F ido’s Friends
RYAN NELSON Occupation: Writer & PR Consultant for Nelwater Consulting Dogs in Household: ONE Na med: Fletcher, AKA Fletch Lives: MOUNT PLEASANT 1. What’s the best thing about owning a dog?
The utter love you feel for them and the love they feel for you.
2. What do you find the most frustrating about your dog, or struggle with as a dog owner ? Fletcher was a terrible puppy. He ate 25 pairs of my shoes, chewed through my leather handbags and even once ate an entire zucchini bread from the counter. But I realized that many labs are like him and it’s truly about correct training and exercise.
3. All time favorite memory of your dog?
I rescued a newborn kitten who had been ousted by his mother. When I woke up after the kitten’s first night with us, the kitten was snuggled under Fletcher’s neck. That kitten is now our 7-year-old cat Marley, and his best friend is still Fletch.
4. Favorite place to hang out with your dog in Charleston?
We used to go to the beach, but now that Fletch has slowed down we enjoy relaxing in our back yard.
5. With what aspect of your dog’s personality do you most identify?
His ability to get through tough times. Right now he’s going through chemotherapy after they removed a cancerous mass on his thyroid. I found the mass right after my mother had a massive heart attack, but I knew he would make it through for me. I just knew it.
6. In your opinion, what’s the one item all dog owners must have?
All dog owners should have a great veterinarian that cares. Dr. Mike Forcier of Animal Medical Center has been taking care of Fletch for years.
7. If your dog were some other sort of animal, what would he/she be? A horse.
8. How does your dog inspire you? Or what has your dog taught you about life and work?
He inspires me to not sweat the small stuff, shake off the negativity and roll in the grass when I want to.
9. How do you KNOW you and your dog are best friends?
Because at the end of the day all I want to do is curl up with a glass of wine, my husband Darren and Fletch. It’s the best of both worlds!
10. What’s your favorite thing about Lowcountry Dog Magazine?
Imagery photos by Laura Olsen
I love all the photos of local dogs and the stories. There’s something special about Charlestonians and our four-legged best friends. 4
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