” Tanya recalls, still horrified. When she and her friend went back for the bike, they found the snake had wrapped itself around the handlebars. “I didn’t come back to South Carolina until I was 17 years old!” Tanya swears. “I will forever be afraid.” But Tanya’s heart is full for the rest of the animals Hyman brings in, as well as for the listeners who call in each week to adopt the dogs and cats, or show up at the shelter. She, Mike and Brooke are local celebrities, but they’re also local heroes for using their show as a way to save so many animals… Just maybe not the snakes.
HOLLYWOOD:: Animal Flicks
AT THE MOVIES
4 ? S W A P
On the heels of the huge success of Jungle Book earlier this year, Hollywood is banking on the animal kingdom to make even more green at the box office this summer. Here’s a preview of what’s showing: The Secret Life of Pets (Unrated) For anyone who’s wondered what your pets do when you leave for work or school each day – The Secret Life of Pets could be the movie you’ve been dreaming of. Taking place in a Manhattan apartment building, Max's life as a favorite pet is turned upside down, when his owner brings home a sloppy mongrel named Duke. They have to put their quarrels behind, when they find out that an adorable white bunny named Snowball is building an army of abandoned pets determined to take revenge on all happy-owned pets and their owners. Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures present comedy superstars Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet and Kevin Hart in their animated feature-film debuts. Finding Dory (PG) Finding Dory reunites the friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish with her loved ones, and everyone learns a few things about the true meaning of family along the way. The all-new big-screen adventure dove into theaters in June, taking moviegoers back to the extraordinary underwater world from the original film. Some of the early reviews were mixed, claiming the film couldn’t possibly live up to the classic original released in 2003. Ellen DeGeneres is back as Dory, and Albert Brooks co-stars in his original role as Marlin. Nemo will have a new voice, with Hayden Rolence replacing the original actor Alexander Gould. Ed O’Neill, Kaitlin Olson and Ty Burrell from Modern Family round out the underwater cast. The Angry Birds (PG) Based on an App – The Angry Birds leaves it to you to find out why the birds are so angry. The movie takes us to an island populated entirely by happy, flightless birds--or almost entirely. In this paradise, Red (Jason Sudeikis), a bird with a temper problem, speedy Chuck (Josh Gad), and the volatile Bomb (Danny McBride) have always been outsiders. But when the island is visited by mysterious green piggies, it's up to these unlikely outcasts to figure out what the pigs are up to. Critics have been mixed on the movie, with the film’s score on Rotten Tomatoes – 42%. Still, for a movie based on an App….what would you expect? Zootopia (PG) The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when optimistic Officer Judy Hopps arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde, to solve the mystery. Released on the big screen in March, Zootopia was out on DVD in June. It could be a great way to spend a lazy summer evening with the kids. The movie stars Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Shakira, Idris Elba, Octavia Spencer and Bonnie Hunt among others.
SUMMER 2016 | CAROLINA TAILS
25
26 CAROLINA TAILS | SUMMER 2016
SUMMER 2016 | CAROLINA TAILS
27
MASCOTS:: Animal Superstars
The Stories Behind FOO the Mascots TBAL SEA L SON
TERI ERRICO
Football season’s going to be here before we know it – and so are the mascots! Carolina Tails Writer Teri Errico did some digging to find the stories behind these iconic symbols. Be sure to tell us who your favorite mascot is at www.CarolinaTails.org. USC Gamecock It’s hard to tell what’s more iconic of USC: its garnet logo or its Gamecock mascot. A long-standing symbol of spirit and courage, the Gamecock has come to represent the heart of the school and Sir Big Spur crows in the center of it all. USC has been the Gamecocks for nearly 100 years, but it wasn’t until the late ’90s that Ron Albertelli and his wife Mary Snelling, a USC alumna, started the informal tradition of bringing a live bird to USC football games. Baseball games came next as the school sought new ideas to get the crowd involved. Named in honor of then-football coach Lou Holtz, CockyDoodle-Lou quickly became a fan-favorite, Albertelli recalls with a laugh, and it was eventually recommended he and his wife “bring the chicken to everything!” That “chicken” became USC’s mascot and Albertelli and his wife let the original bird enjoy one last go-round before retiring him and calling up the second string. “That year was the sunshine part of his career,” Albertelli says of Cocky-Doodle Lou. It was then that they also renamed him Sir Big Spur. Today, Albertelli and Snelling own Sir Big Spur, along with 12 pairs, on their Aiken farm. “Just enough to perpetuate this madness!” he jokes, noting so far they’re on Sir Big Spur IV. The birds enjoy a wonderful life, are well fed and looked after, and their caretakers insist they enjoy a happy retirement. Since gamecocks have a life expectancy of around ten years, Albertelli made an unofficial rule that after age nine they can live out their days on the farm and the next Sir Big Spur can step up. Sir Big Spur has been featured on ESPN, attended every bowl game imaginable, weddings, parties and parades galore. The mascot even rides around in his own car, The Roller Rooster, made especially for him by the College of Engineering and Computing. No matter who you root for, you have to admit this Sir certainly lives a regal life!
