Carolina Tails Magazine - Summer 2016

2016 Summer Bucket List: Your Pet Roadmap to Fun!

Elephants Leave the Big Top

Blondie the Horse One Year Later

The Stories Behind Your Team’s Mascot

carolinatails.org

TAILSCAROLINA SUMMER 2016

A Charleston Animal Society Publication

SUMMER 2016 | CAROLINA TAILS 1

2 CAROLINA TAILS | SUMMER 2016



ContentsSUMMER 2016

TAILSCAROLINA

Publisher: Keith SimmonsEditor-in-Chief: Dan KrosseManaging Editor: Joe ElmoreGraphic Design: Heineman DesignCopy Editor: Teri ErricoWriters: Teri Errico, Ellie Whitcomb Payne, V.H. Hansen, Dan Krosse, Joe Elmore Cover Photo: Mike MulliganPhotographers: Mike Mulligan, Marie Rodriguez, Caleb Wilson, Ellie WhitcombPayne, Brian Stiles, Aldwin Roman Content Contributor: Kay HymanDistribution 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: Helen Pratt-ThomasVice President: Ann Long MerckVice President: Matt Watson, CPA, CVASecretary: Laurel GreerTreasurer: Aussie Geer

Members of the Board

Chief Executive Officer: Joe ElmoreMedia & Marketing Consultant:dpk media solutions

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.

Megan PhillipsBob RifeDillard SalmonsStevensDiane StraneyElliott SummeyJoe Waring, Esq.George “Pat” WatersPeter WatersJeff WebsterNancy WorshamTami Zerbst

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Kiara BarnettMary BlackEugenia BurtschyHal Creel, Esq.Andrea FergusonGerri GreenwoodHank GreerSarah Hamlin HastingsEllen HarleyCynthia HayesPatricia HenleyJohnny Maybank 40

5 Welcome

6 Pet Pointers

9 Blondie: One Year Later

10 Our Summer Bucket List

14 The Heat is OnHelping Your Pet Cope

16 Boating with Pets

18 Hurricane Evacuation: Pet Checklist

20 Elephants Leave the Big Top

24 Mix 96 Two Girls & A Guy

25 Summer Pet Movie Preview

28 The Story Behind Your Team’s Mascot

32 CAS Honors the Military and the Animals Who Served Too

34 Take Me Home: Adoptions!

36 My Turn: An Inspiring Road Trip

38 How a Dog is Saving Kittens

40 Yes, Your Fish Recognizes You! Please contact regarding Carolina Tails distribution, advertising or suggestions. For all other inquiries, pleasecontact Charleston Animal Society.(843) [email protected]

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Cover: Caroline Bradner with Coastal Expeditions and her rescue dog Scottie.


DEAR FRIENDS,

This issue discusses animals used for entertainment,specifically elephants and orcas. We were all extremelyrelieved earlier this year when Ringling Brothers and

Barnum & Bailey circus announced that they would retire theirtouring elephants in May. Kenneth Feld, the CEO, testified in aUS federal court in 2009 that circus elephants were struck withmetal-tipped prods, called bull hooks, practices which he saidwere necessary to protect circus workers. I mean, really?Elephants are herbivores, who live in matrilineal, cohesivegroups of family and friends, where all work together to takecare of each other, including raising the calves. They are some of the most peaceful animals on earth, with incredible recall andinfrasonic communication capability. Would we want to see any elephant, or any creature for that matter, working as a slave, in astrange, and hostile environment? I would think not.

Like elephants, orcas are notable for their complex societies. In fact, only elephants and higher primates, such as us, live incomparably complex social structures. Unlike any other known mammal species, resident orcas in the eastern North Pacific live withtheir mothers for their entire lives. These family groups are matrilineal, consisting of the oldest female, her sons and daughters andtheir offspring. Because females can reach age 90, as many as four generations can travel together. These family groups are highlystable, with individuals separating for only a few hours at a time, either to mate or forage.

