carolina tails magazine | fall 2014

TAILSCAROLINA

FALL 2014

A Charleston Animal Society Publication

PET CANCERNew TreatmentPuts Lowcountry on the Map

Food Lion DogHow She Became a Johns Island Legend

Cat Scratch FeverWhy Declawing is Such a Hot Topic

Bone AppétitThe Coolest Dog-Friendly Restaurants

Avoiding Cat-astropheCat-Proofing Your Christmas Tree

FALL 2014 | CAROLINA TAILS 1

2 CAROLINA TAILS | FALL 2014


ContentsFALL 2014TAILS

CAROLINA

Publisher: Keith SimmonsEditor-in-Chief: Dan KrosseManaging Editor: Joe ElmoreGraphic Design: Heineman DesignAdvertising Director: Edward [email protected]: Helen Ravenel HammondEllie Whitcomb Payne, Holly Fisher,Claire Roberson, Teri Errico, Dan Krosse, Keith SimmonsPhotographers: Reese Moore, Jason BennettEllie Whitcomb Payne, Ada SamonteDistribution Manager: Brenda Fletcher

For inquiries 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 BresnanVice President: Ann Long MerckVice President: Matt Watson, CPA, CVASecretary: Perry Jameson, DVMTreasurer: Hilton Smith, IIIChief Executive Officer: Joe Elmore

Members of the Board

Media & Marketing Consultant:dpk media solutions

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.

Hal Creel, Esq.John CawleyJohnny MaybankTara GerardiBob RifeElliott SummeyJeff WebsterMeg PhillipsEllen HarleyAussie GeerTami Zerbst

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Kiara BarnettMary BlackJoe Waring, Esq.Cynthia HayesAndrea FergusonHelen Pratt-ThomasEugenia BurtschyNancy WorshamBritton M. Hawk, Esq.Gerri GreenwoodDean Riegel

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5 Welcome

6 Pet Pointers

9 Hope in Pet Cancer Fight

10 The Food Lion Dog: How she brought an entire community together

14 Ask the Trainer

16 DeclawingCat Scratch Fever

20 Bone Appétit: Cool Dog-Friendly Restaurants

24 Holiday Gift Guide

26 Most Dangerous Leftovers for Pets

28 Santa Paws: Have Your Pet Delivered!

29 Myths About Black Cats

32 Avoiding Holiday Cat-astrophe

36 Dog Hero:Kurt Taylor

38 Kids Zone: Time to Play!


Dear Friends,

Well, here we are, three months later, with our second issue of Carolina Tails! The response to our new publication has been overwhelming,enabling us to grow from 36 to 44 pages in this short time period. We found that our features on anti-cruelty, the best dog beaches, andcat decor generated the most response from our readers.

In this issue we hope you will enjoy our articles about:• Declawing: the pros and cons of this very controversial surgery procedure. Charleston Animal Society is officially opposed, but

we know that vets facing real-life situations often perform this procedure to keep cats in their homes.

• Leftovers: Many of us think that we may be adding nutritional value to our pet’s diet, but we all need to know which leftovers are absolute poison for our pets.

• ECT: A brand new treatment for cancer in pets that’s offered in Charleston, the only place in the Southeast where you can find it.

• The Five Pet Apps You Need to Download.

As we move into the season of Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah, when many of us value our time with friends and family,I would like to leave you with two other stories, showing how our community works together as a family to take care of the animals inour midst.

Many people on Johns Island knew about the “Food Lion Dog.” The drycleaner put out blankets, shoppers donated money and food,the insurance salesman made sure she was fed, and one shopper stopped by every evening with a casserole. Eventually, the dog was ableto be re-homed on a nearby farm and Charleston Animal Society was able to come into the picture to give her the appropriate medicaltreatment. One little dog united a score of people, none of whom knew each other at the outset, but who all joined together, in our No KillCommunity, to take care of this little dog until they could get her into a home. Thank you to all of you who saved this sweet life!

And finally, one of our stories describes Charleston Animal Society’s Christmas Elf program, where pets are delivered for the holidays!I had the best Christmas ever in 2013 when I became an Elf and delivered a kitten, Jingle Bells, on Christmas morning. I was fortunate tobe able to participate in this lovely family’s joy at the arrival of this cute kitten and to know that this sweet creature was going to be partof a great home. I then floated home on a cloud of happiness to my own family for the rest of Christmas day. Needless to say, I am alreadysigned up as an Elf for this Christmas as well.

Please enjoy this issue of Carolina Tails and let us hear from you about animal topics that we need to explore and report.

With kind regards,

Welcome

Elizabeth Bradham, President, Charleston Animal Society


PET POINTERS

4 Pet Apps You Need Right Now

• My Talking Pet brings photos of your favorite pet to life. We promise you’ll crack up when you see your dog or cat tell your husband his chores for the weekend! Snap a photo, record what you want to say and the app does the rest. Out comes a hilarious video that you can easily share, showing your dog or cat talking.

• Bring Fido is a must have for anyone who’s hitting the road with their dog or cat. The app puts thousands of pet-friendly hotels, restaurants and parks at your fingertips. Bring Fido keeps getting better and now includes pet-friendly events that you can join when you’re traveling.

• Tagg isn’t cheap, but boy is it cool! You have to buy a collar clip-on device ($99.95) and a subscription ($9.95/mo) to make the “free” app work, but if you have a dog that always seems to be getting out of the yard, Tagg could be for you. The GPS tracking built into the collar clip-on allows you to check on your dog’s location 24/7. It will also track his activity level and if your dog tries to bolt, he won’t get far.

• NORAD Santa Tracker is by far the most reliable way to keep track of Santa’s reindeer on their Christmas Eve journey around the world. Your children will love to follow the route on radar provided by the North American Aerospace Defense Command.

FALLTIPS ForYour Pets

NEWS:: You Can Use

DOGS: 1. Labrador Retrievers 2. German Shepherds 3. Golden Retrievers 4. Beagles 5. BulldogsCATS: 1. Persian 2. Maine Coon 3. Exotic 4. Siamese 5. Abyssinian

Charleston Named Best Dog Town in Southeast!It was front page news in Charleston after Dog Fancy, the world’s most widely read dog magazine, named Charleston the best dog town in the Southeast! The publication’s annual award is given in recognition of America’s best cities for dogs and their human champions.

Each year, Dog Fancy asks readers to nominate an American city that representsthe very best in dog-friendly accommodations. The editors then carefully researcheach city and name the winner based on the presence of dog-centered activities, dog parks, veterinarian specialists, pro-dog legislation, rescue programs and evendog-friendly restaurants (see our list on pages 20 - 22).

Charleston Animal Society nominated the Holy City for the award and is extremely proud Charleston was named a regional winner. Charleston’s progressiveprograms on adoption and rescue played a large part in the application process.“People take their dogs everywhere in this town,” said Charleston Animal SocietyChief Executive Officer Joe Elmore, “and that’s what makes Charleston Countysuch a wonderful place to live.”

OTHER TOP DOG TOWNS:

● Austin, TX ● Gettysburg, PA ● Eureka Springs, AK ● Minneapolis, MN

2014 Most Popular Breeds

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2015 Firefighter Calendar a First of its Kind!The 2015 Charleston Area Firefighter Calendar is selling like hotcakes. Sales are hot because the hunky firemen (and two female firefighters) are posing with pets that haveall been rescued. But an even bigger reason is the interactive technology that’s gone into this year’s calendar.

“As far as we can tell, this is the first interactive firefighter calendar featuring pets, in the entire world,” says Charleston Animal Society Director of Development Caroline Eller.

