Lowcountry Dog Magazine Oct Nov 2016

Issue No. o7

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OCT/NOV 2016

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FREE

AN AUTUMN TO

REMEMBER GHOST STORIES of the FOUR LEGGED kind!

DOGS TO FALL FOR Adoptable Dogs!

RESCUE SPOTLIGHTHallie Hill Animal Sanctuary

Our Staff Publisher Brian FOster brian@lowcountrydog.com Chief Canine OFFICER Peanut INTERN Jessica HArrell EDITORIAL COLUMNIST Alicia Williams Southern Vintage Design and Photography www.southernvintagedesign.com CONTRIBUTING Writers Danielle Dolce Rachel Crosby Ava Hart Julie Murray

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LCDM believes 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 local resource for dog owners regarding regional dog-centric and dogwelcoming 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.

FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS contact@lowcountrydog.com LOWCOUNTRYDOG.COM

CONTENTS COVER STORY

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AN AUTUMN TO REMEMBER BONUS: BEST OF HALLOWEEN COSTUMES

FEATURES

04 PEANUT TIPS- HALLOWEEN DOS AND DON'TS

STAY BEHAVE- HOW TO 06 SIT CLEARLY COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR DOG

08 HEALTH AND WELLNESS- PROPER 12

GROOMING

PEACE, LOVE & REAL TALK

24 GHOSTS STORIES OF THE FOUR 30

LEGGED KIND

GHOST STORIES BSL: JUST SAY NO. OF A FOUR 32 RESCUE SPOTLIGHT:HALLIE HILL LEGGED KIND SANCTUARY Page 30

RESCUE SPOTLIGHT: HALLIE HILL ANIMAL SANCTUARY

36 DOGS TO FALL FOR ADOPTABLE DOGS

WWW . LOWCOUNTRYDOG . COM

Page 26

HALLOWEEN DO's & DON'TS

s ' t u n a e P s p i T

1. Trick-or-treat candies are not for pets.

2. Don't leave pets out in the yard on Halloween.

3. Keep pets confined and away from the door.

4. Keep Halloween plants such as pumpkins and corn out of reach.

5. Don't keep lit pumpkins around pets.

6. Keep wires and electric light cords out of reach.

7. Don't dress your pet in a costume unless you know they'll love it.

8. Try on pet costumes before the big night.

9. IDs, please! Make sure your dog has a collar and tags!

10. HAVE A GREAT TIME! lowcountry dog 4

Sit, Stay...Behave!

We all want to communicate with our dog appropriately, fairly, and, most importantly, clearly! Does your dog listen after the third time you ask him/her to do something?

Maybe your dog doesn't listen at all. You could be having a hard time potty training because your dog doesn't understand where to go. We believe that all dogs can be trained and that all dogs want to be "good dogs;" they just need to be shown how. With proper training that clearly teaches dogs what we expect and want from them, we can accomplish developing that “Good Dog.� There are three principles to take into consideration and focus on when we are working with our dogs, whether we are teaching our puppies simple housebreaking, obedience, or even advanced training like agility or scent work.

These principles all go hand-inhand when training our dogs and are guaranteed to show results when put into practice!

How to Clearly Communicate

lowcountry dog 6

with Your Dog!

Written by Danielle Dolce, Master Trainer, Strong Mind K9 Photo provided by Strong Mind K9

1. Timing Linking your dog's behavior with positive and negative reinforcements.

This is how your dog processes cause and effect. Any behavior a dog has must have a positive or negative reinforcement within 1.3 seconds. Dogs live in the moment, so it is important to catch the behaviors in the act.

Sometimes our timing can be off, for instance, when an owner reprimands a dog way after an event took place, the dog may get a false sense of what they are getting into trouble for. Another example would be giving a free reward or treat to your dog way after a good behavior is performed. These are actions that we want to avoid. We want to have our dogs understand clearly what they are doing right or wrong in that moment, so immediate discipline and reward is key.