So, given orcas' complex social and family bonds, can there be any doubt as to how absolutely inhumane it is for organizations suchas Sea World to seize orcas, and then keep them in solitary, captive situations? ONLY after receiving huge public pressure did SeaWorld make the decision not to feature orcas any longer- too little, too late, as far as I am concerned.

Do you sense a theme here? I hope so. Elephants, orcas and all the animals in our lives deserve our respect in the same way thathuman life deserves our respect. And there is a lot that we can learn from these two species. Unlike many primates (and yes, thatincludes us), elephants seldom try to seek dominance or status, which only come through age and its related experience. It is theexperience and prodigious memory of a matriarch that allows her to lead her family to far-off food and water in drought times, toskirt populated areas, or to travel long distances under the cover of night. The slaughter of a matriarch for her tusks often endangersthe survival of her remaining family members, who may not collectively possess her wisdom or experience, just as the unexpecteddeath of a head of household may jeopardize the welfare of an entire human family.

Before I leave you, please take a moment to read our articles on boating safety and hurricane evacuation planning. And don't forgetto try our bucket list of what to do with your dog this summer. As my photograph shows, my list is pretty simple - hike, hike, hike!!

Have a wonderful summer, All the best,

Welcome

Elizabeth Bradham, President, Charleston Animal Society

Elizabeth enjoying asummer bucket listhike along WhitesideMountain in NorthCarolina, with herdogs Alice, age 12,and Eugenie, age 9.


PET POINTERSSUMMERNews Tidbits

NEWS:: You Can Use

Farewell BretagneAs reported by the New York Times:“Bretagne, a golden retriever believed to bethe last surviving search-and-rescue dog tobrave the rubble of the World Trade Centersite, looking for survivors of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, died at a veterinar-ian’s office in Cypress, TX, on June 6th. She was 16 years old.

“Her death was confirmed by the rescueteam Texas Task Force 1, whose officerslined the sidewalk outside the veterinari-an’s office to bid farewell to Bretagne, whowas euthanized after kidney failure.”

Top 10 ReptilesProving that scientists will study anything… a group of researchers from England and Israel ranked the world’s most “popular” reptiles, revealing the species that capturedthe public’s imagination. The data source?Wikipedia!

The researchers looked at 55.5 million pageviews in the year 2014 for all of the 10,002species of reptile accessed in the English version of Wikipedia. And the winners are:

1. Komodo dragon2. Black mamba3. Saltwater crocodile4. King cobra5. Gila monster6. Cottonmouth (viper)7. American alligator8. Leatherback sea turtle9. Nile crocodile10. Boa constrictor

Caitlyn Anti-Cruelty Fund Benefits on LGD16Caitlyn sends a big thank you out to everyone who donated on Lowcountry Giving Day(LGD16) May 3rd. Despite technical glitches with the LGD16 software, 620 Charleston Animal Society Donors found a way to give to the Caitlyn Anti-Cruelty Fund.

In the 24-hour giving campaign, $83,000 was raised through individual donations andthen matched by two generous supporters, Deborah Chalsty ($73,000 match) and ThePearlstine Family Fund ($10,000 match) for a total raised of $166,000.

In May 2015, Caitlyn was found on the streets of North Charleston with her muzzle taped shut. She was dehydrated and starving. But today, she is thriving. The world watchedas Caitlyn recovered from her injuries and soon became the face of anti-cruelty effortsacross the country. In a fitting tribute, Charleston Animal Society launched the Caitlyn Anti-Cruelty Fund.

In 2015 Charleston Animal Society staff was involved with 273 cruelty cases and sawthe need to do more in this arena. The organization developed a multi-pronged approach tohelp with this problem, with the majority of funds being allocated to medical treatment andoutreach:

1. Medical treatment of cruelty cases will be handled with this fund. Toby's Fund was ini-tially designed to handle the basic medical needs of animals that on a daily basis, come inwith heartworm and other manageable illnesses or injuries. As we treat more cruelty cases,Toby's Fund will be unable to sustain overall medical treatment and animal cruelty cases.