28 CAROLINA TAILS | SUMMER 2016
Charleston Animal Society does not condone the promotion or encouragement of cockfighting, which is illegal.
Clemson Tiger
T
he year was 1896 and Clemson needed a mascot. After all, everyone else had one. For inspiration, Professor Walter Riggs and his team looked to the Princeton Tigers. Why? Because Princeton was a football powerhouse, and Clemson should be too. The secret, they felt, was in the mascot. “It seemed perfectly obvious to them that if Princeton was a good football school, we should be too,” said Jerry Reel, football historian. “That’s why they picked the tigers.” But unlike the Gamecocks who have a unique mascot, over time Clemson realized tigers were extremely common. By the late ’60s, they were one of 30 universities with the same symbol. The tiger’s appearance changed over the years, varying between cartoonish and ferocious figures, but the school’s then-president felt the tiger needed a complete overhaul. He enlisted the help of a Greenville advertising agency to recreate the logo, and John Antonio is the now-famous artist who came up with “the paw.” To truly set Clemson’s logo apart, Antonio persuaded the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago to give him a real print of what a tiger’s paw looked like. Antonio chose the one he liked best, down to its hook-shaped scar. Funny enough, Reel recalls, no one liked it. It wasn’t until everyone saw the image of the white tiger paw on the orange helmets that it finally clicked how instantly recognizable the logo would be. Reel adds that Antonio set the logo apart by including the scar and slanting the paw to one o’clock. The logo was officially adopted by the school on July 21, 1970. Today, the Clemson Tiger is a symbol of excellence for the entire campus, and the orange and white paw is one of the most iconic and feared logos in the south.
SUMMER 2016 | CAROLINA TAILS
29
MASCOTS:: Animal Superstars
College of Charleston Cougars
H
ere’s a fun fact: Before 1970, College of Charleston’s mascot was actually the Maroons. Here’s another fun fact: The student body voted to change it to the Cougars, in honor of a Carolina Cougar that had just arrived at the Charles Towne Landing Zoo. In True Maroon, a history of the CofC Athletics program, Class of ’71 alumnus, Remley Campbell, wrote that being the Maroons was “agony” (think being taunted by opposing teams as “Morons” or “Macaroons”). So the college held an election in the ’70-’71 school year to rename the mascot. Their informal poll offered 10 suggestions, including a hard push for Sea Hawks, but unfortunately it didn’t produce a front-runner. A second election was then held for the top two picks: the Colonials and the Cougars. Says Remley, “The Cougars had gained significant momentum because Charles Towne Landing had recently opened and had a native Carolina Cougar prowling the site.” At the end of the second election, the school didn’t even count the votes. It was clear they should be the Cougars and have been ever since. The mascot has evolved over the past 40-plus years, from a menacing-looking cougar to the smiling, peppy version he is today. CofC can thank Todd Crowe (Class of ’86) for the evolution. Disappointed in the shabby costume, or an often stuffed animal plopped on a team’s bench, Crowe proposed a revitalization—and a naming of the mascot. He polled his classmates and settled on a new name: Clyde the Cougar. Crowe breathed new life into the mascot and Clyde has been clawing his way up as one of the state’s favorite mascots ever since.
