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Publisher Brian Foster brian@lowcountrydog.com Chief Canine Officer Peanut peanut@lowcountrydog.com Copy Editor Chelsea Salerno chelsea@lowcountrydog.com Social Media Manager Alyssa Helms alyssa@lowcountrydog.com Staff Writers Julie Murray Hali Selert Fern Wooden Staff Photographer Southern Vintage Photography Guest Photographer Jeanne Taylor Web and Design Consultant Laura Olsen Contributing Writers C.C. Bourgeois Jake Jacobson
For advertising and media inquiries please email contact@lowcountrydog.com
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Above and Cover photo by Jeanne Taylor Photography Cover and Centerfold graphic design by Laura Olsen
We believe that our dogs are our best friends, and that’s why we need a reliable source to turn to for information on all things “dog” in our community. Our mission is to be the number one Charleston area resource for dog owners regarding regional dog-centric and dog-welcoming events, health & wellness information, dog training, trends, and local news. We also strive to be a mouthpiece to the public for various Lowcountry-based pet nonprofits, and we promote pet adoption and other responsible pet care practices. Founded in Charleston, South Carolina in 2005 as a print magazine, we re-launched in 2015 as “Charleston’s Digital Dog Magazine.” We continue our mission to be the best dog friendly resource in the Lowcountry.
the lowcountry’s dog magazine since 2005!
In this issue
6 12 16 22 Celebrating 100 Issues 30 32 34 38 SIT, STAY... BEHAVE: Modern Dog Training HEALTH & WELLNESS: Heart of the Matter
FEATURE STORY: The New Berkeley Animal Center
LOCAL DOG EVENTS
IN THE NEWS
THINK OUTSIDE THE SHELTER: Importance of Spay & Neuter GO GREEN: Adopt A Recycled Dog!
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10 0 Is sues & S til l K ick in!
Peanut 's P O I N T
O F
V I E W
17 volumes and 100 Issues and Lowcountry Dog Magazine is just getting starting! No one really knows when I was born but vets estimate it was either in 2005 or 2006. I like to think that I came into existence in April of 2005 when the first issue of Lowcountry Dog Magazine was published. I always knew I was destined for greatness but in 2010 I became involved in Lowcountry Dog Magazine when my mom started her tenure as the staff photographer. I made my magazine debut in 2011 as my role of ‘foster mama” to some needy pups that were featured. In 2015, my dad decided to buy the magazine and named me the boss, Chief Canine Officer to be exact. This job suits me as it requires little effort as I have hired some great people to do all the work, while I nap and look cute. In the early days, the magazine was pretty simple. Printed on newsprint and only around 24 pages. in 2015, we went strictly digital and grew our readership outside of the Lowcountry. Did you know I have fans in Europe and Asia that read us regularly and I am a big hit in Australia? Not sure how as I have only traveled to nearby states. In 2019/2020 we decided to bring back print in our 15th year of publishing. We now print the 44 page, high quality magazine you are currently reading! We have had over 4 millions readers since 2015 and our social media has grown to around 30,000 people.
What is next for Lowcountry Dog Magazine? Well we have some great content ideas coming your way in the next year. Our annual music festival Woofstock is October 10th and you can get tickets at woofstock2021.com. Our 2022 Lowcountry Dog Calendar is available now for pre-order at a discounted rate so grab yours today. More information on that on page 20. We are planning a new exciting event for November and next spring as we introduce Lowcountry Dogapalooza to the world! If you haven’t joined the Lowcountry Dog Society please do as you get lots of free stuff and most of it has my face on it! Lowcountrydog.com/join for more information. Grab your newest shirt design at our ReTail Shop on our website and look out for our newest Rescue Spotlights we are producing for local shelters and rescues. Lowcountry Dog will long out live me but my mark will always be there for another 100 issues from now to 2038! Stay Nutty!■
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T R A I N I N G
Modern Dog Training! and why care?