2. Outreach efforts to educate and help pet owners enhance care for their pets before itbecomes neglect. We have seen excellent results from our Pets for Life program that focus-es on the Chicora Cherokee area. We believe having the ability to replicate this in otherparts of our service area could reduce the number of abuse cases we are seeing, since agreat majority of the cases are neglect brought on many times by a lack of education.

3. Investigations helping law enforcement effectively charge animal abusers. Our anti-cruelty investigator is trained to work cruelty cases and can help gather information that canstand up in court.

4. Training for animal control officers, law enforcement and the courts to bring animalabusers to justice,

5. Rewards leading to the arrest and conviction of animal abusers: In many cases, as withother crimes, people are hesitant to step forward with information, and rewards can helpdraw out leads for investigators.

If you would like to donate to the Caitlyn Anti-Cruelty Fund, please visit:www.CharlestonAnimalSociety.org/Caitlyn.

Komodo Dragons saying hello.

ISABELLA DAYApril 12, 2016, is now officially known as “Isabella Rybak Day” in the City of Charleston,as proclaimed by Mayor John Tecklenburg to the citizens of the Lowcountry. So howdoes a self-described entrepreneur and animal-lover earn such acclaim?

This 13-year-old from Daniel Island has already accomplished much in her youth, including launching the non-profit K9 Warriors, as well as becoming a youth brand am-bassador for the Warrior Dog Foundation. Her passion for animals and charity found apath to fruition after reading the book Navy SEAL Dogs by Navy SEAL Mike Ritland.The author’s explanation of the training and missions the dogs undergo inspired theteen to collect and send care packages overseas in support of the military workingdogs. “I knew we had police K9s but I didn't know that we had dogs that protected ourcountry,” says Rybak. “The further I got into [the book], I realized I wanted to sendpackages to provide them with anything that they needed.” A social media campaignensued and in less than three months a care package worth $655 was on its way toAfghanistan.

When the sergeant overseas received the package he was more than appreciative, hewas impressed. He posted about it on his Facebook page and conveyed his admirationfor the young volunteer. Word got around and soon the city of Charleston received aphone call from US Air Force Staff Sergeant Aaron Souza praising the kindness and effort put forth by Rybak. Shortly thereafter, she was invited to city council to be recognized.

“I thought I would go and the Mayor would say a few things,” recalls Rybak. “Hestarted reading the proclamation and afterwards he said, 'Isabella's passion began afterreading Navy SEAL Dog by Mike Ritland and, speaking of Mike, Mike are you here?'and Mike Ritland walked in the door with his Canine Joe. It was a huge surprise.” Thesmiling audience applauded as the two exchanged hugs and few dry eyes were left inthe chamber while cameras flashed to capture the moment.

Rybak believes that while her young age may help encourage donations, it is herlove for K9s and her ambition to help these service animals that makes her nonprofitsuccessful. She solicits, collects, and sends the items all on her own, except, she adds,she does need a driver, for which she thanks her mother. Rybak plans to send her nextpackage out this summer, which is well on its way to doubling the size of the first.

Anyone wishing to donate to K9 Warriors can send an email [email protected] or drop off supplies at Harry Winston Pet Boutique in Mount Pleasant.


Canine Research Breakthrough

It’s a question that’s puzzled scientistsfor centuries: “Where do domestic dogscome from?” A new paper, published inScience, is focusing on two locations –one in Europe and one in Asia. Based on a combination of genetic testing andarchaeology, researchers believe domes-ticated dogs emerged independentlyfrom two separate (possibly now extinct)wolf populations that lived on oppositesides of the Eurasian continent.

This means that dogs may have beendomesticated not once, as widely believed, but twice.

Major clues came from the genes of a 4,800-year-old dog bone specimenfound in Ireland, but DNA from 59 ancient dogs living up to 14,000 yearsago was also analyzed by a team fromEngland, France and other countries. The results suggest that dogs were firstdomesticated from geographically separated wolf populations on oppositesides of the Eurasian continent. Mostdogs today are a mixture of both Easternand Western dogs—one reason why pre-vious genetic studies have been difficultto interpret.


