Carolina Tails - Summer 2014 - Charleston Animal Society

TAILSCAROLINA

SUMMER 2014

A Charleston Animal Society Publication

Animal CrueltyHow You Can Help

Cat Décor Is Your Home Up to Snuff?

Aging Gracefully3 Lessons From Your Dog

Just for Kids: Animal Puzzles!

MARTHA STEWART: Why I love Charleston Animal Society

2 CAROLINA TAILS | SUMMER 2014


ContentsSUMMER 2014TAILS

CAROLINA

Publisher: Keith SimmonsEditor in Chief: Holly Fisher

Managing Editor: Joe ElmoreManaging Editor: Dan Krosse

Graphic Design: Heineman DesignAdvertising Director: Edward Majersky

[email protected]: Helen Ravenel Hammond

Writer: Amber CarltonPhotography: Reese Moore

Distribution Manager: Brenda Fletcher

For inquires regarding advertising, distribution or suggestions in Carolina Tails

call (843) 352-9048 or [email protected]

2455 Remount Road, North Charleston, SC 29406

(843) 747-4849

President: Elizabeth BradhamVice President: Julie Bresnan

Secretary: Perry Jameson, DVM DipTreasurer: Hilton Smith, III

Chief Executive Officer: Joe Elmore

Members of the Board

Marketing & Media Consultant: Dan Krosse

Content solutions for Charleston Animal Society.

Please contact regarding Carolina Tails distribution,advertising or suggestions. For all other inquiries,

please contact Charleston Animal Society.

(843) 352-9048 [email protected]

Carolina Tails is published quarterly by Traveler Communications Group,an independent publishing company. PO Box 22677, Charleston, SC 29413(843 352-9048). Carolina Tails is a registered trademark of Traveler Communications Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or inpart without the express written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

Johnny MaybankAnn Long MerckMegan Phillips

Helen Pratt-ThomasDean Riegel

Bob RifeElliott Summey

Joe WaringMatt Watson, CPA, CVA

Jeff WebsterNancy Worsham

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Kiara BarnettMary Black

Eugenia BurtchyJohn Cawley

Hal Creel, Esq.Andrea Ferguson

Aussie GeerTara GerardiEllen Harley

Britton Hawk, Esq.Cynthia Hayes

5 Welcome

6 Pet Pointers

8 Cracking Down:Fighting Animal Cruelty

12 A Place for Pets

14 Function Meets Style InCat Lovers’ Homes

16 Meet Celebrity AdvocateDave Navarro

17 Before Hitting the Beach,Know the Dog Rules

18 Animal Lover: Susan Payne

20 Ask the Vet

22 The Gift Of Your Home

24 Three Things My Senior Dog Has Taught Me About Aging Gracefully

26 Meet Celebrity Advocate: Martha Stewart

28 Take Me Home

30 Time to Play!

SUMMER 2014 | CAROLINA TAILS 5

Dear Readers,

We are thrilled to launch the inaugural issue of Carolina Tails! Our vision for this magazine is to inform,entertain and inspire you, just as you have inspired us with your unwavering support for all the animalsin Charleston County.

This issue will give you insights into what we face in our fight against animal cruelty, and will describewhat type of home décor our felines favor, which county parks Charleston dogs prefer, and how one localcouple, Ned and Susan Payne, became cat people, much to their surprise, after visiting our campus!

As such, we would like to thank all of the individuals, far and wide, who helped Charleston AnimalSociety achieve No Kill status for the community in 2013. But in this inaugural issue, we would also like torecognize a special group of individuals, our foster parents, without whom we never would have been ableto become the first community to achieve No Kill in the Southeast.

When our Animal Care Campus was built in 2008, it was designed to hold approximately 250 dogs,cats, and other animals. But at any one time, we have as many as 500-800 animals in our system! Theonly way to house and treat this volume is by relying on our foster families, who provide critical careuntil these animals are ready for adoption.

Our foster parents are an extraordinary group of individuals, spread across Charleston County, whoopen their homes to animals in need. They give extraordinary amounts of their time, love and attentionuntil these animals find their way to a permanent home. The foster parents who take care of our neonatekittens are on a round-the-clock bottle feeding schedule, frequently enlisting members of the family whotake bottle shifts at various hours of the day and night. And often, our foster parents are our best“Adoption Ambassadors,” assisting in finding friends or relatives who would be great “PermanentParents.” As we celebrate our foster parents, we hope you will consider joining their ranks!

Thank you for reading Carolina Tails and let us know what you would like to see in future issues.

With kind regards,

Welcome

Elizabeth Bradham, President, Charleston Animal Society


PET POINTERS

Out on the Water Patrolling Charleston waterways, it’s not unusual for U.S. Coast Guard Lt. CommanderDerek Beatty to see dogs wagging tails, enjoying the waves on boat decks. But Beattysays don’t think your dog is made of steel. “Any precautions you would take for a person would be a safe precaution for a pet: shade, fresh water, food and life jackets,”Beatty said.

• Put a life jacket on your dog. (Check out the K-9 Float Coat Dog Life Jacket from Ruffwear; $89.99 at West Marine.)

• Make sure your best friend doesn’t hinder the safe operation of the boat. Ensure the control area is clear so your dog doesn’t accidentally hit the wheel or bump the accelerator, especially when around a crowd of boats.

• Bring plenty of fresh water. And bring some food in case your boating excursion is longer than planned.

• Provide a shady spot for your dog to rest and re-hydrate.• The U.S. Coast Guard has seen boaters stranded in the marsh with their pets.

