CAROLINA TAILS SPRING 2024

TAILS CAROLINA

Publisher: Charleston Animal Society

Editor-in-Chief: Dan Krosse

Managing Editor: Joe Elmore

Sponsorships: Danielle Zuck

Graphic Design: mclaughlin design

Copy Editors: Joe Elmore, Cristina Guillermo, Anna Lanford, Natassia Donohue, Will Howell, Sarah Baskin, Kylie Wiest, Kay Hyman

Writers: Dan Krosse, Molly Christopher, Dr. Josh Witten, Abigail Appleton, Anna Lanford, Joe Elmore, Natassia Donohue, Will Howell

Photographers: Derek Raucci, Jeanne Taylor, Will Howell, Kay Hyman, Dan Krosse, Alexandra Rostad, Heather Grogan

For inquiries regarding sponsorships, distribution or suggestions in Carolina Tails contact:

2455 Remount Road North Charleston, SC 29406 (843) 747-4849

CarolinaTails.org

Executive Committee & Officers

Laurel Greer, Chair

Gerri Greenwood, Vice Chair

Martin Deputy, Vice Chair

Aussie Geer, Vice Chair

Patricia Henley, Secretary

Jane Graham, Treasurer

Donald M. Smith

Louise Palmer

Edward “Ted” Corvey, III, Esq.

Luigi Bravo

Hank Greer, Immediate Past Chair

Members of the Board

William Asche, Esq. Linda Bakker

Cara Bibbiani Catherine Brack

Luigi Bravo Caroline Clark

Edward “Ted” Corvey, III, Esq. Martin Deputy

Jane Graham Aussie Geer

Hank Greer Laurel Greer

Gerri Greenwood Patricia Henley

Shelly Leeke, Esq.

Dear Friends,

This Spring (March 14) will mark 150 years of Charleston Animal Society’s legacy of care! We are the first animal protection organization in South Carolina and one of the oldest in the nation, something every member of our community should take pride in, because as we always say, “YOU are Charleston Animal Society.”

Charleston Animal Society’s Sesquicentennial Celebration promises to be a year-long series of events and campaigns that will not only commemorate the organization’s historic legacy but shed light on the continued importance of improving the plight of animals throughout the community and state (pg. 10).

Our Sesquicentennial Celebration will be guided by a special committee, led by Co-Chairs Jane Graham and Patricia Henley, with the full support of our 24-member Board of Directors. Join us April 17 at the Charleston Marriott from 6pm – 8pm for our 150th Annual Celebration of Lifesaving Success. Our guest speaker is the Dean of Clemson University’s brand-new College of Veterinary Medicine.

INSIDE THIS EDITION

As we celebrate our 150th throughout the year, you will hear from people in our community who can tell the story of animal lifesaving through the decades. In this issue (pg. 12), 94-yearold Hallie Hill Founder Helen Bradham tells what it was like to rescue animals when people didn’t understand her passion to save lives.

As far as we have come, look at how far we have to go. The Animal Legal Defense Fund publishes ratings each year regarding the strength of animal protection laws in each state. Sadly, South Carolina is almost dead last, coming in at #47. Find out why on pg. 21. Lift yourself up by looking at all of the accomplishments Charleston Animal Society made in 2023 (pg. 14).

You will smile when you see the All-Star puppies from Charleston Animal Society zooming for touchdowns at Pup Bowl VII (pg. 32), cry when you read about Daniel the cat’s struggle to survive a severe skin infection (pg. 8), and beam with pride as No Kill South Carolina 2024 closes in on making South Carolina a No Kill State (pg. 20).

SAVE A LIFE. WIN A LEXUS!

Natassia Donohue, Charleston Animal Society’s Senior Director of Philanthropy, wrote an extremely flattering profile of Hank and I (pg. 22). It does a great job explaining our passion for the Animal Society and our desire to save every healthy and treatable animal. We hope the article will inspire

you to also help save a life, by purchasing an entry into this year’s lifesaving car raffle, where you could drive away in a 2024 Lexus RX 500h F-Sport Luxury vehicle! Just go to CharlestonAnimalSociety.org/Lexus.

Please join us as we celebrate 150 years of compassion, focusing on the past, present and future during our sesquicentennial year. We will celebrate all year, weaving the 150th theme through many of the organization’s happenings, such as our Celebration of Lifesaving Success, the Applause for Paws Gala, and a surprise in November.

Please enjoy the beautiful weather that Charleston brings each spring and continue to keep the animals who need new homes in your hearts. Thank you for everything you do for the animals!

Board of Directors Chairwoman

Hank and Laurel Greer inside the 2024 Lexus that you could win, while also helping to save animal lives.

Pet Pointers

BUTTERS LIVING THE LIFE

It may be a bit jarring to see a three-legged dog when you first walk into Craft Axe Throwing in Knoxville, TN. But snuggle up to Butters (previously Butterbean at Charleston Animal Society), and you will hear a fantastic lifesaving story. Butters was initially brought to Charleston Animal Society with a broken leg. The fracture was so severe, an amputation was in order. This didn’t stop this new tripod from showing off her playful side and that caught the eye of Rob Kosky who was visiting Charleston Animal Society. The rest is history and Butters is now living her best life as the Craft Axe Throwing mascot in Knoxville, TN. According to Rob, “She gets so much love, treats and constant attention every day and loves her job of making sure our axe throwing groups are okay and having a good time.” Butters’ story is shared with guests from around the country every single day. Rob adds, “People are always amazed how well she gets around on three legs and she’s become as much of an attraction as axe throwing!”

TURNING THE HEAT UP ON SPAY NEUTER IN COLUMBIA

More than 75 people turned out for a spay neuter rally in Columbia in February. Led by Pawmetto Lifeline, rallygoers want city officials to make spaying and neutering mandatory for animals that have complaints filed against them.

In other words, if your dog runs away, barks excessively or causes other problems that involve a citation, a spay or neuter should be in their future.

“We must get the overpopulation issue of large-breed mixed dogs in balance with the supply and demand,” said Pawmetto Lifeline CEO Denise Wilkinson.

Pawmetto Lifeline has offered to alter any large breed mix dog

BEST FRIENDS INVESTS MORE IN FLORENCE AREA

What’s the saying, “everyone loves a winner?” The Florence Area Community Cat Project is doing so well that Best Friends Animal Society is increasing the funding for the project to $350,000 to include dogs, which will extend the program for two years.

The additional funding will continue surgeries for cats and find innovative ways to get more dogs adopted. Shelters across the country are struggling to find homes for dogs, especially larger ones.