Yappy HoursJULY 7, AUGUST 4 & SEPTEMBER 15, 4pm – 8pm, James Island County ParkCome join Charleston Animal Society and reward yourself and your pooch after a long day at the office!Bring your favorite furry friend to enjoy live music and beverages at Yappy Hour at the James IslandCounty Dog Park. The Yappy Hour series promises great music and fun! $2.00 per person park admission(or free for Gold Pass Members). Beverages available for purchase on-site. Outside food, alcohol, and coolers are prohibited

RiverDogs “Dog Days Monday”JULY 18, 7:05pm, RiverDogs Stadium “The Joe” in CharlestonBring your pup to the park to cheer on the RiverDogs and then head up to the Ashley View Pub for $1Dogs and $1 Draft Beers. Charleston Animal Society dogs hoping for a spot on your home team will beavailable for adoption.

Charleston Gay Pride Parade & FestivalAUGUST 13, 9am: Parade / 10am: Festival, Downtown / Brittlebank ParkThe fun starts with the parade in downtown Charleston all the way down King Street! The party thenmoves to Brittlebank Park. Look for Charleston Animal Society in the parade and stop by our booth at the festival!

Dog Day AfternoonSEPTEMBER 10 & 11, Noon – 5pm, Palmetto Islands County Park / Wannamaker County ParkCharleston County Parks plans to end summer in a big, wet way for you and your pooch. Dogs are invited to come swim and enjoy the lazy rivers and other water park features! Dogs must have current vaccinations. On Saturday, September 10th, the fun starts at Palmetto Islands County Park in Mt. Pleasant.Then on Sunday, September 11th, the action shifts to Wannamaker County Park in North Charleston.

Firefighter Calendar Debut PartyOCTOBER 1, Memminger AuditoriumVoted “Best Party” in 2014 & 2015, this is one hot party you don’t want to miss. Firefighters who are posingfor the calendar with rescued animals show it all off at the calendar debut. It is sure to sellout, so get yourtickets today at www.CharlestonFirefighterCalendar.com.

Inbox:: Reader Feedback

DEAR CAROLINA TAILS:I received Carolina Tails in the mail this morning. The first article I read was“Scout and Kimber.” I had tears in my eyes while reading it. A great story, but so sad about Scout. Also, a great beginning for Kimber. God Bless Our Military! – Susan Easley

My husband and I are both in tears after reading the story of Scout andKimber. Thank you to Charleston Animal Society for helping this family.Steve's wife is an awesome person for standing by her husband. Most of all,THANK YOU Steve for your service. Semper Fi! – Billie Joe Nagorniak

OMG, bawling like a baby. You guys are the BEST to help Scout and Kimber’s family! Much love from the other corner of the US, Seattle.– Sherry Howland

Hi – about the “Ask the Vet” question regarding the cat, Sparta, who has lickedoff all the hair on his tummy. I'd like to add that boredom might tie in here alsoas a possibility if Sparta is an only cat. We normally have two cats at a time.After our Siamese died, the tabby, Tondi, licked her tummy hair free, thenadded bare inner legs before we got her a kitten companion. She immediatelyceased the licking as she now had new entertainment! We really do believethat her boredom led to the excessive grooming. – Linda Peterson

Send your comments [email protected].

Even

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CEO SPOTLIGHT:: Horses & Heat

ONE YEAR AGO, A HORSE NAMEDBlondie was pulling a wagon full of touristson the congested streets of downtownCharleston when it was apparently spookedby a cement truck. The horse was startledand fell to the pavement where it lay helplessfor three hours. Tourists and bystandersbrought water to Blondie and attemptedto assist him. Multiple efforts to lift thehorse to its feet failed, with Blondie crashingback down on the hot pavement hittinghis head against the hard surface.

An equine practitioner arrived on thescene nearly an hour-and-a-half after thefall and began directing people to cooldown the pavement with water. Theveterinarian immediately beganadministering fluids to Blondie.

Following multiple other incidents withhorse-drawn wagons, Charleston AnimalSociety requested the City of Charlestonto conduct an independent review of theincident for the purpose of preventingsimilar occurrences in the future.

