CAROLINA
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FALL 2021 A Charleston Animal Society Publication
HURRICANE RESPONSE
PICK ME! SC
CARRIAGE INDUSTRY
Getting Pets Out of Harm’s Way
Breaks National Adoption Record
City Oversight is a Disaster
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Publisher: Charleston Animal Society Editor-in-Chief: Dan Krosse Managing Editor: Joe Elmore Sponsorships: Erin Nosker Advertising Sales: Ted DeLoach Graphic Design: mclaughlin design Copy Editors: Eve Baker, Barbara Eggers-Parker Writers: Dan Krosse, Joe Elmore, Aldwin Roman, Sean Hawkins, Jeanne Taylor, Denise Wilkinson, Ashley Greaves Photographers: Jeanne Taylor, Dan Krosse, Aldwin Roman, Kay Hyman, Pawmetto Lifeline, Marie Rodriguez, James Lauzon For inquiries regarding advertising, distribution or suggestions in Carolina Tails call (843) 410-2577 or ksimmons@charlestonanimalsociety.org 2455 Remount Road North Charleston, SC 29406 (843) 747-4849 CarolinaTails.org Chairwoman: Laurel Greer Vice Chair: Dillard Salmons Stevens Secretary: Peter Walters Treasurer: Martin Deputy Executive Committee of the Board Patricia Henley David Maybank, Jr. Esq. Robert Nigro Louise Palmer Hank Greer Members of the Board Linda Bakker Gerri Greenwood Luigi Bravo Brantley Meier, DC Caroline Clark Carolyn Murray Kyle Crager Richard Murphy Edward “Ted” Celeste Patrick, MD Corvey, III, Esq. Donald Smith Aussie Geer Diane Straney Jane Graham George “Pat” Waters Charleston County Council Representative: Henry Darby President and CEO: Joe Elmore Media & Marketing Consultant: Dan Krosse, dpk media solutions
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Contents FALL 2021
5 Welcome
6 Pet Pointers Blake Shelton Honors Kay Hyman
8 NKSC in Action
Two statewide adoption campaigns save lives.
10 Disaster Response Team Charleston Animal Society Responds to Emergencies. 12 Fighting Cruelty: What You Can Do 13 Vet Shortage A veterinarian shortage is impacting animals statewide. 14 New Behavior Center Welcome to the new frontier in saving animals. 16 Carriage Horse Update City oversight is an ongoing disaster.
For advertising, please contact Ted Deloach: teddeloach@gmail.com or (843) 670-3941. Carolina Tails is published by Charleston Animal Society, 2455 Remount Road, North Charleston, SC 29401. Carolina Tails is a registered trademark. Reproduction in whole or in part without the express, written permission of the publisher is prohibited.
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18 Making a Will with Pets in Mind 19 Canines for Caregivers Shelter pets helping healthcare workers through COVID surge. 20 Bright Future for Dorchester County Animals 21 New Berkeley County Animal Center 22 One on One with Rep. Nancy Mace 24 Vet Directory
For sponsorship, please contact Erin Nosker: enosker@ CharlestonAnimalSociety.org or (843) 329-1541.
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28 Animal Spotlight: Hendrick Automotive Group 30 Holiday Gift Guide 32 Avoiding Holiday Pet Hazards
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We don’t save homeless pets or heal injuries or create futures. But all the good YOU do is the whole reason we’re here. We’re here for you with the support, technology, and network that helps you take your good further, faster.
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Welcome DEAR FRIENDS, As this issue hits display racks and your mailbox, we are in the midst of another long hurricane season. Ida’s devastating strike along the Gulf Coast in late August was a wakeup call to all of us to stay prepared. Please include your pets in your hurricane plan. Remember that hurricane season runs through November 30. Be sure to see coverage of our Disaster Response Team in action on pg. 10. Our Applause for Paws Gala is coming up October 16 and even if you don’t have tickets, you can still participate in our amazing online auction and help us raise money for our lifesaving work at Charleston Animal Society. Thanks to so many supportive businesses, we have compiled a fantastic array of items that you can bid on – one that could be the perfect Christmas gift for someone special in your life. Just go to CharlestonAnimalSociety.org/galaauction to start bidding! INSIDE THIS ISSUE As you saw in the news this summer, animal shelters across the state declared a “State of Emergency,” after many found themselves over capacity. One reason for the overcrowding involved a veterinarian shortage that is impacting our state and the entire country (pg. 13). Our No Kill South Carolina 2024 team played a crucial role in making the public aware of the summer adoption emergency. This came on the heels of the most successful Pick Me! SC statewide adoption event in history, also organized by No Kill South Carolina (pg. 8).
Board Chairwoman Laurel Greer and husband Hank enjoy time with a foster kitten at Charleston Animal Society. This year more than 1,500 animals have been fostered by volunteers. (Photo: Kay Hyman)
When it comes to animal welfare, we are always monitoring legislative actions at the local, state and national levels. In this issue, you’ll hear from U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, to see where she stands on laws that are designed to protect animals (pg. 22). There’s a saying that goes “a rising tide lifts all boats,” that I think is the perfect way to describe the current condition of animal sheltering in the Tricounty area. While you’ve helped tremendously with our growth over the past several years, we are now seeing exciting developments in Berkeley and Dorchester Counties. See what’s happening starting on pg. 20. HAPPY HOLIDAYS As 2021, with all its uncertainty, draws to an end, it’s time to reflect on all that is dear to us. Our pets are certainly at the top of the list. Through another COVID-19 surge, hurricanes, rising prices and trouble in the Middle East – our pets have been there for us every single day. Waiting. Oblivious. Just looking for a walk, a treat or playtime. This holiday season, make it a point to hug your pets a little closer. Thank you for everything you do for the animals. Sincerely,
LAUREL GREER BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRWOMAN
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NEWS :: You Can Use
Pet Pointers BALD EAGLES ROARING BACK The Bald Eagle population in the U.S. has climbed from 72,000 in 2009 to 326,000 in 2016, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department. Now the once endangered species is spooking some pet owners, because these birds of prey have been seen swooping down on family pets, including small dogs. The Wall Street Journal reports that some animal lovers are investing in pet vests that include spikey deterrents to these majestic eagles.
TESLA WINNER: “SWEET!” Out of 2,700 tickets sold, the winning Tesla Model Y Lifesaving Raffle ticket landed in the hands of John Osborne. The Charleston resident missed the Facebook Live announcement of his big win, but during a phone call telling him he won, he summed it up well in just one word, “Sweet!” The raffle was made possible thanks to Board Members Hank and Laurel Greer — helping to raise $270,000 for animals at Charleston Animal Society.
BLAKE SHELTON HONORS KAY HYMAN Inspired by the name and mission of his tour, award-winning entertainer Blake Shelton made it his goal to identify a special community member on each stop of his Friends and Heroes 2021 run. Local animal lovers were thrilled when they learned the Lowcountry Local Hero was Charleston Animal Society’s Community Engagement Director Kay Hyman. Shelton, with the assistance of the North Charleston Coliseum, chose Hyman for being a lifetime animal advocate and a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. She has appeared for over 25 years on multiple weekly television and radio shows helping thousands of animals from Charleston Animal Society find new homes. Kay began at Charleston Animal Society 30 years ago as a volunteer.
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VOLUNTEER HOMECOMING Charleston Animal Society held a volunteer homecoming in June. Volunteers give one-million hours to the animals each year!
THINNING THE WILD HORSE HERD
“PAWING” IT FORWARD Charleston Animal Society’s recognition as a national leader in animal sheltering continues to grow. Grant makers like Maddie’s Fund have taken notice and provided resources for Charleston Animal Society to teach apprenticeships on the national level in fostering, education and shelter medicine. Even during the pandemic, Charleston Animal Society leaders have shared their knowledge base with hundreds of shelter workers across the country using technology like Zoom. “It is super exciting to share the procedures and protocols we have implemented with other shelter professionals across the country,” said Charleston Animal Society Chief Veterinary Officer Lucy Fuller, DVM. Likewise, Charleston Animal Society’s Humane Education team has developed an online curriculum that will help other shelters build their own program. “We want every child to learn from humane education,” said Charleston Animal Society Humane Education Director Heather Grogan. “It is empowering and uplifting to develop these tools so shelters across the country can reach more children.”