WRITTEN BY: C.C. BOURGEOIS, C P DT- K A , C SAT, P M C T, Wonder Dog University
Training methods have evolved in the last decades. Continuing to use training techniques simply because it’s what you’ve always known may have its downsides, so let’s refresh our perspectives. Behavioral scientists and trainers current on behavioral data have moved to Modern Training methods. Modern Training uses methods that are founded on evidence-based, science backed research. Dogs’ natural behaviors are reward driven; in other words, animals repeat rewarded behavior. What is not rewarded stops occurring. Use of rewards - food, praise, play, access to things a dog wants - keeps the good behavior coming and teaches a dog clear outcomes in response to their behavior. Modern Training guides a dog toward our preferred behaviors. Negative behaviors are decreased or eliminated by teaching the dog an alternative behavior or providing calm consequences that are not as rewarding to the dog, so they stop behaving that way. It’s proven to work, plain and simple.
WE KNOW MORE NOW ABOUT DOG TRAINING AND BEHAVIOR. Misconceptions about dog behavior and training are abundant. Unfortunately, outdated methods are greatly popularized and perpetuated, both in the media by those with little education in the field, but also mega-marketing machines and the slick video production behind them. Breakthroughs and discoveries made decades ago that clearly disprove common, old fashioned concepts have been dimmed by the glare of this spotlight. Fortunately, there’s plenty of science available to guide us to “Modern Training.” Boundless evidence exists that shows training a dog in a way that aligns with true learning and doesn’t talk down to their brilliance is far more beneficial. Did you know that dogs learn the same way that children do, by association? Their intelligence also develops to that of about a two year old. See: Smarter Than You Think. So, harnessing a dog’s full potential is neglected when using training tactics that aren’t founded on science and don’t speak to a dog’s brain and ability. Let’s reframe this idea. Large animal handlers, using Modern Training, teach lions to cooperate when having their nails trimmed. They could use forceful techniques on these powerful animals, but this would only make future interactions difficult and dangerous. Sedating them is time and cost prohibitive. Instead, they take a little time to show the lion that allowing handling of this delicate area can be rewarding, so the lion gladly cooperates. We can do the same for our dogs, encouraging them to think for themselves and make good choices. To demonstrate the need to be open to Modern Training, allow me to myth bust a concept that’s been perpetuated. Take the “alpha roll,” a term used to describe physically rolling a dog onto their back in an effort to teach them the human is alpha, dominant, etc. This has its roots in wolf observations and was debunked ages ago. We now understand that, in nature, a wolf pack’s alpha is determined by birth order and offspring
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T R A I N I N G
of the parents naturally see their parents as leaders. There’s not a reason for displays of dominance. The same is true of our dogs. They naturally see their people as the authority. Even feral dogs, living in resource scarce conditions, do not use communication that is dominantsubmissive based. Countless educated professionals in the dog behavior world have very publicly explained why they oppose this method in an effort to set the record straight on this and other outdated concepts. See: TIME Magazine Article from 2010 and The Man Who Cried Alpha. PROTECT YOUR DOG FROM MISINFORMATION. The next time a well meaning person or even a trainer offers you advice on how to train your dog, run it through your critical thinking filter. What’s the original source of this information? Is it useful in current times? Does it apply to you and your dog’s needs? Are there other options? Take the common skill of having your dog “heel” on your left side. Why teach a dog this skill? Does it serve a need for you and your dog? Should your dog heel on the left on all walks at all times? Ask a trainer this last question. If they answer, “yes”, promptly escort them on their way. Here are my quick reasons why. “Heeling’’ has its origins in the 1800s when dogs were primarily working dogs. At this time, everyone used their right hand as their dominant hand and would need it free to handle other items, like horse reins or a gun. Having your dog on the left also avoided shells or casings from a fired gun being discharged onto a dog’s head or body. Is “heeling” useful to you? Don’t get me wrong. It’s a great skill. I use it with my dog sometimes, so we practice it to keep the skill fresh for both of us. However, on daily walks, I only ask him to loose leash walk and often allow him to have a “sniffari” as a reward for this. Each dog has a unique set of circumstances, genes and environment, but they are overwhelmingly, fundamentally alike in how they learn. Modern Training applies the same evidence-based practices to all training sessions, no matter the dog, while still taking into account the individual