To make your calendar come to life, all you have to do is download an app called “Layar.” Once downloaded, simply point your phone or tablet at the calendar month picture and you will see it come to life in the form of a video.

Calendars are on sale now and can be ordered at CharlestonFirefighterCalendar.com.All proceeds go to Toby’s Fund, Charleston Animal Society’s medical fund.

Prescription for Controversy?

Premarin is a popular drug for womenundergoing Hormone ReplacementTherapy (HRT) for menopause. What many women may not know is that the drug has been mired incontroversy for years because of theway it’s made.

The drug is manufactured from the urine of pregnant horses. TheHorse Fund, an international equineeducation and intervention groupsays the mares are kept confined,pregnant and milked for their urine.According to The Horse Fund, Belgian Quarter Horses are typicallyused to make Premarin and are “keptin stalls so small that they cannot turnaround or take more than one step in any direction.” Other HRT drugsusing mares’ urine include Duaveeand Prempro.

The ASPCA lists NOT buying Premarin as one of its top 10 wayspeople can help horses.

Charleston Animal Society urgeswomen using Premarin or similardrugs to check with their doctor to see if they could substitute their HRTregimen with a more “humane” protocol, such as HRT drugs madefrom plant derivatives.

#1 Reason People Choose:

CATS: DOGS:Behavior Appearance

ASPCA Study


Inbox:: Reader Feedback

DEAR CAROLINA TAILS:“My issue came yesterday. It is not only informative, it isclassy and professional in every way. We need to spreadthe word to support the advertisers and make sure theyknow we saw their advertisement. Congratulations CAS on a job well done.” –Joanne Rabinowitz Schwartz

“I just got my first issue. I love it! I read it 3 times so I wouldn’t miss anything. I have 3 cats, Garfield, Mac andPopTart. Susan Payne’s story about cats was great. And“Three Things My Senior Dog Taught Me” was beautifullywritten. Also, the picture of the cat reading the book withglasses! It’s on my fridge collage! Keep up the great work.” –Trudy Baldwin

“I received mine on Thursday, too. Read it from cover to cover last night and love it!!! Thank you!” –Mary Beth McKain Dew

Blessing of the AnimalsOctober 4 • 10am - Noon Marion Square in CharlestonCharleston Animal Society invites youto join hundreds of other pet owners and their animals for a special non-denominational event taking place all over the country on the same day.

Pet ExpoOctober 11 • 10am - 3pm North Charleston Convention CenterOne of the largest pet events in the Lowcountry. Find everything you need for your pet.

Second Sundays on KingOctober 12 • 1pm - 5pm King Street, CharlestonCome visit Charleston Animal Society’sbooth on King and pick up a CharlestonFirefighter Calendar!

Yappy HourOctober 16 • 4pm - SunsetJames Island County ParkReward yourself and your pooch after a long day at the office! Enjoy music from Whiskey Diablo and beverages at James Island County Dog Park.

Dogtoberfest October 19 • 1pm - 5pmFreshfields VillageKiawah Island Community Association’sannual pet adoption event, Dogtoberfest,is back! Sponored by Charleston AnimalSociety, the even benefits animal rescue organizations and feature delicious wine,seasonal beer and great food.

Bark in the Park October 20 • 11am - 4pmWannamaker County ParkIt’s a pet fest with a Bavarian flair! Pets are encouraged to bring their owners toone of Charleston’s newest Oktoberfestcelebrations. Costumes are welcome!

Second Sunday on King StreetNovember 9 • 1pm - 5pm King Street, CharlestonCome visit Charleston Animal Society’sbooth on King and pick up a CharlestonFirefighter Calendar!

15th Annual Celebrity Chili Cook-off & Oyster Roast November 22 • 1pm - 5pmCitadel Football Stadium in CharlestonCome enjoy all the chili and oysters youcan eat as more than 100 teams competein South Carolina’s largest chili cook-off.It’s one of Charleston Animal Society’slargest fundraisers with all proceeds goingto their medical fund, “Toby’s Fund!”

Consign Charleston Shop 'n ShuckDecember 61610 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, West AshleyCome find some great holiday bargainsand enjoy some live music. All the pro-ceeds benefit Charleston Animal Society.$20 includes all the food you can eat, or $5lets you in to just shop.

Second Sunday on King StreetDecember 14 • 1pm - 5pm King Street, CharlestonCome visit Charleston Animal Society’sbooth on King and pick up a CharlestonFirefighter Calendar!

Holiday Pet DeliveriesDecember 24 & 252455 Remount Road, North CharlestonCome pick out your pet at Charleston Animal Society before December 22, and Elves will deliver the pet for you on Christmas Eve or Christmas!

Event Calendar

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TOP: Dr. Kerry Rissetto demonstrateshow ECT is administered usingHudson, a bulldog, as a model.

BOTTOM: Ziggy underwent ECTtreatment for an aggressivecancer tumor that shrunk to just a scar after several weeks

MEDICAL:: Technology

BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGY IN FIGHT AGAINST CANCER

CANCER KILLS ONE OUT OF EVERYtwo pets over 10-years-old. It’s a soberingstatistic for anyone who is worried abouttheir aging cat or dog.

On the bright side, Charleston is nowhome to the only vet practice in theSoutheast offering a cutting edge cancertreatment called “electrochemotherapy.”

Dr. Kerry Rissetto, DACVIM, traveled allthe way to Rome for training on thisincredible medical innovation. “Thistechnology is very exciting and we are proudto bring it to the Lowcountry,” Rissetto said.

How it works: Electrochemotherapy(ECT) delivers trains of electrical pulses tocancer cells shortly after injection ofchemotherapy drugs. The pulses open poresin the tumor cell membranes making themmore permeable and enabling betterpenetration of anti-cancer drug moleculesto increase tumor cell kill. Animal patientsundergo very light, short anesthesia beforethe 5-10 minute procedure and typicallyrequire just two or three treatments,compared to radiation, which can involvemore than 30 sessions.

“Because ECT makes tumor cells moresensitive to therapy, it allows us to uselower doses of chemotherapy drugs, sosystemic side-effects are very unlikely,”according to Rissetto.

Ziggy was the first animal in SouthCarolina to receive ECT. The 11-year-oldcat had an aggressive fibrosarcoma on herhead that had recurred and now wrappedaround her nose, dangerously close to hereyes. But after one ECT treatment thissummer, Ziggy’s cancer had gone from alarge tumor to just a scar (see photos).

“We were so happy we had this treatmentso nearby,” said Debbye Graf of Wando.She and her husband had already beenthrough three surgeries with Ziggy tryingto eradicate the cancer.

ECT will cost about $500 per treatment,yet it’s a price Graf said is well worth it,“This procedure was a God-send to us,”Graf said.

Charleston Veterinary Referral Center isone of only six practices in the U.S. to beawarded a Level 1 certification by theVeterinary Emergency /Critical Care Society.

BY DAN KROSSE

FIGHTAnimalCancer

Food Lion DOG

BY ELLIE WHITCOMB PAYNE PHOTOGRAPHY: JASON BENNETT & ELLIE WHITCOMB PAYNE

How Johns Island’s Famous Dog United an Entire Community


They call her Gypsy, May, Maybank, Buddy, and Reckless,among others. It depends on who you talk to. Everyname a reflection of her relationships with her manypeople. By any other name, she is the Food Lion Dog.

No one really knows where she came from or where she stayed atnight. Two years ago, maybe closer to three, she just showed up.She’d trot into the Johns Island Food Lion parking lot from thewoods behind and make her rounds.