Vote For Your Favorite Mascot www.CarolinaTails.org • USC Gamecocks • Clemson Tigers • College of Charleston Cougars • Citadel Bulldogs
30 CAROLINA TAILS | SUMMER 2016
Boo and General getting ready for a jeep ride to Citadel Stadium.
The Citadel Bulldog
D
espite being the Bulldogs since the early 1900s, The Citadel didn’t have a dog of their own until 2003. That year’s senior class was the catalyst for making this happen, and Mike Grosham has been, as he jokes, the “Chief Pooper Scooper” since.
When the Class of 2003 first proposed the idea of a campus mascot, everyone vetoed it. After all, for nearly a century it had worked just fine having alumni bring their bulldogs to games. “But the president said, ‘I have the vote so I’m voting yes!’” recalls Grosham, the Assistant Athletic Director of Facilities and class of ’76 alumnus. The staff responsibly analyzed what other schools with live mascots had done—they called Texas A&M and Penn State. They visited Georgia. With weekends and long breaks, they knew someone on campus had to take care of the dog, and Grosham was it for them. At the time, Grosham owned incredibly obedient dogs—and he lived on campus. “They said, ‘But Mike, you could train it!’ and I said, ‘Have you ever trained a bulldog?’ They do what they want to do. They’re not stupid, but they are stubborn!” Grosham turned the job down three times before the president himself said they wouldn’t go forward with it unless he was in charge. “To be honest, it’s the best thing that ever happened to me at the school. You’re bringing so much pride and joy, and you meet everyone.” In August 2003 The Citadel adopted General, and in November Boo IX joined him. They served as mascots until their retirement in 2013 when General II and Boo X came on board. The Citadel is proud of their mascot, which was established in the early 1900s when a Cadet wrote a newspaper article saying the football team was playing with “the tenacity of a bulldog.” From that moment on, it stuck. Today General and Boo have a full schedule. They go to every home football and basketball game, and travel to as many away games as possible. They go to soccer and wrestling matches, homecoming and parades, riding the campus in their very own Jeep—chauffeured by Grosham, of course. “We try to involve them in as many community affairs as we can, too,” Grosham says. “We help with Charleston Animal Society and truly do enjoy working with Kay [Hyman].” The dogs also attend cancer society events, visit alumni at Bishop Gadsden, and regularly support The Georgia English Bulldog Rescue. “We try to be community-friendly and do everything we can to meet as many people as possible,” Grosham said. And it seems as many people as possible also love meeting the Bulldogs, too!
SUMMER 2016 | CAROLINA TAILS
31
MILITARY HEROES:: Honor & Pride
MILITARY VETERANS HONORED And the Pets Who Served With Them IT WAS A SPECIAL DAY WHEN THE Charleston Animal Society animal care campus turned into a sea of military pageantry. On May 14th at 11am, Charleston Animal Society held a special dedication of the Joan August Terry military memorial that was placed under the flagpole. The stone marker commemorates the service of not only military men and women, but also the animals that served alongside them. “Charleston Animal Society has always had the deepest appreciation possible for our military and they are among our most loyal supporters, through adoption, fostering and volunteering,” said Charleston Animal Society CEO Joe Elmore. Dressed in navy whites, The Navy Nuclear Power Training Center band opened and closed the ceremony with patriotic music that went perfectly with the blue skies above Charleston Animal Society. One military adopter on-hand at the ceremony was retired Air Force Captain Patricia Riley, who spoke eloquently about her personal battle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), urging all of us to do more for veterans. Riley said adopting an animal helped her PTSD symptoms tremendously, “Boomer came to me in 1991 and saved me. Shelter dogs provide the unconditional acceptance, love and structure so many of us need. As I realized, we do not rescue dogs, they rescue us” Other honored guests at the event were Lt. Col. Ralph E. Taylor, Jr., Deputy Commander, 628th Mission Support Group, and Staff Sergeant Jonathan Garrett, Military Working Dog Handler, 628th Security Forces Squadron. Chico, a military working dog, also made a special appearance and was the star of the show. Joan Terry is the benefactor who made the day possible. Carolina Tails profiled this popular military entertainer in our Fall 2015 issue. Terry had seven poodle rescues during her 96 fascinating years on earth. One of them was named “Bon-Bon” and the pair became a sensation entertaining 32 CAROLINA TAILS | SUMMER 2016
USA
PHOTOGRAPHY: MARIE RODRIGUEZ
Chico
Staff Sergeant Jonathan Garrett, Military Working Dog Handler, 628th Security Forces Squadron, Military Working Dog Chico, Lt Col Ralph E. Taylor, Jr., Deputy Commander, 628th Mission Support Group Joe Elmore, CEO Charleston Animal Society
Garrett and Chico posing near the new marker at Charleston Animal Society dedicated to all military personnel and the animals who have served with them.