person and their dog’s needs. A Modern Trainer will not change their core methods based on the dog. They may choose a tool from the Modern Training toolkit to help the specific person and dog, but they will not stray from the principles of using no-force techniques that adhere to a high standard of humane care and utilize science as it applies to the way dogs process information. “But what about ‘aggressive dogs?’ Don’t they need a heavier hand?” Nope. My team and I specialize, with great success, in changing aggressive behaviors and have not once used any method other than Modern Training. Doing so risks causing a dog to shut down (commonly mistaken for calmer behavior), then explode later. Using force often causes insecurity in a dog and lack of confidence in their handler or the environment. The dog may even respond with escalated aggression out of fear. Worse still, the stress hormones released into a dog’s system cause a chemical imbalance that builds over time, impedes their health and ability to cope and learn. None of this is productive in changing these behaviors. Understanding what causes behavior is key. Knowing that a very small percentage of dogs are actually “aggressive,” is important. Your dog may be displaying what appears to be aggression, but it is a “display” used to help them control what they see as an unpredictable situation. They learn very quickly that barking, lunging or growling reliably makes other dogs or people move away from them and are useful tools they can call upon to feel more secure and confident. THE MODERN WAY. Using only evidence-based training methods, means all of the skills you and your dog use are backed by animal behavior science that has proven how dogs learn for the most successful and humane outcomes. Your dog will choose to make the right decisions versus being forced to make these decisions out of fear of consequences.
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Take Tusker. He was displaying all sorts of unsafe and stressed, aggressive behaviors. His person, Elizabeth Bennett, had this to say. “I feel like I understand his behavior more and no longer see the need for punishment. We had been trying corrective leashes, collars, an e-collar for a while, trying to show him that we were “alpha” and none of it was making a difference. Learning Modern Training techniques changed everything for the better!” SO, WHY DOESN’T EVERYONE USE MODERN TRAINING? Good question! There are still some skeptics. Some believe forcing a pet to “obey” gets quicker results. Others simply haven’t studied the latest science. And there’s that misinformation machine we spoke of. Also, it does take knowledge and skill on the trainer’s part to deliver simple and seamless training for both dog and client. Honestly, there’s a lot of pressure from the average dog owner to provide quick fixes. If a trainer without the desire to gain the knowledge and skill to provide Modern Training wants to thrive as a dog trainer, they often default to old fashioned methods. Sadly, right now, anyone can say, “I’m a dog trainer” as trainers are independently certified by a nationally recognized counsel. It is our hope regulations will soon pass requiring those calling themselves “dog trainers” to have to attest to being experienced and a commitment to ongoing education in the field. Until then, screen your trainer well. Take comfort in knowing there is no reason to use outdated training methods.■
SOURCES Smarter Than You Thinkwww.apa.org/news/press/releases/2009/08/dogs-think TIME Magazinehttp://content.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,2007250,00.html The Man Who Cried Alphawww.dogstardaily.com/blogs/man-who-cried-alpha Photo on page 7 by Jeanne Taylor Photography
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H E A L T H
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W E L L N E S S
The Heart of the Matter. a look into heart health WRIT TEN BY JAKE JACOBSON, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) Charleston Veterinar y Cardiology
The heart is a four-chambered muscle that pumps blood to your organs and muscles. Just like in people, there are 4 valves present that are necessary to keep blood moving in a forward direction, preventing backflow of blood (called regurgitation). Every time the heart squeezes, blood flows throughout your body, delivering ingredients critical to survival such as oxygen and nutrients. Did you know that the heart beats about 100,000 times in one day?!
Heart Disease Dogs and cats most often acquire problems with the heart muscle or heart valves. These conditions can result in inefficiency of the cardiovascular system that may promote symptoms. If the heart is unable to pump oxygenated blood to the body, exercise intolerance, weakness or collapse may ensue. Did you know that dogs and cats rarely get heart attacks?! Unlike in people, coronary artery disease (also called atherosclerosis) is less of a concern.