“The pets actually prevented them from getting hypothermia,” Beatty said. “So, it’s not a bad thing to have a pet with you out on the water.”

The Heat is OnEven weather guys play it safe whenit comes to their pets in the Lowcountryheat. WCBD-TV (NBC) morning meteor-ologist Josh Marthers says he limits howlong his English Bulldog Buford is allowed to play outside. “Heat is one ofthe most stressful things on the body,”Marthers said, “and animals need you toprotect them.”

• Never leave cats, dogs or any animals in a parked car. If the temperature inyour car is 90 degrees, within 30 minutes, the inside can heat up to 124 degrees.

• Provide your pets with plenty of fresh water, and if outside, make sure there is plenty of shade.

• Take your pup on walks in early morning or late evening.

• Limit exercise. Your dog will keep on going unless you make the call to stop and take a break.

• Will shaving your dog’s fur help?Experts say it depends. Shaving dogs with “double coats” won’t help because the thick fur actually cools his body in warm weather. But shaving “single coat” dogs could make a difference. Check with your vet before pulling out the clippers.

SUMMERTIPS ForYour Pets

2013 Top Puppy Names

HELPFUL:: Tips

FEMALE1. Bella2. Daisy3. Lucy4. Molly5. Sadie

FEMALE1. Bella2. Lucy3. Kitty4. Luna5. Chloe

MALE1. Max2. Buddy3. Charlie4. Rocky5. Cooper

MALE1. Oliver2. Max3. Tiger4. Charlie5. Simba

2013 Top Kitten Names

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Keeping Your Pets Safe in a HurricaneFor the first time in years, hurricane experts are predicting a “quiet season” for the Atlantic Coast. But that doesn’t mean we can put our guard down. Meteorologists are still expecting three hurricanes to form in the Atlantic before November, which means we all need to get our emergency pet plan in place now. “No pet should ever be leftbehind. If it’s not safe for you; it’s not safe for them,” said Shawn Jones Sr., emergencymanagement specialist with Charleston County.

Barks and BoomsGoing to see the fireworks? Leaveyour pet at home. Experts say evenpets that are generally not botheredby noises can find the combination of random flashing lights and theconstant popping sound of fireworksalarming. The same is true with thunderstorms. Nildan M. Atkay,CPDT-KA, teaches dog trainingclasses at Charleston Animal Societyand offers these tips for pet owners:

• Don’t leave your pets outside during fireworks or thunderstorms. They may try to escape, hurting themselves in the process or running into traffic.

• Provide your pet with a safe place to ride out the storm – bathrooms,closets or other dark locations are favorites.

• Keep the doors and windows closed along with curtains to help block the light and noise.

• Try a product like the ThunderShirt, a wrap-around garment for pets that helps ease tension and anxiety with gentle pressure to the body and nervous system (available locally at Dolittle’s; $39.95).

• Condition your pet to ignore fireworks and thunderstorms at an early age, before it becomes a problem.

• Make sure your pet is up to date on all shots and vaccinations, which willprevent the spread of disease should your pet get lost or need to be placedwith friends or at a boarding facility.

• Make sure you have a current photo of your pet and yourself for identification purposes.

• Get your pet micro-chipped. The average cost is $45. A chip under your dog’s skin will keep an electronic record of his or her home address and contact information.

• Post a rescue sticker on your door or window with information about the types and number of pets in your household. Include the name and phone number of your veterinarian.

• As part of your family’s emergency kit, include items for your pet, includingcopies of medical records, water, extra pet food and medications.

• Make sure you have a secure pet carrier, leash or harness for your petso if he panics, he can’t escape.

• If you have to evacuate, do not leave your pets behind. Either take them withyou or arrange for safe shelter.

• Choose a designated caregiver who can take care of your pet in case you aren’table to do so (pets often aren’t allowed in emergency shelters). Include thatperson’s name and contact info with purse/wallet and in your emergency kit.

• Charleston County does not have an emergency shelter that will allow pets. BringFido.com lists pet friendly hotels around the Carolinas and Southeast.

If you have to evacuateduring a hurricane, don’t

leave your pets behind.


STOPAnimal

Cruelty

Cracking Down:Fighting AnimalCrueltyBY DAN KROSSE


A s Jane Devilbiss and her two young daughters watchCharlie Brown run around their James Island backyard— it’s hard to imagine what he’s lived through in thepast 12 months.

The playful brown and white hound was found barely alive nearAwendaw exactly one year ago. He’d been shot in the neck and leftto die.

Wounded, underweight and losing hair, Charlie Brown wasbrought to Charleston Animal Society where the veterinarian teamquickly took action to save his life. He was placed with fosterparent Farrah Hoffmire, who spent weeks coating him in coconutoil and draping him in a special raincoat. The treatment workedand within two months, Charlie Brown was ready for adoption byDevilbiss and her family.

As his new mom, Devilbiss is shocked to hear how rampantanimal cruelty is right here in our own backyard. “He is so beautiful,I can’t believe someone would treat a family member like that,”Devilbiss said, “Thankfully, he’s bounced back pretty quickly.”

Charlie Brown shortly after his arrival at Charleston Animal Society.

Fighting cruelty casesCharlie Brown’s case underscored how urgent it was for CharlestonAnimal Society to do more to find and prosecute people responsiblefor animal cruelty.

One month later, Aldwin Roman was brought in to become thedirector of Anti-Cruelty and Outreach. “Unfortunately, we see allsorts of horrible situations. Now we want people to know that weare going after these cases, harder than ever, to see that they’reprosecuted,” Roman said.

