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 Carolinas’ number one 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 Lowcountrybased pet non-profits, and we promote pet adoption and other responsible pet care practices.
Founded in Charleston, South Carolina in 2005 as a print magazine. From 2015 through 2019, we went digital. in 2020, print returned and we have grown to become “The Carolinas’ Source for All Things Dog,” with print distribution throughout the Carolinas, and digital readers worldwide.
Every issue of Lowcountry Dog Magazine is dedicated to Peanut, our Chief Canine Officer from 2005 to 2023, and Alyssa Helms, our Media Manager from 2020 to 2024.
Publisher
Brian Foster brian@lowcountrydog.com
Chief Canine Officer
Lovey social@lowcountrydog.com
Media Assistant
Samantha Stinner media@lowcountrydog.com
Canine Correspondent Tula
Staff Writers
Chelsea Salerno
Jeanne Taylor
Photographers
Southern Vintage Photography
Jeanne Taylor Photography
Contributing Writers
Amanda Hale
For advertising and media inquiries please email contact@lowcountrydog.com
Lovey’s Lowcountry Livin’: Celebrating 20 Years of Lowcountry Dog
Sit, Stay, Behave... The Art of Doing Nothing
HEALTH & WELLNESS: Understanding the Different Levels of Vet Care
Cover Photo & Above Photo by Jeanne Taylor Photography
My Tips for Professional Dog Modeling
With over 300 entries in our annual model contest, I thought I would share some tips, for those aspitring models. As a seasoned canine model with countless paw-some photoshoots under my collar, I’m here to share my top-secret tips on how to become a truly great dog model. Forget those basic sit-stay routines – we’re diving deep into the art of capturing hearts and treats through the lens!
1. Know Your Angles (and Your Best Features!)
Every dog has a unique charm, whether it’s a goofy grin, soulful eyes, or a perfectly perky ear. The key is to identify your best assets and learn how to showcase them. Practice in front of a mirror (or, let’s be honest, your human’s phone camera) to discover which angles flatter you the most.
The Head Tilt: A classic for a reason! This instantly conveys curiosity and engagement, making you look irresistibly adorable.
The “Puppy Dog Eyes”: Master the art of widening your eyes slightly and gazing intently at the camera. This works best if you’re thinking about treats (which, let’s be real, you always are).
The Action Shot: Showcase your athleticism and energy with dynamic poses. Running, jumping, or catching a frisbee mid-air can make for stunning, attention-grabbing photos.
2. Embrace the Environment (But Stay Focused!)
A great dog model isn’t just a pretty face; they’re also able to interact with their surroundings in a natural and engaging way. Whether you’re posing in a lush garden, a bustling city street, or a cozy living room, try to immerse yourself in the environment and let your personality shine through.
Outdoor Adventures: Explore your surroundings with enthusiasm! Sniff a flower, chase a butterfly, or simply bask in the sunshine – just make sure you stay within the frame and don’t wander off too far.
Urban Poses: Strut your stuff on city sidewalks, pose next to colorful murals, or strike a sophisticated pose in front of a trendy cafe. Remember to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid getting distracted by noisy traffic or tempting smells.
Lovey's lowcountry livin’
Cozy Comfort: Embrace the warmth and comfort of indoor settings. Curl up on a plush couch, snuggle under a blanket, or pose with your favorite toys –just make sure you look relaxed and content.
3. Master the Art of “Sit-Stay” (with Style!)
While dynamic poses can be eye-catching, the foundation of any good dog model is a solid understanding of basic commands. “Sit-stay” is essential for holding poses, maintaining focus, and ensuring that you don’t accidentally wander into the background.
Practice Makes Perfect: Dedicate time to practicing your commands in different environments and with varying levels of distraction. The more consistent you are, the easier it will be to nail those poses when the camera starts flashing.
Reward-Based Training: Positive reinforcement is key! Use treats, praise, or even a favorite toy to reward good behavior and keep your motivation high. Remember, a happy dog is a photogenic dog.
