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VETERINARIANS • CELEBRITY PETS SUPERSTAR ANIMAL PHOTOGRAPHERS and SOUTH'S TOP PET WINNERS plus PET FRIENDLY GETAWAYS

+ THE COOLEST GEAR FOR YOUR PET

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SOUTH MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE

T R AV E L & A DV E N T U R E SOUTH’S GREATEST

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-SECOND TION. A SPLIT ANGE A EATH SITUA ES THAT CH A LIFE-OR-D NSEQUENC CO THEM ALL D AN CE .

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Every year Savannah attracts nearly 15 million visitors from all over the globe. South’s Award-Winning travel edition features the greatest places to eat, stay, play and shop on the Coastal South. it truly is a guide to Southern Culture, Events, Dining and more. This issue also features spring break destinations and other travel features for those readers that love to explore what the South has to offer.

Also Featuring South’s Greatest Adventures / Pets / Places to Eat, Stay, Play & Shop!

UFMAN DS RRY KA IL WOO N BY BA + ABIGA WRITTE ARLETT G I N INDY SC N Y G O G A WITH M F F / T I R A P H Y G O T O P H

native, Mack Tybee Island r his four-yea Kitchens and e, Boo. old Great Dan

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TO H A SCREAM NS IS READY STARTED WIT MACK KITCHE HIS THAN A YEAR, T CHANGED AFTER MORE EVENING THA UST HAD AUG HE THE G DECISION TALK ABOUT HEARTBREAKIN was out R, AND THE spry 64-year old LIFE FOREVE y THE LINE. The as he had fairl H A LIFE ON ’s Tybee Beach TO MAKE WIT rgia , Geo of flow with a fury the south end and on ebb ing to surf tend kite l for s on this beach idea Tide are s. they year dangerous as regularly for as are first that the rd s hea ss currents waves, Kitchen creating relentle take on these he readied to . kitesurfing. As d in with the tide ty much death had rolle aming, so I pret scre warnings that girl the r er to call I could hea g at a bystand “It was dark, but Kitchens. Hollerin said ue guided ,” resc con the bea to out used her as a rd and paddled girls, mounted his boa to two teenage him lead 911, Kitchens ly y would eventual The . ams scre re. only by yards from sho so in 100 e ents cam curr tides trapped by the didn’t realize that ll space. They at low tide and filling up a sma “They went out e a whole ocean hav u “Yo . rlpool.” quickly,” he said caught in a whi yards t, and they got r one about 20 were in a hot spo spotted the othe . To save girl, Kitchens e a tragic decision Finding the first he had to mak e ent, leav to mom r-die would had away. In a do-o e it out alive, he er and I was found and mak still in the wat the one girl he’d of sed on the girl kind focu she was “I that struggle the other behind. so tired of the she had become watching her as Kitchens. ing. wait ped away,” said slip ady alre and in just gave Coast Guard was shore where the the deteriorating He returned to body, despite in his heart he ue wracking his r girl. Even so, Despite the fatig out for the othe k Creek near bac t wen ore in Chimney conditions, he would wash ash late. Her body st Guard, Chatham Coa The knew it was too by wing a search Tybee follo ent, k artm moc Dep Spanish Ham ter, Tybee Fire o Control Helicop ent.

County’s Mosquit Police Departm ad and Tybee exactly how Squ not ’s cue that Res But Marine as a hero. tragic , he was hailed said. “It was just For his actions think it is,” he when the not what people ” All the same, he sees it. “It’s out, g I can really say. hed thin reac only ind the beh and that’s forced to leave ent the girl he was a humbling mom grandmother of humility. “It was his trademark omplish.”  Kitchens showed you didn’t acc ng ethi som for being thanked

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How do you get animals to ‘stay straight’ or ‘look into the camera?’

By whatever means necessary! I will stoop to bribery, food, singing, distraction, shouting, squeaky toys, crying, and desperate pleading are all on the table.

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About Zorro ➽ Musi often posts stories to go along with his photographs and many of them are just as amazing as the images.

The young Vincent J. Musi, pictured in January 1968 with a camera around his neck, has since gone on to photograph everything from a honeybee to an elephant—from around the globe to his Charleston studio.