The program is a joint effort between Charleston Animal Society’s No Kill South Carolina initiative, Florence County Environmental Services, and Jayne Boswell Animal Shelter. The project also receives support from the Florence Area Humane Society and Lucky Dog Animal Rescue.

“This is a big win for animals in the Pee Dee and we are so thankful for Best Friends Animal Society’s continued support of this important program for an underserved area of South Carolina,” said No Kill South Carolina Chief Project Officer Abigail Appleton, PMP, CAWA.

Veterinarians from Charleston Animal Society conducted 1,236 cat surgeries at Charleston Animal Society or in the Simon Greer Mobile Spay-Neuter Clinic. That exceeded the program goal by 23%.

that gets a citation within the 30-day ordinance timeline and to do it at a reduced rate or for free. “This removes any barriers for people not altering their large breed dog. If a person fixes their dog, the citation is dismissed,” said Wilkinson. Pet licensing, shelter standards and intake moratoriums were other issues discussed.

STRAWBERRY IS ADOPTED

It’s the happy ending so many people have been rooting for in the case of a 21-year-old horse found emaciated in Ravenel last August. The female horse named “Strawberry” was found alone in a field with only a bucket of dirty water and two bales of hay that appeared to be weeks old. Her ribs and spine were easily visible and her hooves were in awful condition. After several months healing and recovering with a Charleston Animal Society foster, Strawberry was adopted by Daniel Lowther, who currently runs the South Carolina Marsh Tacky Association. We know Strawberry will now enjoy many fields and meadows with her Marsh Tacky friends!

HUMANE EDUCATION REACHES ACROSS NORTH AMERICA

Charleston Animal Society’s Compassion Education program is a model across the U.S., with the goal of creating kinder, more compassionate children and teenagers. Maddie’s Fund, a family foundation dedicated to improving the lives of animals by working with shelters across the country, has picked Charleston Animal Society’s team to run a virtual online program to help 30 shelters in the U.S. and Canada to get humane education programs up and running. These national four-week seminars will run this spring and next fall.

MIRACLE CAT FOUND AFTER FIVE YEARS

What a story Feya must have to tell. The cute 12 lbs. tortoiseshell cat was found on Johns Island and brought into Charleston Animal Society for rescue in February. That’s when the Animal Society team turned up something very important – Feya had been reported missing in Mt. Pleasant, five years earlier!

Thankfully, Feya was microchipped, but the phone number to her owner, Alexandra Struthers, no longer worked. “Thank God I put my sister as an emergency backup,” Alexandra said. When her sister called her, Alexandra said all she heard on the other end was, “Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God!” When her sister calmed down, Alexandra couldn’t believe what she was hearing, Feya had been found, “I had a bit of a brain freeze.” For weeks after Feya went missing, Alexandra and her family and friends put up posters, posted online and went door-to-door, along with checking in at local shelters.

It was a tearful reunion at Charleston Animal Society. Feya was in rough shape; underweight with injured paws and thinning fur, but Alexandra was overwhelmed to see that Feya recognized her, purring as Alexandra said hello after five years. Since the reunion, Feya has been slowly introduced to her dog and cat siblings.

Still puzzling Alexandra is how Feya made it the 15 miles to Johns Island. “All I know is Charleston Animal Society is fantastic. They put so much effort into finding me,” she said.

It’s a lesson for all of us to not only microchip our pet, but to also keep it updated with new phone numbers and addresses. “She’s a miracle cat,” said Alexandra.

INVISIBLE DANGER

Cat Saved from Mite Attack

By MOLLY CHRISTOPHER

Daniel the cat was difficult to look at. Swollen, with matted fur and eyes nearly closed, this white and orange spotted long-hair mix was, in a word, miserable.

When he arrived at Charleston Animal Society in the first week of January, it was clear he needed immediate medical attention. But what was causing him so much pain?

A few skin scrapes later, and with the help of a microscope, the culprits were found. Thousands of tiny mites eating away at Daniel’s skin – he had scabies.

“When we first saw him, he was so pitiful, but we knew we had to make the effort to save him,” said Charleston Animal Society Shelter Health Manager Nadia Siekert.

Little is known about his background or where he came from, but clinic staff believe Daniel was most likely a free roaming cat living in the Charleston County area before he arrived at the shelter. He likely caught scabies after rubbing up against another infected cat.

Scabies is an external parasite in which thousands of mites attack and tunnel into the skin. The infestation causes an array of symptoms, including killing off skin cells – leaving behind dry, crusty, dead skin.

“The thick buildup makes it hard for him to move and sometimes painful

Scabies are passed on through physical contact. Tiny mites burrow into the skin of the victim.

to be touched, so removing it can make it more comfortable for him to interact with people,” Charleston Animal Society Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Lucy Fuller said. “We have sedated Daniel and physically removed this buildup several times, leaving behind just sensitive skin.”

DONORS MAKE TREATMENT POSSIBLE

During his time at Charleston Animal Society, Daniel has undergone extensive treatment for his scabies diagnosis. Daniel’s team of clinic staff have given him antibiotics and persistently treated his skin to eradicate the mites. He also received regular baths to clear out the necrotic tissue stuck to his skin. “The baths physically remove the buildup of dead skin cells that accumulate,” according to Fuller.

As his treatment continues, Daniel the cat is feeling more comfortable and he is able to move around more easily, now that the mites have been killed off. Though his treatment is not finished, the medical staff is optimistic he will make a full recovery.

The treatment that Daniel is receiving at Charleston Animal Society is only possible because of generous donors, volunteers, and dedicated staff committed to the well-being of animals.

PROTECT YOUR PETS FROM PARASITES

Daniel’s story is a reminder to all of us to remember that parasites can cause pets a lot of misery. “While scabies mites are not very common, fleas and ticks can also cause serious health problems,” said Dr. Fuller. “That’s why it is so important to keep your pets on flea and tick prevention.”

Once Daniel’s recovery is complete, he will be placed for adoption and will hopefully be able to forget this difficult chapter in his life.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Daniel was brought to Charleston Animal Society with a life-threatening case of scabies. • Dr. Lucy Fuller treats Daniel for scabies, during one of his many treatment sessions. • Daniel is prepared for eye surgery by Dr. Margie Morris. • Daniel enjoys being held as his fight for a full recovery continues.

Charleston Animal Society Celebrates 150 Years

By JOE ELMORE, CAWA, CFRE, Charleston Animal Society President and CEO

As Charleston Animal Society continues through its sesquicentennial year – one can’t help but be struck by the intertwined threads that link the history of Charleston and the history of Charleston Animal Society.