4. Wardrobe and Grooming: Dress the Part!
Looking your best is crucial for any aspiring dog model. This means maintaining a healthy coat, keeping your nails trimmed, and sporting a stylish wardrobe that complements your unique personality.
Now go out there and strike a pose – the world is waiting for your star to shine! ■
The Art of Doing Nothing: Using Mental Work to Create a Calm State of
Impulse Control
WRITTEN BY AMANDA HALE
Activate Canine Dog Training
Picture this: It’s a beautiful spring day in Charleston. The sun is shining, the patio drinks are calling, and your dog is PANTING at the door ready to get out in the world. You grab the leash, and excitement appears. He’s pacing and jumping and smiling and wagging his tail and you haven’t even opened the front door yet! Visions of having a photo-worthy outing complete with busy sidewalks and patio bars dance in your head.
But, then dread begins to set.
The last time you did this, there was zero relaxation. The sun was still out and the vibes were up, but your dog had zero chill. You grabbed a table at an outdoor patio and every stroller, bicycle, or passing car made your dog hop-up, bark, and pull at the leash, just begging to engage with whatever was the next big distraction. You left the day exhausted, and a little embarrassed. You’ve stuck to dog parks and backyard play dates ever since.
We’re here to tell you that you don’t have to avoid all the distractions and fun environments! With some investment in learning to understand how your dog’s brain works, and then applying mental work to get them to relax in the moment, you’ll be out enjoying those high distraction environments together in no time.
It starts small, but with intention.
So many of our fellow dog owners rely on things like busy bowls, lick mats, bones, and chew
toys to engage their dog physically with the idea that this will help them relax and calm down. While these are fun tools, they don’t replace the engagement your dog gets from one-on-one attention from you. Utilizing games and some stationary commands will get you the behavior you want—and the calm your dog doesn’t know they need.
“Generally, humans don’t consider a dog to have a problem with self-control unless his impulses drive him to exhibit behaviors we don’t care for. It’s when dogs do things like help themselves to food on the coffee table or kitchen counter (counter surfing), jump up on people when greeting, dart out doors before invited to do so, or grab things from the hands of their humans that dogs tend to be labeled as lacking in impulse control. From the canine perspective, however, a dog who does these things is just helping himself to something he wants: food, contact with humans, freedom, or a desired toy or other item.” Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, Whole Dog Journal 2021
In the same way that humans are often much more exhausted from a day of sitting in meetings than a day of their regular work routine, dogs that experience more mental engagement can also physically rest better. While training for impulse control will unlock the skill set that makes you more confident and excited to include your dog in social outings, this training will also translate into several aspects of your daily life that you probably haven’t even considered. Think: meal times, surprise visitors, or regular playtime interruptions.
Training for impulse control begins with commands such as sit, down, or place in low distraction environments. The key is to start in a very controlled environment and progress over time to more higher level distraction situations. Choose a location in your common living area and designate a mat or bed to call “place”. During a low distraction time, practice asking your dog to go to their “place”. Once they have settled on their “place”, positively reinforce their behavior with praise, recognition, or treats. Gradually
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increase the level of distraction while asking your dog to stay in “place”. Throw toys near them, let children play nearby, or have a friend enter the room. Each time your dog resists the temptation to move from their “place”, positively reinforce their impulse control with a variety of rewards i.e. verbal praise, physical pets, or treats to encourage your dog to connect positivity to their calm.
You can also practice this settling on cue by pausing games such as tug-of-war or fetch. To do so, begin a game that your dog regularly enjoys. Don’t get them TOO excited, but start with gentle play and give your dog a sit or down command to “end” the play. Once they have complied, restart the game as the reward. You could use the same verbal praise, physical pets, or treats as the reward, just be sure to reward the calm behavior WHENEVER you see it.
Another easy way to fit in some impulse control training in your regular day would be to ask them to wait for their food. If your dog is especially food motivated, this practice will help them see how their calm behavior can bring about the reward of their food. This will eventually transform your meal-time routine by reinforcing patience and calmness prior to receiving their food.