And almost magically, when it was cold, a freshly dried blanketwould be outside the cleaners. When it was hot, cold water couldbe found outside the liquor store. Her people at the Edward Jonesalways had some fresh food. She liked this place. She was happy tobe the Food Lion Dog.

FAT CATBy all accounts she was thebest fed dog on Johns Island.Slight, but not skinny, withfloppy ears and a friendlystance, she would get just closeenough so that you’d noticeher, but nowhere near enoughto pet. To the regulars sheshowed a guarded trust.

“I called her Maybank,” reflects Tommy Stelling of Stono Liquors.“She appeared one day about two years ago. She looked hungryand would follow everybody around. It was cool how everyonecame together and showed so much compassion; there were foodand blankets everywhere!”

Next door is Island Cleaners, owned by Chuck Ashley. “She hasa special place in my heart. She was the smartest dog I ever saw.The way she would play these people in the parking lot for food;they would bring her hamburgers and deli meat. I got to where Iquit feeding her dog food because she would just pee on it and goon about her business!”

Patrons, concerned for the health of the Food Lion Dog, wouldgive the businesses money and food. At one point, Joe Hauhn ofEdward Jones boasted of nearly 400 pounds of donated dog food!The village was truly raising this pup. Many took an interest, butmaybe none so intently as Babe Jobkar and her niece Olivia.

“I heard from someone in the parking lot that she had beenabused and abandoned,” says Babe. “I felt I needed to help thisdog.” Even though she knew people were feeding the stray, sheexplains that she just had to know that the dog had a full bellyevery day. “I am just funny that way,” says Babe. And so Babe wasthere every day, with fresh biscuits and casseroles. Even after backsurgery, there wasn’t a day that passed when Babe didn’t come tosee her “Buddy.” She would talk to fellow patrons and the businessowners about the pup’s past and was overwhelmed with appreciationfor what she saw. “I met hundreds of people in that parking lot,talking to those who loved this dog. I realized there are a lot ofcaring people on Johns Island.”

LEFT: The Food Lion Dog takes a moment to pose for Carolina Tails.BELOW: The Food Lion on Johns Islandwhere she met hundreds of caring people.HOME

Forever

Found!


“We lined up 10 feet apart and slowly pushed her that way. She raninto the netting. The holes were big so she didn’t see it at first. Westarted to move in and close the gap. You could see it in her eyes:it was going to be a race.” The group wasn’t closing in fast enough.Joe made a sprint with netting in hand to reach the gap before her,but she slipped through the opening and was gone. She wouldn’tbe cornered again.

“It was heartbreaking,” says Joe. “That was when I realized thiswas one I wasn’t going to save. In that environment it was only amatter of time before something happened.” So, life went on. Thepup would make her rounds, and then she’d slip off into the woodswhen the sun set.

Then, the Monday after Father’s Day in 2014, Buddy just wasn’tthere. Tuesday. Wednesday, no Food Lion Dog. Her people knewthe worst had happened. She lived a good life. She was a good dog.

Across busy Maybank Highway, Richard Kerr and Brenda Garrenpulled into their driveway Sunday evening after a short vacation.Brenda’s sister, who had been feeding their four dogs, had toldthem that a stray had shown up on the property. “My sister said ‘Ithink that’s the Food Lion Dog,’” says Brenda, “she had seen her at

HOUDINIWell-fed perhaps, but therewas ever present danger: harshweather, disease and traffic.The odds were stacked againstthe pup and her people knewit. But the Food Lion Dog

refused to give up her freedom. Joe Hauhn, financial advisor forEdward Jones, is a veteran of dog rescue. “She would have been my50th rescue. I felt like I knew what I was doing but everything I everdid didn’t work.” The dog couldn’t be lured with food and provedtoo smart for traps. Even the local animal control and shelterscouldn’t catch her.

“She was very aware of her surroundings,” says Joe. “If shewould have ever made a mistake, we would have had her. I was outthere one day with a cast net. Here I am, dress shoes, dress pants,and I’m walking around the parking lot with this cast net chasingthis dog. It must have looked ridiculous! This was early on; thewinter of 2012.” That winter was cold. One Saturday a group metearly in an empty parking lot, armed with hundreds of feet oflandscape netting, determined that this crowd of 10 could capturethis one little dog. After two hours of setting up netting around theperimeter to block her normal escape route, ‘Houdini’ shows up.

“We knew it would take more than one person to achieve a No Kill Community. This is theperfect example.”

– Aldwin Roman, Charleston Animal Society

the grocery store before.” A few days later Brenda gets a link to acraigslist post looking for information about the Food Lion Dog.She called the number and it was Babe’s nephew.

“I got the call Wednesday night at 8:00 and at 8:30 I was pullingin Richard and Brenda’s driveway,” says Babe, ecstatic to see thedog. “Buddy ran up to my car and I just went to my knees. Icouldn’t believe my eyes!”

“I came in one day,” says Joe, “and saw this picture of May onmy desk. I said, ‘it can’t be!’ If we wouldn’t have gotten that picture,I wouldn’t have believed it.”

The Food Lion Dog was alive!

EMILYNo longer asphalt under her paws, but soft earth, with acres of liveoak canopy overhead. Her new owners accepted her with openarms, but didn’t know quite yet just how special she was. “I thinkher and Bubba just bonded,” says Richard Kerr of one of his otherdogs. “I think that had a lot to do with her staying. And she’srelaxed now. The other day, she let me pick her up, put her on mylap and rub her belly.”

“That says so much about how much she trusts these people,”remarks Babe, “for Richard to be able to do that! She felt socomfortable the day I came over to see her, that first day, I was ableto pet her for the first time. I thought to myself, ‘I’m finally able totouch the dog that touched my heart.’ You can’t even imagine thefeeling.” Babe, Brenda and Richard are now good friends.

She was home but not out of the woods yet. She was heartwormpositive and needed vaccinations. Moved by her story, CharlestonAnimal Society offered to treat the dog as well as spay her. “Peopletook responsibility for the care of this dog,” says Aldwin Roman ofCharleston Animal Society. “We always knew it would take morethan one person to achieve our No Kill Charleston initiative. Thewhole community needs to be involved. This is the perfect exampleof that.”

Richard agrees, “The story of the community coming together,this is the first time I have ever heard of anything like it. Every dayI meet someone new who knew the Food Lion Dog.”

Odds are you know someone who knows the Food Lion Dog, butnow they call her Emily.

LEFT: Babe Jobkar was ecstatic to reunite with the Food Lion Dog.BELOW: Brenda Garren sharing treats with her three dogs includingThe Food Lion Dog.RIGHT: Brenda Garren and Richard Kerr enjoy peeking out their Johns Island window watching their newest addition frolic in the yard.


ASK THETRAINERQUESTION: I RECENTLY RESCUED ADoberman who was constantly tethered ona leash by his prevous owner. Needless tosay, she won’t go near a leash now. I wantto take her for walks but it is nearly impos-sible without a choke chain. How do youretrain a dog to love a leash?

– Nicole

ANSWER: The secret here is to attach theleash when good things happen. For in-stance, when the dog is eating her breakfastor supper, attach the leash and that’s it,nothing else. Basically what you want toreintroduce is the leash being associatedwith good things. If she won’t accept thatat first, then I would simply place the leashnear the food bowl. You have to find athreshold and then work from there. Moreexamples of attaching the leash when goodthings happen include belly rubs, earscratches, time on the couch, whatever the

TRAINING TIPS:: Sit. Heel. Stay

Kristie Allen, CPDT working with a dog in an obedienceclass. “I know from first-hand experience the differencedog training makes in the relationship between dogs andowners,” Allen says.

