Issue 1 – 3.16.15 Page 1 of 4

WAGGING TALES

News, Events & Happy Stories for Staff & Volunteers of Charleston Animal Society

LOWCOUNTRY FAMILY EXPO Many  happy  families  and  wagging  tails  attended  the  Lowcountry  Family  Expo  on  February  21.    Attendees  visited  nearly  100  booths  and  watched  stage  events,  including  the  Find  Your  Furry  Friend  Pet  Fashion  Show  presented  by  Charleston  Allergy  &  Asthma.  Kay  Hyman  talked  about  each  dog  as  they  strutted  across  the  stage  and  down  the  runway.    Many  gathered  to  watch  Rosie  and  King  in  their  finest  attire.    Puppies,  Uno  and  sleeping  Tara,  were  also  dressed  to  impress  and  happy  to  be  carried  down  the  runway  in  the  arms  of  volunteers  and  beauty  queens,  including  Summerville’s  Miss  America  2015  and  Miss  America  Teen  2015.    Children  were  lined  along  with  runway  with  hands  outstretched  to  give  and  receive  love  from  these  friendly  dogs.      

Back  at  the  booth,  the  adoptable  dogs  as  well  as  Adoption  Ambassador,  Emma,  had  a  lot  of  opportunities  to  get  some  love  from  the  visitors.    While  the  canines  were  

being  adored,  the  humans  were  busy  promoting  Paw-­‐ty  with  the  Animals,  B.A.R.K.  Camps,  Humane  Heroes,  dog  training  and  fostering.  As  the  day  ended,  many  had  giving  monetary  donations  to  CAS  and  Uno  and  Tara  were  both  adopted.    A  fun-­‐filled  and  successful  day  for  all!  

Mary  Beth  Dew  and  her  husband  live  in  Mt.  Pleasant  where  they  have  been  long-­‐term  foster  parents  for  CAS.    

MR. BAXTER KEEPS HIS HOME

 Recently  Mr.  Baxter’s  owner  moved  to  a  new  home  and  Mr.  Baxter  had  to  live  on  a  chain  outside  with  another  dog  –  who  attacked  him.  The  owner  could  not  afford  to  take  Mr.  Baxter  to  the  vet  and  did  not  have  transportation.  Aldwin  Roman,  Charleston  Animal  Society’s  Anti-­‐Cruelty  and  Outreach  Director,  picked  up  Mr.  Baxter  and  brought  him  to  the  animal  society  where  his  wounds  were  clipped  and  cleaned.  He  went  home  the  next  day  with  antibiotics  and  pain  medication.    

Three  weeks  later,  Mr.  Baxter  had  made  a  full  recovery.  His  owner  was  able  to  work  out  an  arrangement  with  her  landlord  to  keep  the  dog  inside  while  he  recovered  and  maybe  stay  inside  for  good.  Three  weeks  after  the  attack,  Mr.  Baxter  came  back  to  be  neutered,  vaccinated,  and  micro-­‐chipped.  Everyone  was  amazed  to  see  how  much  better  he  looked.  If  not  for  the  Pets  for  Life  program  Mr.  Baxter  may  have  died  or  been  surrendered.    

The  Pets  for  Life  Program  is  a  nationwide  effort  funded  by  the  Humane  Society  of  the  United  States  and  aims  to  keep  pets  at  home  with  their  families.  Services  offered  are  free  spay  and  neuter  surgeries,  vaccinations,  basic  grooming,  food,  and  micro-­‐chip  insertion.