The City agreed to an “independent”review but then effectively shut CharlestonAnimal Society out of it. Therecommendations from the report fell farshort in addressing the incident, particularlycompliance with the ordinance and industrystandards regarding workplace andtransportation accidents. In fact, some ofthe findings and recommendations bothcontradicted and duplicated current law.Had Charleston Animal Society beenallowed to fully participate in the committee,it could have pointed out these errors.

In this issue, you will see the CarolinaTails Summer Bucket List—things you needto do this summer with your dog. AtCharleston Animal Society, we have a“Bucket List” for the working carriageanimals downtown—two things that canbe done TODAY to improve the humaneconditions the horses must work under:

BY JOE ELMORE, CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY CEO

1. Bring the official city thermometerdown to ground level in the market area.Believe it or not, this thermometer is fivestories in the air, on top of a hotel, enjoyingthe sea breezes that horses working on thehot asphalt do not benefit from. Thisthermometer is used to determine if it’stoo hot for horses to stay on the street. 2. By law, carriage operators are supposedto limit the load their animals carry. Butnowhere in the boarding process is thefully loaded wagon weighed. Trip after trip,time after time, this unregulated weighttakes a toll on the animals’ health.

Although little progress has been madein the year since Blondie lay helpless forthree hours on the hot pavement, particularlywith compliance and enforcement of thecurrent law regulating animal-drawnvehicles, Charleston Animal Society is

hopeful and eager to work with the newadministration in creating humane workingconditions for the equines pulling wagons.Most importantly, the Animal Societycontinues to offer assistance to the City inthis regard, specifically identifying areasof the current law related to heat and loadthat are not being followed. It is time toput teeth into the enforcement andcompliance of the existing law.

We continue to be optimistic aboutworking with all concerned parties towardpreventing incidents like that of Blondiefrom occurring. But until we feel confidentthat the city and industry operators aretaking the welfare of these magnificentanimals seriously, we will continue to workas a watchdog on this industry. Thank youfor your continued concern for every animalin our community.

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING THAT CONCERNS YOU INVOLVING CARRIAGE TOUR ANIMALS:1. Call (843) 709-1985 and a tourism enforcement officer will respond. 2. Email [email protected]. Our staff will follow-up with city officials

to see how your concern was handled.

One year after Blondie collapsed on adowntown Charleston street, many wonderwhy nothing has really changed in the waycarriage tours operate.

CARRIAGE

INDUSTRYBLONDIE: ONE YEAR LATER

SUMMER

FUN


COMMUNITY: You & Your Pet

Carolina Tails Summer Bucket ListSkip the summer road trip and instead, check off theCarolina Tails Summer Bucket List. There are 91days of summer and we want to make sure they don’tslip by without you making the most of each andevery day. Let’s get this summer party started!

ICE CREAM DATEDid you know that some Sonic franchises offer a free “Pup Cup”ice cream at the drive-thru? Starbucks, Dairy Queen and evenChick-fil-a also offer pet treats in some areas. If you want to passon the sweets, but still treat your dog, check out local shops HairyWinston or All is Well for some specially-made treats. You caneven try making it yourself. A Google search turns up over 34million results for dog ice cream. As with any diet decision, makesure you check with your veterinarian before indulging.

ROXBURY PARKOff of Toogoodoo Road in Meggett, SC, Roxbury Park is a recentaddition to the roster of outdoor public gardens in the Lowcountry.Funded through Greenbelt grants, the town-owned property featurestwo large ponds, hiking trails and eight unique ecosystems,according to its website. Even better, they allow “quiet” leasheddogs! Other local gardens allowing dogs include Charles TowneLanding, Drayton Hall, Magnolia Garden & Plantations, and mostcity owned parks.