Many people envision our work in the studio as a high-energy, creative experience with me shouting “beautiful baby, beautiful” and the dogs responding with pose after pose like models before the lens of the famous fashion photographer and international spy, Austin Powers.

The reality is, I’m somewhat unable to speak when in the process of making photographs. It’s a genetic flaw or some right brain/left brain quirk realized for the first time when I was rejected from my childhood garage band for not being able to sing and play drums at the same time. Damn you Phil Collins.

When we work, this leaves me with a limited menu of grunting noises and the occasional guttural outburst, which I still find helpful in getting an animals attention. It also passes for a kind of barbaric shorthand between Callie and I, until she tires of it and gets mad at me, which she finds helpful in getting my attention.

Zorro is a 12 year-old Standard Poodle, too damn smart to get in the middle of our bickering. He tried to stay neutral but always sided with Callie. This is often the case with the nice lady holding food and I

South’s Greatest Pets // The votes are in and we present the Best in Show // Page 46

am still learning to live with rejection.

This is more frustrating because Zorro is a very special dog that lights up a room when he enters

and I want a dog like that to like me.

More caregiver than therapy dog, Zorro has always been there for the people who needed him

most, some at the end of their lives and some who would miss those people the most.

Our connection was fleeting and dramatic,

a longer version of the moment is stored in my memory like a slow motion fight scene from the Matrix.

This photograph came together when I was finally able to vocalize a sound that engaged Zorro.

I was trying to say his name but it came out with a poor rationing of consonants to vowels; Shtwa-

thwo-or-oht-za-mo-Alshs.

This stopped Zorro, deeply engaged with Callie and a snack of some kind. He turned to me, tilted his head and then he gave me “the eyes.” The eyes that had comforted, the eyes that had gotten him out of trouble, the eyes that had earned him more than his fair share of mac and cheese.

And then, Zorro burped.

Beautiful baby, beautiful.

– Vincent J. Musi

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Elaine Seabolt and her boyfriend Will with their flock of pets.

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THERE’S A LOT TO LOVE ABOUT SAVANNAH, AND THAT ’S NOT EVEN MENTIONING ALL OF ITS SERVICES FOR PETS. HERE, WE TAKE A LOOK AT JUST HOW PET-FRIENDLY THE HOSTESS CIT Y IS.

THE STYLE OF THE SOUTH IS REFLECTED IN OUR FURRY FRIENDS. OUR OFTEN- IMITATED, NEVER DUPLICATED SOCIAL GRACES, OUR FLAIR FOR FASHION AND OUR PASSION FOR PAMPERING ARE A PART OF WHO WE ARE. BY EXTENSION, THEY ARE JUST AS MUCH A PART OF THE PETS WE LOVE. 78

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Photography by Cedric Smith

Below: Chance, chimpanzee and animal actor who appeared in the film “The Wolf of Wall Street.” Right Page (L-R): Harry, Standard Poodle, Daisy Mae, miniature Vietnamese potbellied pig.

Bottom: Domesticated Siberian fox.

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IT’S A PET THANG Inside that four-legged friend of yours beats

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the heart of a true wonder of the animal

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kingdom. Some of the South’s most famous locals are hedgehog duo Lionel and Lilo, Juniper the Fox & Friends and Sammi the Chicken. Celebrities that stand out from the rest of the flock ISSUE #88 ❖ SUMMER 2021

CONTENTS F15TEEN: SURVIVING THE TEST OF TIME

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SOUTH’S GREATEST PETS

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LEGAL EAGLES 2021

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BEACH DINING

These Southern businesses have stood the test of time and smashed the 15-year mark, sharing their stories of success.

Written by Mindy Scarlett, Photography by D. Paul Graham and Blake Crosby

Always a reader favorite, South’s Greatest Pets contest winners get to work showcasing the cutest kitty smiles and puppy-dog eyes in Savannah. Written by Lauren Flemming, Photography

by Angela Hopper

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Vincent Musi

The verdict is in: South’s list of legal professionals takes the guesswork out of finding representation that raises the bar. Written by Mindy Scarlett, Photography by D. Paul Graham and Blake Crosby

National Geographic photographer Vincent Musi has turned the lens to “The Underdogs,” giving shelter dogs a chance to shine.

These island culinary hotspots on Tybee are guaranteed to serve the best bites and beautiful views.