“People are more willing to report animal cruelty these days,”said Charleston County Animal Control Supervisor Sgt. DavidWillis, “before, they may have ignored it, but now they’re like, ‘no,that’s not right.’”

Roman, one of only two certified animal cruelty investigators inSouth Carolina, works closely with local animal control officers,primarily Charleston County and the cities of Charleston, Mt.Pleasant and North Charleston. He handles much of the research,calling people who have reported cruelty situations to determine

Jane Devilbiss and family fromJames Island adopted CharlieBrown after he was shot.

But Roman’s work didn’t stop there. The owners who’d abandonedQueen were tracked down, charged and convicted of animalabandonment, paying a $500 fine or 30 days in jail.

Roman says tips from the public are crucial to make Charlestona safe place for all animals. “Half of my job is outreach. It’s our goalto intervene in a situation before it escalates to a full-blown crueltycase,” Roman said.


if the case warrants a visit from an animal control officer. One tip came on Facebook. A concerned animal lover sent a

Facebook message to Charleston Animal Society after seeing adisturbing video that showed a teenager throwing cats as high astelephone wires. Shockingly, he was tossing them across streetsand yards in Mt. Pleasant.

Roman investigated and then took the video and his findings topolice. It paid off five months later with the 18-year-old convictedof animal mistreatment. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail, whichwas waived if the teen served 50 hours of community service.

In another case, just a few months later, an MUSC doctorcontacted Charleston Animal Society during this winter’s deepfreeze, worried about a dog he saw abandoned across the roadfrom where he lived.

In sub-zero temperatures, Roman ventured out to that countryroad on Wadmalaw Island and spotted Queen hovering under thehouse in fear. Combining efforts with Charleston County AnimalControl, Queen was rescued and is now living safely in a newwarm home after being adopted.

High-profile cases of neglect generate headlines, but, in fact, many cases go undiscovered and unreported.

(top) Anti-cruelty laws apply to all cats—companion, abandoned, lost, and feral.

(right) A repeat offender of animal cruelty could face 2years in jail and a $2000 fine.

National reputationCharleston Animal Society’s reputation fighting animal crueltyhasn’t gone unnoticed at the national level.

The ASPCA routinely contacts Charleston Animal Society toassist with cruelty cases around the country. Last year, Roman leda Charleston Animal Society team to help in the biggest dogfighting bust ever seen in the Southeast. The dog ring involved400 dogs across Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia. Twelve of theanimals were brought to Charleston for rehabilitation and adoption.

Another group from Charleston Animal Society helped takedown a cock fighting ring in New York earlier this year, rescuing5,000 birds.

“Federal law classifies animals as property, but that doesn’tmean they can be treated cruelly. And that’s why we’re here toprotect them,” Roman said.

As for Charlie Brown, he seems content and at peace with hisnew family, despite the fact the person who shot and abandonedhim was never apprehended. “We are so happy we adoptedCharlie Brown,” Devilbiss said, “he has given us more than wecould ever imagine.”


S.C. CRUELTY LAW JUST GOT TOUGHER:

With a stroke of her pen on June 6, 2014, Gov. Nikki Haley made South Carolina’s animal cruelty law tougher than ever. Penalties, includingfines and jail time, are stiffer than before, andprotections have been put in place for animals who are caught in the middle of domestic violencesituations. Here are changes under the new law:

• Decision of punishment in cruelty cases is left up to a judge, while giving that judge greater authority to maximize the fine or time in prison.

• Streamlines the penalty process for repeat offenders, with repeat offenders facing more serious penalties.

• Increases maximum penalties:For first-time offenders from 60 days in jail and a $500 fine to 90 days in jail and a $1000 fine.

For second-time offenders from 90 days injail and an $800 fine to 2 years in jail and a $2000 fine.

“This is great news for animal lovers or anyone whocares about justice,” says Joe Elmore, chief executiveofficer for Charleston Animal Society, “The SouthCarolina Animal Legislative Coalition, which CharlestonAnimal Society co-founded along with organizations in Columbia, worked hard to see measured anti-crueltylegislation signed into law.”

State Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter and state Sen. DannyVerdin are the lawmakers who pushed the new lawthrough the Statehouse.

“Federal law classifies animals as property, butthat doesn’t mean they can be treated cruelly.

And that’s why we’re here to protect them.” – Aldwin Roman

(left) After being abandoned in frigid temperatures, Queen is now in a new loving home.

(middle left) As directorof anti-cruelty and outreach, Aldwin Romanis fighting animal abuse.


A PLACE FOR PETSCounty Park system knows pets are family

TOM O’ROURKE UNDERSTANDS PETSare part of the family. So that means in-cluding those four-legged family membersin the planning of Charleston County parksand park events.

“For me, it’s not always about the pet, it’sabout the owner of the pet. In our industrywe serve people, we don’t serve dirt orparks. Pets are members of people’s family,”said O’Rourke, Executive Director of theCharleston County Park and RecreationCommission. “If we’re going to be a familyfriendly park, we have to include all membersof the family and that includes the pets.”

Leashed pets are welcome throughoutthe parks, including on the trails and paths.In 2013, more than 147,700 dogs camethrough the gates at Wannamaker, PalmettoIslands and James Island County Parks, allof which have off-leash dog parks.

The only places dogs are prohibited arethe beach parks and Caw Caw Nature &History Interpretive Center and that’s justbecause of the sensitive wildlife and nestingareas in those spots.

As the park system continues to acquiremore land and develop more parks, desig-nated dog spaces are certain to be part ofthe plans, O’Rourke said.

