Pet Pointers

THE QUEEN’S CORGIS

As billions around the world watched the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, one moment in particular stood out for animal lovers – the sight of the queen’s corgis awaiting her casket’s arrival on the steps of Windsor Castle, while her pony stood silently watching in a field. The Duke and Duchess of York (Prince Andrew and Fergie) will be taking her two Corgis named Muick and Sandy. Her two other dogs Candy (mixed-breed corgi) and Lissy (cocker spaniel) are also expected to be taken in by royal family and staff.

MONARCH BUTTERFLIES DISAPPEARING?

Monarch Butterflies travel thousands of miles as they migrate across North America each year. However, loss of habitat, climate change and urbanization have set off alarm bells for environment experts. The Monarch made the Red List of the International Union for Conservation. We all can help save the Monarch, by planting butterfly-attracting plants. Also, make sure to have different plants like perennials, shrubs, trees, and vines that grow all different heights. Endangered and threatened species will continue to receive protections – after a federal judge threw out plans by former President Trump’s administration to undo those protections. By contrast, President Biden’s administration said it is moving to strengthen the endangered species act. According to the Associated Press, environmental groups hailed the decision, which they said sped up needed protections and critical habitat designations for threatened species.

AQUAMATION INSTEAD OF CREMATION

If the thought of cremation for your pet makes your stomach turn, there is a new option called “Aquamation.” According to the Palmetto Pet Aquamation website, the procedure is also known as alkaline hydrolysis, “a process similar to what takes place if you buried your pet, just accelerated.” Instead of heat and flames, Aquamation uses a combination of gentle water flow, warm temperature, and a small amount of minerals. According to those offering the service, a pet owner receives 20% more ash using this process than with cremation “because it is clean without carbon discoloration.” Aquamation is available at most area vet clinics upon request.

SAFER TRANSPORTATION FOR ANIMALS?

A California lawmaker is pushing for the safer transportation of animals. The new law would require animal control vehicles and doggy daycare buses to transport animals in humane conditions. This would include air conditioning in hot temperatures, and heat in cold conditions. Like here in South Carolina, there are no minimum standards for transporting dogs and cats in these vehicles.

CLEAR THE SHELTER

For the 8th consecutive year, Charleston Animal Society joined NBC’s “Clear the Shelter” event August 1 – 31. The national pet adoption drive sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, encourages shelters to offer fee or low-fee adoptions. Locally, WCBD-TV, Count on 2, led the way for this year’s event, promoting adoptions on-air throughout the month. During the Clear the Shelters “crescendo event weekend,” Charleston Animal Society adopted 151 animals into loving homes! Charleston Animal Society is offering a $3,000 reward for the arrest and felony cruelty conviction of those responsible for shooting a German Shepherd on Etheridge Road on Wadmalaw Island around October 17. Anyone with information is encouraged to call (843) 743-7200. Dr. Leigh Jamison led the Animal Society team in saving his life.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

It’s that time of year again – time to get every animal in the shelter Home for the Holidays! Charleston Animal Society is once again partnering with Hendrick Automotive Group for this very special adoption campaign. Come to Charleston Animal Society any time between December 17th and December 23rd, pick out an animal, and our elves will deliver it to your doorstep on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day! “This is a community tradition that we are proud to be a part of,” said Hendrick Automotive Group Community Relations Director Donald Smith. “To see the faces of children who receive a new cat or dog for the holidays is priceless.”