THINGS OVERHEARD IN TRAINING CLASS:

• Stay Positive• Wait for Eye Contact• Set Your Dog Up

for Success• If Frustrated, Take a Break• Let Treats Rain from

the Sky• Good Boy!• Good Girl!• Woof!

Find the perfect training class at:CharlestonAnimalSociety.org

TRAINERAlwaysKnows!

dog really, really likes -- that’s when theleash comes out. Dogs are associative learn-ers and it sounds like in her past life, shelearned the leash was a bad thing, so weneed to break that association and make ita good thing for her. Also, instead of achoke chain, I would work with a front-clipharness, such as an “EZ Walk,” a “Sense-ation” or a “Freedom, No Pull.”

KRISTIE ALLEN, CPDTThe Learning CanineKristie is one of several certified trainersoffering dog training through CharlestonAnimal Society.

“I am a dog lover first, and a dog trainersecond,” Allen says. Her company is TheLearning Canine. You can book a classonline at CharlestonAnimalSociety.org.


FUN FACTS • Dogs only sweat from the bottoms

of their feet, the only way they can discharge heat is by panting.

• Cats have five toes on each front paw, but only four toes on each back paw.

• Dogs have about 100 different facial expressions, most of them made with the ears.

• A cat can jump as much as seven times its height.

• There are more than 350 different breeds of dogs worldwide.

BY HELEN RAVENEL HAMMOND

HOTTOPIC

DECLAWING DEBATE HEATS UP

CATSCRATCHFEVER

So my friend Dan thought that declawing a cat was aboutthe same as clipping someone’s nails, “Kind of like amanicure,” he said. Now before you go all cat-crazy on himand demand to know his email so you can blast him for his

ignorance, realize that there are a lot of Dans out there. Many people,millions of people, who just aren’t educated on the topic.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) saysscratching is a normal feline behavior and is a means for cats tomark their territory both visually and with scent. Scratching is usedfor claw conditioning (“husk” removal) and as a stretching activity.

Onychectomy (declawing) is a controversial issue. One that iswhispered about in vet offices across the country—while beingloudly decried by animal advocacy groups.

“CRUEL”Joe Elmore, Chief Executive Officer of Charleston Animal Societyand Certified Animal Welfare Administrator, doesn’t waste any timegetting his organization’s opinion across, “Declawing cats is crueland should be ended once and for all.”

Elmore points out that almost two dozen countries, includingEngland, Australia and Japan, and multiple U.S. cities have prohibitedor severely restricted veterinarians from performing the procedure.

And far from a manicure, declawing is described as “an amputation”and “major surgery” by The American Veterinary Medical Association(AVMA).

Charleston Animal Society falls in line with the ASPCA, HumaneSociety of the United States and a host of other animal welfaregroups that all oppose declawing. Some of the groups, like theASPCA do make an exception when the health and safety of theguardian would be put at risk, as in the case of individuals withcompromised immune systems or illnesses — where a scratch couldlead to serious infection.

THE REAL WORLDBut are the animal advocates livingin the “real world?” A place whereveterinarians often run into clientswho warn if their cat doesn't stopscratching their $3,000 couch, thecat may soon be homeless.

Dr. Marci Sauls of East CooperAnimal Hospital says she will onlydo the surgery on the rare occasionwith the right set of circumstances,“If the surgery keeps the cat in thehome and prevents him or her fromending up in the shelter, or thesurgery could improve chances ofan adoption, then I am in favor.”Sauls estimates that she hasperformed five onychectomies inthe past year-and-a-half.

Dr. Perry Jameson with VeterinarySpecialty Care is opposed todeclawing, but agrees with Sauls,“If the choice is euthanasia because

a home cannot be found, or to declaw so the cat can be adopted, Iwould declaw the cat and find it a home. Declawing is the lesser ofthe two evils,” he said.


“DECLAWING CATS IS CRUEL AND SHOULD BE ENDED ONCE AND FOR ALL.”

– Joe ElmoreCharleston Animal Society Chief Executive Officer

THE DECLAWING PROCEDURE The Folly Road Animal Hospital website explains that declawingis a simple and relatively painless procedure, provided the propercare is maintained post-surgery. Folly Road Animal Hospitalrecommends that the surgery be performed when cats are betweenfour and six months of age. Although older cats can also bedeclawed, younger cats seem to recover much faster from theprocedure with little to no pain. The hospital also says that oldercats seem to have mild to moderate pain that is controllable withopioid-type pain management.


Here is how the $180 procedure is described: under full anesthesia,the kitten’s bone is removed at the joint connecting the first andsecond bones of the toe.

It is necessary to remove the first bone, or else a new nail willgrow back. Only the front claws are removed-- never the rear claws.After removal of the bone and nail, surgical glue is used to closethe incision. No sutures are needed and the glue is typicallyabsorbed. Cats are generally managed post-operatively in thehospital overnight with bandages removed the next day, and paincontrol is administered for the first 3-5 days.

Dr. Sauls explained that there are three different types ofmethods that vets use when declawing a cat: the guillotinetechnique (guillotine-style nail trimmer), the laser technique andthe scalpel technique.

According to Dr. Sauls, all cats she operates on get a “ringblock/nerve block” with long-acting local anesthetic, injectablepain medication, oral pain medication, post-operative treatmentlaser therapy to minimize inflammation and pain, and a minimumof two nights in the hospital to rest and recover.

“I feel like I can do the surgery without excessive trauma,” shesaid, adding that it is a positive if it keeps a healthy pet in ahealthy household. “I would not be comfortable doing surgerythat was uncomfortable or inhumane,” she said.

SIDE EFFECTSDr. Ryan Gipe with Ohlandt Veterinary Clinic knows that there isa lot of controversy with declawing cats and strongly suggests notgetting the procedure done unless it is an absolute necessity.

Dr. Gipe says that while the surgery technique continues toimprove, there can be long-term complications and risks. He saysa declawed cat’s paws might look the same after the surgery. “Butthis is in fact an amputation of sorts, and at times, there can belameness issues in cats after declawing,” he said.

The Humane Society of the United States also warns about footpain, back pain, scar tissue and behavioral changes like biting.

Dr. Gipe reminds those considering declawing that the decisionmeans your cat should always live indoors. “It limits their abilityto defend themselves and escape from predators when outdoors,”he said.

Bottom line: declawing is not a simple procedure. Heavyconsideration and education should be made before removingyour cat’s claws.

+ other alternativesAbout the only thing both sides agree with is that people shouldconsider other alternatives and get educated on the subject ofdeclawing. The Humane Society of the United States offers these ideas for problem scratchers:

• Keep your cat’s claws trimmed to minimize damage to household items.

• Keep different scratching posts and boards around your home made of different materials like carpet, sisal, wood, and cardboard.

• Ask your veterinarian about soft plastic caps (like SoftPaws®) that are glued to the cat’s nails. They need to be replaced about every six weeks.

• Attach a special tape (like Sticky Paws®) to furniture to deter your cat from unwanted scratching.

“IF THE SURGERY KEEPS THE CAT IN THE HOME AND PREVENTS HIM OR HER FROM

ENDING UP IN THE SHELTER, OR THE SURGERYCOULD IMPROVE CHANCES OF AN ADOPTION,

THEN I AM IN FAVOR.” – Dr. Marci Sauls


SNIFFIN’ OUTCHARLESTON’S COOLEST DOG-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTSIN JUNE 2014, CHARLESTON, SOUTHCarolina named the most dog-friendly cityin the Southeast by readers of Dog FancyMagazine. One reason for the award? All ofthe great restaurants you can share withyour dog. Carolina Tails’ Teri Errico sniffedout some of the best dog friendly restaurantsin the area. And whether you want BBQ,brunch, seafood, steak or drinks, Charlestonnever disappoints.