2. Motivation Influencing the decision-making process. What gets your dog to do something? What is your dog's highest valued resource? Motivation can help encourage a dog to have good behavior and eliminate a bad one. This could be as simple as rewarding your dog with a treat when they respond to a command. When using the right tools and techniques, you can successfully know what motivates your dog to do or not do what you want or you expect of them.

3. Consistency Creating clear communication and attitude for your dog. This is the most important principle of dog training and one of the hardest to follow. Dogs are creatures of habit, so being consistent plays a huge role in training. When you are being consistent, you are promptly reacting the same way to any significant behavior your dog acts out.

Praising your dog every time they come when called, keeping their rules the same in other peoples' households, or immediately responding to the dog in the same way when they perform a negative action; all of these are relatable examples of being consistent with your dog. If we lack in consistency, we fail to be fair in setting the right expectations for our dogs.

Wellness

Knowing Your Dog’s Coat and Proper Grooming As a dog groomer I constantly come across pet parents that don't know how to care for their dog’s coat. When I first started grooming, I saw this as laziness. I thought people just didn’t want to put in the time and effort to care for their pet’s coat. However, the more I talked to my clients and other dog owners, I realized that it wasn’t that they didn’t want to care for their pet’s coat; it simply was that they didn’t know how. Here are a few ways on what is proper grooming for your dog’s specific coat. lowcountry dog 8

Written by Rachel Crosby, Animal Medical West

The first thing to look for is whether your dog has hair or fur. The biggest difference between hair and fur is growth cycle. Hair has a continuous growth cycle. It will constantly grow with very little shedding. Fur grows to a certain length and releases or sheds. Dogs with hair tend to be much higher maintenance than dogs with fur, but dog’s with hair are tolerated by people with allergies better than dogs with fur.

moc.slexep morf otohp

Health

Dogs with hair are often called “non-shedding” or “hypoallergenic” and can have many different textures such as curly, wavy, silky, and straight.

These breeds include Poodle and Poodle mixes, Bichon Frise, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. Since their coats grow constantly, they need constant grooming and brushing. Dogs with hair should be brushed at least three times a week and should be groomed every four to six weeks. If they are not brushed regularly, your dog’s coat may develop mats or tight knots.

Mats will become tighter the longer they are left unattended and can actually be painful for your dog. When a mat becomes tight, it can pull on your dog’s skin causing bruises or sores under the knots. In extreme cases, the mats can even start to rip your dog’s fur away from the skin. You should never try to cut out a mat with scissors because of the way the mat pulls on your dog’s skin you could accidently cut your pet.

If your dog develops a number of mats and your groomer suggest taking your dog’s hair short it is most likely not because your groomer is lazy. Excessive brushing can irritate your dog’s skin, sometimes even making it bleed. This pain can cause your dog to associate the groomer and brushing with a bad experience making it more difficult to maintain your dog in the future.

This is why it is so important to not only have them groomed regularly, but to also maintain

Fur coats are usually must easier to care for but should have regular grooming. The most common fur coats are smooth coats, short coats, combination coats, and double coats.

Smooth coats have short, sleek coats that shed but not as much as other fur coat types. Examples of smooth coated dogs include Doberman Pinscher, German Shorthaired Pointer, Chihuahua (short haired), and Bulldog. Regular baths and occasional brushing will keep shedding to a minimum. Your short coated breeds include some of the more popular breeds such as Labrador Retriever, Beagle, Australian Cattle Dog, and Pug. These dogs have a short, tough outer coat and a soft,

downy undercoat. Despite their short coats, they tend to be heavy shedders. Many groomers have a de-shedding treatment available that will help reduce your dog’s undercoat and shedding. Having these treatments done and brushing between grooms will keep your dog’s shedding to a minimum and reduce the tumble weed type fluffs of fur you often find in the corners of your house.