As South Carolina’s first animal organization and one of the oldest in the nation, Charleston Animal Society will celebrate its 150th anniversary year throughout 2024. The organization was originally formed with a focus on working animals, such as livestock, farm animals, and horses.

Following the lead of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), founded in 1866, a cadre of animal protection “societies” were formed in the country’s principal cities during the late 1800s. The South Carolina Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was formed on March 14, 1874, by an Act of the South Carolina Legislature. In later years, it became the John Ancrum SPCA, then in 2008, it became Charleston Animal Society. A group of prominent Charlestonians established the organization, led by its first president, Nathaniel Russell Middleton. Before leading Charleston Animal Society, Middleton became the 5th president of the College of Charleston, somehow managing to keep it open during the Civil War. Many people know the Nathaniel Russell House on Meeting Street, which is considered one of the most historic homes in all of Charleston.

JOHN ANCRUM’S LEGACY

After Nathaniel Middleton’s term, Dr. John L. Ancrum became the second President of the Animal Society. His impact would propel the organization forward into the next century. He was a Charleston physician who graduated from the College

FOUNDED IN 1874

of Charleston’s Medical School. After serving in the Civil War, Ancrum came back to practice in Charleston. At his passing in 1900, Ancrum willed the Animal Society “the rest and residue” of his estate after the deaths of his other living relatives.

The will wound its way through the courts for 40 years. Then, just as World War II was beginning, the estate settled and the organization changed its name to the John Ancrum Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. “I still run into people to this day, who refer to us as ‘John Ancrum,’” said Charleston Animal Society Senior Director of Community Engagement Kay Hyman. In 2008, the organization’s name was shortened to Charleston Animal Society, just as it moved into its current location at 2455 Remount Road in North Charleston.

Margaret Waring was the President of the Animal Society during World War II and kept the organization running during

difficult times.

NOT ALWAYS A SHELTER

A common misconception is that Charleston Animal Society was formed to shelter homeless animals. But it wasn’t until 74 years after its founding, that the Animal Society began to shelter animals in response to the cruelty and death perpetrated on them by local governments. During that time, it was a common practice for government to round-up stray dogs and kill them en masse by drowning or other inhumane means. From New York City to Charleston, countless dogs met their final demise in the Hudson or Ashley and Cooper Rivers. However, as the government-designated animal shelter in Charleston County, Charleston Animal Society worked for decades to lower euthanasia rates and push for more humane methods. In 1910, the Society was “authorized to purchase a gas tank,” as an

alternative to drowning.

In 1948, building began on the first shelter located at 667 Meeting Street, now home to Patrick Veterinary Clinic. From downtown, the Society moved west, setting up first on St. Andrews Boulevard and then on Dupont Road in the 1960s. After this era, the Animal Society operated out of a trailer next door to the jail for 24 years. But the Society had to move from this Leeds Avenue location when the Sheriff’s Office needed the land to expand the jail. This allowed for the move to the current Remount Road campus.

TRANSFORMING ANIMAL CARE IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Planning for entry into the 21st century, the organization’s leaders initiated public spay/neuter efforts along with teaching compassion to children. Both initiatives accelerated in growth in the early 2000s. With the move to its current location at 2455 Remount Road in North Charleston, the Animal Society was still not adequate in size for this community. In fact, upon opening the current facility on Remount Road, it was overcrowded on day one. However, as one of a dozen selected communities in a nationwide project called Mission Orange by the ASPCA,

the Animal Society worked in partnership with the ASPCA over a five-year period to significantly increase Charleston County’s live release rate through leading practices and data-driven strategies and tactics.

In 2013, taking in well over 90% of the animals throughout Charleston County and despite overwhelming odds, the Animal Society built the first No Kill Community in the Southeast, saving all of the healthy and treatable animals in its care. This was a milestone for the southern United States as most animal welfare industry professionals thought it wasn’t possible in this region for at least another decade or so. Charleston Animal Society has not stopped its momentum as a national leader in improving the plight of animals.

COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE COMING IN JUNE

Charleston Animal Society will be celebrating its rich history throughout the year at its multiple events beginning in March and continuing through December.

Keep your eyes peeled for a special commemorative edition of the Animal Society’s Carolina Tails Magazine in June.

The remarkable history of Charleston Animal Society, anchored in leadership, tradition, and excellence, is only possible

through its membership and community support. Over 60% of its funding is through contributions. Its membership is comprised of over 20,000 individuals who give a gift of their time [volunteers], their home [adopters], or their income [donors]. Without any of the three, like the proverbial three-legged milk stool, it would all collapse.

LEFT: Charleston Animal Society’s location on Dupont Road in West Ashley during the 1960s.

ABOVE: Charleston Animal Society moved to its current campus on Remount Road in North Charleston in 2008.

BELOW: Margaret Waring led Charleston Animal Society during the difficult W.W. II era.

LEGACY OF CARE

Lifesaving Icon Helen Bradham Looks Back at Legacy

“We can’t change an animal’s past, but we can rewrite their future,” is the motto of Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary. Nestled in Hollywood, SC, the sanctuary is acres of rolling hills filled with dog runs and cat houses that are home to animals living out their final years in peace and tranquility. The force behind this animal Shangri-La is Helen Bradham who has rescued animals since her childhood in the 1930s. As Charleston Animal Society celebrates a legacy of care of 150 years – we want to hear from partners like Helen who have made Charleston a beacon of lifesaving success.

CAROLINA TAILS: How amazing is it that Charleston Animal Society is turning 150 years old?

HELEN BRADHAM: I think it’s wonderful. Wonderful. And it speaks so highly of those of you who care for animals.

CT: You are 94 years young! When did you first start saving animals?

HB: Well, my entire life. I grew up part of my life in the country, and I brought home puppies, kitty cats, anything I could get my hands on, and I drove my mother crazy.

CT: Take us back to the 1950s, 60s and 70s when you were this animal rescue pioneer in the Lowcountry. Talk to me about the attitude that people had towards animal rescue.

HB: Well, I was a little strange to people. And for instance, I had one person laugh and say to me, everybody’s going to find out about that place where you keep dogs in the country, and they’re all going to drop off their dogs. And I said, wonderful. I hope they do. People thought I loved animals to the extreme, and maybe I did to them, but to me it was natural.

CT: In the 1970s, you are in your barn on a tract of land called Hallie Hill in Hollywood, when something happens that takes your animal rescuing passion to a whole new level. What happened?