the troops together in the 1960s. She later became involved with Charleston Animal Society as a supporter and a donor and as part of her final wishes, Terry left $10,000 to Charleston Animal Society in her will. To learn more about how animals have served our great nation in the military, visit the Charleston Animal Society YouTube Channel and look for our video “Salute to Military Animals.”
SUMMER 2016 | CAROLINA TAILS
33
RESCUE:: Adopt, Don’t Buy!
TAKE ME HOME
RESC U ME E
Summertime means fun time. And any of these wonderful animals would love to share a sunset or a morning walk with you this Summer, and the next, and the next. Come visit Charleston Animal Society today at 2455 Remount Road in North Charleston or go online to: www.CharlestonAnimalSociety.org. Photography: Marie Rodriguez Hi! My name’s Phat Phat. Look into my eyes. I would love to find a great home where I can cuddle. I love to play and chill out.
Hey whats up? I’m Tree. I know you want to adopt me. I am great at taking naps, chasing lasers and eating. See you at the shelter. You like my tux? My name’s Orian and I enjoy only the finest things…like those little yarn balls with the bell in the middle.
Yes. I am giving you those puppy dog eyes and I am not ashamed. I really want someone to adopt me. Is this eye thing working yet? I’m Moses -- a little guy with a big heart. I need a good home to go to where we can play and have fun. Come visit me at Charleston Animal Society.
They call me Lola. I am just waiting patiently for you to take me home. You know I am adorable. Fun and loving is my middle name.
34 CAROLINA TAILS | SUMMER 2016
AROUND TOWN
It seems like everyone is out and about with their dogs or cats enjoying the summer. Here's a look at life around town. Photography: Caleb Wilson
2
1. Family fun on King Street 2. Taking a golf cart spin on the Battery.
3. Me and my tongue posing for a picture.
4. Taking a break at Marion square.
5. Wende Natale's daughter reading to her foster kittens from Charleston Animal Society.
6. Enjoying the dog park downtown.
7. Surveying the world from my front porch near Hampton Park.
1 3
4 5
6
7
SUMMER 2016 | CAROLINA TAILS
35
TRAV DIAR EL Y
Nate Beale adopted his dog Sully from Charleston Animal Society and headed west on a road trip. Here they're shown paddling in Glacier National Park.
MY TURN: ME AND SULLY HIT THE ROAD BY NATE BEALE
Before Nate Beale moved to California and opened his own graphic design business, his life hit a speed bump in Charleston with a broken relationship. In an effort to turn his life around, he went to Charleston Animal Society to find a companion and that is where he met Sully. This is their story, one that perfectly tells the universal story of man’s best friend. On November 1, 2008, my life changed forever. That was the day I drove to the Charleston Animal Society in South Carolina with a plan to rescue a dog. This wasn’t a rash decision. My wife and I had separated five months earlier and when she moved out, our two dogs went with her. As with many young marriages, there was no one reason or person to blame; sometimes you realize you want different experiences out of life. Prior to meeting my ex-wife, I never had a dog or even thought of owning one. When 36 CAROLINA TAILS | SUMMER 2016
we met, she already had a Jack Russell named J.R., then a few years later we adopted Cooper, a 2-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer. Growing up in a family that had cats, I found out very quickly that having one dog, let alone two, was a whole other ballgame! It wasn’t until after they moved out that I realized how much I missed having a dog. Sully checking out a ranch fence in "Big Sky Country" in Montana.