Combination coat dogs are breeds that have a combination of short and long fur, often with short coat along their back and long feathery fur along legs, belly, tail and chest. These breeds include Golden Retriever, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Due to their longer feathery fur, they require a little more grooming than other fur breeds. I suggest scissoring feathers and belly also called a profile trim or outline trim. They also tend to have long fur tuffs between their toes that can be trimmed for cleanliness because these tuffs tend to gather dirt and debris. These breeds can also benefit from a de-shedding treatment because they are likely to be heavy shedders. They also need to be brushed regularly because their longer fur tends to knot easily. Breeds with double coats have a longer harsh outer guard coat and dense soft undercoat. These breeds include German Shepherd, Siberian Husky, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, and Pomeranian. De-shedding treatments and regular brushing is very important for these breeds. If left unattended, their thick undercoat can become so dense that hot spots form on the skin underneath due to poor air circulation.

If you have a dog with fur, I highly recommend against shaving them. Many people believe shaving their dog with fur will decrease shedding and make them feel cooler. This is not the case. Cutting your dog’s fur shorter only makes them shed shorter pieces and often times, your dog’s fur may grow back thicker making your shedding problem worse.

Sometimes the fur will grow back in patches making your dog appear unhealthy. A dog’s outer coat is designed to keep them cool in summer and warm in winter. When you shave off the outer coat, you are actually exposing your dog’s skin to the heat more and to elements they are normally protected from by the outer coat, such as allergens, insects, and sun. Shaving can also change the texture of a dog’s fur causing it to become wiry and rough.

Once one of these changes takes place it is nearly impossible to recover the original coat.

Your best option is to have regular grooming done and to brush and maintain between grooms. If you are uncertain on the type of brush to use on your dog’s specific coat, ask your groomer. They love to answer questions, especially about brushing your dog.

CHECK OUT OUR NEW SITE

DO or DO NOT, there is no "WISH" You know what really grinds my gears? After explaining the needs and struggles of the animal rescue world, people will respond saying, “I wish I could help.” What the heck is that? You wish you could help? It bothers me because there is no “wishing” when it comes to helping out; you either help or you don’t. It’s that simple.

Sure, you may not be in a financial spot to donate dollars, but that doesn’t mean you can’t contribute. Trying to lose weight? Skip the gym and walk a rescue dog in your area. Have some free time on your hands? Offer to run errands. Need to wear out your own dog? Invite a dog up for adoption over for a puppy play date. Trying to declutter your home? Donate all of your old towels and sheets. lowcountry dog 12

Another way people can contribute to animal rescues and other non-profits, is to use your connections. Does your company offer grants for 501c3 organizations? If so, let us know and send the contact information as well as the application. Is your mom a vet? GET US A DISCOUNT (even if it’s just a onetime thing!). Is your best friend a marketing wiz? Help us spread the word of our cause.

Some people even use their skill set to help us out. Professional photographers can take pictures so that the dogs look more “adoptable.”

Local businesses can donate their services to be used as prizes in a silent auction fundraiser. Web designers can help us with the rescue website.

Seriously, the list goes on and on.

I would definitely like to point out that volunteer work isn’t usually all that “fun.”

It’s an inconvenience, it’s out of your daily routine, and a lot of times you’re just not in the mood. I get it, really, I do.

However, if you take a step back and look at the whole picture, you’ll realize that YOU are making things happen; because of YOU, animals are being saved. Not to mention that you can invite a friend/child/significant other to help out with the good doing. How will you set the example?

Another pet peeve of mine are the people that point out problems, yet do not help with the solution. “All you have to do is blah blah blah blah and you’ll be way more successful.” “You know what you should do? [Insert task here that takes tons of money, time, and energy.]”

I usually just nod my head and smile at these remarks. If you genuinely believe that you have a brilliant idea for the rescue – then do it all yourself and pass along the proceeds, ok? Just a heads up for those who “think” they know how to operate things, I can assure you that you don’t. There is no business plan with non-profits, specifically animal rescue.