DOG OUTINGS:: Chow Time

1. POE’S TAVERN2210 Middle St., Sullivan’s IslandEdgar Allen Poe called Sullivan’s Island hishome when he enlisted in the army, andthis restaurant pays homage to him fromdécor you could get lost viewing to an aptlynamed menu. Sit with your pup on the patioand people watch along Middle Street whilesavoring the spot’s aptly named burgers:Raven, Gold Bug, Annabel Lee, etc. Ourfavorite? The Tell-Tale Heart, which featuresa fried egg, cheese and applewood baconon your burger.

2. PAGE’S OKRA GRILL302 Coleman Blvd., Mt. PleasantThis Mt. Pleasant place wants to cook yougood Southern food in a cozy spot that feelslike home—and that includes having yourpup nestled beside you. Pets aren’t justallowed, they’re encouraged to join you inexperiencing Page’s great value meals. Waterbowls and snacks are provided for yourpooch, and you can order all the deliciousfried green tomatoes you want.

3. DIG IN THE PARK, NORTH CHARLESTON1049 East Montague Ave.,North CharlestonDIG in the Park has it all, including anoutdoor dog-friendly space that’s almostdouble the size of the indoor restaurant—and somewhat fenced in. The most popularhappy hour spot in Park Circle, DIG’s largetables accommodate big groups and with

two bars your hands are never empty. Playcornhole out back, watch college footballon the big screen projectors inside or onthe number of TVs facing outdoors, andorder the hilariously named bar food withboth your friends and man’s best friendpartying beside you. There are daily specials!

4. SHELTER KITCHEN & BAR202 Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant It’s hard to miss the bright red canopy signon Coleman Boulevard in Mt. Pleasant, nearShem Creek. The patio deck is always packedwith people and their pets having a goodtime, enjoying some good food and watchingtraffic whiz by. Don’t miss the 1/2-priceburgers on Tuesdays and their NFL menuon game days. The Shelter was developedby three area builders who say they couldn'tfind the perfect hangout—well, missionaccomplished guys!

5. FUEL CARIBBEAN CANTINA211 Rutledge Ave., DowntownFuel has one of the coolest backyard patiosdowntown. If you’re craving a Caribbeanvacation, but can’t afford the getaway, chillunder the ample-sized hut, kick back at theoutdoor bar or even play a round of bocce.And best of all, your dog is invited to thisdestination. For brunch with a kick, thehuevos rancheros are supreme. If a flavorful,fresh dinner is what you desire, be sure topair your entree with sweet potato fries.Fido will especially love them.

BY TERI ERRICOPHOTOGRAPHY: JASON BENNETT

BONE APPÉTIT

TOP: Dogs love to chill at Poe’s Tavern onSullivan’s Island.BELOW: Hipsters and their dogs abound atDIG near Park Circle in North Charleston.


6. LOST DOG CAFÉ106 W. Huron Ave., Folly BeachYou needn’t look further than Lost Dog onFolly Beach, if you’re in the mood for amouth-watering brunch with a laid backatmosphere. Though you may wait in linefor up to an hour, it’s worth it to sit on theairy back porch breathing in equal scentsof Folly Beach and sticky cinnamon buns.With the three-letter word in its name, youcan be sure Lost Dog loves having man’sbest friend around. But we warn you, hewill try to snatch up all your breakfast bacon.

7. DUNLEAVY’S 2213 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island“Céad Mile Failté” to your pup, which meansone hundred thousand welcomes for himto join you as you pal around with oldfriends and new at Dunleavy’s. The family-owned restaurant is famous for its wingswhich are never frozen and never fried—and never denied by a four-legged patronwho the owners hope will join you out front.The New England-style pub has been around20 years, so you know it’s good! Plan timefor a walk on the beach afterwards—therestaurant is two blocks from the waves.

8. RED’S ICE HOUSE98 Church St., Mt. Pleasant1882 Andell Bluff Blvd, Seabrook Island Red’s Ice House is the perfect spot to minglewhile enjoying carefree fun, scrumptiousseafood and sightseeing everything frompaddle boaters to yachts. For pup owners,it only gets better as the sweetest seats inthe house are outdoors and dog-friendly.Buy a beer. Listen to live music. And sharesome fried fish with friends, and maybeyour canine companion if he’s lucky.

9. PAOLO’S GELATO ITALIANO41 John St., DowntownDessert for two sounds even better whenyour pet can get his very own dish. Paolo’smakes a frozen gelato-soy based treat forboth dogs and cats so you don’t have toworry if either steals a slobbery bite whenyou aren’t looking.

TOP: Boys and their dogs are a common sight at Red's Ice House in Mt. Pleasant and Seabrook Island.RIGHT: Enjoying the breeze is free on Shem Creek atRed’s Ice House.


10. PARSON JACK’S CAFÉ3417 Shelby Ray Court, West AshleyIt’s pretty obvious why Parson Jack’s Caféin West Ashley is Charleston’s favorite dog-friendly restaurant. It has a great menu, it’skid-friendly, there’s live music four nightsa week, and it’s the only “off leash” dogpatio in town thanks to its fencing. Be sureto stop in for the bottomless mimosa andBloody Mary buffet brunch, and take a tourof Parson’s pretty talented dog art.

11. TRIANGLE CHAR BAR1440 Ben Sawyer Blvd., Mt. PleasantHaving a nap takes on a whole new meaningat Triangle, but it will surely induce onewhen you’re finished! The signature grass-fed beef “Nap” burger with bacon andAmerican cheese is bookended betweentwo grilled cheese sandwiches. Luckily youcan snag high-top tables outside so yourdog can’t get to your plate, but in the eventyou don’t finish your meal, there’s no doubtyour furry friend will help you lick the platterclean. (There are plenty of healthy choicesfrom the skinny menu, too!)

12. DOG & DUCK624 Long Point Rd., Mt. PleasantAsk anyone and they’ll tell you Dog & Duckhas great dogs. No, no, not all the cute pupsof their countless patrons—though we’resure they’re well-trained. The pub is one ofthe few places that serves all-out, all-beefNathan’s hot dogs. You won’t be able toresist the delicious Doggie Brasco, whichis “overwhelmed with thinly sliced cornbeef,” grilled sauerkraut and melted Swisscheese, or the Tijuana Street Dog wrappedin applewood smoked bacon then deep friedin sliced jalapenos, Pico de gallo and more.Beware what you share or your actual dogwill be begging for seconds.

13. STEEL CITY PIZZA1440 Ben Sawyer Blvd., Mt. Pleasant8600 Dorchester Rd., North Charleston Proudly dubbed “builders of food,” theowners of this pizza joint were raised inThe Steel City, aka Pittsburgh, PA., andthey wanted to bring a taste of home to theLowcountry. Their dream is simple: toprovide a neighborhood place where you

can sit around a fresh, hot pizza and sip apitcher of cold beer. They value family mostof all, and they know that includes yourdog, so bring them by the patio and enjoy aslice of pie, and a slice of the good life.

14. EAST BAY DELI334 East Bay St., Charleston1120 Oakland Market Rd., Mt. Pleasant858 Savannah Hwy., West Ashley9135 University Blvd., North CharlestonWhen it comes to deli sandwiches, thisplace has definite street cred—winning BestDeli in Charleston the past 11 years. Themenu has something for everyone, includinga great salad bar for non-carnivores. Yourdog is always welcome out on the patios.