Issue 1 – 3.16.15 Page 2 of 4

141ST ANNUAL MEETING RECAP Hundreds  of  supporters  of  Charleston  Animal  Society  were  treated  to  a  heartwarming  recap  of  the  achievements  in  2014  at  the  141st  Annual  Meeting  in  February.  Board  members,  volunteers,  staff  and  adoptive  families  listened  to  reflections  of  a  tremendous  year.  CEO  Joe  Elmore  detailed  important  statistics  that  validated  why  Charleston  Animal  Society  was  recognized  as  the  Most  Honored  Charity  in  South  Carolina:  CAS  is  the  leader  with  over  5000  adoptions  in  South  Carolina,  the  spay-­‐neuter  program  served  12,000  animals,  over  400  lifesaving  surgeries  were  performed  in  2014.  Outreach  included  teaching  2700  children  about  humanitarian  values  and  the  basic  science  behind  animal  care,  1,000  families  were  reunited  with  pets,  and  door  to  door  Food  Bank  and  pet  care  support  visits  were  made  in  some  of  the  poorest  neighborhoods  in  the  county.    In  conjunction  with  the  Charleston  County  Sheriff’s  Office  and  with  the  help  of  Joanna  Lacey,  Charleston  Animal  Society  partnered  in  the  equine  rescue  of  11  horses.  Through  50,000  local  supporters,  donations  and  volunteerism  reached  significant  levels  of  growth.  The  Chili  Cook-­‐Off  raised  over  $270,000  dollars,  and  the  Firefighter  Calendar  raised  $360,000,  made  national  news  and  orders  on  all  seven  continents!  

 Elizabeth  Bradham,  President,  outlined  direction  for  2015:  First,  to  create  a  No  Kill  and  No  Harm  community.  She  detailed  that  additional  resources  would  be  needed  to  pursue  an  aggressive  anti-­‐cruelty  campaign.  Secondly,  the  Charleston  Animal  Society  would  launch  ‘No  Kill  South  Carolina’  following  the  ahead-­‐of-­‐schedule  success  of  our  countywide  campaign.  Recognizing  the  need  to  study  the  complexities,  the  process,  organization  and  discipline  to  see  this  through,  Elizabeth  was  undaunted  by  the  task.  Her  determination  was  evident  as  she  expressed  the  impact  animals  have  in  the  lives  of  humans:  as  therapy  animals,  companions,  police  work,  for  the  armed  forces,  and  service  animals.  She  concluded  with  the  sentiment  that  animals  are  a  constant  source  of  devotion  and  “I  invest  in  ‘love  machines’...  that’s  my  

story.  And,  I’m  sticking  to  it.”    

The  evening  continued  with  touching  reminiscences  of  special  moments  with  rescued  animals,  fostering  of  post  surgical  dogs,  one  which  ultimately  came  to  live  with  a  very  adoring  owner:  a  Vietnam  Veteran.  Crews  Chevrolet  and  Subaru  was  awarded  Ambassador  of  the  Year  for  their  contributions  to  CAS  including  a  Subaru  vehicle  driven  frequently  by  Kay  Hyman  during  CAS  missions  all  over  Charleston  County.  

The  night’s  presentation  concluded  with  invited  speaker,  Dana  Perino,  a  news  talk  show  host  on  Fox  News.  Dana  and  her  husband,  Peter  McMann,  brought  their  dog,  Jasper  to  the  Annual  Meeting.  At  perfect  

moments,  Jasper  yelped  a  few  comments  and  made  himself  perfectly  comfortable  in  a  front  row  seat  or  on  stage  with  his  human  friends.  Dana  was  involved  in  the  Companions  for  Heroes  program  which  matches  dogs  with  war  veterans  returning  with  PTSD.  Dana  detailed  her  experiences  in  media  roles  working  with  politicians  and  past  presidents  including  as  Press  Secretary  to  George  W.Bush.    Dana  recalled  a  funny  story  during  the  time  she  was  Deputy  Press  Secretary  for  George  W.  Bush.  Apparently,  the  official  turkey  pardon  was  about  to  take  place  in  the  Rose  Garden  when  there  was  an  unexpected  delay.  An  assistant  in  the  White  House  inadvertently  let  Barney,  Bush’s  Scottish  Terrier,  out  into  the  lawn.  There  was  a  near  cancellation  of  the  annual  Thanksgiving  reprieve  for  the  turkeys  until  Barney  could  be  caught  .Dana  closed  with  her  enthusiastic  support  for  the  community  of  Charleston  and  its  dedication  to  the  mission  of  the  Charleston  Animal  Society.  

Beth Warner is a speech pathologist, freelance writer and supporter of many non profits in the Charleston Area

Issue 1 – 3.16.15 Page 3 of 4

MAKE SURE THEY HAVE A HOME We’ve  all  seen  the  videos  of  men  and  women  in  service  returning  home  after  several  months  or  years  away  to  a  dog  that  is  beyond  elated.    It  never  gets  old-­‐  I  will  watch  every  single  video,  multiple  times,  and  without  fail  every  time  my  eyes  will  tear  up  to  see  a  dog  so  happy  their  human  has  returned.    My  dog  even  gives  me  a  greeting  with  such  fanfare  after  

just  eight  hours  in  the  office.    