You can plan and plan and plan and plan, and I guarantee you’ll end up doing the opposite of whatever you originally thought you were going to do; everyone you were depending on won’t show up and the credit card you brought will be declined. So the next time you want to offer a non-profit a suggestion, make sure you have the

Victorious Photography donates her talent to Eunoia Rescue

tools, time, leadership skills, and cash flow to see the project through.

I have to admit, to those of you who truly help, I thank you. Thank you for putting up with the most disgusting, overwhelming, and ugliest of tasks. I find it so odd that the people who seem to help the most are students in school, people juggling more than one job, and those facing financial challenges. The people who already have a hectic schedule are generally repeat helperouters; these are the ones that don’t complain, the ones that bend over backwards, the ones that are truly invested, the ones that want to see change. Not once do these volunteers “wish” they could do something, they just do it.

I hope this rant opens a few pairs of eyes.

Yes, my goal here is to spark animal advocacy within our society instead of just waiting around for someone else to do it. Believe it or not though, I hope you can pick up on the bigger picture. Not trying to sound cliché, but if you “wish away” the problems, they never really disappear. So start doing something now.

About the Cover Isla and Ellie are owned by Lowcountry Dog photographers, Jackie and Celess of Southern Vintage Design & Photography.

We thought since these two incredible ladies are always using their talent to capture some amazing images for our magazine, We would let their two beautiful pets have a moment in the spotlight.

9500 Dorchester Road, STE 350

AN AUTUMN TO

REMEMBER A good dog stays by your side, he never strays...

He walks besides you on those crisp autumn days.

When frost is on the fields and winter's drawing near, Just think of him and call his name, You are sure to feel him here.

-Unknown.

Photography by Southern Vintage Photography and Design

lowcountry dog 16

We are lucky to have some extremely talented photographers that shoot for us. Southern Vintage Photography and Design capture the moments in a way that tell a story. We asked them to turn the camera on themselves this issue to show off their 4 legged family members, Isla and Ellie and give our readers a taste of what they offer with their family and dog sessions. I hope you enjoy their pictures of a day at the park with the dogs.

Publishers Choice- Marlo

Halloween goes to the dogs!

MOST ORIGINAL- NALA Best Duo- Zelda & Bullet

Best Smile- Elphie

Best NON-DogWhitefoot & Penny

Funniest- Henry

Cutest face- Stella

Best PhotoshopVixy

Best homemade costumeCharlie

Best Hero Costume- Coasta

October

22 from 10-3

Charleston Area Convention Center

yappy hour

10/13Taproom 805 11/10- TBD

The Tale of the Plat Eyed Shape Shifter Written by Ava Hart

Charleston’s history is full of different cultures that lurk around every corner. Those familiar with the Gullah culture most likely know about plat-eyes and the haunting stories associated with this creature, who has been known to take the form of animal right behind you.

“You can be walking along a country road at night and get the feeling you’re being followed, turn around and there’s an old dog watching you. Except it’s not an old dog,” said Clisby Williams, former Pawley’s Island resident.

Williams lived on the mainland side of Pawleys Island when it was completely rural, nothing like you see today. He grew up hearing the story of these shape shifters, plat-eyes. They often resemble a familiar animal, usually a cat or a dog.

Augusta chronicle journalist, E. Randall Floyd wrote that plat-eye spirits were said to resemble the bodies they once occupied, but they also took different shapes- sometimes a dog or cat, other times a pig or cow, or even another human being without a head.

For Williams he never found out what they might do if they get to you; his parents kept that from him. However, he does have insight on why several people around the Lowcountry started painting the trim of their houses blue: to keep away the evil spirits.

Many shutters around certain areas of Charleston, such as Johns Island and other barrier islands, are painted a shade of seablue because these evil spirits cannot pass over water.