DOG FRIENDLYRESTAURANTS


Holiday gift guideLike children, cats and dogs love new toys to nibble on, scratch at andentertain themselves. So spread joy this season by giving your four-leggedfriends some of the greatest gifts in town.

Best of all, these perfect pet presents can be found at local stores. If youprefer to shop on Amazon, please do so by visiting. www.smile.amazon.com,where you can select to donate proceeds of your purchases to CharlestonAnimal Society.

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Dog...1. PET LOUNGER: $129.99Hairy Winston 1605 Palmetto Grande Drive, Mount Pleasantwww.hairywinston.com - 843.881.0800

2. MINI MEN TREATS: $7.50 FOR 8 OZ. TINThe Good Dog Bakery1750 Savannah Highway, West Ashley (inside Rocco’s Bakery)www.thegooddogbakery.com - 843.763.2055

3. HOLIDAY GATOR: SM. $10.59 LG. $15.99 All Is Well3417-B Shelby Ray Court, West Ashley1409 Folly Road, James Islandwww.alliswellpet.com - 843.795.2001

4. KANNON DOGGIE BALL LAUNCHER: $29PetSmart: Locations in Mount Pleasant, North Charleston and West Ashleywww.petsmart.com

5. MAGIC MUSHROOM: $10 - $30Available at Bark n’ Meow, Hairy Winston, Doolittle’s

6.LOCALLY DESIGNED COLLARS: $14 - $23Lauren Shuler DesignsCharleston Farmers Market on Saturdays843.270.8962

Cat...7. INTERACTIVE FEEDER: $31.95Doolittle’s Locations in Mount Pleasant, James Island, Summervillewww.doolittles.com - 843.852.5811

8. COTTON ROPE MOUSE CAT TOY: $10Harry Barker - www.harrybarker.com

9. WRESTLE & SCRATCH: $12Bark n’ Meow 3575 Maybank Highway, Johns Islandwww.barknmeow.net - 843.559-5001

10. YEOWWW! Cat Nip: $2.50Available at Bark n’ Meow, Hairy Winston, Doolittle’s

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HEALTH:: Nutrition

BY HELEN RAVENEL HAMMOND

ONIONS & GARLIC While we love them in our stews andstuffing, onions and garlic impact redblood cells and can cause anemia in yourpets. Dr. Kelsey Harris of Veterinary Specialty Care warns the ingestion ofonions or garlic of more than 0.5% of adog’s body weight is potentially toxic.Here’s the math — if your 30-pound bea-gle eats just 2.5 ounces of onion or garlic, call the Pet ER! Cats and Japanese breedsof dogs (Akita, Shiba Inu, etc) are even more sensitive to the effects.

FRUIT CAKEFruit cake is synonymous with theholidays and packed inside are raisins —a true pet danger food. According to Dr. Marci Sauls of East Cooper AnimalHospital, raisins (or grapes) can causekidney failure in dogs and cats. Bottom line: keep Aunt Mary’s fruitcaketo yourself — no sharing with your pets. It could be a fatal decision.

“TIS THE SEASON TO BE MERRY! It is a time of celebrations, gift-giving and other gestures of goodwill–but don’t think feeding your dog from the table is one of them. Here are the 5 most dangerous table scraps that could ruin your pet’s holiday (and yours):

CHOCOLATEAll the stories you’ve heard about thedangers of chocolate with pets are true.Vets tell us dogs can’t metabolize thechocolate, which can spike your pet’sheart rate and blood pressure and manytimes results in death. And experts tell us, the darker the chocolate, the moredanger it poses.

JELL-OSanta’s belly looks like a bowl full of jellyand may that always remind you how dan-gerous Jell-O’s main sweetener, Xylitol,can be for your cat or dog! In fact, anykind of sugar-free sweetener (often foundin candy) is dangerous and can cause adrop in blood sugar and even liver failurein pets, according to Dr. Harris.

So keep the Halloween and other holi-day candies sealed up tight at all times.

BONESDogs love bones. Chicken bones, turkeybones, pork chop bones, you name it. But unless you want to see a perforated GI track before dessert, keep the bones away from your dog. “Just don’t do it, I assure you it’s not worth the cost andheartache that retrieving them often involves,” warns Dr. Heather Graham, ofCharleston Veterinary Referral Center. The same rings true for cats — bones can splinter in their throat and cause problems.

SIGNS YOUR DOG GOT SNEAKYWITH THE LEFTOVERS• Vomiting • Cramping• Abdominal Pain • Diarrhea

ASPCAAnimal Poison Control Hotline: (888) 426-4435

If your pet is experiencing thesesymptoms, call your veterinarian.

HOLIDAYNO-NOs!

HOLIDAY LEFTOVERS YOU NEVERWANT TO SHARE WITH YOUR PET5

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ADOPTION:: Save A Life

HERECOMES SANTAPAWS!BY HELEN RAVENEL HAMMOND

WANT A PET FOR THE HOLIDAYS?Charleston Animal Society delivers! For thethird year, Charleston Animal Society willbe hosting the “Home for the Holidays”adopted pet deliveries all over the Lowcountry.

“We are always overwhelmed with animalswho need homes,” said Charleston AnimalSociety Chief Executive Officer Joe Elmore.“This is one of the best things we have everdone,” explaining that folks come in aheadof time and pick out an animal to deliver toa loved one on Christmas Eve or Day.

Charleston Animal Society volunteerCindy Branscome said that it took noconvincing to play “Santa Paws.” Branscometells us she will always remember herChristmas morning ride with Brutus on hisway to his new home, to serve as a surprisefor a man’s fiancee. On this “joy ride,”Branscome said the dog somehow knew hewas going to a new, safe place.

“It was a very special day in that wechanged the lives of two humans, but moreimportantly, a dog who was at the shelter.

He was adopted, placed in a home withanother dog and immediately embraced bythe other dog and the family,” saidBranscome, “Who wouldn’t want to beinvolved in something like this?”

Charleston Animal Society deliveredmore than 20 animals last year and hopesto do just as many, if not more this year.

Elmore cites research that shows peoplewho receive animals as gifts actually keepthem longer. “If you know someone verywell, this could be the perfect gift,” he said.

Even Charleston Animal Society BoardPresident Elizabeth Bradham got in on allthe fun, delivering a new tabby kitten,“Jingle Bells” to a West Ashley family. “Thisis what Christmas is all about,” she said.Bradham now plans to make pet deliveriesa tradition in her family every year.

If you would like a pet delivered forChristmas, be sure to visit CharlestonAnimal Society, 2455 Remount Road,North Charleston between December 15and December 22 to pick the new pet out.The elves will take care of the rest!

Brutus knew something excitingwas happening on his Christmasmorning ride. A new home waswaiting for him!

PETSfor theHolidays


ADOPTION:: Save A Life

THE WEATHER IS STARTING TO GETcrisp, the kids have gone back to schooland the drug stores have already startedputting the Halloween candy out. A hugecomponent of this spooky holiday, ofcourse, is the black cat. Whether it is toadorn your door above your carved Jack-o’-lantern, your favorite “go to” costume(I still have the same cat ears and tail fromfourth grade and pull them out every year),or simply incorporating a black cat intoyour kids’ favorite craft, the black catscreams “Halloween.”

You might have read that black cats areadopted out on Halloween only to help outwitches and Satan worshipers with theirrituals. That should send shivers downanyone’s spine. But Kay Hyman, CharlestonAnimal Society’s Director of CommunityEngagement, said, “The idea that people

adopt black cats for the wrong reasonsaround Halloween are based on urbanmyths -- not on facts.”