Written by Lauren Flemming, Photography by Tiffany Goggin

WRITTEN BY MINDY SCARLETT, PHOTOGRAPH OF BOO RADLEY

BY VINCENT J. MUSI

6/13/21 5:51 PM

South’s

2019

South’s Greatest Pets // The votes are in and we present the Best in Show // Page 46 Elaine Seabolt and her boyfriend Will with their flock of pets.

THERE’S A LOT TO LOVE ABOUT SAVANNAH, AND THAT ’S NOT EVEN MENTIONING ALL OF ITS SERVICES FOR PETS. HERE, WE TAKE A LOOK AT JUST HOW PET-FRIENDLY THE HOSTESS CIT Y IS.

Dr. Shealy Emergency Room Doc

Photography by Cedric Smith

Pets

EDITORIAL

DR. SHEALY HAS SEEN MORE THAN HIS SHARE OF PET EMERGENCIES. OPERATING A CLINIC THAT WOULD RIVAL THE COUNTRY'S FINEST, HE HAS BROUGHT FIRST CLASS PET CARE TO THE LOWCOUNTRY.

Elaine Seabolt and Will Price have quite the menagerie. Every animal in their household has its on story.

THE STYLE OF THE SOUTH IS REFLECTED IN OUR FURRY FRIENDS. OUR OFTEN- IMITATED, NEVER DUPLICATED SOCIAL GRACES, OUR FLAIR FOR FASHION AND OUR PASSION FOR PAMPERING ARE A PART OF WHO WE ARE. BY EXTENSION, THEY ARE JUST AS MUCH A PART OF THE PETS WE LOVE.

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“Six-month old Boo (Radley) is a unique recipe of Bassett Hound with a generous pinch of Cocker Spaniel to spice things up.”

- Vincent J. Musi

➽ Start with Jack, the rescue Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Jack was on the ACKCS website for adoption. He had been fostered for a couple of years by a lovely South Carolina woman. Jack was considered unadoptable due to injuries he had sustained at the hands of an owner. These injuries included a broken spine and severed tail which requires Jack be diapered at all times for the remainder of his life. “He’s as sweet and loving as can be,” says Seabolt. Many thanks to all the good work the ACKCS does on behalf of these wonderful dogs.

Joining Jack are brother goats Yankee and Dandy, a pair of six-month-old Nigerian dwarf goats the couple adopted from The Tucker Farm in Rome, Georgia.

They arrived via carrier at 3 weeks old and were bottle fed for three months by Will. Thanks to Will, they live quite the life of luxury including a renovated goat pen with custom-built shelving for them to climb and sleep on, a custom hay feeder and a multi tower playground called “Goatberry Farm” located in their own private pasture.

“I picked Yankee because I’m from New York and Elaine picked Dandy because of her Southern Roots,” said Price. "If we get another one, we’re getting a girl and calling her Doodle." For more information on how to adopt go to ackcsc.org.

• It’s every pet owner’s worst nightmare — your dog or cat gets injured or sick in the middle of the night. That’s where Dr. Paul Shealy comes in. The practice at Coastal Empire Veterinary Surgery has a 24/7 staff of experts in each veterinary field — from internal medicine to oncology, neurology to complicated surgery.

“The main thing for me is that we have 24-hour care,” Dr. Shealy explains. “The things that we handle happen around the clock.” One of the first cases Dr. Paul Shealy treated was a boa constrictor that fell from a sixth story apartment. The boa survived. He may not typically treat pets as exotic as that today, but his knowledge of canine orthopedics is no less exceptional. He studies ortho-biotics to help speed healing time after pet surgeries.

He’s expanding his world-class campus on Stephenson Avenue — which already has its own physical therapy center, complete with underwater treadmills and shock wave therapy to make sure your pet gets the care they need to heal properly.

If an accident happens to your pooch, Dr. Shealy will do everything in his power to get your pup back to health. vss.org

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WORK, TRAIN, REPEAT.

Legendary K9s

The LK9 brand mascot Leda, who is three-years-old next to her buddy Thais who is two-and-a-half-years old. Phillips had them since they were 10 weeks old.

Are Made, Not Born Move over, Cesar Millan.

There’s a new dog whisperer in town.