It might be time to paint some houses now, seeing as next time there’s a familiar animal creeping behind in Charleston, it could be the plat-eye shape shifter.

GHOST STORIES OF THE FOUR LEGGED KIND

lowcountry dog 20

Written by Ava Hart

PARANORMAL PITTER PATTER

Charleston is known for its historic value as well as its haunting stories, one example of which comes from local Charleston resident Seth Terrell, who will never forget the dog that haunted his childhood home.

“After the dog passed I could hear the pitter patter of dogs feet running up and down the hallways,” said Terrell.

Over a decade ago Terrell’s nanny, Walter, a North Charleston resident, would watch him and his sister at his house from time to time. Walter’s pride and joy was his golden retriever named Roadside.

Everywhere he went, his dog went.

Roadside passed away in Walter’s house in North Charleston.

“I was probably 6 or 7 but I remember it clear as day.” After Roadside’s death Seth started hearing an animal in the house.

Terrell started to ask questions.

He continued to ask Walter if he had gotten a new dog, explaining that he could hear something running around on the hardwood.

Walter always responded in a normal manner, that he had not gotten another dog, but that the noise being heard was indeed his pride and joy, Roadside. “I was too young to understand but I do now.”

With little reaction from Walter in response to an animal haunting his house, Terrell did not really understand why he could hear something that was not there.

“I know it’s not insanely scary or anything, but it freaks me out to this day.”

He nor Walter ever saw Roadside, but would continue to hear a heavy dog running on the hardwood floors when nothing was there.

Invisible Cuddles Written by Ava Hart

One year ago, Haven Blanton of Charleston South Carolina spent a night inside her friends prerevolutionary farm house in James Island, not expecting an unseen animal to curl up next to her in bed.

When Blanton was getting ready to doze off for the night, she felt pressure against her body, a sensation of curling up to her to be exact. “It totally felt like a cat or a small dog cuddled up to me to sleep, but there was nothing there.”

The home is known for its pre-revolutionary history and a few human hauntings, but to her knowledge, there has never been an animal haunting. Additionally, there were no animals living in this house at the time, so the chances that there was a real animal lying next to her were slim to none.

To some, this experience might send them running out of bed, screaming, but Blanton didn’t question it.

“It was a comforting feeling, but very odd. You know when an animal curls up against your legs to go to sleep? That's exactly what it felt like except there was no animal.”

If she had to make a guess on what sort of animal it was, she decided on a cat, seeing as if it had been a person it would have been creepy and a dog would’ve been bigger. Blanton has not since returned, and no other animal hauntings have been experienced since her time visiting the pre-revolutionary house one year ago.

POOGAN & HIS PORCH

The story of Poogan begins in 1976 when an old Victorian Home, built in 1888, was sold by its owners to be converted into what we now know as Poogan’s Porch. After the owners had moved, a little southern dog named Poogan still remained and claimed the porch all to his own. Poogan had become a fixture in the neighborhood, going from porch to porch in search of back scratches and table scraps. He served as the official greeter at the restaurant that now bares his name. Poogan remained a fixture there until his death in 1979.

To this day, there are many stories about Poogan. While there are stories of other ghosts that haunt this building, some diners and employees claim they have looked out the window onto the front porch and claim to still see the faithful Poogan in his favorite spot, waiting for someone to come along and scratch his ears or feed him a few table scraps. Some diners have claimed to have felt him brush up against as they dine on the front porch. Whether or not any of it’s true, the spirit of Poogan lives on in the hearts of anyone who came into contact with him. A small statue of Poogan sits in the garden out front.

lowcountry dog 28

BSL

Written by Jessica Harrell Photograph by Victorious Photography www.victoriousphoto.com

JUST SAY NO!