HB: As you mentioned, I had land in the country that was very high, very elevated, called Hallie Hill. I was out there one afternoon in the tack room, and I heard this little tapping on the floor in the door, and I looked around. It was a little dog, so thin every bone was showing, with the saddest eyes I’ve ever seen. But she began to wag her tail. And that was the beginning of Hallie Hill Sanctuary. I mean, it was just beautiful the way animals continued to come, those that needed a home and even a baby calf came up through the swamp. And I found out later that there had been an accident on Highway 17, and this black mother cow had been killed. So this was obviously her baby. Anyway, Momo lived with us for 12 years before she died from cancer.

CT: People may think concerns about carriage horses downtown are new, but you yourself had concerns 50 years ago in the 1970s. What happened?

HB: I saw a small pony, a small Morgan on the streets of Charleston pulling a carriage with tourists on board. And I could tell he was lame in his leg. So I continued fighting with the owner of that particular carriage company until finally the only way they could get rid of me was to let me buy Burt. That was the horse’s name.

CT: So Burt moved to Hallie Hill?

HB: Yes, he spent the rest of his life there at Hallie Hill. He was the most expensive horse ever because the carriage company owner charged me a fortune for him. But I had to have him. Had to have him. Anyway, he had a happy life there. I ran Hallie Hill in the beginning with just two men helping me, Clarence and Harold, and we had the time of our lives.

CT: Through the years, what was your involvement, if any, with Charleston Animal Society? How did you view Charleston Animal Society?

HB: Well, I didn’t have a very good beginning with them.

CT: That’s interesting. Why?

HB: Because I had four puppies brought to me. And at that time, in the 1960s I had horses there too. And I mean, I was just overloaded. We took the puppies to the shelter and instead of finding homes, those little pups were put to sleep. And it killed me. And I felt very guilty. I felt very responsible.

CT: Throughout sheltering history, euthanasia was relied on way too much and that’s the reality that people need to hear. But then, decades later, you watched Charleston Animal Society lead Charleston County to become the first No Kill Community in the Southeast, when your daughter Elizabeth was the Board President in 2013.

HB: I have seen Charleston Animal Society change completely. And it’s on the top of my list. I think y’all do so much to help animals.

CT: What’s the most complicated part of rescue, in your opinion?

HB: I guess the most complicated thing is to sort of change that animal’s life. To convince “little Joe” that you’re never going to be hurt again. I find that sometimes you can’t ever do it.

CT: So is Helen Bradham a dog person or a cat person?

HB: I’m both. I have a cat and three dogs. I love cats too.

CT: So you don’t have to be one or the other?

HB: Heavens no.

CT: When people think of a shelter or a sanctuary, they think of a sad place. But visit your sanctuary at Hallie Hill and it is just so peaceful.

HB: Well, that is it. We have big runs. We have wonderful volunteers. We keep a trunk full of treats. And I’ve always felt like people, if someone goes to Hallie Hill with a sinking heart, when they leave, they will leave with a bright heart. Hallie Hill may have benefited from me, but I have benefited a thousand times more.

Dogs lounge and relax together at the sanctuary founded by Helen Bradham.

MARIE RODRIGUEZ

Celebrity Paws in the Park Walk for Animals

Record Setting Year for Charleston Animal Society

By Joe Elmore, CAWA, CFRE President and CEO

Crews Subaru announced as Presenting Sponsor celebrating animals and the people who love them.

Despite overwhelming odds that animal shelters faced throughout the country and in our state during 2023, Charleston Animal Society continued its record-breaking trek toward building the first No Kill State in the southern United States, from Atlantic to Pacific Oceans, and America’s Heartland. Considered internationally as a model of lifesaving success through animal sheltering and prevention strategies, Charleston Animal Society operates 24/7 to save lives and provide care to nearly 20,000 animals in need yearly.

Beginning early in 2023 and continuing throughout the year, Charleston Animal Society set multiple records, including:

• A GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ for pet vaccines with the support of over 30 veterinarians

• A sixth-year-in-a-row national record for organizing the largest annual statewide adoption event for dogs and cats (Pick Me! SC)

• 12 years as the top-rated nonprofit in the state

The Animal Society is focused on community impact by ending unnecessary euthanasia of dogs and cats, overpopulation of dogs and cats, and animal cruelty.

The Animal Society topped the year off by winning a competition against 19 other nonprofits across North America, representing various causes, ultimately winning a Land Rover Defender to help with the Animal

GOODBYE 2023

Society’s emergency rescue efforts (see pg. 25).

It was an outstanding year for Charleston Animal Society, but only made possible by its 20,000+ members, mostly from the Greater Charleston area and Lowcountry, in addition to supporters from across the globe. Animal sheltering involves a comprehensive or holistic approach to effectively enhance public health and safety and is so much more than a destination for unwanted animals. Thank you for your continued support as we move forward into 2024.

CHALLENGES AHEAD

As we enter the Animal Society’s 150th Anniversary year, the challenges of inadequate government funding and the nationwide veterinary shortage are just two of the main challenges the Animal Society is facing. Other challenges include the accelerated increase in unwanted large dogs (mostly pit bull-type dogs) entering shelters, weak public policy to reduce the overpopulation of animals, and unorganized animal control agencies. These agencies too often lack leading practices and datadriven public health and safety strategies and tactics.

As 2024 continues, Charleston Animal Society will call on your support to continue moving our community in a humane direction. Remember, YOU are Charleston Animal Society.

ABOVE LEFT: Pick Me! SC, the largest statewide adoption event of its kind, reached adoption 10,000 during the 2023 event (the combined number of adoptions of the past six adoption campaigns). RIGHT: Celebrity cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy hosted a Feline 360 program at Charleston Animal Society for dozens of organizations. The program teaches shelters how to be more cat-friendly.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Almost 2,000 animals were vaccinated at VAX-A-PALOOZA in February, held at the North Charleston Coliseum complex. • Charleston Animal Society broke the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for most pledges received for a pet vaccination campaign in 24 hours. • Instagram celebrities @aguyandagolden (Johnathan and Teddy) were the star attractions at the 2023 Paws in the Park sponsored by Crews Subaru. • Charleston Animal Society’s summer camps continued to be a hot item, selling out in six minutes!

2023 Charleston Animal Society

Key Accomplishments

1. Rescued 437 animals from harm’s way through 18 emergency rescue operations.

2. Prevented the births of unwanted litters by spaying or neutering 11, 673 animals.

3. Alleviated suffering of 9,488 sheltered animals through needed veterinary care.

4. Prevented the outbreak of deadly diseases by administering 28,726 lifesaving vaccines, such as rabies, to animals.

5. Prevented thousands of homeless kittens and free roaming cats, along with the deaths of countless birds, by sterilizing and vaccinating 2,518 community cats, followed by the return to their natural habitat, significantly reducing their population.