According to Hyman, these superstitionsjust aren’t true. Hyman said that in the 21years she has been with the CharlestonAnimal Society, there has not been onedocumented case of ritualistic abuse

involving a black cat around Halloween. Hyman says the important thing people

need to know is that black cats are actuallythe most difficult to get adopted year-round.“That’s the real scary truth about blackcats,” Hyman said.

“Personally, I love black cats. I thinkthey are the sweetest,” Hyman said.

THE ASPCA LISTS A FEW GOOD REASONS TO ADOPT BLACK CATS:

• Their fur won’t show on your little black dress.• You can tell your kids you adopted a mini-panther.• Black cats go with everything.• In most cultures, black cats are a sign of good luck.

SHATTERINGMYTHSABOUTBLACK CATS BY HELEN RAVENEL HAMMOND

BLACKCATMyths


I have a chocolate lab who is almost one year old. I keep hearing storiesabout torn ACLs in labs and am veryworried. Is there a way to prevent this from happening in my dog?Charles – West Ashley

Charles, thanks for your question. Cranialcruciate ligament disease in dogs (alsocalled ACL disease in humans) is a commonproblem, especially in larger breed dogslike yours. It occurs when one of theligaments in the knee is damaged and theknee becomes unstable, causing pain andarthritis. We aren't 100% sure why otherwisehealthy dogs suddenly develop problemswith their ligaments, so nothing isguaranteed to keep your dog “safe,” butthere are certainly things you can do tolessen the chance of disease. Mostimportantly, keep your dog at a healthyweight! This is crucial; even 5 extra poundscan put undue stress on a joint and makeit more likely to develop problems. Secondly,keep him/her active. Exercise like swimmingis great for joints, as it is low impact andhelps control weight gain. Labs typicallylove the water, so hopefully this is a goodoption for you! Lastly, keep your regularcheckup appointments with your vet.Certain health problems make ligamentrupture more likely, so staying on top ofyour dog’s health is extremely importantas well.

LUCY FULLER, DVMDirector of Public Health

and Spay/Neuter Initiatives

PET HEALTH:: What’s on Your Mind?

ASK THE VETIN THIS ISSUE, VETERINARIANS FROMCharleston Animal Society tackle three verydifferent questions involving grumpyholiday cats, worries over ACLs and whetherheartworm infection in dogs is contagious.Email your questions to us at [email protected].

I love the holidays, but it seems like my cat Geronimo hates this time of year and acts out more than normal. Is he a grinch? Shannon – Summerville

No, I’m sure Geronimo is not a grinch!Whether we know it or not, the holidayscan cause anxiety in people and dogs andcats can sense our stress and often react toit in different ways. Some pets will resortto behavior changes such as urinating inabnormal areas, chewing abnormal things,hiding, or running out the door whenotherwise they would not. To help withholiday pet stress, try to keep your pet’sdaily routines as normal as possible duringthe hectic holiday season. If traveling orthrowing a holiday party it is best to set upa warm, quiet place with food, water and afavorite blanket either in a separate roomor a crate where your pet can escape whenfeeling stressed.

MARGARET MORRIS, DVMAssociate Director of Public Health

My friend recently adopted a dog that is heartworm positive and is nowon heartworm preventative medicine.I am worried about my dog visitingand drinking out of the same waterbowl. Can dogs give it to each other?Michelle – North Charleston

We are so happy your friend chose to adopt,and for opening her home to a dog thathas heartworm infection. If your friend’sdog has undergone heartworm treatment,then those heartworms are being eliminatedfrom his circulatory system by Immiticideand will continue to be prevented by givingprescription heartworm preventative fromyour veterinarian. Heartworms live in theright side of the heart and their larvae livein the bloodstream. Mosquitos biting a petthat is not on heartworm preventative isthe mode of transmission. In other words,they can’t get it from drinking from thesame bowl. Also, to protect your dog fromthose dangerous mosquito bites, be sureyour dog is on a heartworm preventative.

SARAH BOYD, DVMDirector of Shelter Health and Wellness

UC Davis - ASPCA Shelter Medicine Fellow

HEYDOC!

Dr. Lucy Fuller performing a Spay/Neuter procedure.

Dr. Sarah Boyd examininga bulldog that was rescued.

Dr. Margaret Morrisbandaging an injured cat.


AVOIDING CHRISTMASTREE CAT-ASTROPHE!

HOLIDAYS:: Cat Mischief

CHRISTMAS TREES ARE MAGICAL.Their green branches inspire feelings of joy,their ornaments and lights stir up delightfulmemories and warmth. But for some catand dog owners, these cheerful evergreenscan invoke anxiety or laughter dependinghow you look at a fallen Christmas tree.

“My husband and I haven’t put up a treesince we adopted our cats five years ago,”Lowcountry resident Erin Billmayer said.“The first time we tried, my cats Hibachiand Daisy climbed up it within hours andmade it their home, breaking ornamentsalong the way.” After it repeatedly happened,Billmayer and her husband gave up andnow simply place a foot-high fake tree atopthe table.

The Billmayers aren’t alone, Christmastree shenanigans are commonplace as catslove to swat at light bulbs, climb branchesand nibble décor. Carolina Tails Facebookfollower Chelsea Leininger admitted thatshe finds stray holiday ornaments under thefurniture all year long, thanks to her pet.

While cats and Christmas trees may notmix, West Ashley PetSmart Trainer, KellyFischer, said there are some things you cando to make your house a bit more habitablefor both, and hopefully a bit less damaged.

“If your cat climbs the tree, try putting itup in the middle of the room, away fromfurniture, or back it into a corner,” Fischersuggested, “and if you can, securely anchorit to the floor or wall.”

For residents like Leininger who findornaments everywhere, another suggestionfrom Fischer is to hang only soft, un-breakable adornments to avoid anxiety overyour pet and decorations being harmed.

That’s good advice for Cathy Philips,whose Chi-Pom, Rusty, would lay underthe tree in the manger scene all seasonand snack on the knick-knacks. “He foundsome red heart ornaments to be very tasty,”Philips recalled. “I still have two thatsurvived with teeth marks.”

Ornaments aside, the trimming you mostneed to prevent your pets from chewing islights. If they gnaw on the electric strands,rethink what you string around your treefor both your cat and your house’s sake,Fischer heeded. Using garland can be justas festive if you get creative.

BY TERI ERRICO

And though nothing makes a tree merrierthan stuffing presents beneath it, hold offuntil Christmas Day before placing them.“My basset hound likes to unwrap presentsone by one,” said Lowcountry dog ownerMaggie Cammack, whose pup then hoardshis findings.

Draven Franco confessed his pet has atheft problem as well, but instead of stealingpresents, Jack swipes bird ornaments fromthe tree. “Jack likes to steal the doves, ripoff their heads and leave them on thecounters as a gift. He then hides the headsin the couch,” Franco said.

His inventive solution is to hang specialornaments on a holiday wreath out of hispet’s reach.

A final great safety tip from Fischer is toreplace all ornament hooks with ribbonsto ensure your pet doesn’t accidentallyswallow the sharp, shiny metal pieces shouldhe knock them down.

If all else fails and your pet still won’tleave your tree be, you might have toreluctantly go the route of the Billmayersand find other festive ways to decorateyour house. But however you decide todecorate:

– Happy Holidays from everyone at Carolina Tails!

TREE

TOPPLING


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.