Charleston County Parks also has greatlyexpanded its pet-themed events, includingpet-friendly happy hours, dog days at oneof the water parks and a two-day Pet Festfeaturing all things animals.

Over the summer, people and theirpooches are welcome at Yappy Hour, a hap-py hour-style event with live music anddrinks at James Island County Park. Onthe other side of town at Palmetto IslandsCounty Park in Mt. Pleasant is Pups, Yups

& Food Trucks, a similar event with music,drinks and food truck fare.

The dog park at James Island may bemore of an attraction for dog owners thaneven for the dogs themselves. It’s a muchmore social park, O’Rourke said. “We hearstories of people finding their boyfriendsor girlfriends there. A lot of single peoplego there after work with their dog.”

Just after Labor Day, the pools at Whirlin’Waters are open to dogs for the annualDog Day Afternoon, welcoming pups of allshapes and sizes who want a final summer-time swim. The last two years the eventhas grown so much, O’Rourke said theyhad to separate areas for small dogs andlarge dogs. “That event is overwhelminglypopular,” he said.

While all the events are great and bringmore people out into the parks, O’Rourkesaid it’s really about giving people a placeto go with their animals. He sees the numberof local apartment rentals climbing, for ex-ample, and knows those pet owners need aplace to take their pets.

And O’Rourke knows first-hand the im-portance of these pet-friendly spaces. Heand his wife take their two small dogs -- aChihuahua and a mix breed -- to the dogsparks often.

“Dogs and pets are a part of families,and we serve families and as an extensionof that we’ll always make (pets) a part ofwhat we do. At the end of the day citizensown this land and it’s what they want.”

Charleston County Parks received the first everCharleston Animal SocietyCommunity AmbassadorAward for its efforts in makingthe lives of families, includingtheir pets, better.

HEAD OUTSIDE:: Parks

YAPPY HOUR JAMES ISLAND COUNTY PARK

4-8pm July 10 with Calhoun’s Calling4-8pm Aug. 7 with Dreamland Band4pm Sept. 18 with Big John Belly4pm Oct. 16 with Whiskey Diablo

Events run until 8pm or sunset.

PUPS, YUPS & FOOD TRUCK PALMETTO ISLANDS COUNTY PARK

5-8pm July 24 with food from Korki’s Kafe and band The Bill Show

5pm Aug. 21 with food from Refueler's Mobile Cafe and band Katina Rose

5pm Sept. 25 with food from Moose’s Mobile BBQ and band Soul Fish Duo

5pm Oct. 23 with food from Little Star of the Caribbean and band Dallas Baker & His Bluegrass FriendsEvents run until 8pm or sunset.

DOG DAY AFTERNOON AT THE WATERPARK

12pm - Sept. 75pm Whirlin' Waters

Adventure Waterpark in North Charleston

For information on these events or other Charleston County Park services, visit ccprc.com.

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AWARD

WINNER


How do you bring your humble abode up to the expectationsof the mighty king or queen we call “Cat?” Carolina Tailsfound all sorts of creative solutions for cat lovers.

Let’s begin in Mt. Pleasant where Diane Straney discloses that herZen-like home in the Snee Farm neighborhood is “completelyarchitecturally designed for cats.”

Just start with the Alice in Wonderland door that goes to anairlock, also known as a fancy passage from one environment toanother. In this case, it will lead Straney’s cats from her livingroom to an old greenhouse. An airlock? For cats?! And then thereis a tunnel into a bridge that goes down a tower and outside to acat pen, leading to another cat house. And yes, the cat house usesair conditioning and heat, depending on the season.

Straney will tell you, “If you are a true animal lover, then there isnot much in your house. It is peaceful and serene and full of cats.”As founder of the Feline Freedom Coalition (felinefreedom.org),Straney has been instrumental in saving thousands of CharlestonCounty’s stray and dispossessed felines. Straney says rememberto plan one area of your home for a scratching post. She has ascratching post perch that reaches up to the ceiling and overlooksa pristine pool outside.

And as for flooring? She opted to have all wooden floors, yet forthose who wish to have rugs, she praises Sisal natural rugs, whichcan be washed and bleached.

But Straney’s most enthusiastic endorsement is saved for a niftycontraption that flushes like a toilet. “The Cat Genie is the bomb,”Straney says, adding that the Cat Genie is the most importantthing to have when living with cats.

Creative spacesOn the other end of the spectrum, Melissa Sims had to get creativewith her 900-square-foot apartment. Because her apartment had abuilt-in desk area, she created a litter box nook for her cat Gracie,using a tension rod and curtains, “Gracie loves the privacy, and Ilove that it’s out of the way,” she said.

When it comes to small living spaces, Dolittle’s pet store ownerRic Sommons recommends the Cat Crib, a cat hammock that fitsunder any chair or end table. The item gives the cat a sense ofsafety while also eliminating clutter in the home.

One of the hottest new ideas for cat decor are “Catios.” Patiosfor cats. Elena Hansen-Roberts has a cat door leading out to ascreened patio, which has become her cats’ own space with litterboxes and a few cat trees. Other owners include ramps, stones forperching — even koi ponds!

Function meets style in cat lovers’ homes BY HELEN RAVENEL HAMMOND

Diane Straney’s Mt. Pleasant home is completelyarchitecturally designedfor cats with tunnels, acat house and a ceiling-high scratching post.