6. Fought animal cruelty by providing forensics investigation support to law enforcement agencies in 72 cruelty cases.

7. Helped families keep and care for their pets by providing 3,914 dogs and cats with veterinary care, pet food, and emergency veterinary financial assistance.

8. Prevented suffering and cruelty for 163 displaced or threatened outdoor cats through permanent sanctuary.

9. Continued to reduce violence to people and animals by teaching 7,667 school-age children compassion education, reinforcing the 23,318 lessons into humanitarian values.

10. Exemplary audits twelve years in a row.

Charleston Animal Society follows research-based, datadriven strategies in its day-to-day operations.

TOP: Van was brought to the shelter with his ears mutilated, after someone tried to crop his ears at home. He’s now living a happy life in his new, loving home. MIDDLE: The “Walk to End Cruelty” kicked off the 2023 Paws in the Park sponsored by Crews Subaru. BOTTOM: Charleston Animal Society’s lifesaving work touched the lives of almost 20,000 animals in 2023.

Two Good Pups Inspire a Business

By ANNA LANFORD

JENNIFER RUSSELL ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A PHILANTHROPIST. A LIFE-LONG ANIMAL LOVER, JENNIFER LITERALLY STARTED PUTTING MONEY IN A SHOE BOX WITH A PLAN TO “DO SOMETHING GOOD” WITH IT. FAST FORWARD

TO THE DAY A FRIEND INVITED HER TO ATTEND THE CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY APPLAUSE FOR PAWS GALA. JENNIFER SAYS SHE WAS SO INSPIRED BY THE LIFESAVING WORK SHE SAW, THAT SHE SPRUNG HER PHILANTHROPY PLAN INTO ACTION AND BID ON THE COVER OF CAROLINA TAILS MAGAZINE. THIS IS HOW CURIE AND NEWT (OUR COVER DOGS) HAVE FOUND THEMSELVES IN THE SPOTLIGHT!

FINDING TWO GOOD PUPS

Originally from the DC area, Jennifer moved to Charleston about 10 years ago. A few years later, her husband Rick serendipitously came across a couple of adorable beagle puppies in the most peculiar way. Rick was cycling on Johns Island when a massive rainstorm hit. Taking cover under a nearby carport, he was invited to come into the house to ride out the storm when the homeowner asked if he wanted to see the litter of beagle puppies that he had. Rick knew that Jennifer had a soft spot for beagles. “Beagles have always been my favorite type of dog because I think they always look like puppies,” said Jennifer.

After the storm cleared, Rick headed home and told Jennifer about what he had discovered. Jennifer recalled saying to him that if she went out to see the puppies that she would be coming home with one… what she didn’t know is that she would actually come home

with two! After paying a visit to the Johns Island home, Jennifer and Rick fell in love with two of the little puppies - the only girl of the litter and the runt!

Jennifer said that she always thought of beagles as very intelligent dogs, so she wanted the names they chose for them to reflect that. After pondering over a few options, they landed on Curie, after Marie Curie, and Newt, after Sir Isaac Newton. Today, Newt and Curie’s favorite activities include spending the day walking around the Pitt Street Bridge in Mount Pleasant and frolicking at the beach.

The pups have become such an integral part of Jennifer and Rick’s life that they were even included in their wedding party this past December. The dogs’ entrance was announced by the Peanuts theme song and they could be heard howling from where they were waiting outside the room, excited by all the commotion of the day before running down the aisle to deliver the rings.

FOUNDING TWO GOOD PUPS

Not only did Jennifer’s dogs make an appearance at her wedding, but they also inspired her to launch her own business, Two Good Pups Adventure Walks & Pet Sitting. At the start of COVID, Jennifer had been working at an inn that had to close temporarily due to the pandemic restrictions. She filled her time by taking Newt and Curie on hours-long adventure walks around her neighborhood. It was during one of these long walks that she thought about starting to walk other people’s dogs, which would allow her to do what she loved and earn some money at the same time.

It took a little while, but by the end of 2020 she was confident that this was something that she could do full time. Today, Two Good Pups has expanded to include a team of eight people walking pups all around town.

Looking ahead to the future, Jennifer hopes to continue doing pet costume contests when she can, learn more about dog training, and start planning for the opening of a brick and mortar facility to operate her business by the end of the year. You can follow her company on Instagram at @twogoodpupsc.

LEFT: Visit Jennifer at home and you will find her two beloved beagles nearby. ABOVE: Curie and Newt were part of Jennifer and Rick’s wedding. RIGHT: Walking Curie and Newt proved the inspiration for Jennifer’s company, Two Good Pups Adventure Walks & Pet Sitting.

@HAPPY_CLAM_STUDIOS /

HAPPYCLAMSTUDIOS.COM

PHOTO PROVIDED BY JENNIFER RUSSELL

This is the Year for NKSC 2024

By ABIGAIL APPLETON, PMP, CAWA

This is the year! No Kill South Carolina 2024 is in our final year as we create a statewide, sustainable, and compassionate approach to lifesaving. Our initiative has been a beacon of hope not just for the countless dogs and cats given the chance for life, but for the people who work and care for them as well.

We’ve seen shelters, communities, and volunteers coming together to save and improve the lives of animals. The journey to No Kill has been challenging, but the progress we’ve made together has been nothing short of remarkable.

The numbers speak volumes about the change that’s happening in South Carolina. The reduction in euthanasia rates, increased adoption numbers, and decrease in the number of animals entering shelters in the first place are all signs that our No Kill South Carolina 2024 initiative is on the cusp of achieving our monumental goal.

We’ve done more than we ever thought possible. Can you believe together we’ve saved more than 780,000 lives since our project launched in 2016? That’s more than ¾ of a million pets who were given the chance for life, and who enriched the lives of the people who love them.

Even more amazing, for the very first time in South Carolina history, less than 10% of cats entering SC shelters were euthanized last year. We’ve decreased

feline euthanasia by an astounding 85%! South Carolina is officially No Kill for cats. In essence, the answer to saving cats is easy: keep them out of shelters in the first place. We’re spaying and neutering cats that live or spend time outdoors and returning them to their outdoor homes. Over and over communities have adopted these strategies – over 80% of our communities have now eschewed the old trap-and-kill method of cat management because it doesn’t actually work to keep populations down. Trapvaccinate-alter-return is the answer and there are over 300,000 cats whose lives were saved that can attest to that.