The learned impulse control through stationary command training, play pausing, and food waiting will absolutely translate to a better dayto-day calm and confidence in so many aspects of your life and your dogs.
“Our dog, Walker, a Cardigan Welsh Corgi made us want to give him back,” stated past client, Chris Harper. “We got him when he was 11 weeks old, and he made me cry for five months. He couldn’t sit still for five seconds, and he constantly had to be moving and doing something. He was destructive and obnoxious. We felt like he ran our lives, and it was 24/7. We were exhausted. I can’t emphasize the importance of training your dog to do nothing! It changed our lives and we’re so much more able to live happily together and include him in so many of our social outings.”
Investing the time to train and manage impulse control - or the art of doing nothing - makes all the difference in having the ability to actually do anything with your dog! Want to enjoy the sunshine, the busy sidewalks, and those patio drinks with your dog by your side? We can help.
Good Dog: activated! ■
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Understanding The Different Levels Of Veterinary Care
WRITTEN BY JEANNE TAYLOR, Staff Writer
Navigating the complex healthcare system in America can be daunting to the average consumer. There are a multitude of plan types and services, requirements for referrals for diagnostics and specialty care, different facility types to consider – the list seems endless and that’s before you even consider quality of care!
As any pet guardian will attest, it seems no different when it comes to our pets. We are tasked with the ultimate responsibility, which is caring for creatures who cannot speak for themselves. They can’t tell you why they aren’t well, or how they injured themselves. You just have to know your pet so you can identify when it’s ‘go-time.’
There are four main levels of veterinary care –let’s take a look:
Primary Care – this is your regular vet who you see for wellness visits and care, spay/neuter, vaccine updates, routine bloodwork and other complaints that can often wait a day or two. Many clinics these days maintain in-house labs and other diagnostic offerings, reducing the need for additional third-party visits.
In this same category, you will find three types of vets: traditional, holistic, and integrative, which is a combination of traditional and holistic, and can be viewed as a vet having one foot each in eastern and western medicine. Many pet parents choose to utilize a lower cost wellness practice for their pet’s primary care. In this scenario,
patients are often walk-ins (first come first served) and wait times may be longer. Only you know which type will align with your preference for care.
The next care level is urgent care. These stepup facilities are popping up all over, thankfully, to meet the need for a more affordable option of after-hours care for our pets. It rarely fails - our pets often become sick or injured five minutes after their regular vet closes for the day! The urgent care veterinary clinics serve as a bridge supporting you and your pet in the hours when you are unable to see your regular vet. Dr. Anastasio of Acute Pet Urgent Care further clarified, “There is significant crossover between what urgent care and emergency centers can provide when your pet is in need. Urgent care practices are viewed as a more economical option than rushing to the emergency room if a condition or injury doesn’t seem immediately life threatening. They offer a convenient and streamlined approach through both appointment and walk-in availability.” Once treated and released, they will often refer you back to your vet for follow-up the next day or as soon as you can be seen, or they will stabilize and send you to the emergency vet nearest to you.
But when your pet is suffering, and you recognize they are truly not themselves, or when they are obviously painful, a 24/7 emergency vet is what you will pop in your GPS as you jump in the car. Consumers report the costs of emergency care can sting – another great reason to consider pet insurance. But as with human medicine, critical care is just that: critical – defined as “having the potential to become disastrous; at a point of crisis.” Locally, we have three emergency veterinary practices – one is true 24/7/365 care; the other two sometimes are not open at times due to staffing shortages.
Always call ahead to verify an ER’s open status so as not to waste precious time in emergency situations. Note: In an ER, the most critical patients will always be treated first (determined by triage) so if your pet presents as stable, your wait may be longer while other more distressed pets are seen.
Lastly, there are specialty vets, those practicing in niche areas such as oncology, neurology, ophthalmology, orthopedics and more. You likely won’t see a specialty vet without a referral from your primary or another veterinarian providing care during distress.