CATDéCOR

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Former Charleston resident Jeanne Bragdon was innovativein accommodating her rescue kitties, Tufty and Keerty, into herhome. Under the stairs to her basement, she made a “litter boxcloset” where the door is left open just enough for the cat to getin. “It is out of sight and provides a lot of space and privacy forthe cat which cats like,” she explained. She also uses an under-the-bed storage container on wheels for the litter box that workswell for the cat and feline-caretaker. Bragdon said her cat hasplenty of places to hang out. For example, put drawers under thebed or create makeshift cat bed in the opened bottom drawer of adresser. “They all seem to love to crawl into places that feel secure,”she said.

Cat-friendly fabricsWhen it comes to fabrics, Randolph Cooper of SoutheasternGalleries said a trend in pro-pet households is to use Sunbrellafabrics. “Sunbrella fabric is a variation of outdoor fabric that willliterally wick away cat urine,” Cooper explained. “Don’t believeme? Go to the international furniture market at High Point, N.C.,and you will see the product advertised in a tub of bleach where itwill remain unharmed.”

For a recent project, Cooper was asked to figure out a creativesolution for a client’s litter box. He had a skirt made for the pedestalsink in the client’s downstairs powder room. He paired that with aRalph Lauren fragrance diffuser on the lip of the sink — and voila!Cat chic.

“The cat box should always be out of sight and never give off anoticeable odor,” he said, adding that the cat owner should leave a

small gap in the upholstery under the sink so the cat feels comfortablewith his new latrine.

A final tip Cooper shares is the misconception that leather isnot animal friendly. According to Cooper, high-quality leather ismore durable than most fabrics and is easy to clean, as is ultra-suede. Some designer enthusiasts swear by Crypton, a syntheticfabric that’s resistant to smells, stains, bacteria and muddy paws.

Whatever your tastes, there are many ways to incorporate yourfeline into your home without any hissy fits from the cat….or theowner. And this harmony is the “cat’s meow.”

Helen Ravenel Hammond is a writer based in Charleston. She is a self-proclaimed “cat fanatic” and the proud momma of human child,Elizabeth, and two Tuxedo kitties, Bootsie and Bella.


(top left) One of DianeStraney’s cats showing offher stylish digs.

(top right) Creative shelvingcan add design to your walls and a comfy place for cat naps.

(left) This outdoor catiois a great example of a fun feline environment thatpromotes exercise andcombats complacency.


Cat Genie automatically washes, cleans and dries itswashable granules, keeping cat owners from having totouch, breathe or buy cat litter. Prices starts at $260 at catgenie.com.

“Help keep Charleston County the first No Kill Community in the Southeast. I’m thrilled to supportCharleston Animal Society in this effort.”

– DAVE NAVARROGuitarist/Singer for Jane's Addiction & Red Hot Chili Peppers

MEET OUR CELEBRITY ADVOCATE

Sisal Rugs: A must have for cat lovers because they resist clawing and are easily cleaned. Pricing varies bysize of rug at sisalrugs.com.

The Cat Crib is a cat hammock that fits under any chairor end table. Designed to eliminate clutter in the home,the Cat Crib is sold at Dolittle’s for $31.95.

Sunbrella Fabric: Not only do they look great, they arestrong, built-to-last and unbelievably resistant totroublesome stains, moisture, odor and bacteria.

The 24-inch Sisal Scratching Post is covered in 100%woven sisal and will not shred, plus it has a non-skidbottom. The post sells for $39 at sisalrugs.com.

Wave Perch Cat Shelf: The perfect solution for smallspaces, the wave perch easily mounts to the wall andprovides a comfy lookout and lounge for your kitty. $99at urbanpethaus.com

DECORATE with Flair...

SAND & SURF:: Beach Rules

BEFORE HITTING THE BEACH,KNOW THE DOGRULESJust like people, dogs like frolickingin the ocean waves, but before youhead to one of Charleston’s beaches,learn the rules, or you could gohome with more than sandy paws.Area beach patrols will fine you upto $1,040 for not following the letterof the law.

Isle of PalmsDogs are allowed off leash on the beachbetween 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. April 1 to Sept 14and then 4 p.m. to 10 a.m. Sept. 15 to March31. The rest of the time, dogs must be on aleash (even in the water) and pet ownersshould clean up after their dogs. All dogsbelonging to Isle of Palms residents musthave a current City of Isle of Palms doglicense; visitors are not required to have alicense for their dog. IOP does have a dogpark behind the Recreation Department at24 Twenty-Eighth Ave.

Folly BeachDogs are not allowed on the beach from 10a.m. to 6 p.m. May 1 to Sept. 30. At all othertimes, dogs must be leashed and undercontrol. Owners should clean up any petwaste and remove it from the beach.

Kiawah IslandDogs must be on leash on all of KiawahIsland year round. There are two off-leashdog areas but dogs must be under voice

command: the first area extends fromBeachwalker County Park for 1,000 yardsto the west (toward Captain Sam's inlet)and the second area is located between theBeach Club and the Ocean Coursepedestrian beach access. Dogs may be offleash from Dec. 1 to March 15 on the centralportion of the beach between BeachwalkerCounty Park and the Beach Club.

Alligators are common on Kiawah Islandso for your pet’s safety, don’t let it swim inponds or play near the edge of the ponds.

Sullivan’s IslandAll dogs on the island, including residents,day visitors and vacation renters, must havea town-issued dog permit. Permits are $35per dog ($25 for residents) and are issuedat Town Hall, 1610 Middle St. Owners shouldhave proof of rabies vaccine.

Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach 5-10 a.m. May 1 to Sept. 30 and from 5 a.m. tonoon Oct. 1 to April 30. From May 1 to Sept.30, no dogs are allowed on the beachbetween 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., but dogs areallowed on the beach from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m.while leashed.