Heart Murmur A murmur is produced when turbulent blood flow develops inside the heart. This is most often from a leaky valve/backflow of blood (called regurgitation) or a narrow valve opening (called stenosis). A murmur can be detected
by your veterinarian by listening to your pet’s heart. Since the loudness, or grade, of the heart murmur does not always predict the severity of disease, additional testing is needed once a concerning heart murmur is noted by your veterinarian.
Arrhythmias There is an electrical impulse which travels through the heart that ultimately is converted to energy that stimulates the heartbeat. An irregularity of this electricity is called an arrhythmia. If the heart is beating too fast, this is called tachycardia. If the heart is beating too slow, this is called bradycardia. An arrhythmia can result in reduced blood flow, causing collapse or fainting (syncope). An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a safe and non-invasive way to diagnose your pet’s arrhythmia.
Heart Failure Heart disease is an umbrella term for the type of faulty cardiac condition. When symptoms develop from a particular type of heart disease, the term heart failure is used. Heart failure is when fluid builds up in the abdomen (called ascites), around the lungs (called pleural effusion) and/or in the lungs (called pulmonary edema). Heart failure may manifest as coughing, trouble breathing or abdominal distension.
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Cardiac Screening
Nutrition
Pets remain asymptomatic through many stages of heart disease. Therefore, it is best to take your pet to the veterinarian every year to screen for heart disease. Your veterinarian will listen to your pet’s heart for abnormal sounds like murmurs or irregular rhythms and will look for other subtle signs of heart disease. If your veterinarian suspects heart disease, they may measure the blood pressure or suggest additional tests like x-rays, a cardiac ultrasound (called an echocardiogram), or an ECG to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cause so that treatment can be started.
In addition to medication, nutrition tailored to heart disease may help slow progression and improve quality of life. Nutrition goals may be geared towards increasing muscle mass or minimizing fluid retention by eating a highprotein, low-sodium diet. Dietary supplements, such as fish oil (shown to improve arrhythmia management) or taurine (an essential amino acid for heart health), may also be warranted.
Cardiac Therapy While there is no cure for congestive heart failure (CHF), fortunately there are medications available to help the heart work better, help your pet live longer and enjoy a higher quality of life. Many of the cardiac medications used to treat human cardiac patients are currently available in veterinary medicine as well. Consultation with your veterinarian or a veterinary cardiologist will help determine which medications your dog may need depending on the diagnosis and stage of their disease.
Bio Dr. Jacobson was born and raised in Charleston, SC. He is a Clemson graduate who earned his veterinary degree from the University of Georgia. He completed additional training at Colorado State University before a three-year cardiology residency at the Animal Medical Center in New York. He just started South Carolina’s first and only solo cardiology practice, Charleston Veterinary Cardiology. His professional goal is to help the community with the ever-growing demand for specialty care. ■
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H E A L T H
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W E L L N E S S
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F E A T U R E
S T O R Y
The New Berkeley Animal Center WRITTEN BY: FERN WOODEN, Staff Writer
During my time at Lowcountry Dog Magazine, I have witnessed and participated in some incredible events such as Woofstock, Eat Drink Rescue, Dia de Los Perros and more, but nothing brings me as much joy as seeing an animal find a new home. As I braced myself for the anticipation of seeing the new Berkeley Animal Center, I did not know what to expect. Eager spectators filled the parking lot bumper to bumper to see what the community longed for as the county’s only animal shelter. While walking up to the entrance to the new center, I was greeted by rescue horses in a pasture, followed by BAC Penny Paws promotions for fostering and adoption. The air felt like Christmas Day as the crowd grew silent once BAC Shelter Director Heather McDowell took the podium. McDowell spoke of the countless hours her staff and volunteers put into the development of the new shelter. More importantly, she talked about their dedication to saving animals’ lives. Animals like Rosie who arrived at their facility unable to walk or stand, each rib visible from a lifetime of neglect, were saved by fosters like BAC’s Event Coordinator Tiffany Hoffman. As McDowell addressed the crowd about Rosie’s inspiring recovery, there was not a dry eye in the house. When Hoffman took on fostering Rosie, she knew it would be a challenge. Rosie had to be carried for months during her rehabilitation program, one of the worst cruelty cases to come through the facility. Finally, the timid and terrified pit bull mix found a loving home, but her fighting chance would not have been possible without her foster