A controversial Bureau of Land Management (BLM) “emergency drought” roundup of nearly 800 wild horses in Colorado was postponed September 1, due to rain and the growing outcry from horse advocates and politicians. Opponents don’t like the method (using helicopters to stampede the horses and burros into pens) or the end result: placing the wild horses into a $1,000-per-head adoption system that the NY Times (May 15, 2021) exposed as a “slaughter pipeline.” The BLM and wild horse advocates differ on their opinion of the wild horses’ conditions. The government says the horses are starving due to the drought and climate change – however, advocates say photographers have shown the horses look healthy and happy. Out of 783 horses being rounded up on public land, only 50 will be allowed to stay, according to the BLM plan. The cost to taxpayers will exceed $2 million. All this said, Reuters reports that because of climate change, some animal advocates, including the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) are open to dialogue that may include using these helicopter roundups, coupled with fertility control.
Even Charleston Animal Society’s CEO Joe Elmore is sharing his management expertise with future shelter leaders who are obtaining their Animal Shelter Management Certification. Elmore is a virtual guest lecturer to these students at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA. “Because we have the capacity to share our knowledge, we feel an obligation to do so,” said Elmore.
DOUBLE TROUBLE They were seeing double at Edisto Beach State Park on a routine sea turtle patrol. As the patrol was examining a nest by counting the hatched and unhatched eggs – one particular turtle stood out, because he/she/they had two heads! Park officials say the twoheaded hatchling is the result of a genetic mutation. Other twoheaded hatchlings have been found in South Carolina in past years, but this is a first for the patrol team at Edisto Beach State Park. After a few photos, this hatchling, along with the two others found, were released into the ocean. PHOTO: SOUTHCAROLINAPARKS.COM
Stephanie Boyles Griffin, the Chief Scientist at HSUS told Reuters, “The greatest threat to our wild horses and burros and our public lands right now isn’t the BLM, it’s not cattle, ranching or mining interests. It’s not animal advocates. It’s climate change and the new reality is fast settling in.” FALL 2021 | CAROLINA TAILS
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ADOPTIONS :: Summer Slam
State of Emergency Hits Shelters Across State in Summer
No Kill South Carolina 2024 led launch of “Summer Slam Emergency Rescue” Operation
The lives of thousands of animals in shelters across South Carolina were at stake, as homeless animals poured into shelters over the summer. “Nearly every shelter in the state, including the largest shelters [Greenville County Animal Care, Charleston Animal Society, Horry County Animal Care Center and Columbia Animal Services] were at the breaking point and needed immediate help,” said No Kill South Carolina 2024 Chief Project Officer Abigail Appleton, CAWA, PMP. “These lifesaving organizations were critically overcapacity because folks were not getting out as much as they did earlier this summer” To solve this unprecedented crisis in South Carolina, shelters across the state joined together to launch “Summer Slam Emergency Rescue Operation.” This emergency event was led by No Kill South Carolina 2024 (a program of Charleston Animal Society) and the South Carolina Animal Care and Control Association (SCACCA). “We were in unchartered waters, in a perfect storm. We had the end of summer slowdown in adoptions, the peak of hurricane season and the pandemic resurgence,” stated Shelly Simmons, President of SCACCA. THE PLAN IN ACTION To help with the emergency, No Kill South Carolina 2024 encouraged shelters across the state to offer low-cost adoption deals. No Kill South Carolina 2024 also placed thousands of dollars 8
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SASaVING v LIVingELSives
in advertising buys across every major region of the state. As a result, the lifesaving call to action was on Facebook, TV, radio and across the internet. People were encouraged to visit their local shelters to adopt or foster at-risk animals. “This was a community crisis, not just an animal shelter crisis, just as COVID is a community crisis, not only a hospital crisis. Everyone had a role to play,” stated Simmons. At the same time, businesses, veterinarians, rescue groups, governments, shelters and media were also encouraged to help. • Citizens were urged to adopt or foster • Businesses could become adoption ambassadors for animals • Veterinarians were asked to help shelters through the backlog of animals with spay/neuter • Rescue groups could take in additional at-risk animals • Government shelters and animal control agencies could implement managed moratoriums (intake only at-risk animals) After the dust settled, countless lives had been saved. In spite of the ongoing veterinarian shortage (pg. 13), the “Emergency Summer Slam” was a success. “Everyone wants to save lives and No Kill South Carolina 2024 is a vehicle for connecting people and shelters and solving crises like this that impact us all,” said Appleton.
ADOPTIONS :: Statewide Event
Pick Me! SC Breaks Record
SC PRIDE
1,723 adoptions took place during statewide adoption event. Pick Me! SC was a huge success, with 51 animal rescue shelters and Petco locations around the state opening their doors for pet adoptions June 18 – 27. “As the number of animals in shelters reached crisis levels, South Carolinians once again responded to their local animal rescue shelters to make room for one more family member,” said Charleston Animal Society President and CEO Joe Elmore, CAWA. “We are thrilled that this year’s event broke all previous records by topping 1,700 adoptions; it was a milestone for South Carolina animals!” The statewide adoption event is sponsored by Petco Love (formerly the Petco Foundation), in partnership with BOBS from Skechers. Pick Me! SC is organized by No Kill South Carolina 2024, an initiative of Charleston Animal Society. “We want to give a big thank you to Petco Love and BOBS from Skechers for their continued support and belief in this annual adoption event,” said No Kill South Carolina 2024 Chief Project Director Abigail Appleton, PMP, CAWA. “We believe this is the nation’s only annual statewide adoption event for both dogs and cats.” ADOPTERS CAME OUT DESPITE PANDEMIC The 2021 goal was to save 1,500 lives through adoptions and as the final adoption tally rolled in, the number of adoptions climbed to 1,723. Most shelters and adoption centers offered “no-fee” or “low-fee” adoptions as a gesture of gratitude in this lifesaving campaign for families making room for one more. The record-breaking adoptions came despite lingering concerns over the pandemic. Four animal rescue shelters had more than 100 adoptions: • Greenville County Animal Care: 247 • Charleston Animal Society: 238 • Anderson County PAWS: 164 • Berkeley Animal Center: 105 699 dogs and 1,024 cats were adopted during the statewide adoption campaign. Adding to the fun? Cat adopters were surprised with an additional treat of an adoption kit from World’s Best Cat Litter. LONG-TERM IMPACT OF PICK ME! SC Many people who adopted at Pick Me! SC in the past shared that they had never visited their local animal rescue shelter before the Pick Me! SC events. Animal welfare leaders throughout the state hope events like this will show people the value that animal rescue shelters bring to their individual communities.
During the statewide Pick Me! SC adoption event, 699 dogs were adopted and the lives of more than 1,000 cats were saved. Photos: Jeanne Taylor/jtpetpics.com FALL 2021 | CAROLINA TAILS
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HURRICANE SEASON :: Disaster Response
Dogs Rescued from Path of Hurricane Ida
HELPIN HANDSG
Disaster response to Mississippi shelter came just hours before storm hit coast.
This German Shepherd was one of 50 dogs rescued from the path of Hurricane Ida.
A
s Hurricane Ida approached the Gulf Coast from the South, a Charleston Animal Society Disaster Response Team was heading to the area from the North. In one of the last pet evacuations before the hurricane hit, Charleston Animal Society rescued 50 dogs from the path of the storm at the Humane Society of South Mississippi in Gulfport. “We were flooded with calls for help and thanks to our supporters, we have the capacity to help, so we did,” said Charleston Animal Society Emergency Response & Preparedness Manager Bryant Taylor. “We made it to Gulfport around midnight, 12 hours before the 10
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storm hit and we delivered 2,000 lbs. of dog and cat food into the community for post-storm recovery.” The team, made up of Taylor and Charleston Animal Society’s Patrick Allen were able to safely load animals into the shelter’s disaster response truck to bring them out of harm’s way. In a Facebook post after the storm, the Mississippi shelter wrote: “There is never a lot of preparation time before a major storm threat is upon us, so their rapid responsiveness and ability to make arrangements to accept and transport these pets was truly remarkable. Our deepest gratitude goes out to each and every one of you.” From Mississippi, the dogs were then taken to partner shelters in Florida, who also pitched in to help. The Disaster Response Team logged 1,746 miles on this deployment. The dogs were taken to these Florida shelters: • Pasco County Animal Services Land O’ Lakes, FL • Halifax Humane Society Daytona Beach, FL • Jacksonville Humane Society Jacksonville, FL • SPCA Tampa Bay Largo, FL • Humane Society of Tampa Bay Tampa, FL As a leading disaster response organization in the South, Charleston Animal Society has built relationships with numerous shelters around the Southeast. “It is this kind of teamwork between shelters that will help us save countless animal lives when hurricanes approach,” said Charleston Animal Society President and CEO Joe Elmore, CAWA, CFRE. “We continue to receive calls for assistance from the Gulf Coast States and we are evaluating how our Disaster Response Team can continue to help.”