A NIGHT STROLL ON THE BEACH Raise your paw if you love the beach! All area beaches allow dogs,and a moonlit stroll as the waves roll in will be a lasting summermemory for your pup. Make sure you know the summer rulesbecause each municipality is different. Sullivan’s Island requires a$35 dog permit, but allows pups off-leash between 5 a.m. and noonin the summer months. Folly Beach allows dogs on a leash between6 p.m. and 10 a.m., while leashed dogs can visit Kiawah’s BeachwalkerPark and Isle of Palms any time of day. Isle of Palms also offersearly morning off-leash times.

BY ELLIE WHITCOMB-PAYNE


RIVERDOGS GAMESMonday home games at “The Joe” are Miller Lite Dog Days andyou can bring your pup to the park to cheer on Charleston’shometown team. Baseball fans get to enjoy hotdog and beerdiscounts, and part of the proceeds go to a selected “Dogs with aCause” charity (including Charleston Animal Society). A greatreason to make America’s favorite pastime a family tradition!

BOAT TRIP TO WOLF ISLANDThis beautiful beach on the Stono River offers a short stretch ofsand for boaters and dogs to get out and stretch their legs. A shortwalk inland opens up into a stunning wooded canopy of miniatureAngel-Oak-like live oak trees and several primitive camps sites.Get here early though, the beach only fits about 10 boats easily.Other boat-accessible islands include Morris Island, the north-sideof Kiawah, and Capers Island. Be careful to observe posted signsas many islands are private property and some are protectedsanctuaries. .

YAPPY HOURSA day at work is a great excuse to take advantage of CharlestonAnimal Society’s Yappy Hour held one Thursday every monthfrom 4-8pm at James Island County Park. Take your dog to meetother dogs, listen to music, eat yummy food and make great friends.Mark your calendar for July 7, August 4, September 15 andOctober 13.

DOG DAY AFTERNOONA great way to wind down the summer is to make sure to get out tothe Dog Day Afternoon held September 11 at Whirlin’ Waters inNorth Charleston. Dogs of all kinds get to cool off in at thewaterpark before it closes for the season. There is a small chargefor the pups but humans are free! Be sure to register for the eventby calling 843-795-4386. .


2016 Carolina Tails Summer Bucket List


DOG PADDLEIf you don’t have a boat, rent one! Or, even better, rent a kayak,canoe or paddleboard. Coastal Expeditions is a pet friendly localbusiness with a boat for just about any sized dog. The manager,Henry Brandt, III, recommends calling ahead to plan your trip- eachvessel has its pros and cons when paddling with your pup. “Canoestypically have high sides which could make it hard to get your dogback in if it jumps out,” says Henry, “where a kayak is lower to waterand is easier to get the dog back in but doesn't usually have asmuch internal space.” And, yes, paddle boarding is an option forthe more experienced dog paddlers.

RICKSHAW RIDEYep! Your under-control dog is allowed to join you on a rickshawride in Charleston. We suggest asking for a ride past Charleston'sbeautiful Pineapple Fountain at sunset. These chauffeured tricycleswill take you to all the landmarks and even hit up some of the dog-friendly guided walking tours. Plan a three-wheel trip with CharlestonRickshaw Company or Charleston Bike Taxi.

BARN JAM AT AWENDAW GREENBarn Jams allow leashed dogs—and well-behaved off-leash dogs—attheir concert series which occurs every Wednesday night at AwendawGreen (located on Highway 17 North past Mount Pleasant). Eddiewith Awendaw Green also invites people and their pups to thePalmetto Brewery Loading Dock Music Series for free performancesand $5 beers Friday nights.

JAMES ISLAND COUNTY PARK DOG PARKOne of the biggest off-leash dog parks in the area can be foundoff Riverland Drive at James Island County Park. The spacefeatures three beaches and a large open space where dogs of allshapes and sizes play fetch, sniff butts, swim and explore. Courtesywater fountains near the entrance can be used to rehydrate andrinse off while a little dog section offers refuge for some of oursmaller furry friends. And if you’re looking for summer romance,many couples tell stories of meeting for the first time as theywatched their dogs splash and play together. Dog parks are alsolocated in North Charleston and Mount Pleasant.