The silence inside the house was brutal. The absence of hearing paws click along the hardwood floor left me frighteningly alone with my thoughts. Even with a support system made up of friends, family, and regular trips to counseling, coming home to the silence was dreadful. I finally found myself at the shelter to meet Folly, a Black Lab puppy who was up for adoption. After our meeting, it was apparent that he was going to be more work than I had the energy for at the time. As I was about to leave, I had this odd feeling that I should walk through the facility one more time. He was easy to miss the first time; out of at least a dozen or so dogs, he was the only one not barking. His name was “Tater” and he sat quietly in the back of his kennel, looking suspicious of all that was going on around him. I’ll never forget that look; it’s a look that he still carries to this day. After filling out the paperwork, we walked out of the shelter and I gave him his new name, Sully. The next several years would prove to be very hard for me emotionally and the timing of Sully and I finding one another was serendipitous. Looking back, I still remember staring at him and feeling that he was just as scared and lonely as I was. Together, we formed a bond and a new journey began. Six years ago we drove across the country when we moved to California. Since then, we’ve easily walked, run, hiked, climbed, camped, and driven over 100,000 miles and have been to 27 states and Mexico together. We’re a package deal and I love that! Early on, I discovered that Sully was always camera-ready, posing stoically or jumping with excitement, reflecting my mood and emotions. It then occurred to me that this was my way of documenting my own life without having the camera focused on me. Because wherever Sully was, I was too. After deciding to leave my job and start my own studio in September 2014, it was fitting that I name it after Sully. Again, this wasn’t a rash decision. The day will come and Sully will pass, but the impact he has had on me is something that I’ll carry for the rest of my life. Without him, I would not have healed as quickly as I did, or moved to California, or traveled, or…the list goes on and on. To see Nate And Sully’s entire road trip, visit www.seesullivan.com.
DOGS & CATS:: Helping Each Other
ASK THE VET Gumby to the Rescue! BY DAN KROSSE
PHOTOGRAPHY: CALEB WILSON Dr. Angele Bice putting serum extracted from Gumby's blood donation into a kitten’s eyes.
Gumby being a good sport as a blood donation is drawn to help the kittens at Charleston Animal Society.
Now, every couple weeks or so, Gumby has his blood drawn and the resulting serum is used to treat kittens in the shelter. When Angele Bice, DVM, saw that more and more kittens at Charleston Animal Society were suffering a type of eye issue brought on by common upper respiratory infections (URI), she started doing research. “The challenge we were running into was that we couldn’t extract enough serum from these tiny kittens to treat their eyes,” Dr. Bice said. In her role as Associate Director of Veterinary Care at Charleston Animal Society, Dr. Bice stumbled onto a unique solution that would involve someone our readers know very well – Gumby! Carolina Tails featured Gumby in our Winter 2015 issue, profiling him as the “Houdini of the Lowcountry.” 11 times families tried to adopt this sweet, loving hound, but Eleven times, he would hop a fence, or open a latch, and somehow, come running back to Charleston Animal Society. “The staff unanimously decided that Gumby wanted to live here, so we officially adopted him as our live-in Charleston Animal Society ambassador in January,” said Charleston Animal Society CEO Joe 38 CAROLINA TAILS | SUMMER 2016
Elmore. Since he officially settled into his new digs in the “300 section” of Charleston Animal Society, Gumby has displayed some amazing talents. The behavior team discovered that Gumby was a natural “greeter dog” for playgroups, so each day, he is the leader of the pack when it comes to training the new guys on becoming friendly, social, playful pets. But back to our story… Dr. Bice researched and discovered that an ophthalmologist had successfully used dog’s blood to create the serum needed to treat the corneal ulcerations that develop in kittens battling URI. What’s more, one blood draw from a large dog could produce enough serum to treat 10 to 15 kittens! “Many people ask why we don’t use adult cats and the reason is that we don’t have a full history on the cats that come in and using serum from them could spread disease,” Dr. Bice said. “A blood draw for a cat is very stressful on them and would only produce enough to treat one kitten.” That’s when Gumby stepped in. “He is
very easy to handle and is so happy-golucky, that he became the perfect candidate,” said Charleston Animal Society Senior Director of Veterinary Care Dr. Lucy Fuller. Now, every couple weeks or so, Gumby has his blood drawn and the resulting serum is used to treat kittens in the shelter. Fuller adds that kittens are monitored closely for any reaction to the Gumby-produced serum, such as inflammation or worsening of the eye disease. “The program has been very successful,” Dr. Bice said. “We are seeing most of the kittens healing at a faster rate than without the serum.” As for Gumby? On the day Carolina Tails was there, Gumby donated the blood, was given a treat and then insisted on running out to the play yard to check and see how the “newbies” were doing in the playgroup. If you have a question about your pet’s health that you would like answered, please email: CarolinaTails @CharlestonAnimalSociety.org.