DISASTER RESPONSE TEAM So far this year, the Disaster Response Team has deployed 13 times (and counting), helping rescue animals around the Southeast and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As the islands continue to recover from a hit by three hurricanes in 2018, shelters there are still in desperate need of assistance. Animals are relayed to Miami, where Charleston Animal Society picks them up and transports them to shelters with space to adopt them. In July, when Hurricane Elsa threatened Florida, the team went to Suwanee, FL and rescued 10 dogs just before Hurricane Elsa made landfall. It’s not always storms this team is chasing. The Disaster Response Team will roll to help fight cruelty, as with the largest cruelty bust in the history of South Carolina in Laurens County. Over 400 animals needed help in the rescue operation, including dogs, horses and various farm animals. All were seized by law enforcement. 23 dogs were transported to Charleston Animal Society for emergency medical care by the shelter’s veterinarians and animal care staff. The team also assists with animal transports when shelters become critically overloaded. “We work closely with the No Kill South Carolina 2024 team to move animals as we can from crowded shelters to less crowded shelters” Taylor said. “We have also teamed up with the Massachusetts SPCA, who have agreed to take animals from South Carolina.” If you would like to join and learn more about the team, go to CharlestonAnimalSociety.org/DisasterAnimal-Response-Team. While previous emergency response experience is great, it’s not required. The team is looking for volunteers who are flexible, compassionate and can remain calm during high-stress situations.
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FIGHTING CRUELTY :: Wherever it exists
Fighting Animal Cruelty will Save Our Communities
TROUB LIN YE AR G
By ALDWIN ROMAN, CAWA CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS AND STRATEGY
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dog is shot multiple times and killed by its owner. Ten days later, police say two individuals impersonating animal control officers arrived armed at a family home and steal a mom dog and her four puppies. Ten days after that, a car slows down on the highway, the passenger door opens, and a dog is shoved out onto the side of the road. Two weeks later, a dog is stabbed and beaten when caught in the middle of a domestic dispute. In a month’s time earlier this year, eight animals suffered abuse. One lost its life, five are missing, and two had to find new homes. The only thing more frustrating than the wide variety of ways animals are abused is the constant presence of this abuse. And sometimes the scale of the abuse is what’s overwhelming. Four months later, the largest animal cruelty bust in South Carolina history, 400 animals, takes place in Laurens County. Charleston Animal Society was called into action to help with the overwhelming situation. RIPPLE EFFECTS OF CRUELTY All of these animal crimes are disturbing for the animals they effect but even more disturbing for their impact on the community. Animal cruelty isn’t just bad for the animals, it’s bad for the neighborhood. For the dog that was shot and killed, his owner wasn’t just arrested for animal cruelty but also for other weapons charges. In the case of the stolen dog and her four puppies, five individuals were later arrested and charged with criminal conspiracy, including a local firefighter. 12
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Those involved in the large case in Laurens County were arrested not only for animal cruelty but also for trafficking narcotics. FIGHT CRUELTY AND SAVE COMMUNITIES Eliminating animal cruelty is a lofty goal and we can start by acknowledging its more than just about the animals. Fighting for justice for animals or lobbying for animal protection laws isn’t just about the animals, it’s also about our communities. Those who commit violence towards animals are more likely to go on to do the same towards people. The research supports this theory. Combating animal cruelty is about facing animal cruelty and other forms of violence that affect our lives. DIFFERENT PATHS IN FIGHTING CRUELTY Fighting animal abuse isn’t easy. The victims can’t speak. And the victims are often the evidence. To do my part in this fight I sought out all the training I could find on investigating animal abuse. In June, I became one of the first Master Animal Cruelty Investigators in the country after completing advanced animal cruelty investigation training over a three-year period. This along with my Humane Animal Investigator Certification makes me one of the most highly trained animal cruelty investigators in the state. That’s the route I chose to fight cruelty. However, it doesn’t take years of training for someone to get involved in fighting animal cruelty. It’s as easy as keeping your eyes open. If you see something, report it. If you can do so
Charleston County Sheriff ’s Deputy Steven Jarvis weighs Lana after she was rescued from being stabbed during a domestic violence case. safely, record video of what you see with your smartphone. This kind of evidence can make a case. And if an animal is in danger, call 911 to get help. Support organizations that are fighting cruelty. If you can’t be there, your donations can help send people who can. Finally, educate your friends and family about the existence of animal cruelty and give them ideas on ways to also get involved.
CRISIS :: Vet Shortage
Vet Shortage Impacts Shelters
MY TURN
By Denise Wilkinson, Pawmetto Lifeline CEO
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helters, private clinics, and emergency clinics are in a statewide crisis due to the national and state veterinarian shortage that is paralyzing the veterinary medical field. It is impacting every level of care from basic vaccinations to the more critical needs at the emergency clinics. The shortage has hit South Carolina especially hard. The Palmetto State ranks 46th out of 50 states in the number of veterinarians per thousand people in population. SHELTERS HIT HARD Animal shelters are in crisis in South Carolina because they are overcrowded with animals. Of the 75 shelters in South Carolina, 49 have no vets on staff to assist with the medical needs of the animals, which means thousands of homeless pets across our state are going without care. Another ripple effect of the shortage is a backlog of animals that could be adopted but can’t because they have not been spayed or neutered. Under state law, animals cannot be adopted without being spayed or neutered. With a shortage of vets, it’s getting more and more difficult to get these surgeries accomplished. Animals who would normally be receiving vaccines are also at risk of not receiving this protection from diseases like rabies and parvo that are easily spread and pose a public health risk. EMERGENCY CLINIC IMPACTS Emergency clinics all over the country are overwhelmed. The wait time at some emergency clinics around the state can be four to six hours but could be as much as 12 hours! At times, the ERs simply must close their doors and cease taking patients to provide the standard of care that is promised to every pet. Internal Medicine and Cardiology services are booked out for three to four months. The crisis means that pets will go without preventative or immediate care. Many pets will die even though their families are willing to provide care for them. UNPRECEDENTED TIMES These are unprecedented times for the veterinary field. The shortage for veterinarians is intense with a high burnout rate, which will only make things worse. Is it time to look at our state laws to deal with this issue? The current statutes in South Carolina that relate to medical care for animals are stricter than the statutes for medical care for humans, but pets are still considered property in our state. A pharmacy tech can give a human a COVID-19 vaccination
John Carney, DVM, performs a spay neuter procedure at Pawmetto Lifeline in Columbia, SC.