ON TO THE FINISH LINE AND $1 MILLION?

For the remainder of 2024 we’ll be focusing on canine lifesaving. Did you know that in 2020 and 2021 less than 10% of dogs entering SC shellers were euthanized? We know that No Kill for dogs is possible because we’ve already achieved it! In the post-pandemic world, we’re seeing an increasing proportion of canines entering shelters with medical or behavioral challenges. This isn’t a bad thing! It means that the animals coming to us are ones that truly need our help.

In our final project year, we’re wrestling with increasing challenges around adoptions, access to veterinary care,

and economic worries -- but we remain committed.

Keeping us motivated is the generous $1 million challenge offered by Petco Love. If South Carolina becomes a No Kill State this year, Petco Love will donate $1 million to shelters around the Palmetto State!

Our amazing friends at Petco Love have made No Kill South Carolina possible from the very beginning and they’re standing shoulder to shoulder with us as we save more lives.

This homestretch represents a final opportunity for communities to unite, support local shelters, and make a lasting impact on the lives of animals in need. Through adopting, volunteering, spreading awareness, or donating, everyone has a role to play in ensuring the success of No Kill South Carolina 2024.

Let’s keep the momentum going. The final chapter of our inspiring tale is still being written. South Carolina is leading the way and each one of us has the power to shape a brighter future for the animals who call our beautiful state home. Together, we can make the dream a reality by the end of 2024.

Abigail is the Chief Project Officer for No Kill South Carolina 2024.

Almost Dead Last

South Carolina Animal Protection Laws Among

the Worst in the Country

Each year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) publishes its U.S. State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report. It is the longest-running and most authoritative of its kind, assessing the strength of each state and territory’s animal protection laws by examining over 3,600 pages of statutes. Each state and territory are ranked based on 20 different categories of animal protection.

Unfortunately, South Carolina is almost dead last, falling to #47 when it comes to the strength of animal protection laws here. Where does the Palmetto State fall short? “We are very disappointed to see South Carolina failing in almost every category of laws that protect animals,” said Charleston Animal Society Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Aldwin Roman, CAWA. “Hopefully this year’s ALDF report serves as a wakeup call to our lawmakers. We need to do better for animals.”

BOND-OR-FORFEIT LAWS

A new trend in 2023 was the enactment and clarification of “bond-orforfeit” laws. When an animal is seized pursuant to an animal cruelty investigation, the owner still retains ownership, or their property interest, in the animal despite losing physical custody of the animal. Owners can always voluntarily surrender that property interest, but if they choose not to, the animal is put into legal limbo. They cannot — and should not — be returned to the owner until the animal cruelty charges are fully adjudicated or dismissed. But they also cannot be adopted out into new homes because the defendant still technically owns them.

Criminal cruelty cases can drag on for months or even years, meanwhile, the animal is languishing in a shelter. Keeping animals for long periods of time in a shelter — even the best, most well-resourced shelters — is harmful for animals’ psychological well-being and can cause them to be re-traumatized. This can lead to behavioral problems, making animals even harder to adopt out when the criminal case eventually concludes. The most common legislative solution to these issues is bond-or-forfeit laws. Thirty-nine states plus the District of Columbia and Guam all have some form of bond-or-forfeit laws. These laws require that the defendant either post a bond with the court covering the costs of caring for the seized animals, or forfeit the animals, allowing them to be adopted out into new homes. South Carolina does not have this kind of legislation.

PROTECTION ORDERS

One continuing trend in 2023 was the passage of laws which allow courts to include animals in protection orders. Protection orders, more commonly known as restraining orders, are court orders protecting domestic violence victims from their abusers. Numerous studies have documented the link between animal cruelty and domestic violence. Offenders often use animals as tools in their abuse, exploiting the close

This chihuahua was one of dozens brought to safety at Charleston Animal Society after Laurens County officials busted a puppy mill with 270 animals on the property. South Carolina has no law forcing suspects to put up a bond for animals’ care while court proceedings take place, which can rack up tens of thousands of dollars in costs for agencies trying to save the animals.

bond victims have with their companion animals. Abusers may threaten or harm an animal in order to control or psychologically torment the animal’s guardian. Sadly, this form of coercive control is extremely effective. South Carolina only allows protection orders for companion animals, not all animals.

CROSS-REPORTING LAWS

A continuing legislative trend is the creation and strengthening of cross reporting laws and veterinary reporting laws. Cross-reporting refers to laws which explicitly permit or require cross-reporting between various animal and human welfare organizations, such as requiring humane officers to report suspected child abuse or requiring elder protective service workers to report suspected animal cruelty. These laws recognize and respond to the link between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence. South Carolina does not have these laws on the books

POST-CONVICTION POSSESSION BAN

After a person is convicted of animal cruelty, the court may prohibit the defendant from owning or possessing any animal for a period of time. In many states, this prohibition is statutorily authorized, or even mandated. These possession bans are one of the most effective ways to prevent repeat offenses. They restrict an abuser’s access to animals, drastically limiting the pool of potential victims. They also allow law enforcement to intervene quickly to protect at-risk animals. South Carolina has no such laws.

Editor’s Note: The information for this article came directly from the Animal Legal Defense Fund, aldf.org.

The People Behind Those Amazing Car Raffles!

By NATASSIA DONOHUE

Back in 2018, Hank and Laurel Greer purchased a brand-new Mini Cooper for their travels around Charleston. After driving the vehicle for a few months, they realized it just wasn’t for them. Little did they know, this would lead to a groundbreaking fundraising event for Charleston Animal Society.

“We thought about just donating the car to the Animal Society,” Laurel explained. “But then we thought about it and said, ‘well, they’re not going to get that much for it.’” After talking it over, Hank and Laurel decided that the car should be raffled off.

They worked with staff to launch the first-ever Charleston Animal Society car raffle and set a goal to sell 500 tickets

for $100 each.

The raffle kicked off in November 2018 and sure enough, all 500 tickets were sold. The campaign raised just over $51,000 from ticket purchases and additional donations given by purchasers. The winners were Kevin & Debbie Noon from Ohio, whose daughter had purchased just one ticket for them. This was only the beginning.

UPPING THE GAME

The Greers were excited by the success and decided to go even bigger, offering brand new cars to help support the animals.

The lineup has included a BMW X3 in 2020, a Tesla Model Y in 2021, a Lexus RX 350L in 2022, a Lexus RX 350h in 2023, and this year, a Lexus TX 500h F Sport — the first model of its kind.