FISH:: I See You
HEY YOU !
CAN YOUR PET FISH RECOGNIZE YOU? Archerfish like this one were used in the research study, because they spit water at their prey. In the lab, they spit water at human faces on computer screens, that they recognized.
DID YOU EVER WONDER AS YOU watch your pet fish swim happily around his aquarium as you walk by, “Hmmm, I think he knows me.” Well, a new study says your not crazy—yes, your fish can probably recognize your face! And when this new research study was released in early June, it spread faster than algae on an old farm pond. The Internet went crazy, even CNN picked up the story. The research, carried out by a team of scientists from the University of Oxford (UK) and the University of Queensland (Australia), found that archerfish were able to learn and recognize faces with a high degree of accuracy—an impressive feat, given this task requires sophisticated visual recognition capabilities.
The study is published in the journal Scientific Reports. First author Dr Cait Newport, Marie Curie Research Fellow in the Department of Zoology at Oxford University, said, “Being able to distinguish between a large number of human faces is a surprisingly difficult task, mainly due to the fact that all human faces share the same basic features. All faces have two eyes above a nose and mouth, therefore to tell people apart we must be able to identify subtle differences in their features. If you consider the similarities in appearance between some family members, this task can be very difficult.” Before now, scientists thought the task was so difficult that it could only be
accomplished by primates, which have a large and complex brain. The fact that the human brain has a specialized region used for recognizing human faces suggests that there may be something special about faces themselves. Researchers wanted to know if animals with smaller brains could do so. The researchers found that fish, which lack the sophisticated visual cortex of primates, are nevertheless capable of discriminating one face from up to 44 new faces. The research provides evidence that fish (vertebrates lacking a major part of the brain called the neocortex) have impressive visual discrimination abilities. In the study, archerfish—a species of tropical fish well known for its ability to spit jets of water to knock down aerial prey —were presented with two images (on computers) of human faces and trained to choose one of them using their jets. The fish were then presented with the learned face and a series of new faces and were able to correctly choose the face they had initially learned to recognize. They were able to do this task even when more obvious features, such as head shape and color, were removed from the images. The fish were highly accurate when selecting the correct face, reaching an average peak performance of 81% in the first experiment (picking the previously learned face from 44 new faces) and 86% in the second experiment (in which facial features such as brightness and color were standardized). “Fish have a simpler brain than humans and entirely lack the section of the brain that humans use for recognizing faces. Despite this, many fish demonstrate impressive visual behaviors and therefore make the perfect subjects to test whether simple brains can complete complicated tasks,” Dr. Newport said. The fact that archerfish can learn this task suggests that complicated brains are not necessarily needed to recognize human faces. Humans may have special facial recognition brain structures so that they can process a large number of faces very quickly or under a wide range of viewing conditions. Human facial recognition has previously been demonstrated in birds. However, unlike fish, they are now known to possess neocortex-like structures. Additionally, fish are unlikely to have evolved the ability to distinguish between human faces.
SUMMER 2016 | CAROLINA TAILS
39
TIME TO PLAY!
40 CAROLINA TAILS | SUMMER 2016
Kids are some of the best animal advocates so we’ve devoted this space to young pet lovers.