“AcutePet Urgent Care offers a more affordable and convenient alternative to ER visits for unexpected issues with your pet. We’re here to provide immediate attention for things like infections, injuries, gastrointestinal upset, or respiratory issues, all while saving you time and reducing stress for both families and pets. With a compassionate, streamlined approach, we can get your pet back to feeling better without the long wait and high costs often associated with emergency care,” according to Dr. Anastasio.
The following information is not intended to diagnose or treat a condition, or to offer any medical/veterinary advice. These lists are not all-inclusive as to conditions warranting care.
While really knowing your pet is key, there are tell-tale signs your pet may be in an immediate life-threatening situation requiring an ER visit, including, but not limited to:
• Serious traumatic injury – i.e., car strike or other trauma
• Obvious or suspected broken bones or acute (non-medical) amputation
• GI complaints – vomiting, regurgitation, diarrhea
• Sting (bee)
• Hives, swelling, vaccine or other reactions
• Rashes, skin issues
• Snake bites
• Seizures
• Accidental poison/toxin ingestion
• Lameness, limping, torn or broken nails
• Back injury/pain
• Bottom scooting
• Wounds
• Lethargy
• Refusing food/water or excessive drinking/ overeating
• Euthanasia/end-of-life care
Your primary care vet will know your pet best. They will see them regularly throughout the year and can monitor trends in your pet’s health. If you have a pet, you NEED a vet, plain and simple.
And while we hope your pet never has to experience care beyond routine, it’s important to understand the other resources that are available should you need them.
Inclusion on the list should not be construed as an endorsement of any listed resource.
Thank you to Dr. John Anastasio, Chief Veterinary Medical Officer at AcutePet Urgent Care, for reviewing this article prior to publication.■
2183 N. Highway 17, Mount Pleasant SC 843-879-4280
Blue Pearl Pet Hospital (two locations)
985 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC & 319 East 3rd North Street, Summerville, SC 843-216-7554
Charleston Veterinary Referral Center 3484 Shelby Ray Court, Charleston SC 843-614-8387
URGENT CARE FACILITIES
Acute Pet Urgent Care
966 Houston Northcutt Blvd, Suite E., Mount Pleasant, SC
843-625-6690 (2nd location opening May 2025 in Summerville)
Island Pet Urgent Care
2817 Maybank Highway, Johns Island 843-386-5404
PetMedic Urgent Care (opening late April 2025)
695 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard, Suite 100, Mount Pleasant, SC
PawMed Veterinary Urgent Care (two locations)
1200 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. Suite B2, Charleston SC
843-427-3355 &
102 Gosling Way, Suites C and D, Summerville SC (Carnes Crossroads)
843-895-3513
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition: 2025 Recap
WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA STINNER
Media Assistant
Photos by Jeanne Taylor Photography
The start of the year in Charleston is often cooler, sometimes even gloomy, making it the city’s quietest period for tourism. However, there is always one exciting event that marks the beginning of our tourist season: Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE)! Popular among tourists and locals alike, this city-wide event is a celebration of the wildlife and sporting lifestyle, highlighting demonstrations, performances, and exhibitions, and hosting exclusive parties and events. SEWE is a non-profit organization that first held its Charleston event in 1983 with 5,000 attendees; with tremendous growth in popularity, it now sees over 40,000 attendees, making it the largest event of its kind in the US. In addition to the thrilling demonstrations, SEWE venues host countless exhibitors featuring handcrafted goods, artisan creations, sporting apparel, outdoor gear, delectable eats and drinks, raffles, and auctions. And for dog lovers, the outdoor venues are all dog-friendly and a great excuse to bring your pup to join in on the fun!
This year, we kicked things off in the heart of downtown Charleston, at Marion Square. With our booth set up to invite visitors to learn more about our passion for supporting local shelters and rescues, we showcased our upcoming events and our mission to provide valuable resources to dog owners through our magazine and online outlets. We ventured from the booth to view the compelling flight demonstration by Birds of Prey, a captivating event that began with birds swooping from the rooftops of the nearby hotels! We watched them glide gracefully throughout
Marion Square as we learned about their behaviors and hunting techniques. Following this demonstration, we visited a variety of tents where we had the chance to observe various animals up-close, learn about different conservation efforts, and shop from local businesses. After wrapping up at Marion Square, we made our way over to Charleston Place to explore the artwork on display.