To date, the raffles have helped raise a whopping $1.3 million to support Charleston Animal Society’s mission to end animal cruelty.

“The most touching moment out of all the car raffles was connecting with the winner of the Tesla — he was a military service member,” Laurel said, referring to the 2021 Tesla Model Y winner John Osborne, from Hanahan. “We feel strongly about people who serve our country, and we were so happy to have someone so deserving win.”

It goes without saying that Hank and Laurel are also touched by the number of animals who are helped with the funds raised from each raffle. Their support for Charleston Animal Society is unique, and although they are involved in several other worthy causes, animals have their hearts. “We made the decision that we wanted to give back during our lifetime,” Laurel said.

“The need is now; you can give part of your legacy now,” Hank reiterated. “The animals, Charleston Animal Society — this is our passion.”

How Many Tickets Does It Take?

With only 3,000 tickets being sold, your chances of winning this year’s 2024 Lexus TX 500h F Sport are better than winning the lottery! Plus, thanks to the generosity of Hank & Laurel Greer, your ticket purchase will go directly to saving animals in need. How many tickets have our past winners purchased? You’d be surprised!

2018 Winner Kevin & Debbie Noon in Ohio: ONE TICKET

2020 Winner Joseph Schmidt in Charleston: ONE TICKET

2021 Winner John Osborne in Hanahan: ONE TICKET

2022 Winner Suzanne Cure of West Virginia: ONE TICKET

2023 Winner Adrienne Crown of California purchased: FIVE TICKETS

What are you waiting for? YOU could be next!

LEFT: Hank and Laurel Greer in this year’s raffle vehicle, a 2024 TX 500h F Sport.

ABOVE: 2021 winner John Osborne of Hanahan loved the electric Tesla he won after purchasing just one ticket. RIGHT: Suzanne Cure and her husband Robert of West Virginia not only won a Lexus in 2022, they also got to meet Caitlyn, who had inspired them to purchase a ticket in the first place. BOTTOM: Joseph Schmidt of Charleston showing off the BMW he won in the 2020 car raffle sponsored by the Greers.

LEAVE A LEGACY OF COMPASSION

Because of generous people like you, animals across South Carolina can have a strong advocate well into the future.

We’ve partnered with FreeWill to make leaving a bequest easy. With this free tool, you can create a legal will to ensure peace of mind for yourself and make a meaningful impact for animals as part of your legacy. It’s 100% free, there is no minimum gift required, and most people finish their will in 20 minutes or less. Visit FreeWill.com/CharlestonAnimalSociety to get started.

New Lifesaving Vehicle Ready to Roll

By DAN KROSSE

A new lifesaving machine is ready to hit the roads thanks to everyone who voted for Charleston Animal Society in the 2023 Defender Service Awards! The contest included nonprofits from the U.S. and Canada.

In February, Charleston Animal Society received a customized Land Rover Defender 130 SUV from Land Rover after winning one of six categories in the 2023 Defender Service Awards presented by CHASE. The organization was given the “Defender Service Honorees Award,” which recognized previous finalists from 2021 and 2022 that didn’t originally win their categories, but were truly deserving with all they do to benefit their local communities.

“We are all grateful to Land Rover for its generosity in providing us with a vehicle so that we can more effectively navigate challenging situations and save more animals in harm’s way,” said Charleston Animal Society President and CEO Joe Elmore, CAWA, CFRE.

BETTER PREPARED FOR DISASTERS

Charleston Animal Society has the reputation as “road warriors,” responding to emergency calls for help in hurricanes, flooding, and horrific large scale cruelty operations. Time and again, national organizations and local shelters across the region call the Animal Society, especially when no one else will respond. Since 2020, Charleston Animal Society has rescued 648 animals across seven states through 48 emergency transports.

“Even with that success – we are still challenged with situations where we don’t have the vehicles we need,” said Charleston Animal Society’s Bryant Taylor who oversees the shelter’s emergency transports. He recalls a puppy mill rescue where 150 dogs were trapped in a bad situation.

Charleston Animal Society competed against 19 other outstanding nonprofits from the U.S. and Canada.

The rescue vehicles couldn’t reach the scene, so the dog carriers had to be taken to the animals on foot. A Defender will help in these kinds of situations, where every second counts.

“A Defender will increase our capacity to save lives by allowing us to drive through floodwaters, navigate tough terrain with its four-wheel drive capabilities and act as a mobile command station,” said Charleston Animal Society Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Aldwin Roman, CAWA. “The Defender will allow us to carry more lifesaving supplies to more animals in more places.”

As Charleston Animal Society celebrates its 150-year Legacy of Care, the Land Rover Defender will allow for even more lives to be saved. “Land Rover is a model for corporate philanthropy. It is an honor to partner with Land Rover and fully engage in both our missions. We are very grateful,” said Elmore.

SHELTER SPOTLIGHT: Darlington County Humane Society

By JOSH WITTEN, Ph.D.

The Darlington County Humane Society (DCHS) was founded in 1996 to improve the conditions at what was then known as the Darlington County Pound. Located at the end of a dead-end access road marked by only two small signs, the shelter and animals were positioned to be kept out of sight and out of mind.

Now, DCHS is a No Kill South Carolina partner organization and is engaged in a comprehensive effort to rethink how animal services are provided. Visit Darlington County today and you will see new programs, engagement with local stakeholders, and construction of a new, state-of-the-art facility.

UP FOR THE CHALLENGE

Since 2015, DCHS has helped save the lives of over 19,000 dogs and cats. Every year, DCHS cares for one animal for every 20 Darlington County residents. As with shelters across the country, 2023 was particularly challenging with a 13% increase in intakes at DCHS, particularly for stray dogs.

Building partnerships has been one ingredient in the shelter’s success. DCHS

has teamed up with the Best Friends Network, Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA), Charleston Animal Society, as well as countless shelters and rescues to increase their live outcome rate to 83% in 2023 from 72% in 2021. DCHS was named the “Most Pawductive” shelter in the Pee Dee region during the 2023 Pick Me! SC adoption drive.

NEW SHELTER ON HORIZON?

The current shelter facilities, however, still resemble the Darlington County Pound of old. It is still best described as a series of unconnected mobile structures with few enclosed buildings that house animals. DCHS staff and volunteers spend countless hours and dollars replenishing water, wrapping blankets, deploying tarps, powering heat lamps, and running fans to keep animals from freezing or overheating to protect them from the extremes of South Carolina weather. These necessary efforts imposed by the existing shelter facilities limit the improvements that can

be made by DCHS’s dedicated staff and volunteers.