Above:Vet Tech, Dianne Shelley comforts a new arrival at the shelter. Next page top: Ribbon cutting on June 14th at the new shelter. Below: The new shelter has room for horses and other farm animals. Bottom: Young residents spend time with a puppy at the ribbon cutting. Photos by Jeanne Taylor Photography
mom. Shelters like Berkley Animal Center provide safe and temporary environments for stray pets, but nothing compares to the loving home a foster offers. Hoffman remarked it is the unconditional support from her team that helps her through challenging rescues. “Knowing that every person, whether it be staff, volunteer, or foster, does everything in their power to make animals’ lives better is how I get through the tough cases,” said Hoffman. As Rosie’s heroic story ended and the grand opening ribbon ceremony concluded; the doors opened and the eager crowd was greeted with wet noses and soft meows as they made their way through the new, innovative facility. The grounds were complete with three onsight outdoor fencedin grass play yards, two fenced horse pastures
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and one fenced pig and goat pen. Additionally, the facility of 11,500 square feet provides more space to rescue helpless creatures boasting an intake clinic, grooming facility and free-roaming cat room. One of those areas includes Hoffman’s favorite section, the meet and greet room. “I love having a quiet and private place where potential adopters can meet and spend some time with one of our fur friends,” said Hoffman. Unfortunately as the county’s only shelter, encountering residents like Rosie is all too familiar. Another successful recovery story was shelter sweetheart and foster fail Princess Rebecca. She arrived as a feeble 4 pound puppy with an extreme case of rickets, causing soft and deformed bones. Rebecca was also extremely malnourished and had sunburn scars on her back, terrified she put her faith in a loving foster mom. Unbeknownst to her, Hoffman’s family fell in love with her tiny paws and contagious smile. “She is a little package with a lot of love and a big pittie heart,” said Hoffman. Princess Rebecca is one example of a Berkeley Animal Center foster-fail. Fostering is one of the best methods to find your newest family member. It allows potential adoptees a trial run in a less stressful environment than a crowded shelter. www.lowcountrydog.com
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F E A T U R E
S T O R Y
Volunteers and fosters are an invaluable component to the success of the shelter. For this reason, a rescue is only as successful as the resources and support staff it possesses. “I feel that without volunteers and people willing to foster, we wouldn’t have the ability to care for the number of animals that we receive every day,” said BAC Shelter Manager Debbie Allen. Additionally, volunteering is the perfect way to give back to the community and make life-long friends with individuals who share a common interest: giving every animal a prosperous future and happy and healthy life! Concluding the tour, I saw one of the most awe-inspiring shelter sections: the three large playgrounds adorned with massive patches of grass and a fenced-in area for the dogs to interact with one another. Lowcountry Dog was lucky enough to have one of the play yards named after the publication. We are a proud sponsor of their new facility, helping BAC with their long commitment to saving animal lives. Join the facility in celebrating furry friends with National Shelter Dog’s Birthday Party & Meet the Staff of BAC on July 31 and Adopt & Shop at Firefly Distillery on August 21. To learn more about Berkley Animal Center, fostering, or donating, go to their website at berkeleyanimalcenter.com. The new shelter symbolizes hope for more helpless creatures needing a fresh start in life. Visit their new center to witness what happens when a community comes together with a common goal. Who knows, you may even leave with your new best friend! ■
Leia posing perfectly with her portrait, 2’ x 3’, acrylic on canvas
PET PORTRAITS by LOUISE HALL
See all of my work at www.auberginestudio.com, and follow me on instagram @louisehhall_visualart. Contact me at auberginestudiochas@gmail.com or 843-476-6537
All of my paintings are life-sized and larger. They range from a head shot, to a full body portrait with the background of your choice.