S T O RY B Y B A R RY K A U F M A N • P H O T O S B Y D . PA U L G R A H A M

Anyone who has spent enough time in Savannah’s bar scene has probably seen it all. It’s just that kind of town. But even the most jaded barfly would probably take a second glance at a 60-pound Dutch Shepherd sitting at the bar doing shots of water and performing tricks.

For Phillip Hughes of Legendary K9 Georgia, those trips to the bar with his dog Leda were not only fun, they proved excellent opportunities for marketing.

“We used to go all over downtown Savannah. I’d have her climb on my back, sit on different statues in the squares. She’d sit in the bar beside us… in the fountain area of City Market she’d be doing obedience and I’d get at least five customers that way,” he said.

That interest fueled a dream that Hughes had been germinating for nearly a decade: training dogs by utilizing a brilliant methodology that emphasizes play while teaching commands. “I woke up one day and decided I really wanted to do this with my life, so I quit my job and started with $67 in my bank account,” he said.

“And then I met (my wife) Becca, thank God. She knew how to promote my business. From there it took off.”

With the help of his wife to promote his now flourishing business, Phillip could focus on his unique approach to training. “Dogs are dogs. We tend to put our own feelings into a dog and that’s not what they understand,” he said. “You have to let a dog be a dog and direct it. When it’s in that happy state it will want to please you and want to continue to learn.”

“Around here you see a lot of trainers going straight to shock collars,” added Becca. “We don’t do that. We’re balanced trainers but mostly positive with a little bit of negative. Using an E-Collar on a dog before the dog understands basic commands is 100 percent against what Phillip is about. He’s old school in that he puts in the time with leash work before conditioning a dog to an E-Collar.”

“From chihuahuas to dogo Argentinos.... we train them all.

You’ll occasionally see Fred the turkey, Sam the duck or Wilbur the pot bellied pig in my training videos.

We live on a farm, so every animal around here plays a role in training, if for nothing more than to teach a dog to ignore a distraction.”

– Phillip Hughes

Phillip believes a trainer’s job is to work with an animal’s own instincts and genetics to guide them toward better behaviors. Our basic obedience course runs up to four weeks. “I don’t like to rush dogs. I like to be thorough,” said Phillip. But more advanced courses include a four to six week off-leash obedience course as well as a behavior modification course that takes “however long it takes to fix the issue.”

He trains all ages, breeds, and sizes. “From chihuahuas to dogo Argentinos.... we train them all. You’ll occasionally see Fred the turkey, Sam the duck or Wilbur the pot bellied pig in my training videos. We live on a farm so every animal around here plays a role in training, if for nothing more than to teach a dog to ignore a distraction.”

Legendary K9 has amassed a slew of success stories, highlighted on their Facebook page as each class graduates. And while the business has proven to be a solid investment of Phillip’s last $67, its success is more rewarding to him due to what it allows him to do.

“I started this to figure out a way to work with dogs while working for myself because I loved being around them. I had a natural knack for training, so I incorporated a great work ethic handed down from my papa, with a passion for animals to get where I am today. I could never have done this without the help of my wife and kids. Everyone here helps. Most families enjoy vacations, my family wakes up every day, 365 days a year, holidays and all and we take care of these animals.”

“My success story is waking up everyday and doing what I love.

It’s a family affair. It’s a lifestyle. As a bonus, I’m able to give back to the community by taking in shelter and foster dogs to give them a second chance.”

In addition to their own pack, which includes Leda (Dutch shepherd), Thais (Belgian malinois Dutch X), Lykos (Belgian malinois),

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Wag-O-Ween, Doggie Carnival, Costumes on

LIFE

the Woof , From Wags to Riches the Dawgs and more. We’ve got a paw on the pulse.

-SECOND TION. A SPLIT A EATH SITUA AT CHANGE A LIFE-OR-D UENCES TH L D THEM AL AND CONSEQ CE .

FA ION S EN CIS DE CK KITCH MA .