HEAT INDEX:: Protecting Pets

HOME

DID YOU KNOW THAT THE PHRASE “DOG DAYS OF SUMMER”came about because Sirius, the dog star, rises in the constellationCanis Major, during the hottest, sultriest days of the year – typicallyJuly and August.

Surviving those Charleston “dog days” in comfort dependslargely on the health of your home’s air conditioning system – foryou and your pet. Imagine how miserable you would be if your ACwent out one sticky summer evening. If your pet spends a lot oftime indoors with you, they are going to miss the cool air just asmuch as you will!

Pardee Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning has beenserving the Charleston community since 1934. Here are some tipsfrom Pardee General Manager Mark Hoadley: • Stay in tune – having a yearly AC tune-up could avoid unexpectedAC repair in the future, and can help make your air conditioner upto 30% more efficient.. • Filters Are Your Friends - Pardee Service Experts will replaceyour home’s basic air filters when they conduct your AC PrecisionTune-Up as part of your regular A/C maintenance. You can (andshould) also replace your HVAC air filters on your own, and it’sadvised that you do so regularly. • Extra Credit – if you think a new HVAC system might be inyour future, act now. Homeowners can receive a tax credit of up to$500 on high-efficiency central air conditioners, heat pumps, andfurnaces purchased through December 31, 2016. A new systemmay save you up to 50 percent on your monthly energy bill. • Surviving Stormy Weather – severe summer storms can affectyour AC system. If your air conditioner sits in standing water, dueto a torrential downpour or other unexpected issues, call for anAC inspection as soon as possible.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT For more information, visit www.pardeeserviceexperts.com. Pardee’s providesa full range of heating and air conditioning services, including maintenance,repair and new equipment, although Hoadley says he doesn’t think they haveever installed an AC system in a doghouse.

THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMERKeeping Your Pets Cool

Every year there are tragic cases involving animals kept in hotcars, pets outdoors in the unforgiving sun, or those becoming thevictim of heat stroke.

The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates thathundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion each year due to beingleft inside vehicles. 9 King Charles Spaniels died in the back of aMt. Pleasant Physician’s vehicle in the summer of 2014 when heleft them to go in and work. These deaths are tragic but entirelypreventable.

But the first myth to debunk is “cracking a window. Plain andsimple, cracking the windows in a vehicle makes little to nodifference to lessen the temperature within it. On a hot day, thetemperature in your vehicle can exceed 120 degrees within 20minutes, which can be fatal to your pet.

Similarly, be careful when playing with your pets on a summerday. Temperatures outdoors when a dog is left in the sun (andeven in the shade) can cause extreme injury or death. Animalscan sustain brain damage or even die from heatstroke.

RULES TO LIVE BY:• Never leave a pet inside a parked car.• Limit time outdoors.• Decrease level of play due to heat.• Exercise during the coolest times of day.• Always have water available.• Look for cues from your pet that he or she is getting hot.

TRAVEL & OUTDOORS



OUTDOORS: Boating

IF EVER THERE WAS A MAN’S BESTfriend, it was Drake. Faithful and loyal, thegolden retriever was a high-energycompanion that would follow my husbandto the ends of the earth. His devotion wasprobably best displayed one Decemberafternoon when we were picnicking on oneof the many ‘boat only’ islands that wefrequent throughout the year. Mark, myhusband, decided to take our little jon boatexploring further up the creek. Our twogoldens were on patrol roaming the islandwhile the rest of us relaxed on the beach.Out of nowhere, Drake splashed into thewater and after Mark. It seemed harmlessuntil minutes later my husband was forcedto turn around to scoop his first mate outof the chilly winter water.

As fun and relaxing as boating can be,it’s not carefree. Knowing our dog, we couldhave anticipated Drake’s reaction to myhusband’s joyride. It’s a funny story to tellnow, but the risks were real: the potentialfor exhaustion or the dangers of propellersand other boats.

Boaters should always be prepared bystowing anchors and securing dog life vestsand leashes to protect their pups. If you’rethinking of boating with your dog, pack

your emergency kit and consider some ofthese cautionary tales from local boatersbefore shoving off.