without a doctor present, but a vet tech cannot give a pet a vaccination without a vet first seeing the pet before the vaccination is given. I also find it ironic that a kennel worker or an animal control officer can draw up a lethal drug in SC and end the life of a dog or cat without a vet present, yet we require a vet-client-pet relationship for all medical services for pets, including vaccinations. The chances of a pet having a reaction to a vaccine is minimal, yet the chances of a pet that is not vaccinated getting rabies, distemper or parvo can be high, and most often it is fatal. Once pets are no longer vaccinated, we run the risk of a public health crisis. LET’S FIND SOLUTIONS We need our Governor or the LLR Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to embrace an emergency regulation to allow certified and trained vaccinators for animals. We need to empower Licensed Veterinary Technicians and unlicensed veterinary aides to be able to perform more services under the indirect supervision of a veterinarian. We need to embrace telemedicine opportunities as is already done in the human health care field. There is no reason why we can’t replicate the medical model for humans to ensure access to care for animals. We can work on long-term solutions through legislation or the creation of a South Carolina veterinary school. While long-term solutions are admirable, we need immediate action for this veterinarian shortage crisis. By not responding now with a temporary solution, we will continue to see and experience terrible outcomes for our pets, including the closing of clinics, the euthanizations of healthy animals, and the risk of a public health crisis including rabies and parvo. Contact your local lawmaker and tell them we need action on this issue right now. FALL 2021 | CAROLINA TAILS
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BEHAVIOR :: Saving Lives
Behavior: The New Frontier in Saving Animals
NEW CENTE R
By DAN KROSSE
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reating behavior in cats and dogs is a “new frontier” in animal sheltering. “We treat animals with medical issues based on the generosity of our donors,” said Charleston Animal Society President and CEO Joe Elmore. “Now it’s time for an evolution as we add the treatment of behavior, an issue that isn’t always black and white.” Thousands of animals across the country are euthanized every year because of behavior issues. When an animal exhibits aggression or other dangerous behavior, it is unknowingly making adoption difficult if not impossible, depending on the level of aggression. Humane euthanasia is sometimes the only answer to keep people and other animals safe. “The bottom line for any animal we adopt at Charleston Animal Society is safety,” said Elmore. “Safety for the animals, safety for the family that it might go into, safety for the staff and volunteers who are working with the dog or cat.” LAZIN ANIMAL FOUNDATION TO THE RESCUE Now, thanks to a generous grant from the Lazin Animal Foundation, Charleston Animal Society will be able to save more animals with behavior issues. The Lazin Animal Foundation Behavioral Transition Center will allow behavior staff to pour extra time into the most challenging cases. “Some behavior can be turned around, but it takes time. A lot of time and patience,” said Charleston Animal Society Director of Behavior Donya Satriale. “This transition center will allow us to take the time we need to focus on the animals that can be saved.” The Behavioral Transition Center will be 14
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Charleston Animal Society Behavior Team Lead Courtney Larrier, CDBC gives a dog a break from training. (Photo by James Lauzon) located at the Bear Greer Cat Memorial sanctuary in Ravenel – and both cats and dogs will be treated in this new, multipurpose facility. EXCITING FUTURE AHEAD “We’re very excited about how this will evolve over the next few years and hopefully to the point where we can get into a multiplier effect,” Satriale said. “As other shelters in South Carolina elevate their capacity to work with behavioral challenges, we can help support them, train them, mentor them just as we have been helped by some of our behavioral
partners at the national level.” The Lazin Animal Foundation Behavioral Transition Center will include a clinic, office, support area, cat community room, and kennels for about six to 10 dogs. Staff and volunteers will operate the facility. Terry Lazin, who founded the Lazin Animal Foundation passed away from ovarian cancer in 2015. This gift to Charleston Animal Society will be one of the final gifts from the foundation as it closes. “We are honored to carry forward the legacy of Terry Lazin and all of the great work that she did,” Elmore said.
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EQUINES :: Carriage Industry
FOLLO THE M W ONEY
Carriage Enterprise Oversight an Ongoing Disaster
By JOE ELMORE CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY PRESIDENT AND CEO This video screen grab shows terrified passengers trying to hang on after their carriage horse was startled by a passing truck in June. The incident was first falsely reported as a hit-and-run.
In the mid-2000s, the City of Charleston requested Charleston Animal Society to be a member of a special committee to recommend regulations for the carriage horse enterprise in Charleston following a whistleblower’s complaints and photos of inhumane conditions and practices. The City recognized the recommended regulations as in the “best interest of protecting the health, safety and welfare of the animals used in the tourism industry and the motorists and pedestrians using the public right-of-ways along with residents and tourists of the City.” In 2015, Charleston Animal Society formed a committee to address the numerous complaints it consistently received regarding the working conditions of the animals. It was discovered that many of the fundamental regulations were neither followed by the operators nor enforced by the City. Since that time, the Animal Society has worked with other advocacy groups recommending reform to promote humane working conditions and fewer people and animals injured in this tourist attraction.
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n August 2020, a local nonprofit advocacy organization, Charleston Carriage Horse Advocates (CCHA), introduced a common sense safety measure, supported by the Preservation Society of Charleston, neighborhood assocations, Charleston Animal Society and others, to City Council, which would enhance the safety of citizens (both adults and children), tourists, carriage industry employees and carriage horses. Nothing in the measure would adversely impact the profits generated from the tourist attraction. Why enhanced safety measures? Since 2016, CCHA states that they are aware of at least 120 documented safety related incidents in Charleston. This is an alarming statistic, especially since yet 16
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another horse was killed last year and this tourist attraction has resulted in countless injuries to both humans and animals, including the death of both. With the population density continually increasing in the downtown area along with accelerating construction, which is a major contributing factor to many carriage incidents since equines are so easily spooked, significant precautions should be taken, as they have been in other cities, to increase the safety of this tourist enterprise. However, without the advocacy of organizations such as Charleston Carriage Horse Advocates, Charleston Animal Society and others, progress on this issue would be stagnant. For the record,Charleston Animal Society has never called for a ban on this enterprise,
only for significant reform guided by an independent study. Note: An increasing number of cities in both the United States and overseas have banned this enterprise altogether. Six years ago, following a horrific incident where a carriage horse lay helpless on the street for nearly three hours in July, the Animal Society requested the City to conduct an independent review of the incident for the purpose of preventing future incidents. A review, albeit not independent, was conducted with recommendations – that was in 2015. Most of the common sense recommendations, such as equine first responder training and equine triage kits, structured training of carriage drivers and horses, driver competency examinations,
equipment safety checklists, and Tourism Commission review of health care and management requirements to ensure upto-date practices consistent with national standards were not incorporated in the ordinance and fell by the wayside. Yet, incident upon incident continued to occur. Occasionally, when safety measures were addressed by members of the Tourism Commission, those members were admonished by the Tourism Director, carriage industry and others. Yet, both people, including children, and horses continued to suffer injury, to the degree that a horse last year was killed. While Charleston Animal Society, which was founded nearly 150 years ago to prevent cruelty to animals, specifically addressing the plight of working animals, has recognized Charleston’s carriage enterprise as the harshest working conditions of this type for equines in the country, the Charleston Carriage Horse Advocates has consistently brought pressure on the City and industry to reform, not ban, this tourist attraction. Hence, in trying to work with the City and industry, CCHA, at its own cost, researched safety measures and submitted a common sense safety ordinance to City Council a year ago, which the Animal Society and others endorsed. City Council referred the matter to the Tourism Commission. The spirit of what was a citizen-led, grassroots effort to provide for a safer environment downtown was the expectation, and commitment by some elected officials, for a process that would provide real, sustained dialogue, which is why a tourism commission exists. Instead, the process was quickly slanted against the residents and citizens initiating this democratic right – citizen advocacy which is supposed to be a basis for our democratic ideals and system of government. Not only did several members of the Tourism Commission admonish citizens, City Councilmembers Robert Mitchell and Marie Delcioppo joined the fray with attacks and ran interference for the carriage industry. Note: Both Councilmembers have received thousands of dollars in political campaign dollars from the carriage companies and owners. It is not only sad but disgusting that these appointed and elected individuals would work to deny citizens a level playing field to forward change in the interest of building a safer
community for residents, tourists and the working animals adhering to the spirit of why the City Tourism Code was created as stated in the Code. Lest we (they) forget, there would be no women’s rights, no civil rights, no gay/ lesbian rights, no historical preservation, no environmental protection and no animal protection without citizen advocacy. Expecting to make a presentation of their recommended ordinance in full context as had been done in past Tourism Commissions, CCHA was not allowed to make a full presentation to the Tourism Commission and was relegated to public comment opportunities, mostly in twominute allotments interspersed with other public comments, in various committees where the ordinance was parsed. There was no opportunity for meaningful dialogue with the Tourism Commission. City Council was worse, relegating participants to 60 second and 30 second citizen participation comments in August and September with the September meeting not allowing in-person attendance. CCHA’s proposal focused on drivers, carriages, children and transparency and included common sense measures. Is there any reason why we shouldn’t screen drivers for drugs and alcohol like any commercial vehicle operator entrusted with the safety of more than a dozen people? Is there any reason why we shouldn’t have engineers inspect carriages once a year to ensure they’re safe? Is it really a good idea to have only one driver responsible for managing an animal (while looking in the opposite direction), maneuvering streets, avoiding bystanders, overseeing safety protocols, and giving a tour when we already prohibit distracted driving in motor vehicles? The answers are fairly obvious to anyone outside the industry or those representing a city that benefits financially from the enterprise. And, yet again, the Tourism Commission, almost entirely representative of the Tourism industry and a key councilmember who received a lion’s share of their political campaign dollars from the carriage companies are in the proverbial position of the fox guarding the hen house. To make matters worse, according to the SC State Ethics Commission, eight of the current City Councilmembers in addition to the Mayor have received approximately $23,000 from the carriage companies.