Pet waste bags are also available near theentrance of each beach access path.

BE COOL AT THE BEACH• For your dog’s health, limit the

amount of time he or she is on the beach.

• Pick up after your dog. Poop is not only gross, it can contaminatethe ocean!

• Take fresh water with you to hydrate your dog. Salt water isn’tsafe for dogs.

• Don’t leave your dog in the car.Within a matter of minutes, the cartemperature soars and your pet is in grave danger.

BEACH

RULES

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ANIMALLOVERSusan Payne

FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS, SUSANand Ned Payne had been dog owners. Theirtwo Miniature Schnauzers had each livedfor 16 years. When the second one passedaway, Susan Payne missed having a pet.

But the couple’s lifestyle just wasn’t con-ducive to a dog at the time. They weretraveling and going back and forth to theirWest Virginia home from their house onTradd Street in downtown Charleston.

Susan Payne took a liking to one of herdaughter’s cats and recently started thinkingabout adopting a cat. With her husband inhis late 70s and she almost 70, Payne saidthe two didn’t want the added responsibilityof walking a dog once or twice a day. A catwould better suit their lifestyle.

In February, Payne headed to Petco just tolook at the cats available for adoption fromCharleston Animal Society.

“There was this beautiful kitty,” Paynesaid. “I fell in love with her and took herhome. She just laid there and looked at mewith those enormous green eyes like shewas looking straight into my soul.

“This is what we need,” Payne thoughtas she looked at the cat.

So 3-year-old Sassy, an American short-hair with a black coat and sprinkles of whiteon her face and paws, went home with Payne.

When her husband arrived home, Paynegreeted him with, “Honey, we have a cat.”

For all their years as dog people, thePaynes have easily taken to Sassy. “She’sthe perfect cat,” Payne said. “She fit rightin and took over.”

BY HOLLY FISHER

RESCUE:: Family Addition

CATLOVER

“She fit right in and took over.” - Susan Payne


What kind of food should I be feeding mydog? There are so many choices on thestore shelves it can be overwhelming. Marianne K., Johns Island

It’s best to choose a food that’s high quality,appropriate for your pet’s life stage (foodlabeled “for all life stages” is puppy/kittenfood) and is free of dyes. Feed the best foodyou can afford and be consistent; switchingfoods frequently can cause an upset stomach.When in doubt, check with your veterinarian.

LUCY FULLER, DVMDirector of Public Health

and Spay/Neuter Initiatives

A group of cats has decided to set up shopon my property. I don’t want them there,so what can I do? Mike S., North Charleston

Trap-Vaccinate-Alter-Return (TVAR) is themost effective method to reduce the feralor community cat population over time.Removing a cat from a community to beeuthanized means more cats will movein to consume those same resources.Community cats are vaccinated againstrabies, spayed or neutered, micro-chipped,ear-tipped and returned to the environmentin which they were finding food and shelter.When returned, the vacuum-effect of morecats moving in is prevented.

SARAH BOYD, DVMDirector of Shelter Health and Wellness

UC Davis - ASPCA Shelter Medicine Fellow

ANSWERS:: Understand Your Pet

ASK THE VET

VETS FROM THE CHARLESTON ANIMALSociety are ready to answer your petquestions. No question is too unusual, oddor funny. So, feel free to Ask the Vet aboutyour pets’ behavior, food or crazy habits.Email your veterinarian questions [email protected].

Always remember that no advice will evertake the place of taking your animal to yourfamily veterinarian for continuing care.

Help! Why is my cat not using the litterbox and urinating all over my house? Susan F., Mt. Pleasant

This could be a sign of behavioral or medicalissues that, if caught early and treated, canimprove your cat’s life. Always have onelitter box for each of your cats plus oneextra. Place the litter boxes in differentlocations in your household.

MARGARET MORRIS, DVMAssociate Director of Public Health

ASKOURVETS

(large photo) Sarah Boyd, DVM,comforting one of her many patients after surgery.

(top right photo) Lucy Fuller, DVM,getting one of the felines readyfor adoption.

(bottom right photo) Margaret Morris, DVM, administering vaccinescrucial to this animal’s health.


FOSTER: Save A Life

EVER THINK YOU MAY WANT A PET,but just aren’t sure? Why not try fostering?Almost every animal shelter uses some sortof foster system that helps save animals inseveral ways:

• Animals learn socialization skills.

• Animals are more comfortable in a “home” than a “shelter setting.”

• Foster families help free up room in the shelter so other animals can be saved.

Charleston Animal Society’s 500-memberfoster family network stretches from LakeMoultrie to Edisto Island on the Atlantic.“Many people can’t believe that we havemore animals outside the shelter than insidethe shelter,” said Charleston County AnimalSociety Chief Executive Officer Joe Elmore.And you won’t believe the impact one fosterfamily can have. The Heins family in MountPleasant has saved more than 100 kittensover the past two years that they have beenfostering. “We love it. It’s like having akitten all the time,” said Donna Heins.

Donna, along with her two sons, Jonahand Evan, enjoy naming the cats based ontheir unique personalities. They thoughtthe hardest part of fostering would be lettingthe kittens go, “But we reminded ourselvesthat if we keep on fostering, we can saveeven more lives,” said Jonah.

Becoming a foster family is usually asimple process at most animal shelters.Typically, you will fill out an applicationthat asks what kind of animal you wouldlike to foster, whether you currently haveany pets and whether you have a fenced-inyard or not. “No answers will necessarily

THE GIFT OFYOUR HOMEBY DAN KROSSE

disqualify you, but they will help guide usto finding you a foster pet that is a good fitfor your family,” said Charleston AnimalSociety Rescue and Foster Coordinator JodiOsborne.