Dog attacks and violence are serious concerns for many individuals and communities across the globe. Due to these issues, many rules have been put into effect in an attempt to promote safety. However, some of these laws, such as Breed-Specific Laws, end up doing more harm than good. Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL) is a term used to encompass laws that regulate and/or ban specific dog breeds to attempt to decrease dog attacks. The majority of the breeds that are affected by these laws are the “Pit Bull” class of dogs; however, many of these laws additionally encompass the stereotypically “mean” breeds, such as Bulldogs, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, Dalmatians, Chow Chows, German Shepherds, and Doberman Pinschers.

The idea of Breed-Specific Legislation has spread across the globe, manifesting in fortyone countries worldwide. Some of these countries include Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, and of course, the United States lowcountry dog 30

In the United States alone, 937 cities and thirty-six out of the fifty states have BreedSpecific Laws. One of these states is South Carolina, where every single BSL can be classified as a Pit Bull Ordinance. In Beaufort County, it is mandatory for all Pit Bulls to be sterilized; in the city of Dillon, Pit Bulls have been officially declared “dangerous;” and in the city of Travelers Rest, Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and Chow Chows have officially been declared as “vicious.” There are no such laws in Charleston and Mount Pleasant; however, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t certain biases against certain breeds of dogs.

In mid-August, Seaside Farms informed Nancy Butler, a resident in the community, that they had been informed that she has a “Pit Bull dog,” which are not allowed in the community. Due to these rules, she was told that if she didn’t remove her dog, she would face fines and possible legal action. Nancy was taken aback by this request for a multitude of reasons. First, Bee, her dog, had never caused any problems in or outside the community. Second, “Pit Bull” is not a breed of dog, meaning that the community cannot ban a “Pit Bull dog.”

If these laws are believed to help so many people and communities, then why is there so much controversy surrounding the subject? Much of this is due to the numerous consequences that come alongside BSL. The first of these is the inevitable suffering of the dogs involved. In order to skirt around these laws and keep their pets, many dog owners will restrict their dogs outdoor time and neglect proper veterinary care such as licensing, microchipping, and sterilization.

Additionally, owners suffer. Many would rather face housing issues or legal fees rather than give up their beloved dog.

All of the controversy surrounding this topic leads to one question: is Breed-Specific Legislation even effective? According to the ASPCA, there is no evidence that these laws make communities safer for people or even animals. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) even opposes BSL. They noted some of the issues with this form of legislation to be the inaccuracy of dog bite data, the difficulty in identifying dog breeds, its high expenses, and its difficulty to enforce.

If Breed-Specific Legislation isn’t effective, then we should be looking towards alternatives that promote safety for individuals and the community. Despite there being no evidence that BSL is effective, there is evidence that Breed-Neutral Laws, meaning laws that encompass all dogs regardless of breed, are effective. BreedNeutral Laws include increased availability to affordable sterilization, graduated penalties for individual “dangerous” dogs, laws that hold dog owners financially accountable for their failure to follow to animal control laws, laws that hold dog owners civilly and criminally liable for unjustified injuries or damage caused by their “dangerous” dogs, and laws that prohibit chaining, tethering and unreasonable confinement of dogs. If laws such as these, concerning individual dogs, dog owners, and situations, are put into place as opposed to Breed-Specific Legislation, the globe will become a happier and safer place for dogs, dog owners, and their entire communities.

Click to learn more

Rescue Spotlight Most people picture heaven as a place in the sky with angels playing harps as fluffy clouds drift past. After visiting Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary in Hollywood, SC, and seeing their gorgeous green fields, towering old trees and happy animals roaming free, I know my version of heaven.

Hallie Hill is a non-profit organization, founded by Helen Bradham, that provides sanctuary for abandoned, abused and neglected animals. As an animal lover, Helen originally built up the property as a horse farm where her family and friends could board their beloved animals. However, as often happens in rural areas such as Hollywood, stray dogs periodically made their way to the farm. Over time, Helen gained a reputation in the community for housing and caring for these animals, and Hallie Hill grew from a horse farm that housed a few strays to the place it is today - a facility with 5 full-time employees that provides love, food, medicine, and care for over 200 animals.