The lack of ethics, the conflicts of interest, and the failure to enforce the law abound in this system of oversight, a system whose overseers (the City, Tourism industry, carriage operators) financially benefit from the thriving enterprise. Throughout the over-extended process, the original ordinance researched and proposed by CCHA, then reviewed and edited by City staff, was submitted to the Tourism Commission, which butchered the safety measures for mere window dressing to disguise this as impactful public policy. Despite the unlevel playing field and multiple attempts to quell the grassroots effort of citizens trying to build a safer community for both people and working animals, a victory was achieved, much like the tiny but numerous steps made toward meaningful progress by women’s rights, civil rights, gay/lesbian rights, environmental protection and animal protection movements throughout the course of our democratic history. We implore elected officials, public servants and appointees to reflect on President Abraham Lincoln’s words, “… government of the people, by the people, for the people…” and reject “… government of the dollar, by the dollar, for the dollar.” The people deserve better!
Ervin the carriage horse was put down in July 2020 after suffering extensive injuries to both front legs during a carriage incident.
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YOUR LEGACY :: Their Future
Support Your Passions When You Are Gone Updating Your Estate Plans Now Can Help Establish Your Legacy BY SEAN HAWKINS, CFRE, CAWA CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER Your story is the greatest legacy that you will leave to your family, friends and community. When you leave a gift to Charleston Animal Society in your will, trust, or through another form of planned gift, you can create a lasting legacy that reflects your caring and compassion for animals. In this current time of uncertainty, many people are creating or updating their wills or estate plans. Charleston Animal Society has partnered with FreeWill to provide a tool for you to use that creates a legal will that is valid in all 50 states. To get started, go to www. CharlestonAnimalSociety.org/FreeWill. The process to create your will takes about 20 minutes. There are several different ways to give through a will:
BEQUEST Leaving a bequest to Charleston Animal Society is rather simple. Indicate a specific amount or a percentage of the balance remaining in your estate or trust documents. LIFE INSURANCE Charleston Animal Society accepts gifts of life insurance either as the beneficiary of a policy or as the sole owner and sole beneficiary. This can be an existing or employer-provided policy or a paid-up policy. You can name Charleston Animal Society as a primary life insurance beneficiary or as a contingent beneficiary. RETIREMENT PLANS Retirement assets include tax-deferred retirement saving accounts, like Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA), 401(k), 403(b), annuities, Keogh, and pension plans. Gifts from these accounts while you are still living may have withdrawal penalties and may have income tax consequences. For more information and other ways to set up planned giving options, please contact our Chief Advancement Officer, Sean Hawkins, CFRE, CAWA, at shawkins@charlestonanimalsociety.org.
Protect what you love. At Charleston Animal Society, we have a new online tool to help you write your legal will. FreeWill removes expensive legal fees, making estate planning free, so you can support the people and causes you love. ONLINE
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CharlestonAnimalSociety.org/FreeWill 18
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ESTATE PL ANN ING
ANIMAL TIME :: Covid Break
RELIEF SHIFT
Homeless Animals Provide a Break for Healthcare Workers By DAN KROSSE There was a catch in her throat. Then a battle to fight back tears. Thank God she had a puppy in her arms to help her through the interview. “It’s beyond what anyone can imagine,” said Dede Carey. Then this amazing nurse felt the need to apologize for losing her composure. Carey runs the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit at Roper Hospital in Charleston. Roper is one of many hospitals filled beyond capacity because of the COVID surge from the Delta variant. In an effort to help overworked hospital staff find a ray of light amidst the pandemic, Roper officials wondered if animals could work their magic? They did. CAN YOU BRING ANIMALS TO THE HOSPITAL? When Charleston Animal Society Director of Community Engagement Kay Hyman got the call from Roper Hospital – she started rounding up dogs, cats, kittens and puppies almost immediately. Roper Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Susan Bennett came up with the “Canines for Caregivers” idea – bringing in animals to help staff de-stress. “We wanted to take a few minutes and bring joy to the workday, because it doesn’t look like this [pandemic] is going to
The medical staff at Roper came in shifts to visit with the animals who were the perfect break from the COVID surge. (Photo: Dan Krosse) end anytime soon,” Bennett said. “As I look around, I’m seeing a lot of happy faces.” Pet therapy isn’t a new concept. It’s just usually reserved for the patients. But in these unprecedented times, the dozen or so animals that were brought into a hospital meeting room melted away the exhaustion, the worries and the stress being carried by these frontline heroes – if only for a few minutes. One nurse even adopted a kitten! Now it was Hyman’s turn to brush away tears as she took a moment to personally thank the hospital workers who were coming in shifts to see the animals, “We want you to know that we think of you often and we care about you. We hope that this little bit of sunshine and puppy breath will help invigorate the rest of your day and let you know that we love you.” The animal brigade was so successful, that Roper scheduled three more visits with Charleston Animal Society animals. Two other area hospitals have also reached out for similar events. FALL 2021 | CAROLINA TAILS
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RESCUE :: New Shelter
COMIN SOON!G
Making a New Home for Dorchester Paws By JEANNE TAYLOR
F
inding a new home for Dorchester Paws has been challenging – to say the least. Plans for a new shelter to open in 2021 went sideways when the county’s donated land was deemed unsuitable due to wetlands that would cost over $1 million in site preparation to develop. Undeterred, animal lovers in Dorchester County launched a Capital Campaign aimed at raising the necessary funding by 2022. To date, more than $2 million has been raised, including a $1 million commitment from Dorchester County and $350,000 pledged by the SC Legislature. The full cost of a new shelter is estimated at about $3.2 million, but that could adjust once a new location is secured.
THE NEED IS REAL
Did you know that Dorchester Paws is the only open admission shelter in Dorchester County, an area that spans 576 square miles? Simply put, they work with animal control officers and the public to shelter every abandoned, neglected, and abused animal and provide them with food, veterinary care and medical treatments until they are adopted or placed with other rescues. Animals are spayed/neutered, microchipped and fully vaccinated prior to adoption. “All this is only part of our commitment to animals,” said Dorchester Paws Co-Executive Director Maddie Moore. “We have a staff of 27 people and a number of dedicated volunteers who make sure our animals get the attention and affection they deserve, as well as proper socialization.” Dorchester Paws is also a proud partner of No Kill South Carolina 2024. Their euthanasia rate has been gradually reducing since 2017. “Dorchester Paws has shown great progress and we wholeheartedly 20
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support a new shelter in Dorchester County,” said Charleston Animal Society President and CEO Joe Elmore. On any given month, the shelter will see more than 300 animals come through its doors. Some are strays, while others are pets brought in because their owners can no longer care for them. “We are here for animals, no matter what the circumstances are that bring them in,” Moore said.
TIME FOR A NEW SHELTER
Richard Nixon was President when the current Dorchester Paws shelter was built in 1973. Designed to house 181 animals, Dorchester Paws routinely has 400 animals in their system. A strong foster network allows them to care for those that can’t find room at the shelter. Last year, the shelter had to close down three different times because of flooding and repairs to kennels and a leaking roof are constant. This summer, animals had to be housed in pop-up crates because of overcrowding. “When you service an area as large as Dorchester County, with such an outdated facility, ‘busting at the seams’ feels like an understatement,” Moore said. “We believe in our community and we know they will come through for the animals that we all love so much.”
TO DONATE TO THE NEW SHELTER, GO TO DORCHESTERPAWS.ORG/CAPITALCAMPAIGN.
NEW DAY :: New Shelter
Berkeley Animal Center Ups Its Game! PHOTO BY JEANNE TAYLOR / JTPETPICS.COM
BY JEANNE TAYLOR
The ribbon cutting for the new Berkeley Animal Center was held June 14. On June 14, 2021, a dream came true when a new shelter opened for Berkeley Animal Center! The ribbon cutting was a well-attended event peppered with local dignitaries and community stakeholders. It was clear from the crowd’s response that this was long overdue. Until that point, Berkeley Animal Center had been operating on leased land in outdated facilities much too small for the 1,229 square miles this shelter serves. Imagine taking in every stray animal, every dumped pet, or every animal seized by an enforcement officer for an area larger than the State of Rhode Island and doing so in a rundown shelter intended to house no more than 100 animals at a time. While the new shelter did not remarkably increase capacity, it did finally give staff and volunteers the space needed to care for the animals properly, and it affords enhanced community interaction through meet and greet rooms, play yards and safe walking areas. The animals’ living areas are greatly improved in the new space with indoor/ outdoor access, which makes cleaning easier for the caretakers.