R. VE ISM OF HERO LIFE FORE NT ME MO ING IN ONE SHIN UFMAN DS RRY KA IL WOO N BY BA + ABIGA WRITTE ARLETT INDY SC G O G G I N WITH M I F FA N Y T / Y H G R A P P H O T O

native, Mack Tybee Island r his four-yea Kitchens and e, Boo. old Great Dan

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TO H A SCREAM NS IS READY STARTED WIT MACK KITCHE THAN A YEAR, NGED HIS AFTER MORE NING THAT CHA HAD AUGUST EVE HE THE N UT ISIO ABO G DEC TALK HEARTBREAKIN was out R, AND THE spry 64-year old LIFE FOREVE THE LINE. The had fairly H A LIFE ON e Beach as he TO MAKE WIT of Georgia’s Tybe a fury, end th with sou flow the ebb and kitesurfing on beach tend to for s. Tides on this they are ideal dangerous as regularly for year the first rd ents that are as hea s curr ss hen ntle creating rele these waves, Kitc on take to he readied . kitesurfing. As d in with the tide h death had rolle so I pretty muc warnings that girl screaming, er to call I could hear the g at a bystand lerin “It was dark, but Hol s. hen ed Kitc the rescue guid beacon,” said to a as out her dled d use rd and pad , mounted his boa two teenage girls 911, Kitchens ly lead him to tual even ld . They wou re. only by screams yards from sho so currents 100 tides came in trapped by the didn’t realize that ll space. They at low tide and filling up a sma “They went out an oce le who . “You have a ol.” said he rlpo whi kly,” a quic caught in yards t, and they got r one about 20 were in a hot spo spotted the othe save girl, Kitchens ic decision. To Finding the first to make a trag to leave moment, he had had r-die ld do-o wou a away. In e it out alive, he was mak I and and d er foun in the wat the one girl he’d on the girl still she kind of “I was focused the struggle that the other behind. ome so tired of bec had she watching her as said Kitchens. slipped away,” already waiting. just gave in and Coast Guard was shore where the the deteriorating He returned to body, despite his g heart he ckin wra ue Even so, in his girl. r Despite the fatig othe r the for ney Creek nea went back out ashore in Chim conditions, he y would wash bod tham Her Cha . rd, late knew it was too

by The Coast Gua ch sear a e g k followin Department, Tybe Spanish Hammoc ter, Tybee Fire o Control Helicop ent.

County’s Mosquit e Police Departm tly how Squad and Tybe that’s not exac But .

Marine Rescue hero a as was just tragic , he was hailed For his actions is,” he said. “It people think it t the n wha whe not the same, he sees it. “It’s really say.” All reached out, only thing I can and that’s the to leave behind ent he was forced mom g girl blin the of hum a grandmother humility. “It was his trademark lish.”  Kitchens showed didn’t accomp something you for ked than being

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David Pence, along with his wife, Michelle, are raising the roof on the pet industry.

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While it is said that a pet’s job is to be a

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person’s best friend, any pet owner will tell you they do so much more than that – and that’s what makes these furry friends South’s Greatest Pets.

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SOUTH MAGAZINE’S 14TH ANNUAL PETS ISSUE

COME, SIT, HEAL CUSSTSIOONMAL PROFE EDITORIAL

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The top-notch medical equipment and treatment offered at BVC is matched by their dedication to customer care. In one of the most emotionally challenging industries, the staff goes above and beyond to keep tails wagging.

IN A COMMUNITY THAT TRIPADVISOR CALLS “OVERWHELMINGLY DOG-FRIENDLY,” BUCKWALTER VETERINARY CLINIC RISES TO THE TOP AS A HIGH-TOUCH, HIGHLY RELATIONAL, FULL SERVICE VETERINARY MEDICAL FACILITY ABLE TO OFFER “PROCEDURES NOT DONE ROUTINELY IN THE LOWCOUNTRY.”

hat’s not just a sound bite. It’s BVC’s unique calling card, and it’s comprehensive.

Co-founder Dr. Daniel Iyer specifies, “We offer pretty much every aspect of physiology – pharmacist, radiology, internal medicine, oncology, dental care, specialty cardiology, advanced orthopedics, cold laser — you name it, we can do it all.”

To paint a more experiential picture, Iyer said, “from basic diagnostics to hip surgery, where else can you bring a pet in with a swollen lymph node, aspirate, diagnose lymphoma, do ultrasound and x-rays, and possibly start chemotherapy all in one day, one place, with one in-house staff?” All of which doesn’t even include the more boutique services like chiropractic and acupuncture.