Starting in 2018, DCHS set out to create a new facility that would be worthy of its staff, volunteers, community, and the animals in their care. They broke ground in July 2023 on a new, $8 million animal adoption and education facility. Support for the construction of the facility has come from the Nemec-Abbott Foundation, Byerly Foundation, Sonoco Products Company, the State of South Carolina, A.O. Smith, Nucor of South Carolina, North Industrial Machine, and many community donors.

“This is a groundbreaking, citizendriven project,” said Senator Gerald Malloy, Senate District 29. “Darlington County Humane Society has been led by compassionate servant leaders for decades and our community and our state elected officials recognize that the plan for progress they’ve put in place will have a lasting impact on our community for generations to come.”

Darlington County Humane Society is building a new $8 million shelter in Hartsville.

The entire Darlington legislative delegation supported the new shelter including Senator Malloy, Rep. Robert Williams, Rep. Patricia Henegan and Rep. Cody Mitchell.

The new facility will be located on six acres in the heart of the Hartsville, SC business district. The main structure will be a metal, prefabricated building designed by Nucor of South Carolina and McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture. The new facility will feature enclosed kennels, doggie play yards, a medical suite, and a multipurpose education space.

DCHS will use the new facility not only to improve care for animals, but also to provide community education programs to educate the public on pet ownership, promote community volunteerism, and animal welfare workforce development for students. After completion in late 2024, the new DCHS facility will provide a home for educational programming and offer education credit opportunities.

“Teaching the importance of community and education to our children will create

a generation that is equipped to give back while helping develop career paths that can define their future,” said Dr. Tim Newman, Darlington County School District Superintendent.

BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD

DCHS is charting a path forward for longterm success in caring for the animals of Darlington County by providing the existing passion and effort of DCHS staff and volunteers with a facility that will act as a catalyst rather than an anchor. At the same time, the commitment and resources to increase education and community engagement will help ensure that these efforts are sustained, and that the workforce needed to meet future challenges is being developed.

To learn more about DCHS’s new animal adoption and education center, including supporting this transformative effort, visit RaiseTheWoofDCHS.org.

Editor’s Note: Josh Witten, Ph.D. is the Chairman of the DCHS Board of Directors.

Thanks to community support, DCHS has saved 19,000 animal lives since 2015.

TITAN

Palmetto State’s First Vet School Opening in 2026

Fall 2026 is the target date for the first class at Clemson University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. A recent funding increase is keeping the project moving forward, just as South Carolina continues grappling with the effects of a statewide and national veterinarian shortage.

South Carolina is just one of 22 states without a veterinary college. Founding Dean, Dr. Steven Marks said Clemson has a great history of training students in the curriculum that would be pre-veterinarian. These students – approximately 200 of them in 2022 – left South Carolina to attend schools in different states.

“The veterinary profession is incredible – it’s emotionally rewarding,” said Marks. “There is something special about the human-animal bond that crosses across all parts of society. And there is something special about Clemson University that people will only experience if they come here. We are excited to share the first glimpse of Clemson’s College of Veterinary Medicine.”

FUNDING INCREASE

Clemson’s Board of Trustees approved to increase the Phase 1 budget for the construction of facilities at the College of Veterinary Medicine to $110,466,000 to reflect the total funding provided by the State of South Carolina in the FY23 and FY24 budgets.

The Board previously authorized $10M in Phase 1 funding through the FY23 appropriation. Clemson announced the establishment of the state’s first college of veterinary medicine in July.

The additional funds enable the University to continue planning and design activities, begin initial site work, and award early release packages for long lead time items such as HVAC equipment, electrical transformers and switchgear, and structural systems. Initial site work for the College is scheduled to begin in April, with a planned completion for Fall 2026 when, pending accreditation, the University expects to enroll its first class.

“This new college is a great opportunity to unify the state for animal care and the human-animal bond. We have some top priorities to

ensure we’re helping our state that relies on animal agriculture,” said Marks, who added that there is a deficit of veterinarians across almost all counties in South Carolina. “We’re fortunate right now to have this opportunity.”

PLANS COMING TOGETHER

Architectural drawings show a multi-building campus with walking paths connecting the different units.

“The veterinary school will be a graduate degree,” Marks said. “They will try and attract undergraduate degree holders from degrees like animal science, pre-vet, zoology, chemistry, really any science, and then parlay that into a curriculum that provides a doctorate of veterinary medicine.” Students in traditional veterinary schools typically undergo years of preclinical study followed by clinical years in a teaching hospital, according to Marks. At Clemson, however, students will go directly to local veterinary hospitals for training and clinical study.

Marks hopes that this method, known as a distributed model, will provide students with abundant practical experience and a unique advantage once they enter veterinary practice.

“My vision is that we will create a day one-ready veterinarian,” Marks said. “When students finish their degree of veterinary medicine, they will be prepared to go into any practice and be able to work on any species, large animal, farm animal, small animal or exotic species.”

LEARN MORE APRIL 17

You can learn more about the Clemson University’s College of Veterinary Medicine on April 17 at Charleston Animal Society’s Celebration of Lifesaving Success. Dean Marks will be the guest speaker at the event, which will be held at the Charleston Marriott Hotel from 6pm – 8pm. Seating is limited, so RSVP today at RSVP@CharlestonAnimalSociety.org.

Follow Clemson’s College of Veterinary Medicine on Facebook and Instagram-@ClemsonVetMed and visit their website for updates. Clemson. edu/veterinary-medicine.

CELEBRATION OF LIFESAVING SUCCESS

APRIL 17

GUEST SPEAKER

Dean Steven Marks Clemson University College of Veterinary Medicine

MARIE RODRIGUEZ

Where

Every

Adoption

Celebrity Paws in the Park Walk for Animals

is a Touchdown!

Photos by Jeff Nass Productions

Crews Subaru announced as Presenting Sponsor celebrating animals and the people who love them.

Charleston Animal Society teamed up with Mount Pleasant Towne Centre for Pup Bowl VII on February 10. That’s when the Kansas City Canines faced off with the San Francisco Fluffy Whiners! Between the zoomies and tumbling, there was so much action on the field, it was hard to follow. Fans agreed, the best part of the game were the 21 adoptions — which literally equals three touchdowns worth of love. Congratulations to these All-Star puppies and their MVP puppy parents!

Pups Parks!

Zuzu White, Charleston Animal Society

alumna at Johns Island County Park