MORE SPAYS AND NEUTERS The new shelter also provides dedicated veterinary treatment and surgical space, which is an especially indispensable component for spay and neuter services. Previously, the shelter was spending over $100,000 annually just for spay and neuter surgeries and with only one high volume spay/neuter clinic in the Lowcountry at this time (at Charleston Animal Society), animals have had to travel as far as Columbia for these critical veterinary services. Berkeley Animal Center functions with minimal staff (13) and a large volunteer corps that assists with dog walking, fostering, event support and pet area cleaning, both at the shelter and in the community stores where adoptable cats are also housed and sponsored. “Our people - staff, volunteers and fosters - are the absolute backbone of our shelter system and we are so appreciative of their support,” remarked Heather McDowell, Director of Operations.
GIVE M SHELTE E R!
FRIENDS OF BERKELEY ANIMAL CENTER Berkeley Animal Center receives their operating funds from the county and grant funds from PetSmart Charities. Thankfully, there is also a nonprofit arm, Friends of Berkeley Animal Center, that has been working hard to raise funds to purchase necessary items for the shelter. Their tireless efforts and support through community events and fundraisers have been key to the shelter’s ability to acquire items such as commercial washer/dryers, dishwashers, spay/neuter surgery items, toys for the roaming cat room, dog enrichment products, and many more items. The new facility still has a wish list, and they are seeking sponsors for the laundry room, kennels, animal kitchen, and play yards. Sponsorships can range from $4,500 to $35,000 and can be offered by individual donors, businesses, or entire neighborhoods. There is also an ongoing need for support of routine care expenses for cases of abused and abandoned animals. “We receive so many emaciated animals who are barely hanging on and they have to receive urgent veterinary care to even have a chance at survival. We have embedded collar cases, burn victims, and the list goes on,” said Tiffany Hoffman, Event Coordinator for Berkeley Animal Center. “Our need never decreases so our fundraising doesn’t either.”
For more information on sponsorships, how to help with the medical fund or other donations, please contact Heather McDowell: heather.mcdowell@ berkeleycountysc.gov
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Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-1) out for a walk in front of the US Capitol with her dog Liberty.
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WASHINGTON, DC :: Lawmakers
Rep. Nancy Mace Speaks Out
ONE ON ONE
Q&A With Our 1st District Congresswoman U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace represents Congressional District 1 in South Carolina, which runs up and down the coast between Georgetown and Beaufort. Mace took time out of her busy schedule in her first term in Congress to answer these important questions from Carolina Tails involving animals. Carolina Tails: Tell us about the animals in your life. Rep. Nancy Mace: Our animals are family to us. Literally. I grew up with three dogs, three cats and a parrot. So, from a very young age I’ve always had animals in my life. Today our family has two adopted cat children named Tyler and Tiger and much to their dismay, a new addition to our family, a puppy named Liberty. Liberty is a Havanese. I wanted a dog small enough to travel with back and forth to DC easily and her breed won’t bother the dog allergies of anyone in the family. PUPPY MILLS CT: The WOOF Act will amend the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) to prevent the issuance or renewal of a license to breeders (and their family members) who have not demonstrated compliance with animal care standards. Will you support or co-sponsor this legislation? NM: I’ve heard my share of horror stories about bad breeders that left me heartbroken. In fact, in my search for a puppy for the kids, I ran into breeder after breeder that was more than likely a puppy mill. It’s so sad to read the experiences of these horribly treated animals. I’m always looking for ways to use my platform in Congress to bring positive change. So far this Congress the WOOF Act has not been filed as it was in previous sessions but I look forward to tackling this issue with my colleagues in other ways. HORSES CT: The Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act would prohibit the slaughter of horses for human consumption in the U.S. and end their export for slaughter abroad. The Prevent All Soring Tactics Act
would eliminate the abusive act of soring horses. Will you support or co-sponsor this legislation? NM: It makes me sick to my stomach to think about using horses for the purposes of eating them. I do not support this at all. Full stop. As a supporter and cosponsor of this bi-partisan bill, the SAFE Act is an important avenue to put a stop to this cruel, absolutely vile practice. SHARKS CT: As many as 73-million sharks are killed each year to supply the global trade in shark fins. The Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act, H.R. 737, would ban the possession of and commerce in shark fins in the United States. Will you vote for or cosponsor the bill? NM: As a conservationist and lifelong resident of the Lowcountry, I will always stand by preserving our coastal ecosystems. As a Lowcountry native who avidly uses our beloved beaches, waterways and wilderness I both respect and revere all our coastal areas have to offer. That includes the marine life found within. I totally agree we must ban the sale of shark fins to put an end to the barbaric practice of catching, de-finning, and then releasing the shark to die back in the waters. I am proud to join my colleagues as a cosponsor. CLIMATE CHANGE CT: Dozens of animal organizations are worried that climate change is impacting wildlife in a negative way and they’re asking courts to intervene. Do you believe laws need to be implemented regarding climate change to protect animals? NM: I believe conserving our environment, both inland and offshore, is crucial to
maintaining the overall health of our ecosystem. I’m a proud cosponsor of the Trillion Trees Act and I support a moratorium on offshore drilling, sponsoring legislation in that vein. I’ve supported, cosponsored and voted for conservation and environmental protection measures multiple times since coming to Congress. I’ve even done so when it was against my own party, like the Protecting America’s Wilderness and Public Lands Act which banned drilling on federal land. LEADERSHIP CT: Will you be a leader in animal protection legislation? What specific actions will you take? NM: Animal protection has become a priority of mine since I’ve come to Congress and I feel it’s important for Republicans to lead on this issue. I’m a sponsor of the Animal Welfare Act, which ensures animals, in the event of an emergency or during a natural disaster, are humanely cared for in research facilities, zoos, handler facilities and more. This summer I also introduced legislation to outlaw all mink farming in the United States with Congresswoman DeLauro, a Democrat colleague of mine. The factory farming of mink threatens public health, especially as we continue fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic. The evidence is clear: mink operations can incubate and spread new COVID-19 variants and pose a unique threat of extending the pandemic. Not to mention, mink farming is inhumane. I’ve co-sponsored the Big Cat bill which protects and governs the trade of big cats. We all saw “Tiger King,” and know we have tremendous challenges we need to correct when dealing with animals large and small. FALL 2021 | CAROLINA TAILS
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Vet Directory CHARLESTON All Creatures Veterinary Clinc (843) 579-0300 224 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC 29401 Cainhoy Veterinary Hospital 710 Hopewell Drive #102 843-971-6200 Charleston, SC 29492 Charleston Harbor Veterinarians (843) 410-8290 280 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403 Lezotte Animal Chiropractic (843) 410-3420 Mobile Mobile Veterinary Surgery, LLC (843) 853-6666 145 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401 Old Towne Veterinary Clinic (843) 723- 1443 17 Pinckney St, Charleston, SC 29401 Patrick Veterinary Clinic (843) 722-4470 667 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403 Saddleback Mobile Veterinary Service (843) 718-4299 Mobile
WEST ASHLEY Air Harbor Veterinary Clinic (843) 556-5252 1925 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407 Animal Care Center (843) 556-9993 1662 Savannah Hwy # 135, Charleston, SC 29407
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Animal Medical West Inc (843) 766-7387 704 Orleans Rd, Charleston SC 29407 Banfield Pet Hospital (843) 766-7724 2076 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407 Bees Ferry Veterinary Hospital (843) 769-6784 3422 Shelby Ray Ct, Charleston, SC 29414 Charleston Veterinary Care (843) 789-3222 51 Windermere Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407
NORTH CHARLESTON The Animal Hospital of North Charleston (843) 552-8278 8389 Dorchester Rd, N Charleston SC 29418 Banfield Pet Hospital (843) 797-4677 7620 Rivers Ave Suite 120B, N Charleston SC 29406 Charleston Animal Hospital (843) 552-0259 5617 Dorchester Rd, N Charleston SC 29418
Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (843) 614-8387 3484 Shelby Ray Ct, Charleston, SC 29414
Charleston Heights Veterinary Clinic (843) 554-4361 2124 Dorchester Rd, N Charleston SC 29405
Cutler Animal Hospital (843) 637-3767 12 Farmfield Ave suite B, Charleston, SC 29407
Coastal Carolina Veterinary Specialist (843) 747-1507 3163 W Montague Ave, N Charleston SC 29418
Grand Oaks Animal Hospital (843) 867-2656 40 Grand Oaks Blvd, Ste 520 Charleston, SC 29414
Lowcountry Pet Wellness (843) 556-7387 5900 Rivers Ave, N Charleston SC 29406
Southeast Veterinary Anesthesia Services (8430 277-5936 Mobile VCA Charles Towne Animal Hospital (843) 571-4291 850 Savannah Hwy, Charleston SC 29407 West Ashley Veterinary Clinic (843) 571-7095 840 St Andrews Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407
Northwoods Veterinary Clinic (843) 553-0441 8320 Rivers Ave, N Charleston, SC 29406 Vetco (in Petco) (843) 764-2875 7400 Rivers Ave, N Charleston SC 29406
MOUNT PLEASANT Animal Medical Center of Mt. Pleasant (843) 881-5858 958 Houston Northcutt Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Charleston Animal Society and Carolina Tails want to always promote the best habits for animal care possible and seeing your veterinarian regularly is key to having a happy, healthy animal. Advanced Animal Care of Mt. Pleasant (843) 884-9838 3373 S Morgans Point Rd #301, Mt Pleasant, SC 29466
Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital (843) 884-4921 1217 Ben Sawyer Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Animal Eye Care Associates (843) 881-2242 3400 Salterbeck St Suite 104, Mt Pleasant, SC 29466
Palmetto Veterinary Hospital (843) 881-9915 2443 N Hwy 17, Mt Pleasant, SC 29466
Banfield Pet Hospital (843) 388-1701 676 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 Banfield Pet Hospital (843) 971-7460 11 Houston Northcutt Blvd Ste A-5, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 Cats Only Animal Hospital (843) 849-1661 1492 B, N Hwy 17, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 Crescent Care Veterinary Clinic of the Lowcountry (843) 277-9043 3001 Rivertowne Pkwy, Mt Pleasant, SC 29466 East Cooper Animal Hospital (843) 884-6171 993 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 Exotic Vet Care (843) 216-8387 814 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 Long Point Animal Hospital (843) 971-7701 757 Long Point Rd suite a, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Park West Veterinary Associates (843) 971-7774 3490 Park Ave Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29466 Pet Vet Animal Hospital (843) 884-7387 307 Mill St, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 Pleasant Pet Care 1054 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Suite C, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 Shuler Veterinary Clinic (843) 884-4494 1769 N Hwy 17, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 Southeast Veterinary Dermatology and Ear Clinic (843) 849-7770 804 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 Tidewater Veterinary (843) 856-7300 1964 Riviera Dr G, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 Veterinary Specialty Care (843) 216-7554 985 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
JAMES ISLAND Banfield Pet Hospital (843) 406-8609 520 Folly Rd #50, Charleston, SC 29412 Charleston Mobile Animal Care (843) 996-6464 Mobile Doc At Your Door, Mobile Veterinary Service LLC (843) 743-9209 1327 Hampshire Rd, Charleston, SC 29412 Folly Road Animal Hospital (843) 762-4944 1038 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412 James Island Veterinary Hospital (843) 795-5295 756 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412 Lowcountry Home Vet (843) 406-2997 Mobile Pet Helpers Spay and Neuter Clinic (843) 302-0556 1447 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412 Sandy Cove Veterinary Clinic (843) 885-6969 1521 Palm Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451 Sea Islands Veterinary Hospital (843) 795-6477 1310 Camp Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
ISLE OF PALMS
JOHNS ISLAND
Island Veterinary Care (843) 628-1941 Mobile
Angel Oak Animal Hospital (843) 559-1838 3160 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455 FALL 2021 | CAROLINA TAILS
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ANIMAL CARE Best Friends Animal Clinic (843) 414-7455 1000 Tanner Ford Blvd, Hanahan, SC 29410 Bohicket Veterinary Clinic (843) 559-3889 3472 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455 Johns Island Animal Hospital (843) 559-9697 1769 Main Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455 Riverbank Veterinary Clinic, LLC (843) 277-2250 2814 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455 Southside Animal Hospital (843) 556-6969 3642 Savannah Hwy #176, Johns Island, SC 29455 Sun Dog Cat Moon Veterinary Clinic (843) 806-0171 2908-A, Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455
DANIEL ISLAND
LADSON Animal Eye Care of the Lowcountry (843) 207-4969 9565 Hwy 78 Building 400, Ladson, SC 29456 College Park Road Vet Clinic (843) 797-1493 186 College Park Rd, Ladson, SC 29456 Ladson Veterinary Hospital (843) 900-1600 3679 Ladson Rd Suite 101, Ladson, SC 29456
MONCKS CORNER Foxbank Veterinary Hospital (843) 405-4611 113 Foxbank Plantation Blvd Suite A, Moncks Corner, SC 29461 Lakeside Animal Hospital (843) 761-4920 615 Main St Ext, Moncks Corner, SC 29461
Knightsville Veterinary Clinic (843) 851-7784 478 W Butternut Rd, Summerville, SC 29483 Nemasket Veterinary Clinic (843) 871-4560 605 Miles Jamison Rd, Summerville, SC 29485 Oakbrook Veterinary Clinic (843) 871-2900 1705 Old Trolley Rd, Summerville, SC 29485 Old Trolley Road Animal Clinic (843) 871-3135 429 Old Trolley Rd, Summerville, SC 29485 Petco Vaccination Clinic (843) 879-5136 1101 N Main St Suite 307, Summerville, SC 29483 Sangaree Animal Hospital (843) 871-0543 1665 N Main St, Summerville, SC 29486
Clements Ferry Veterinary (843) 471-1711 2020 Wambaw Creek, Charleston, SC 29492
Live Oak Veterinary Clinic of Moncks Corner (843) 899-5476 735 S Live Oak Dr, Moncks Corner, SC 29461
Daniel Island Animal Hospital (843) 881-7228 291 Seven Farms Drive #103, Daniel Island, SC 29492
Lowcountry Pet Hospice and Home Euthanasia LLC (843) 640-9755 Mobile
Summerville Pet Clinic (843) 718-8980 1810 Old Trolley Rd #A, Summerville, SC 29485
GOOSE CREEK
SUMMERVILLE
Animal Medical Clinic of Goose Creek Inc (843) 569-3647 102 Central Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445
Banfield Pet Hospital (843) 832-0919 470 Azalea Square Blvd, Summerville, SC 29483
Sweetgrass Animal Hospital (843) 225-9663 9730 Dorchester Rd #101, Summerville, SC 29485
Creekside Vet Clinic (843) 824-8044 431-G St James Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445 Goose Creek Veterinary Clinic (843) 553-7011 501 Red Bank Rd, Goose Creek, SC 29445 Mt Holly Veterinary Clinic (843) 553-4700 113 St James Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445 Pet Paws Spay & Neuter Clinic (843) 572-2144 107 St James Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445
HANAHAN Hanahan Veterinary Clinic (843) 744-8927 1283 Yeamans Hall Rd, Hanahan, SC 29410
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Banfield Pet Hospital (843) 871-4638 628 Bacons Bridge Rd, Summerville, SC 29485 Cane Bay Veterinary Clinic (843) 800-8109 1530 State Rd, Summerville, SC 29486 Central Veterinary Hospital (843) 851-2112 1215 Central Ave, Summerville, SC 29483 Charleston Equine Clinic (843) 875-5133 122 Kay Ln, Summerville, SC 29483 Flowertown Animal Hospital (843) 875-6303 1357 Bacons Bridge Rd, Summerville, SC 29485
Sangaree Animal Hospital at Cane Bay (843) 871-0543 1724 State Rd Unit 5D, Summerville, SC 29486
VCA Westbury Animal Hospital (843) 873-2761 1497 W 5th N St, Summerville, SC 29483 Veterinary Specialty Care (843) 216-7554 319 E 3rd N St, Summerville, SC 29483
HOLLYWOOD Charleston Veterinary House Calls (843) 901-7872 4933 Serene Ln, Hollywood, SC 29449 Hollywood Animal Clinic (843) 970-3838 6170 SC-162, Hollywood, SC 29449
ST. GEORGE Shuler Veterinary Clinic (843) 563-3092 5092 US-78, St George, SC 29477
West Ashley
1129 Savannah Highway, Ste 100 Charleston, SC 29407 | 843-718-2680
Across from Whole Foods! Patriots Plaza
WE RETRIEVE THE PET SUPPLIES YOU NEED
921 Houston Northcutt Blvd, Ste B Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 | 843-654-9462
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919-810-0307
carolinavettech.com FALL 2021 | CAROLINA TAILS
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HOLIDAYS :: Adoption
HO, HO HENDR , ICK
Hendrick Bringing Animals Home for the Holidays By DAN KROSSE
C
harleston Animal Society is teaming up with Hendrick Automotive Group to get every animal in the shelter Home for the Holidays! Come to Charleston Animal Society (2455 Remount Rd., North Charleston) any time between December 16 and December 23, pick out an animal
and our elves will deliver it to your doorstep on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. “This is a community tradition that we are proud to be a part of,” said Hendrick Automotive Group Community Relations Director Donald Smith. “To see the faces of children who receive a new cat or dog for the holidays is priceless.”