With state-of-the-art equipment and specializing in Western and Eastern medicine, they extend their high standard of service beyond the office, “even when we get a text from you in the middle of the night,” said Dr. Iyer. He doesn’t consider it extraordinary; he just considers it customer service. “Someone who needs an answer is going to get one — immediately or at the latest, within a day.” Even more, instead of hearing from a nurse, tech, or employee, Dr. Iyer said, “you get callbacks direct from doctors.”

That direct-to-consumer, one-on-one conversation is not only reassuring, it leads to a more customized plan of care and leaves the cookie-cutter approach behind. “A lot of new clients come in for a second opinion,” and when they do, Dr. Iyer promises, “we’re not going to sugar coat, but we’re also not going to overdo it. You don’t always have to

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do XYZ. You have options. Certain serious treatment plans aren’t always the right thing to do. We won’t let our clients be surprised. We proceed with a thorough exam, accurate diagnosis, and the most rational treatment.”

Remember, as extensive as their array of options are, it’s still all contained under one roof in a one stop veterinarian experience, which is so reassuring when you’re concerned about your fur-family and figuring out where to turn. Dr. Iyer takes this personally saying, “I love that I can do every aspect of medicine and have an animal leave the same day even from something major. It’s absolutely remarkable to see smiles on people’s faces when a dog that had a basketball-sized tumor leaves that day having had it removed, and the dog is night and day different.”

Level of care is equal to personal touch as BVC prides itself in being a “tight-knit family that truly treats each patient as our own, and our clients as kin.” Not just clients, but also translating this care to staff, BVC is intentional about building into the well-being of those working in one of the most emotionally challenging industries. This boomerangs into the community the clinic serves, creating a secure, supportive, and positive environment among the professionals caring for your animal family.

“I love every aspect of working in Bluffton. Clientele are top notch, pets are amazing, the community is so supportive, and we are fortunate to have a fantastic staff — we couldn’t be happier,” said Iyer. And it shows — in the broad range of services, advanced facilities, committed family environment, smiling faces, and wagging tails coming in and out the front door of the Bluffton based practice.

You’ll find them “next to the Publix,” for those in the market for a caring, full-service veterinary home.” 

Spring 2022

SPRING ISSUE

Space: January 25 // Art: February 1 // March-April-May

WORDS: AMY BARTLETT P H O T O G R A P H Y: B L A K E C R O S BY

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CRANFORD

OWNERS: CHRIS AND KIM WATSON My name is Cranford and I’m not your average poodle. I know when my harness goes on that it’s time to get to work as a support dog, but when it comes off, it’s time to play and get silly! I am patient, loyal, protective, friendly and super smart.

I love playing with any kind of ball, taking boat rides to Tybee, chasing bubbles and shopping at Target!

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SOUTH READERS

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BELOW $75,000 $75,000 - $99,999 $100,000 - $149,999 OVER $150,000

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OF OUR READERS PURCHASE PRODUCTS OR SERVICES FROM ADS SEEN IN SOUTH MAGAZINE PER 100 READERS

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t to curl up South's top spo annah's Sav with a cat and ndent oldest indepe cializing bookstore, spe in new books.

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Because the best Southern pets deserve the best Southern treats, training and tech, we’ve compiled the quintessential guide to showing your furry friend some love.

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“THE MARKET HAS BEEN FLOODED WITH PRODUCTS THAT LOOK TACTICAL. BUT WE AREN’T DESIGNING GEAR FOR THAT – WE ARE DESIGNING FOR WORKING DOGS. BUT EVEN IF YOUR POOCH ISN’T OUT THERE SAVING LIVES, MODERN ICON GEAR IS SIMPLY BUILT TO LAST. WE HEAR FROM SO MANY FOLKS WHERE THEIR DOG WENT THROUGH THREE DIFFERENT COLLARS BEFORE OURS.”

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CRUOFESSTSIOONMAL P

EDITORIAL

– LEE VARTANIAN

@k9frontliners

Redefining the

Modern Icon From professional climber, to law enforcement, Lee Vartanian’s past experience came in handy when he launched the company that would elevate the quality and style of the K-9 gear industry.

W R I T T E N BY B A R RY K AU F M A N / P H OTO G R A P H Y: N I C K R I D D L E LEADS START AT $19.99.