The average length of stay in a fosterhome for a pet is 2-6 weeks. People withfostering experience can also take on morechallenging cases such as premature kittens,or injured and sick animals.

Dogs, cats, puppies and kittens all needfosters… all they need is you.

LEARN MORECharlestonAnimalSociety.org/foster

Map showing Charleston AnimalSociety Foster Network stretchingfrom Lake Moultrie to Edisto Beach.

The Heins family of Mt. Pleasantfostering kittens. (l-r) Jonah, Evan and Donna.

FOSTERA PET

Charleston Animal Society Foster Family Network


So apparently I’m middle-aged. Well, that’s what everyone tellsme anyway — friends, family, the media, the 20-year-old check-out boy in the supermarket who looks right through me

rather than at me. Every time I’m reminded of my middle-agedness,I’m surprised. Because here’s the thing: I don’t feel middle-aged.But I guess I am.

With that realization comes another one: I’m notgetting any younger. In fact, it seems that I’mgetting older at an alarming pace. I’ve alwaysvowed to be one of those people who age gracefully,who embrace the passing of the years. Yet I findmyself staring disconcertedly into the mirror atthe new wrinkle on my face or frantically makinga hair appointment because my grays refuse tostay covered. And those things in and of themselvestick me off because I don’t want to be so damnworried about getting older

Just as with my own aging, I’m always surprised that my dogRanger is a senior. But according to all the charts I’ve looked at(and I’ve looked at a LOT hoping to find one that tells me otherwise),when a dog reaches the age of 10, he’s considered elderly.

Little white hairs have taken over Ranger’s head, like mine.Unlike me, he doesn’t seem to worry. “Who cares? It is what it is,”he seems to say with the doggie equivalent of a shrug. As I’ve paidmore attention to how Ranger has handled getting older, I realizethat I’ve got a remarkable guide to help me navigate this tangledand complicated path.

So here are a few of Ranger’s lessons on aging:

1. Stop to smell (and pee on) the flowersI think part of the reason that life seems to go by so fast is thatwe’re always worried about what we’re going to do 10 minutes, 10days, 10 months from now. I’ve got to put dinner on at 5. I’ve got tocall back that client on Wednesday. I’ve got to plan our vacation forJuly. It’s always the next thing and the next thing and the next.We’re so busy looking forward that we forget to be here now.

When Ranger was younger, he was the same way on our walks.He strained ahead on the leash, excited to see what was around thenext corner. In the last couple of years, he’s slowed down considerably.Our walks take almost twice the time they used to. He takes so long reading pee-mail at each bush that I can almost hear him sayin an old man voice, “Welp, whaddaya know? Rover Johnson, thatyoung whippersnapper down the street, done went off and gotFluffy Rogers pregnant. I tell ya ... kids these days.”

I used to get so annoyed by this. “Come on, Ranger,” I’d say witha tug at the leash. “I’ve got things to do.” Then one afternoon, asRanger carefully read the latest pee-mail, I just ... stopped. I took adeep breath and closed my eyes. I felt the sun on my face, felt thebreeze and realized with some surprise that it was a really, reallybeautiful day and I had been missing it.

Since that day, I have made every effort, when I find myselfrushing along in life, to push the pause button and be in themoment before I go on to the next thing. Ranger has taught methat the way to slow the passing of time is to acknowledge and ap-preciate the little moments along the way.

BY AMBER CARLTON

AGELESS3Three Things My Senior Dog Has Taught Me About AgingGracefully

Just as with my own aging,I’m always surprised that my dogRanger isa senior.

- A. Carlton


2. Be open to new experiences“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we growold because we stop playing.” — George Bernard Shaw

It never fails to amaze me how happy Ranger is when we gosomeplace new. Whether it’s a camping trip or just a differentroute on our walk, a huge smile breaks out on his face and there’san extra spring in his step. The new surroundings seem to invigoratehim and bring out his inner puppy. Unlike on our regular walks, hepulls ahead, excitedly investigating every unfamiliar nook andcranny, seeming to rejoice in the novelty of the moment.

As I’ve gotten older, I find myself putting off or turning down newexperiences. I patronize the same four restaurants over and over. OrI go to a particular campground because we’ve been there beforeand know what to expect. Or I watch a re-run on TV for the 15th timebecause it’s easier than getting invested in a whole new show.

And this bugs me. A lot. So I’m determined from now on to takemy cues from Ranger. He’s shown me that being open to the unex-pected can help keep one young. So, okay, I’ll download that appthat everyone’s been talking about. And maybe I’ll finally learn adifferent language. Or, heck, I might really live on the edge and goto a restaurant I know nothing about! Quite the risk-taker, aren’t I?

3. But sometimes it’s okay to be set in your waysI know what you’re thinking. “Seriously? How can you beopen to new experiences and set in your ways?” Scoffnot! It can be done and Ranger is proof.

While he loves to go different places and try out-of-the-ordinary things, he’s always just as happy to get back home. Comingback from a camping trip, for example, he makes a foray into ourbackyard, checking the perimeter and ensuring everything issecure, just like he’s done for the past nine years. He waits patientlyon “his” rug while I prepare his dinner, just like he’s done for thepast nine years. And then he stretches out on our bed and wecover him up with a blanket, just like we’ve done for the past nineyears. In his own doggie way, I know he’s saying, “Camping is fun.But there’s no place like home.”