Written By Julie Murray Written

by Julie Murray Photos provided by Carolina Coonhound lowcountry dog

28

sponsored by

A lot of hard work goes into running a facility such as Hallie Hill. I spoke with Director Jennifer Middleton to learn all about it. “A typical day at Hallie Hill starts with medications and the morning feeding. One staff member distributes the meds while another feeds the dogs in the house, barn and then outer enclosures. Volunteers arrive and begin visiting different enclosures to spend enrichment time with the dogs and cats. After morning feeding, staff members will be cleaning enclosures, grooming dogs or cats in need and transporting animals to veterinary appointments. The afternoon [continues with] more enrichment, cleaning, grass cutting, etc.” Hallie Hill also has a building that houses around 50 cats, and one staff member will clean enclosures, feed the animals, and, of course, give all the love they can. The day closes with one final walk around the property for afternoon meds and a quick physical health check, along with more treats and hugs. Jennifer said that they also check to make sure the dogs are not trying to pay a visit to their neighbors by digging a hole into the next enclosure - “[we] make sure they are where they are supposed to be!” After everyone is tucked in, a staff member will remain on the premises each night to administer evening medications, be on-call for emergencies, and turn on the

enclosure heat lamps if the temperature dips too low in the winter.

Hallie Hill relies on volunteers every day to help them with the myriad of tasks necessary to keep a busy rescue up and running. If you are at least 18 years of age and have a desire to help animals, volunteering at a place like this is extremely rewarding. Your first three visits as a volunteer are spent getting oriented to the everyday routine and safety procedures of the sanctuary.

After that, you can spend your time throwing frisbees, grooming, helping with manners, or walking down to the pond to hunt for frogs. Jennifer told me about one of the best aspects of being a volunteer at Hallie Hill. “Many of the dogs at the sanctuary are extremely shy and some are feral. The scents of the new people are very stimulating. After repeated visits, the volunteers are often rewarded by a shy dog finding the courage to approach them for a treat!

This is how trust develops between the under-socialized animals and our volunteers.” For more information on this program, please email Volunteer Coordinator Dana Clark at dana.clark@halliehill.com.

CLICK TO DONATE

It is evident how much these animals are loved by Hallie Hill. Every care is taken to provide them with beautiful surroundings, medical treatment, and enrichment. Jennifer told me they have a full-time maintenance person, Harold Haynes, who keeps the property in top shape. “[He] starts work early each day, keeping the lawn beautiful (raking, mowing, seeding, etc.), pressure washing the buildings, repairing fences and gates and helping to clean the outdoor enclosures.” Jenni fer also noted that volunteers keep a log of each animal they visit so that no one misses out on love. “It is our goal that someone spends quality time with every animal, every day.” Hallie Hill also provides any medical treatment necessary to make the dogs and cats in their care comfortable and happy. The West Ashley Veterinary Clinic (http://www.westashleyvet.com/) has partnered with Hallie Hill for many years. Jennifer said, “We are already missing the newly retired Dr. Merrill Irvin who cared for so many of our animals with incredible skill, patience and kindness. He also performed outstanding orthopedic surgeries for dogs over the years.” The vet clinic does all it can to provide discounts to Hallie Hill; however, Jennifer told me that medical expenses are the largest cost they have. “With so many geriatric dogs and cats, orthopedic surgeries are often needed, as well as medicine for arthritis.

The cost of monthly heartworm and flea preventive is pretty high. We [also] have many animals with special medical needs such as diabetes or thyroid problems that require medication and prescription food.”

I asked Jennifer to share with me one of her favorite rescue stories from her time as Director. She told me about sweet Hoss, who was found by a boy riding his bike on Old Jacksonboro Road. “At first, the boy thought Hoss was dead, but as soon as he saw movement, he rushed to help.

Leaving his bike on the roadside, he carried the emaciated dog home to his mother.