CLICK THE LOGO TO VIEW OUR SHELTER SPOTLIGHT or go to lowcountrydog.com
Bella on Guard, 4’ x 5’, acrylic on canvas
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Photography by Jeanne Taylor www.lowcountrydog.com
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Percy
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Loretta
Astrid
Princess Rebecca
Minnie
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What started as a conversation at the James Island Dog Park about the need for a dog centric magazine in the Lowcountry, lead to four local women starting Lowcountry Dog Magazine with its first issue in April of 2005. Renee Johnson and Leah England were the driving force behind the creation with help of photographer, Julia lynn and graphic artist, Angie Hranowsky. Lowcountry Dog was a monthly publication until 2006, when it took on the bi-monthly schedule it still has today. Leah took the reigns early on and brought on Laura Olsen in 2010 as staff photographer and Brian Foster as Ad Executive in 2011. Laura is still a creative influence with the magazine, helping with design elements to this day. Brian purchased the magazine in 2015 and shifted from a 10,000 print distribution to an all digital version reaching over 1 million readers by 2017. Lowcountry Dog now has readers on almost every continent thanks to digital and also brought back print in 2020 and added the Lowcountry Dog Society for those who wish to have the print magazine delivered to their door. We also started the Lowcountry Dog Calendar in 2017/2018, which raises money for local rescues and shelters.
Thanks to Michael’s Barkery for creating the cakes for our shoot Photography by Jeanne Taylor Photography
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Local Dog Events 8/ 2/2 02 1 J r. Pe t He lpe rs Prese nts : “ Ha i r y Paw tte r Camp!” p et h el p e r s . o rg / ha ir y-paw tt er 8/ 3 / 2 02 1 D og Days at the Jo e t icke ts a t ri ve rdogs. co m 8/ 6 to 8 / 8 G R A ND OPENING OF PET S UP P L I ES P LU S i n Murre lls Inle t 8/ 8/ 2 02 1 Ales & Tails A do pti o n Even t a t G h ost M on ke y Bre we r y fo r Eunoia Rescu e 1 to 4 pm
Ad op ti ons a t Pet Supp li es Plus in Go o se Creek Come meet adopt ables at 20 8 St J ames Av e in Goose Creek on t h ese d ay s ! 8/8/2 02 1 Berkeley An imal Cente r 1 to 3 pm 8/2 8/2 02 1 Lib by an d Mace’s P la ce 12 to 3 pm
8/ 17 / 2 02 1 D og Days at the Jo e t icke ts a t ri ve rdogs. co m 8/ 21 / 2 02 1 Ad o pt & Sho p at Fi re f ly! Ber ke le y An i mal Ce nte r Sta rt s a t 12 p m 9/ 7 / 2 02 1 D og Days at the Jo e t icke ts a t ri ve rdogs. co m 9/ 1 2 / 2 02 1 Ales & Tails A do pti o n Even t a t G h ost M on ke y Bre we r y fo r Eunoia Rescu e 1 to 4 pm 9/ 1 8 / 2 02 1 Ad opt & Sho p at Fi re f ly! Ber ke le y An i mal Ce nte r Sta rt s a t 12 p m 1 0 / 1 0 / 2 02 1 Woo fsto ck 2021: A Low coun tr y D og Festi val featuri ng S iste r H a ze l ! Ha n ah a n A m phithea ter, 11 to 7 pm w o o f st o ck 2021 . co m
C h eck out our Event s page for eve n more local event s and to ch eck fo r da te changes. w ww.lowcountr ydog.com/ events
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In The News North Carolina Hoarding Case Brings Pugs to Eunoia Rescue Recently Eunoia Rescue, a local 501(c)(3) foster-based rescue, assisted with an unfortunate situation involving 130 dogs on a single property. The owner started with two dogs less than five years ago-- they quickly multiplied and the owner found themselves unable to provide proper care for the pug army.
5 arrested in connection to mistreatment after 400 animals found in Laurens Co. The Laurens County Sherriff’s Office said five people were arrested in connection to mistreatment after over 400 animals were found on July 16.