The Charleston Place is an iconic landmark in the historic district of downtown. Renowned for its stunning architecture and incredible ambience, this venue sets the tone for a prestigious event such as SEWE. Artwork was displayed throughout the second floor, spanning various ballrooms. We enjoyed strolling through the galleries that featured a diverse collection of pieces including sculptures, paintings, jewelry, firearms, and more. Also of note was the opportunity to watch the artists work. They were given one hour to craft a masterpiece, which was immediately followed by an auction. With speed, precision, and focus, artists created their works under the curious eyes
of passersby. And this was just Day One! Day Two took us to Brittlebank Park, located on Lockwood Drive, and boasting a gorgeous greenspace overlooking the Ashley River. This park typically hosts most of the fishing, hunting, and outdoor sporting vendors. As a dog-centric publication, it should not be surprising that the first event we at Lowcountry Dog were eager to watch was the Dock Dogs and their diving competitions. Dogs of all breeds were invited to participate in various competitions, also known as waves, throughout the weekend culminating with the finals held on Sunday at the close of the SEWE event. In these contests, dogs attempt either the highest or the longest jump. The athleticism and discipline of the dogs and their handlers in these waves were truly magnificent.
We made our way through the deeply-layered crowd and headed to watch a retriever demonstration. The self-control and responsiveness exercised by the retrievers was impressive. We continued our trek through Brittlebank, indulging in snacks from local food trucks and enjoying bluegrass music while catching glimpses of the fly fishing and duck herding demonstrations designed to provide instruction and advice for successful training, hunting, and fishing.
Finally, we visited the Galliard, a performing arts center brimming with even more vendors. We
explored briefly before settling in for the live animal show with Forest Galante, a wildlife expert and conservationist, who brought a variety of animals of all shapes, sizes, and species found throughout the world. He shared insights into their habitats and behaviors, and offered up some fascinating facts. Although he was on stage, his lipstick camera provided close-up animal views, highlighting their unique textures and features. This was a fantastic way for us to conclude a packed weekend of wildlife exploration.
SEWE offers educational opportunities and perhaps, most importantly, fosters an appreciation for wildlife and its preservation. As it spans an entire weekend and takes place throughout multiple venues in Charleston, it is recommended to review their event list and plan ahead for your visit. And be sure your schedule builds in extra time to explore the different vendors at each venue as well. SEWE is a fantastic must-do experience for people of all ages, interests, and experience levels, and a wonderful way to connect over a shared lifestyle.
Save the dates for next year’s SEWE: February 1315, 2026! ■
DESERVES THE BED YOUR DOG
SHOP IN ONE OF OUR 170 STORES OR AT
Written by RENEE JOHNSON, Founder. 2005
The idea for a local magazine about dogs popped into my head one day while working as a freelance reporter and editor for a Charleston business publication. The thought hit me while I was compiling some really dry facts and figures about the Lowcountry economy: Why not write about a subject I truly loved? Dogs!
The fit was perfect: I enjoyed writing and editing, interviewing people, sharing news and ideas, and most of all, I loved dogs. I’d been a rescue foster mom for ages, worked as a vet technician, and had a degree in animal nutrition from Clemson University.
So I teamed up with my very creative friend Leah England and brought Lowcountry Dog to life. The magazine’s title was easy to come up with, but the logo and layout were harder. Thanks to the immensely talented designer Angie Hranowski, we soon had a look and feel for the magazine, and the equally talented photographer Julia Lynn brought everything to beautiful visual life.
In fact, the creative side of Lowcountry Dog was a wonderful collaboration. Ideas for articles, features, and news came easily, and we were enthusiastically received by everyone we approached, whether for interviews, photo shoots, or requesting that they write a guest column. Everybody was happy to talk about dogs.