Hi, I know it’shard, but focus on my eyes andnot my beautifultiger-like striping.I’m warm andcuddly and love to play. Ask forSammie. They’llknow who you’retalking about.

Oh yeah, the Phantomof the Opera joke.Good one. NOT! Myname is Melvin and ifyou’re going to consid-er changing my nameto Phantom, we maynot be a good match.What’s that? I can havemy own scratchingpost? Deal! Phantom it is!

Hi, I’m Ebony, a beautiful 3-year-old female lab mix who lovesto stay active.If you need a swimmingbuddy, I’m your girl!

Hello, I’m Shaggy. Youcaught me just as I wasleaving the boudoir andcoming to see what they’reserving for lunch todayhere at Charleston AnimalSociety. Despite whatyou’ve heard, I’m really not high maintenance, plusI’m covered in perfect fallcolors. Come see me todayand adopt!

They call me Momma becauseI’m one hot mama!I’m a 2-year-oldstaffie mix andlookin’ for lovewith a brand newfamily. Hope to seeyou soon!I’m Delilah, but most

times I think my nameis “Awwwww!” Because when peoplesee my adorable face,they immediately say, “Awwwww!” I’m a 6-year-old Golden Retriever mix whopromises to make you very happy.

RESCUEME


“I’m supporting Charleston Animal Society, because they won’t rest until they save all ofCharleston’s healthy and treatable animals. Join me in making No Kill Charleston 2015 a reality.”

– JENNIE GARTHActress

MEET OUR CELEBRITY ADVOCATE


RESCUE:: Family Addition

ANIMALLOVERKurt Taylor

DESPITE BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR A$431-million county budget, 4,400 full-timeand part-time employees, a wife and twochildren--Charleston County AdministratorKurt Taylor has still found time to adoptthree animals from Charleston Animal So-ciety. Two of the three were “special needs.”

It all began 14 years ago when Taylorwas a lawyer in the Charleston County at-torney’s office. He was working with theCharleston County Sheriff’s Animal ControlOffice and wanted to become better ac-quainted with the local programs. At thattime, the animal shelter was a much smalleroperation and those interested in adoptingcould write their preferred breed on a cardshould one end up at the shelter. Taylorfilled out a card: Pug and Jack Russell.

A week later he got a call about a puppythat was a Pug and Chihuahua mix. Graciejoined Taylor, his wife and two childrenwhere she was a wonderful companion untilGracie passed away in December 2013.

Fate intervened again about five yearsago when Taylor made an impromptu stopat the Charleston Animal Society to lookat the dogs. “I went home and the next dayI had a feeling to go over there.” This time,Taylor spotted Cocoa, a Weimaraner andchocolate Lab mix. Cocoa had been foundwandering the Isle of Palms. Taylor saidhe thinks the owner just couldn’t handleher aggressive behavior. But he was up forthe challenge and put Cocoa through anobedience class at Charleston Animal So-ciety. Now, six years later, Cocoa hasmellowed into the sweetest big dog, he said.

BY HOLLY FISHER

Taylor’s most recent adoption is thanksto his soft spot for Pugs. More than a yearago, the Charleston Animal Society posteda “beautiful little pug face” on its Facebookpage, he said.

But the post added, “This pug was goingto need special care.” Taylor didn’t hesitateand typed, “I’ve got dibs on that” in thecomment box.

The tiny pug, named Polly, had been hitby a car, suffering brain damage and the

loss of her left eye. “Polly was definitelyspecial needs,” Taylor said, explaining howthe pug would shake her head and rightpaw at the same time and she was afraid topass through doorways or go up the stairs.

But with the Taylor family’s TLC, Pollyis perfectly fine. She now spends her daysplaying with Cocoa, who is six times hersize. And at night, Taylor says Polly barksat the television and sits in Taylor’s lap.“She’s a tremendous companion,” he said.

DOGHERO

Charleston County Administrator Kurt Taylorwith wife Melody showing off their two “specialneeds” rescues, Polly and Cocoa.


Erica Bennett and her Yellow LabCraig have a quiet walk down aboardwalk on Sullivan’s Island.

Trish Nicklas with herSheltie Howie catchinga spectacular beachsunset.

Kala Turpin with her best friend Ella enjoyingCharlestowne Landing.

Jeff Durity and his dogShorty enjoy one lastgasp of Summer atDog Day Afternoon atWannamaker Park inNorth Charleston.

Lindsay McWhirter and her Red Standard Poodle Kimo enjoy the water at Dog Day Afternoon atWannamaker Park in North Charleston.

Nothing makes NicolePonton smile like her dog Saatchi, caughtenjoying a moment together downtown.

Nick Milak with Achilles and Emma Fitzpatrickwith Lola near Charleston’s Waterfront Park.

PHOTOGRAPHY:Reese MooreJason BennettAda Samonte

AROUND TOWN


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


ANIMAL ARTISTS... DOG HAS THE BLUES: Megan Meekins 4th grade, Ms. Trott’s class Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary

I LOVE CATS: Santau Masindet 4th grade, Ms. Trott’s class Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary

Want to see your animal artwork in a futureissue of Carolina Tails? Send us your picture!EMAIL: [email protected]

■ My vision is 6 times better than yours■ I keep my coat very clean■ I live in almost every part of the world■ I’m playful, and I have a good memory■ I’ve been honored by artists, writers, & sculptors.

(the largest statue of me is 66ft tall)■ My skeleton is made up of about 250 bones-

that’s 44 more than you have■ In ancient times, people shaved off their eyebrows

after I died- just to show they missed me.

Cats love to hide, so go ahead and make them a peek-a-boo box! 1. Find a good-sized box.2. Cut holes of different shapes and sizes in the sides of the box.3. DECORATE DECORATE DECORATE! The more “things” you can attach,

the more fun kitty is going to have!!!4. Keep you cat interested by hiding toys in the box. You can also use cat treats,

ping pong balls, or crumple up a small wad of newspaper with catnip inside. 5. Sit back and watch your cat have lots of fun!

Peek-a-boo Box

This mystery critter is a CAT.Cats have about 250 bones in their body, but the exact number depends on the length of their tail.(Cats' tails are really an extension of their backbone.) With good care, cats live an average of 12 to 15 years. They were firsttamed at least 4,000 years ago and were cherished by ancient people, much as they are today.

WHAT AM I?........ mysterycritter


Follow UsCharlestonAnimalSociety

@AdoptatCAS

CharlestonAnimalSociety.org

Is Your Business Is Your Business Reaching the Reaching the Local Pet Market?Local Pet Market?

75% of U.S. Households own pets.1

$61.4 billion spent per year on

pets annually in the U.S.2

3Recession Proof! Statistics show

that spending on pets increased

from 2007 and 2011.

*Statistics taken from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2013

Custom Publishing Division www.travelercomgrp.comwww.charlestonanimalsociety.org/magazine2843.352.9048

Advertise in Carolina TailsCharleston’s newest pet lifestyle magazine that features dogs and cats!

We invite business owners who would like to reach local pet owners to advertise for the following reasons:

� Advertising in Carolina Tails helps Charleston Animal Society prevent cruelty to animals.

� Animal lovers are passionate, loyal and support businesses who support animals.

� Align your company and brand with our message.

� Even if your company isn’t related to animal products, it makes sense to show your support and let our loyal fan base know that you want to combat animal cruelty as well!

� People spend more on their pets annually than they do dining out at restaurants.

� Digital magazine promoted online via facebook to our 32,000 followers, twitter and on our website.

carolina tails magazine | fall 2014

Documents

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issue of carolina tails

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best dog beaches

julie bresnanvice president

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ann long merckvice president

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