THE MODERN ICON LEAD WITH KONG FROG SWIVEL [$49.99] ➽

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ld capro feel that wou h, an upscale, met They wanted ntown Savanna le energy of dow ed basedon ture the intangib aban the discovered they saw e, Stor and when they ent Kress Departm ment in the old e true. Jazz’d was their vision com array of a way to make music, a wide nky vibes, live born, with swa tapas. on t twis a s and just off of Ellis sultry libation e anc entr l et leve enjoy The below stre , and guests can speakeasy feel to Square gives a ers Rockefeller traditional oyst everything from

THE TOUGH 1.5” SUMMIT COLLAR - [$37.99]

K9 Frontliners in the tracking harness (L) and leather wrapped 2” rigid collar (R) Photo / @k9frontliners

DO GS

who do more need more. For those select canines who rush toward danger, save lives and protect their people, Modern Icon has gear that stands up to anything. Anyone who owns a dog knows they can be tough on their gear. If they’re not chewing on their leash, they’re snapping the clasps on their collars before bolting off to mark their territory all over creation. For a pet owner, it can be a nuisance.

But for those handlers working in life-or-death conditions, it can mean far worse.

“I was a police officer for five years in Greenville, South Carolina, and one day I was going into roll call and saw one of the leads that our canine officer was using,” said Modern Icon founder Lee Vartanian. “I’m thinking, ‘I don’t want to be next to that dog on the street with that crappy lead being the only thing between it and biting everything around it.’”

A nationally ranked professional climber with an eye for design, Vartanian had already been using the sewing skills passed down from his grandmother to upgrade and modify his outdoor gear. A better leash was a snap.

“I went to REI and bought some military-spec black webbing and a marine-grade brass snap,” he said. Beyond simply being tougher than the average leash, this first model incorporated what Vartanian calls a “pace methodology” derived from his time spent teaching special ops rappelling and vertical access. “Pace stands for primary, alternate, contingency, emergency. If a snap breaks, there’s a loop for a carabiner. All of our equipment has to stand up to that,” he said. “You could rappel out of a window with our leads.”

That first lead set off a flurry of interest among dog handlers within Vartanian’s department and beyond. With that word of mouth came suggestions from all over for different equipment. “I would design based on their feedback and my own understanding to make some unique products that are used by departments all over the world,” he said. “Everything’s been out of necessity. If something doesn’t exist, we’re going to make it.”

Speaking of necessity, the volume of orders coming in soon put Vartanian at a crossroads. He’d been essentially a one-man operation working out of his basement when he decided he just couldn’t keep up with demand. “I got to a point where I had to decide am I of better use to the world as one officer on the street or as someone making gear for every K-9 on the planet?”

That decision led him to Modern Icon, a thriving online business that has since outgrown not only his basement but two other spaces, and ships all over the world. Soon after he started, his old beat partner, Josh Barham joined as his business partner.

“I wouldn’t be here without him,” said Vartanian.

At the core of Modern Icon is Vartanian’s dedication to making gear for dogs that doesn’t just look tough – it is tough.

“The market has been flooded with products that look tactical.

But we aren’t designing gear for that – we are designing for working dogs,” he said. But even if your pooch isn’t out there saving lives, Modern Icon gear is simply built to last. “We hear from so many folks where their dog went through three different collars before ours.”

Check out the full line of collars and leads at modernicon.us.

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A photo is worth a thousand words... Modern Icon has developed a client fanbase that shows their appreciation of the brand by sending in some amazing photos. @falcothedutch

Rico from @ coastline_k9 and owner Amy Way

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Leather wrapped rigid collars.

Photo / @k9frontliners

Mike McBroom and dog Mack from @coastline_k9. Photo: Ben Davis, Battleborn Photography

SUMMER 2021

Space: January 25 // Art: February 1 // March-April-May

truffle mac a tions mean the amazin not to miss mojitos an an expansi Whethe celebratio sure to de

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SUMMER 2021

(L-R) Josh Barham and Lee Vartanian, partner and founder of Modern Icon, and Dutch Malinois, Max.

“I GOT TO A POINT WHERE I HAD TO DECIDE AM I OF BETTER USE TO THE WORLD AS ONE OFFICER ON THE STREET OR AS SOMEONE MAKING GEAR FOR EVERY K-9 ON THE PLANET?” – MODERN ICON FOUNDER LEE VARTANIAN

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SUMMER 2021

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