But  what  happens  when  the  unthinkable  happens  and  their  owner  doesn’t  return?    Because  the  lifespan  of  pets  is  usually  much  shorter  than  that  of  humans,  many  people  don’t  plan  for  what  will  happen  to  their  pet  if  something  happens  and  they  are  unable  to  care  for  them.  

The  Charleston  Animal  Society  recently  received  three  senior  lab  mixes  in  this  exact  situation.    Loved,  cared  for,  and  bonded  together,  these  labs  found  themselves  scared  and  thrust  into  a  new  environment  with  new  humans.    Everything  and  everyone  they  recognized  had  disappeared.    This  situation  can  be  very  confusing  and  overwhelming  to  a  pet.    Luckily,  their  story  has  a  happy  ending  as  all  three  were  adopted  together  by  one  Good  Samaritan  within  two  weeks.    However,  their  

story  is  a  cautionary  tale  that  requires  each  of  us  check  our  own  continuity  plans  for  our  pets.  

As  a  responsible  pet  owner,  you  provide  your  dog  with  the  care  they  rely  on  you  for:  food  and  water,  shelter,  veterinary  care  and  love.    To  provide  for  a  future  for  your  pets,  we  also  suggest  you  make  formal  arrangements  to  specifically  care  for  them  should  something  happen  to  you.    Consider  your  family  or  friends  who  have  met  your  pet(s)  and  have  cared  for  them  in  the  past.    While  a  verbal  agreement  is  adequate,  creating  a  will  can  be  an  important  and  inexpensive  alternative  to  ensure  they  have  a  loving  home  and  money  to  care  for  them.    Make  sure  that  neighbors,  friends,  and  family  know  how  many  pets  you  have  along  with  the  names  and  phone  numbers  of  emergency  caregivers.  

Even  the  youngest  and  healthiest  of  us  are  vulnerable  to  the  unexpected.    Having  a  plan  in  place  to  care  for  your  best  friend  will  save  them  from  unnecessary  stress  in  your  absence.    Your  pets  love  you  unconditionally  –  they  are  your  family.    Making  sure  they  are  cared  for  will  be  the  best  gift  you  can  leave  them  with.  

Karina Labossiere has been enjoying the Lowcountry life with her husband and adopted black lab since 2006. She works in finance by day and by night enjoys writing, working out, and watching rubbish on tv.

MABEL TEACHES A LESSON

Heather  Grogran  works  in  the  Education  Department  at  Charleston  Animal  Society  and  her  job  takes  her  to  many  schools  in  our  community.  Recently,  Heather  was  very  touched  by  a  group  of  kids  at  ARCAES,  Ashley  River  Creative  Arts  Elementary  School.    “Mable  is  a  precious  pup  with  a  bad  skin  condition  that  has  caused  her  to  be  here  longer  than  most,”  Grogan  says.    “So  many  people  judge  based  on  looks,  both  humans  and  animals.    You  can  preach  it  and  teach  it  till  you  are  blue  in  the  face,  but  inevitably  judgment  happens.  Here  in  the  South,  we  have  a  phrase  that  is  sometimes  nice  and  sometimes  not  so  nice  –  we’ve  all  heard  “bless  your  heart”  and  Mable  heard  it  a  lot!  Feeling  that  Mable's  heart  had  been  blessed  enough,  I  decided  to  create  a  lesson  just  for  her.  I  took  her  to  ARCAES  and  was  amazed  by  what  I  saw.    The  moment  I  walked  in  I  could  see  love  on  the  students’  faces.  They  didn't  even  notice  her  terrible  skin.    She  was  just  so  sweet,  they  couldn't  understand  why  she  had  not  yet  been  adopted!    I  explained  about  Mable's  condition  and  one  by  one  they  each  came  up  to  love  and  cuddle  Mable.  She  was  so  happy  that  she  fell  asleep  on  the  classroom  rug  during  our  lesson.    Compassion  and  empathy  are  words  rarely  understood  by  adults,  yet  –  thanks  the  students  at  ARCAES  quickly  grasped  them!”  