Our readers were especially eager to share their dog stories and photos with us, which was always so gratifying. Those businesses where we distributed copies of the magazine, from restaurants to vet offices to retail stores, welcomed us, and many of them became advertisers. The best part of producing the magazine was to see the cover design and Julia’s photographs come to life each month and then pick up the newly printed copies at the warehouse in North Charleston.
Printing costs and distribution were our biggest challenges back then; Leah and I divvyed up the hundreds of locations where our magazines
The first issue of Lowcountry Dog Magazine was published in April of 2005. Originally a new issue was published every month in 2005. In 2006, bi-monthly issues began and have been that way ever since.
could be found, and both of us logged a lot of miles every month. When enough ad money started coming in, we hired a reliable and hardworking couple to deliver the magazines for us, which made our jobs so much easier.
Unfortunately, Leah’s husband relocated to Florida not long after, and while we worked hard to maintain a long-distance partnership, all the physical work that fell on me in her absence was just too much. Couple that with some health issues, and I sadly had to step away from my publishing role. I still consider myself a big fan of the magazine. And you know what? I’d do it all again. ■
Written by LEAH ENGLAND, PUBLISHER, 2005-2015
I met Renee Johnson through a joint project at a local publishing company. We bonded because we both had Great Danes and started meeting up at the dog park. We were at the James Island dog park when Renee shared her idea about starting a dog magazine to serve the Charleston area. I thought it was a brilliant idea, and jumped in to help. Julia Lynn signed on as photographer, and recommended her friend Angie Hranowsky to create the magazine’s logo and signature aesthetic. The dream team met up to mastermind the magazine at Renee’s backyard tiki hut and after a few, very fun sessions, we had a mock up and a planned editorial calendar I used to obtain our first core advertisers. We were incredibly grateful for the support of those first advertisers because they allowed us to move into production very quickly.
The magazine gained ground in readership and popularity that first year, but my husband’s job moved us to Florida. Renee’s priorities had also shifted and we considered stopping the publication all together, but I decided to purchase Renee’s shares and continue producing
the magazine remotely from Florida. I would pack up Poet, my Great Dane, and drive seven hours to direct the photo shoots, meet with advertisers, rescues and writers, and attend as many pet friendly events as I could during my brief stay. I’d return to Florida, and then a few weeks later I’d return to Charleston again, this time delivering each and every magazine to our distribution points myself with Poet in the backseat as inventory manager. I was willing to go to great lengths to keep the magazine going because I wholeheartedly believed in it, and always felt I’d get back to the Lowcountry.
We moved to North Carolina, and I continued with my travels to Charleston, but with my newborn son in tow. The magazine really hit its creative stride, producing favorite issues like “Dances with Dogs” (ballerinas leaping with dogs), “Bone Appetit” (celebrity chefs and their dogs), Smart Cookie (Chaser, the world’s smartest dog) “Prison Pups” (the dog training program at the Navy brig) and the extremely popular issue, “Real Men Love Dogs” (that one really flew off the shelves!). I was extremely proud of our annual Animal Advocate Award and the annual auctioning of one of our covers as a fundraiser for local rescues. And of course, the annual Model Contest at Pet Fest was always a blast.
In 2015, now living in Bluffton, SC, pregnant with my second child and with a busy career in home building, it was time for LCDM to change hands once again. I was thrilled Brian Foster, a long time animal rescue activist and part-time LCDM ad sales rep decided to purchase the magazine because it was very important to me to leave the publication in the best hands. I’ve enjoyed watching the magazine deepen its mission under Brian’s watch, developing phenomenal fundraising events like Woofstock. It feels like things have come full circle, because now my family uses Lowcountry Dog as a resource to find dog friendly places and things to do when our family visits Charleston with our Wired-haired Pointing Griffon, Pilot. As pleasing as it is to see the magazine doing so well, what I’m most grateful for are the wonderful friendships I made along the way. ■
Written by BRIAN FOSTER, PUBLISHER, 2015 -
I first picked up a copy of Lowcountry Dog Magazine at a Harris Teeter in 2008. The next year when i adopted Peanut, I regulary grabbed them at Pet Helpers, as I started volunteering there. In 2020, my girlfriend at the time, Laura Olsen, became the staff photographer for Lowcountry Dog. I tagged along on some photoshoots and helped at the 2011 Pet Fest, where LCD held its casting for their annual model contest. I believe we shot over 500 models over the 2 days. Over dinner that weekend with Leah, the publisher, we talked the business side of the magazine and the next thing I knew I was the part-time ad executive for the magazine.