HENDRICK SAVING ANIMAL LIVES YEAR-ROUND Hendrick Automotive Group is committed to saving animals every month of the year. For three weekends in August, various Hendrick dealers in the Charleston area hosted adoption events resulting in many animal adoptions, including some adopted by Hendrick employees. Animals that need temporary fostering have also found comfort and attention at Hendrick dealerships. Hendrick has been a key financial supporter of Charleston Animal Society for more than a decade and employees have volunteered on committees and the Board of Directors. Earlier this year, Charleston Animal Society awarded Hendrick Automotive Group the 2020 Community Ambassador Award for their years of support. “Community Partners like Hendrick Automotive Group are what make Charleston Animal Society possible,” said Charleston Animal Society Director of Community Engagement Kay Hyman. “Everyone at Hendrick has been so kind toward the animals in our community, they’ve set an example for all of us.”
Holiday Adoption Deliveries • Visit Shelter Dec. 16 - 23 • Pick Your Animal • Schedule Delivery for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day 28
CAROLINA TAILS | FALL 2021
SECOND CHANCE RESALE STORE & ADOPTION CENTER
Shop. Donate. Sa%e l %es. Monday - Friday: 10AM to 6PM Saturday: 10AM to 5PM Sunday: o d
5101 Ashley Phosphate Rd. North Charleston, SC 29406
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Extraordinary friendships can begin at any point in life, especially those with a fourlegged companion. Good times abound at Bishop Gadsden as friends gather at the Dog Park, enjoy the nature trails, or spend time together in the Community Garden. Friendships are to be treasured, meaningful...
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Canine-Resident Sandy enjoys the BG Dog Park
Live an extraordinary life 800.373.2384 | bishopgadsden.org A Life Plan Community in Charleston, SC
Career Information
FALL 2021 | CAROLINA TAILS
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holiday giftguide
8 1 MISSISSIPPI MADE DONUT BED $85-$150 Hollywood Feed – Give your pet the comfort of the couch with the durability of high-quality, USA Made fabrics. Both the outer plush ring and the baffled inner pillow retain their fluff for many relaxing ZZZZs. The removable, machine washable cover allows for easy cleaning to keep your pet’s bed fresh.
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2 WHISKER CITY BALL TRACK WITH CAT SCRATCHER CAT TOY $20 PetSmart – Keep your cat endlessly entertained! Also comes with catnip!
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3 GODOG SILENT SQUEAKS $15 Charleston Animal Society – Ultra-durable dog toy with a squeaker only your dog can hear! This toy is made with a chew resistant liner, so it’s intended to last longer than your average plush toy! 4 TUMBLERS $23 Hairy Winston – Our SERENGETI tumblers are tough as nails and will keep your drinks cold or hot for hours. With the slider top spill proof lid it’s easy to enjoy your drinks more than ever before.
3 4
5 BUSY BUDDY BRISTLE BONE DOG TOY $15 Charleston Animal Society – Nylon bristles and rubber nubs that help support clean teeth and healthy gums as dogs work hard to get the interchangeable treat rings on the bone! 6 LICKIMAT $8-$17 Hairy Winston – LickiMat is designed to promote calm behavior in your dog or cat while home alone or during stressful times, like storms. By spreading your pets favorite soft treat over the surface, you create a fun, tasty game as they seek every morsel with their tongue.
5
7 OUTWARD HOUND INVINCIBLE MINI FOX $6 Petco – Comes with no stuffing and no mess, with a distinctive squeaker that is great for training and redirecting unwanted behavior.
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8 PETSAFE LASER TAIL $22 Charleston Animal Society – A laser toy that moves around the floor on its own! It is the perfect way to engage your cat’s prey drive and keep them active!
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NOVEMBER 18
STATEWIDE TOWN HALL
VET SHORTAGE
LEARN THE IMPACT IT'S HAVING ON ANIMALS ACROSS SOUTH CAROLINA.
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www. airywinston.com FALL 2021 | CAROLINA TAILS
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HOLIDAYS :: Pets
Avoiding Holiday Pet Hazards BY ASHLEY GREAVES
Celebrating the new year with friends and family can be a joyous time, but more pets go missing during the holidays than at almost any other time of year. Here’s what to keep in mind this holiday season, to make sure your pets stay safe and jolly.
• Microchip your pets and make sure the information is up to date. • Make sure each pet is wearing a collar with a visible, and legible tag. • Give your pet plenty of playtime and exercise. • Because of fireworks, make sure windows and doors are secure, in case your pet gets scared. • Ask your veterinarian if your pet would benefit from behavioral medication for the holidays. • Register your pet with Petco Love Lost (lost.petcolove.org) the only facial recognition software available for pets.
During the Holiday: • Leave your TV or Radio on at a louder than normal volume with relaxation music to help drown out some of the loud noise such as fireworks. • In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, be sure to remember your pet’s medications. • Give your pet “quiet time” in their own room or crate, to allow them to relax.
If Your Pet Goes Missing: • File a lost report with your pet’s microchip company • File a lost report with your local animal shelter
Clear the Shelters BY DAN KROSSE
Charleston Animal Society and shelters across the state participated in the NBC Universal and Hill’s Pet Nutrition sponsored “Clear the Shelters” event August 23 – September 19. A total of 545 animals at Charleston Animal Society found new, loving homes. Every adoption included a goody bag from Hill’s with coupons and supplies, as well as a bag of Hill’s Science Diet Food. “The timing for the Clear the Shelter event could not have been more perfect,” said Charleston Animal Society Chief Lifesaving Officer Pearl Sutton. “For much of the summer, shelters across the state faced a state of emergency with overcrowding and this event helped tremendously.” Charleston Animal Society’s Clear the Shelter participation peaked on September 18 when 126 animals were adopted in one day. Thanks to Board Members Hank and Laurel Greer, all the adoptions were 32
CAROLINA TAILS | FALL 2021
sponsored! Count on 2’s Carolyn Murray (who is also a Charleston Animal Society Board Member) was at the shelter for live reports. A line of people waiting to adopt formed outside before the doors opened and never stopped. “To say that Charleston Animal Society’s event exceeded all of my expectations would be an understatement,” said Hill’s U.S. Marketing Director Caroline Chulick. Local businesses also stepped in to make the Clear the Shelter event at Charleston Animal Society festive. Local sponsors included: Lodi Coffee, Krispy Kreme West Ashley, East Bay Deli, PostNet Mt. Pleasant and Cupcake DownSouth. Above right: Board members Hank and Laurel Greer surround Hill’s U.S. Marketing Director Caroline Chulick. Below: Nikki Anderson, Asa and Alana Cassell were thrilled with their new kitten, one of 545 animals adopted at Charleston Animal Society during Clear the Shelters.
• Visit your area animal shelters to do a walkthrough. (You may need to visit more than once) • Flag your pet as missing on Petco Love Lost (lost.petcolove.org). It’s free to sign-up, so be sure to join immediately. • Canvas your neighborhood, knocking on doors to see if anyone has seen your pet. • Hang fliers. • Post your missing pet on lost and found Facebook pages, your neighborhood Facebook page, Nextdoor, and any other missing pet sites that you can post on.
545 ADOPT IONS! PHOTOS BY: MARIA RODRIGUEZ, KAY HYMAN, JESSICA WHATLEY, DAN KROSSE
Before the Holiday:
PET SAFETY
A STEP AHEAD A STEP AHEAD
SHELTER FORFOR SHELTER PETS IN NEED PETS IN NEED
The Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program is proud to have helped over 11 million shelter
The Hill’spets Food, Love program — and Shelter counting — & find a forever home.
s proud to©2021 have helped over 11 million shelter Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. pets and counting find a forever home.
The Hill’s Food, Shelter, Love logo, and the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program are trademarks owned by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.
You can make a difference in an animal's life! Scan the QR code or visit GiveCFC.org
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Enjoy... OFF-LEASH ADVENTURES
IN YOUR DOG PARKS
C H A R L E S TO N CO U N T Y PA R KS .CO M