I said that it bothers me that I am not as open to new experiencesas I once was. And it does. At the same time, though, I understandthat there’s a comfort in routines, in the things we know and love.It’s nice to go to that familiar restaurant and order that dishyou know you like. The trick is to find a balance between the two,something Ranger does effortlessly and beautifully, and somethingthat I’m working to achieve.

I do hope with all my heart that I’m able to age gracefully. Ihope that one of these days I’ll look in the mirror and see the lineson my face as evidence of a life well-lived. I hope I’ll be able totake the old with the new, and never stop learning. And I hope thatby enjoying and appreciating the second half of my life, I’ll haveno regrets when I get to the end of it. If I’m able to do all thosethings, I’ll have my wise, wonderful, precious dog to thank for it.

Amber Carlton is a pet industry marketing copywriter and contentspecialist, and the owner of CommaHound.com. She also acts as interpreter and typist for her dog’s musings at Mayzie’s DogBlog (mayziesdogblog.com). Amber shares life with her husband,two dogs and two cats (all rescues except for the husband).

This article originally appeared on Dogster.com.

Ranger has taught me that the way to slowthe passing of time is to acknowledge and

appreciate the little moments along the way.


“Charleston Animal Society is doing such anamazing job of saving the lives of healthy andtreatable animals. I applaud their efforts to seeNo Kill Charleston 2015 become a reality.”

– MARTHA STEWARTBusinesswoman, writer and television personality

MEET OUR CELEBRITY ADVOCATE


STUDY: Cat Owners

STUDY:Cat Owners Smarter Than Dog Owners ... Say What?

SMARTCAT

A recent study by Carroll University inWisconsin found cat owners scored higheron an intelligence test than dog ownersand are more sensitive too. It also founddog lovers tend to be more energetic, out-going and rule-abiding (score one for thedog owners)! Dog owners also tend to bebetter at breaking rules (no comment).


RESCUE:: Adopt, Don’t Buy!

TAKE ME HOMEWhether you’re looking for a cat, kitten, dog or puppy, make Charleston Animal Society your first stop. View the current animalsavailable for adoption online at charlestonanimalsociety.org. Or, better yet, come visit us at 2455 Remount Road in North Charleston.

RESCUEME

Hello there. My name is Salem. As youcan tell I’m a male Siamese mix.The one thing we have to get straight, is that I will need your undividedattention-- but I do love to cuddle.

Hello, I’m a goodsouthern girl namedFaith. I’m very wellmannered, a staffiemix, and as I’m oftentold, quite “gorgeous.”

My name is River and whileI’m a little bit shy at first,I do have these hilariousbursts of energy that makepeople laugh.

Are you a hiker? Myname is Savannah andI love to walk or run ona trail, sniffing the entire way. I am threeand sweet as can be.

My name is April.I’m an orange Tabby and love mylong hair. I’m toldmy personality is very sweet. I’m blushing.

Hi, I’m Sally, I’m almosttwo and am extremelycurious. I also love toplay. By the way, I’m aGreat Dane mix.


BUGOFF!

How to KeepPests at BaySummer is peak season for parasites, so it’s time to be vigilant about your pet’spest-prevention program. According to the national database ranking by state,South Carolina ranks No. 2 with the most cases of seasonal fleas and No. 5 inheartworm cases in dogs. For those looking for natural remedies consider addinga few drops of Neem oil to Fido or Feefee’s shampoo. Topical and oral solutionproducts should can be discussed with your veterinarian. Treating your backyardregularly with a pest control company such as Mosquito Squad helps cut down onmosquitoes and other pesky creatures.


Kids are some of the best animal advocates so we’ve devoted this space to young pet lovers.

THE KEYS TO PET CAREWhether they have feathers, fur or fins, all pets need some of the same things: food, water and room to move around. They need a safe place to live and people to take care of them. The names of a dozen kinds of pets are hidden in this puzzle. Circle each one(they may be written up and down, sideways, backward or diagonally).

TIME TO PLAY!

G I P A E N I U GR E A L O V R E OA A R A T D E M L B E A B N O T O D B S K D I G S U F I R E A T L M S I T O E T E N A E S A H T T I O H N HC O C K A T I E L

Sixteen letters are left over in the puzzle. They spell part of a message. Write the uncircled letters in the order they appear. (Go from left to right, top to bottom.)

Every pet needs __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __.

Source: National Association for Humane and Environmental Education

cockatiel

rat

guinea pig

horse

mouse

parakeethamster

dograbbit

goldfishcat

gerbil

Answer:love and attention


ANIMAL ARTISTSWant to see your animal artwork in a future issue of Carolina Tails? Send us your picture! EMAIL TO: [email protected]

1. Remove the label and plastic cap from a small, empty plastic bottle.2. Thoroughly rinse any non-water fluids out of bottles. Some human grade

sweeteners are poisonous to dogs.3. Insert the bottle into a long athletic sock or roll it in a piece of fabric and

tie off the ends.4. Tie in a large dog bone for an extra treat.

PET PLAYJust like kids love to play with their toys, dogs need toys to keep them busyand entertained.

Over the summer, try making one of these toys for your dog. At the sametime, make a few extras and donate them to the Charleston Animal Societyso the dogs have plenty to do while they’re waiting for their forever home.

WATER BOTTLE CRINKLE TOY

PENCIL DRAWINGS by Laurel Campagna, Mt. Pleasant, S.C., 14.

Bella was rescued from theJasper Animal Rescue Mission in December 2010.Rachel was rescued from theCity of Columbia AnimalShelter in November 2004.


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@AdoptCAS

CharlestonAnimalSociety.org

Carolina Tails - Summer 2014 - Charleston Animal Society

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