For the next couple years, Laura and I were the face of the magazine for Leah at various events we were invited to. Fast forward to 2015, and Leah told me she was shutting down the magazine and asked if I wanted to buy it. My life was in a transitional stage, with Laura and I had parted ways and she
was moving to Texas, soon. I consulted Laura as we were still very good friends and it was our goal to run the magazine together. She gave me her blessing and I bought the magazine from Leah.
I decided to give the magazine an overhaul and rebrand as just a digital magazine going forward. We were already doing digital versions, but with only doing digital, we were able to grow our readership to around a million digital reads per year.
In 2016, we held our first event: EAT, DRINK & RESCUE on James Island. Hundreds of dog lovers came out and we knew we had hit a niche in hosting dog events.
As the years passed, we were making constant improvements to the magazine and in 2019, we brought on two big things. We had the first Woofstock: A Lowcountry Dog Music Festival in March, and in December, we brought back print issues to be read locally to go with the digital version. We updated our masthead and logo to include our Chief Canine Officer, Peanut. Peanut was already present on many of our t-shirt designs.
In 2020, Alyssa Helms came on board as Media Manager. Her passion and dedication, gave a new life to LCD. She was a frequent guest on local news and radio, to promote the magazine, an adoptable pup, or an upcoming event. She also stepped in when we needed a human model for magazine and calendar shoots.
In 2023, we lost our Peanut at the age of 17. Alyssa had adopted one of her foster dogs that she named Lovey. Peanut had spent her last couple of years training Lovey to take over. In 2024, tragedy struck, and we lost Alyssa suddenly and unexpectedly. Lovey and I were left alone to pick up the pieces and in December of 2024, Lovey was promoted to Chief Canine Officer.
Now in 2025, we look back at 20 years of Lowcountry Dog Magazine. Through ups and downs, we have stayed together and look forward to what the next 20 years will bring. ■
Local Dog Events
4/26/25 Puppy Yoga & Adoption Event for Dorchester Paws
Pursuing Peace Counseling & Wellness Studio 1:00pm
4/26/25 Pints for Paws Adoption Event for Berkeley Animal Center Stones Throw Brewing 12:00pm
4/26/25 Dragon Boat Festival with Carolina Boxer Rescue Grand Park at Market Common 9am to 4pm
5/06/25 DOG DAY AT THE JOE Riverdogs Stadium 7:05pm
5/11/25 Animals, Art & Automobiles
Charleston Towne Landing 11am to 3pm
5/13/25 DOG DAY AT THE JOE Riverdogs Stadium 7:05pm
5/13/25 Bark in the Park with the Greenville Grasshoppers Greenville Grasshoppers, 6:30pm
5/27/25 DOG DAY AT THE JOE Riverdogs Stadium 7:05pm
6/20/25 Pet Supermarket Adoption Event for Dorchester Paws
Pet Supermarket, Summerville 4pm to 6pm
8/6/25 Dogust Birthday Bash Pet Supplies Plus in Summerville 12pm to 3pm
9/27/25 Rescue Me Cypress Gardens 9am to 4pm
Check out our Events page for even more local events and check for date changes. www.lowcountrydog.com/events
In The News
South Carolina woman who ran dog fighting ring and kept children in room ‘dirtier than a dog kennel’ learns her fate
A South Carolina judge sentenced a woman to prison for a 2024 child abuse case that left her 10-month-old daughter dead . The woman, 40-year-old Sarah Shakeri-Taylor , from Summerville, South Carolina, has been involved in several child abuse cases in the past.