Issue 1 – 3.16.15 Page 4 of 4

WHEN FOSTERING BECOMES “FUR”EVER Every  dog  has  its  own  unique  personality  and  characteristics.  Some  will  make  long-­‐  lasting  impressions,  like  Fergie  a  10-­‐year-­‐old  American  Staffordshire  mix.  Fergie  lost  all  of  her  teeth,  so  her  tongue  always  hangs  out.  A  CAS  volunteer  recalls  meeting  Fergie  and  says  she  was  in  high  spirits  despite  her  unfortunate  situation.  “I  met  her,  and  she  was  so  hopeful  and  happy  -­‐  even  in  the  kennel,”  she  said.  

It’s  tougher  to  find  homes  for  older  dogs  like  Fergie  who  sometimes  need  more  love  and  medical  attention  to  heal  any  hardships  and  pre-­‐existing  living  conditions.  The  good  news  is  there  are  people  who  are  drawn  to  helping  the  underdog  and  want  to  give  animals  like  Fergie  a  new  start.    

Hans  Van  Heek  is  currently  the  foster  parent  for  Fergie,  and  she  may  be  just  the  companion  he  was  looking  for.  “Currently  I’m  fostering  Fergie  or  “Fergalicious”  as  I  affectionately  refer  to  her,  but  I  don’t  know  how  I  could  turn  my  back  on  such  a  sweet  dog.  Heek  continued  saying,  “Even  with  some  behavioral  issues  from  years  of  neglect  she’s  proven  to  be  a  quick  learner  who  is  eager  to  please.”  

Although  it  may  require  extra  veterinary  expenses  due  to  her  circumstance,  Van  Heek  will  happily  provide  that  care.  “In  this  short  period  of  time  I  have  lived  with  her  she  has  proved  herself  to  be  a  loyal,  funny,  and  very  appreciative  dog  that  

brings  a  lot  of  joy  to  my  household,”  says  Van  Heek.  Fergie  has  also  become  pals  with  Nika,  Van  Heek’s  other  dog.    The  fostering  program  brings  together  caring  people  with  unique  animals  in  need.  This  is  just  one  of  the  many  stories  where  fostering  can  turn  into  finding  a  “furever”  home.  

 

Heather  Thomas  is  a  project  assistant  at  a  local  law  firm.  She  is  passionate  about  building  community  involvement  for  animal  welfare.  

400 ANIMALS SCHEDULED FOR SPAY NEUTER

Charleston  Animal  Society  teamed  up  with  Kia  Country  of  Charleston  to  get  pets  spayed  or  neutered  on  World  Spay  Day,  February  24th  –  and  smashed  records  in  the  process.  342  people  made  appointments  for  400  pets.  Pet  owners  could  sign-­‐up  online  or  by  calling  in  to  Charleston  Animal  Society’s  spay-­‐neuter  hotline.  This  is  the  most  spay  neuters  ever  scheduled  in  a  single  day  in  South  Carolina.  Each  year,  Charleston  Animal  Society  provides  sheltering  and  other  critical  services  to  18,000  animals.    If  you  were  unable  to  sign-­‐up  your  pet  for  a  spay/neuter  appointment  on  World  Spay  Day,  you  can  register  online  at  http://www.charlestonanimalsociety.org/spay-­‐neuter/.    

UPCOMING EVENTS

MARCH 21 (SAT) HOMEWARD HOUND ADOPTION

EVENT *DANIEL ISL. CHILDREN’S PARK

MARCH 29 (SUN) LOWCOUNTRY CAJUN FESTIVAL *JAMES ISLAND COUNTY PARK

APRIL 11-12 (SAT & SUN) PET FEST

*PALMETTO ISLAND COUNTY PARK

APRIL 12 (SUN) KITTEN ICU DEDICATION

*CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY

APRIL 14-17 (TUES – FRI) DOGS PLAYING FOR LIFE W/

AIMEE SADLER *CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY

APRIL 25 & 26 (SAT & SUN) ASPCA HELP A HORSE WEEKEND

MAY 5 (TUES) LOWCOUNTRY GIVING DAY

*ONLINE

MAY 18 (THUR) YAPPY HOUR

*JAMES ISLAND COUNTY PARK

MAY 23 (SAT) 4TH KICK-OFF TO SUMMER BLOCK PARTY *TRIANGLE CHAR & BAR

AND STEEL CITY PIZZA