New Turner & Hooch Show Brings Attention to the Dogue De Bourdeaux With the new release of Turner and Hooch, it seems like a good time to learn a little bit more about the Dogue De Bordeaux, the dog that has come to be known for detective work, destruction, and drool. The Dogue De Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, dates back to the 15 th century in the Bordeaux region of France.
Click images above to read the full story. For more top stories, visit www.lowcountrydog.com/top-stories
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SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
SNAP Vaccine Clinic Tuesdays 9:30 am - 2:30pm By Appointment Only
SNAP is an income-based assistance program that offers pet owners deeply discounted fees for spay and neuter surgeries, as well as annual vaccinations for cats and dogs.
SPAY AND NEUTER
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays Morning Drop-Off By Appointment Only
Email spay@pethelpers.org to set up an appointment or learn more about clinic services. 843-531-6153 | pethelpers.org | 1447 Folly Rd Charleston, SC
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Importance of Spay & Neuter W R I T T E N BY : H A L I S E L E RT, S t a f f W r i t e r
We hear it all the time-- “spay and neuter your pets!” Whether that be from your vet, a family member, a rescue organization, or a random person on social media-- it’s a hot topic. First, what exactly does it mean to have your dog spayed or neutered? A spay surgery involves removal of a female dog’s uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. This removal renders a female dog unable to reproduce or go into heat, and reduces the amount of estrogen she produces, significantly. Neutering, or castration, is the surgical removal of a male dog’s testicles. Again, this renders him unable to reproduce and dramatically reduces the amount of testosterone in his body. Spay and neuter surgeries are generally outpatient procedures and the pet gets to return home for recovery. Most vets will spay or neuter a dog or cat as early as 8 weeks old. But why? What is so important about fixing your pet? Let’s start with the most glaring-- if you remove an animal’s reproductive organs, they can’t reproduce. Whether you’re an advocate of “adopt, don’t shop,” or a proponent of responsible breeding, we can probably all agree that there is a serious pet overpopulation problem, especially here in the southern states. If we jump back in time a decade or so, the overall local euthanasia rate for shelters was upwards of 50%. As time has gone on, that number has gotten lower and lower, thanks in large part to the spay/neuter movement. It’s simple-- the less animals with reproductive organs, the less animals overall. Currently, there are still too many animals to go around, so we need to continue our efforts of spay/neuter.
The other obvious reason is the medical benefits associated with spay/neuter. Up to 27% of unneutered male dogs will develop testicular cancer in their lifetime, and health benefits from alteration aren’t just for the males. A similar percentage (25%) of unspayed female dogs will develop pyometra, an infection of the uterus where it swells to several times its natural size and fills with green puss; fatal if not caught early enough and treated immediately. Treatment for pyometra and testicular cancer is spay/neuter-so the question is why risk your dog contracting a deadly illness? Finally, if you were not sold by the moral and medical reasons for spay/neuter, how about behavioral? A lot of common behavioral problems with pets are rooted in their instinctual/ hormonal desires; marking, humping, escaping, and fighting to name a few. When you remove the organs that produce those hormones, you are decreasing the likelihood of that animal having those hormonal urges. Obviously, a quick snip isn’t going to turn your “bad” dog into a perfect angel overnight. You will still need to put in consistent work with your pet, but it will definitely help avoid those unpleasant behaviors. If you are wanting to have your pet altered but cannot afford the astronomical bill that is common in most vet practices, don’t despair-there are a multitude of low-cost options in the lowcountry! Try contacting Pet Helpers, Pet Paws Spay Neuter Clinic, or Charleston Animal Society! Luckily, these low-cost clinics are spread across the lowcountry, so transporting your pet to/from should be a breeze! The average cost is about $135 for a male dog, $200 for a female dog, $80 for a male cat, and $100 for a female cat. Sometimes, there are vouchers available that will completely cover the cost of the surgery. If all else fails, reach out to your favorite shelter or rescue, and maybe they can help! At the end of the day, the most responsible thing to do is have your pet spayed/neutered. Whether your driving force is to reduce the possibility of an unwanted litter, add a few years to your pets lifespan, or avoid unwanted behaviors from occurring, it is the right thing to do. ■
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