Colossal Announces World’s First De-Extinction: Birth of Dire Wolves
Colossal Biosciences, the world’s only de-extinction company, today announces the rebirth of the once extinct dire wolf, the world’s first successfully de-extincted animal. The dire wolf, largely assumed to be a legendary creature made famous from the HBO hit series Game of Thrones, was an American canid that had previously been extinct for over 12,500 years. The successful birth of three dire wolves is a revolutionary milestone of scientific progress that illustrates another leap forward in Colossal’s deextinction technologies and is a critical step on the pathway to the de-extinction of other target species.
Officials seize over 20 animals, find others dead in Colleton Co.
Officials announced that they have seized over 20 animals from a Colleton County property on March 21st.
Authorities were notified about the residence on Running Creek Lane March 19 by a concerned citizen, a Colleton County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) spokesperson said. Upon arrival, animal control officers saw four live dogs and “numerous” deceased animals in a room full of cages through a window, officials said.
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Business Spotlight: FORA TRAVEL
In today’s fast-paced world, planning the perfect trip can feel overwhelming—endless research, comparing user reviews, and coordinating logistics all take time that most people simply don’t have. As a luxury travel advisor, FORA Travel takes stress out of travel planning by curating personalized experiences tailored to your preferences, saving you countless hours of research while ensuring every detail is thoughtfully arranged. From securing exclusive perks and upgrades to navigating complex itineraries and offering expert destination insights, FORA Travel provides a level of service and expertise that no online search bar can match. Whether you’re looking for a seamless business trip, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, or a relaxing getaway with your dogs, FORA Travel handles the details so you can focus on enjoying the journey.
Traveling with your dog should be fun and stressfree, but finding pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, bars, and local dog parks can be time-consuming and overwhelming. That’s where FORA Travel shines! As a luxury travel advisor with a passion for pets, FORA’s owner, Angela Cieplevicz, manages all the details, designing the perfect itinerary so you and your dog can enjoy a worry-free trip. Whether you need a hotel that welcomes large breeds, a restaurant with a dog-friendly patio, or the best local spots for off-leash play, Angela has you covered. She states, “With my expertise, you can focus on making memories with your pup while I take care of the rest.”
Angela is a dedicated luxury travel advisor, leveraging a deep passion for global exploration, culture, and history, to create exceptional travel experiences. She’s also a devoted animal advocate and is working toward launching a 501(c)
(3) nonprofit dog rescue, using proceeds from her travel business to fund rescue efforts. Angela has donated to various rescues such as Rosie Rescue in Charleston, and MAD (Malinois and Dutch Shepherd Rescue), Shy Wolf Sanctuary, Husky Haven, Big Cypress GSD Rescue and more. Her involvement doesn’t end there - she personally drove 13 hours earlier this year to save a GSD who had spent his entire life on a chain, transporting him to Myrtle Beach and his amazing new home! Angela intends to further support rescues by donating commissions from her bookings.
At home, her life is shared with two beloved rescue dogs, Layla and Zizi, whose stories have inspired her mission to give more dogs a second chance. Layla is from a GSD rescue and Zizi from a wolf rescue, both in Florida.
Some of Angela’s favorite dog-friendly destinations are in the Asheville NC area. She usually books a dog-friendly Airbnb on a creek so her water-loving girls can swim. She has also rented a dog-friendly pontoon boat on Lake Jocassee since the pontoons are all dogfriendly too! The mountain towns also offer many dog-friendly vineyards such as Point Lookout Vineyards in Hendersonville.
Costa Rica tops Angela’s list of must visit destinations. The perfect blend of luxury and adventure, Costa Rica offers high-end resorts, boutique eco-lodges, and thrilling outdoor experiences – it’s also a very pet-friendly country where you can easily bring your own dog with proof of vaccines.
So, the next time wanderlust begins to take hold, contact Angela and let her get started planning the paw-fect trip for you! ■