Watch Our Spotlight Video Here

Hoss

The family quickly realized that Hoss’s situation was critical and he needed medical treatment, so they called Hallie Hill for assistance.” Weakened by anemia and riddled with intestinal parasites, Hoss could not even stand up on his own. However, after three weeks of constant love and care provided by this wonderful organization, he finally began to show improvement and his personality began to shine through. He is now 20 pounds heavier, curious, energetic and ready for adoption! “It breaks our hearts that someone would do this to any living creature,” Jennifer said, “but it warms our hearts that a young boy stopped to save his life.” If you are interested in learning more about adopting an animal like Hoss, check out some adoptables on the next page and click for more information.

Hallie Hill is making a big difference in the rescue community. Recently, Helen Bradham received the 2016 Book of Golden Deeds Award from the Exchange Club of Charleston for her contributions to animal welfare. After doing my research and learning everything I did for this article, I cannot think of a more deserving organization. Jennifer assured me that their good works will continue until there are no more homeless animals. "Our goal for Hallie Hill is to continue rehabilitating animals with medical, emotional or behavioral needs, preparing them for life in a private home and providing a sanctuary for those unable to be adopted. Sanctuaries are a critical component in a No Kill community, and we are happy to fill that niche for the Charleston area."

BRISCO

CLYDE

ARIEL

HANKY II

GINGER

CHAI

BUDDY II

ADOPTABLE DOGS! click for more info

LUCKY

SASHA

SMILEY

RINGO

RAY RAY

Baxter

Zane and Zoey

Sinbad Sadie

SInbad Sadie

Figgy Sinbad Sadie

Doozer Simone

Valiant

Annabelle

SInbad Sadie

Valiant

Sunny

Greta

Freda

Greyhound Pets of America

Greyhound Pets of America

GreyHound Pets of America

Pierre (3 legs) Eunoia RescueMeathouse Butcher Shop

Lucy Eunoia RescueMeathouse Butcher Shop

Walter Eunoia RescueMeathouse Butcher Shop

ADOPTABLE DOGS TO FALL FOR!

Bella Eunoia RescueMeathouse Butcher Shop

Aster

Enzo

Crow Moon- TAG Gas Works

Crow Moon- TAG Gas Works

Gemma

Gulliver

Benito

Crow Moon- TAG Gas Works

Crow Moon- TAG Gas Works

WEGDR- Pet Mahal

Mavis

Alex

Glenda

Carolina Coonhound- Pet Mahal

Pet Helpers- Larry Haskell

Mocha

Jasmine

Jax

Bullies 2 the RescueCarolina Pet Pantry

Rescue CharlestonBottles N Brushes

Rescue CharlestonBottles N Brushes

Carolina Coonhound- Pet Mahal

Vador

Harley

Foxy

LLR- Bottles N Brushes

LLR- Bottle N Brushes

LCAR- Larry Haskell

event calendar OCTOBER 10/13 Lowcountry Dog YAPPY HOUR at Taproom 805 on James Island for Hallie Hill 6 to 8 pm 10/15 Touch A Truck Fundraiser for Sinbad Sadie at The Ponds 9 to 3pm

Sniff out all events here

10/18 Bark in the Park, Wannamaker Park, North Charleston, 11­4pm 10/22 DOGTOBERFEST at Freshfields Village, Kiawah 1­5pm 10/22 Paws and Claws Pet Expo at Charleston Convention Center 10­3 pm

NOVEMBER

ADOPTION EVENTS EVERY SATURDAY at Pet Supplies Plus Summerville

11/10 Lowcountry Dog YAPPY HOUR, Location TBA, 6 to 8 pm 11/12 Second Chance Charity Shoot Out at Shoot Logic for Francis Willis SPCA, 8­5pm 11/19 Annual Chili Cook off for Charleston Animal Society, The Citadel Stadium, 1­5 pm

8028 Dorchester Rd.