All AboardAn iconic image of a boat dog shows thehappy pup on the bow, ears flapping in thewind as the vessel cruises through thewater. This is also the posterchild of whatnot to do with dogs on a boat. Channelsare marked alerting boaters to hazardsunder the surface, but as you move intothe smaller creeks, there are no suchindicators. An unexpected hit on a sandbaror oyster bank can cause a sudden stop,sending everything in the boat forward,including a bow-riding pooch. A wake froma passing boat or even a misstep from anot-so surefooted pet could call for a rescue.If your dog won’t stay safely in the boat, aleash is a good idea, as Blake Youngdiscovered one summer.

Hank, a lab rescue from CharlestonAnimal Society, has been boating withYoung since he was three months old. Oneafternoon, Young trawled the boat over tothe marsh for a closer look. Hankunfortunately took the dark shore as a safeplace to explore and jumped in only to

THE SALTYDOG’S LIFEBoating Safely with Your Pets

FIRST

MATE

immediately sink up to his neck. “If youhave a lot of people on the boat, a mud-covered dog is not a lot of fun,” Youngwarns. “Just try to imagine pulling a 75-pound dog out of the pluff mud.” Hankwas lucky to only have a few minor oystercuts.

Keleigh Porter thought for sure herGerman Short-Haired Pointer would love

BY ELLIE WHITCOMB-PAYNEPHOTOGRAPHYELLIE WHITCOMB-PAYNE


OUTDOORS: Boating

As the old-timers of Moncks Corner wouldsay, a splashing dog is fair game to anygator.

“Some Dogs Don’t Know How to Swim”When I was on the island recently, a littlegirl pointed to my golden and asked hermom why he had on a life jacket. Themother responded, “Well honey, some dogsdon’t know how to swim.” I was embarrassedfor my water-loving retriever in his slightlylopsided, sun-faded, sand-covered life vest.I didn’t bother to explain that we use it as aprecaution because he swims too well, andtoo far, despite his advancing age. But,perhaps a bit of storytelling would helpfuture boaters learn secondhand the mishapsthat can occur when boating with man’sbest friend.

the boat, but she never predicted the levelof anxiety six-month-old Abby would have.The vessel offered no refuge from theconstant swaying or the roaring motor.Abby tried to find comfort hovering behindher people, but finally the dog had enough.Porter recalls, “We weren’t going very fastso she just stepped right off the boat intothe creek. It was like she thought she couldwalk on water but all she did was sink.“Porter believes the event traumatized thepuppy and advises that short boat trips tocalm areas is wise for new boat dogs oranxious pets. Allow them to get used tothe sounds, smells and feel of the boat first.

Matt Walker recalls a boat trip when hisfriend’s dog took a taste of some raw squidand ended up with a barbed hook in herupper lip. “Take home message,” Walkerwrites on Facebook, “if fishing with dogson boats, be careful of food on hooks.”

And, don’t forget the bathroom break.Jared Villalobos tells us that his dog, Betastarted pacing frantically and trying tojump off the boat after a few hours on thewater. Beta couldn’t hold it anymore anddecided to use the boat deck as a place torelieve herself. “She tried to warn me,” hewrites. “I just wasn’t listening well enough.”

DisemBARKWhen it is time to disembark, rememberto protect those paws! As many flip-flop-wearing beachgoers know, the sand can beextremely hot in the summer months, soconsider placing your blankets on the wetsand below the high tide line.

That is just one reason to consider dogboots or paw protectors (starting at $12 onAmazon). Broken glass and trash are alsoconcerns, as well as cacti and other pricklyplants. Sandspurs specifically can causemuch discomfort, as Young warns. “Hankgets caught up in them a lot when on thebeaches. You can see something is wrongwith your dog limping but the sandspurcan be lodged way up into the web of thefeet and not easily seen. I've taken probablysix or seven from one paw before.” Theseplants are mostly found in the vegetationon the dunes and are best avoided byeveryone.

If your dog is a swimmer, jellyfish andsharks are possible threats in the saltyrivers near the ocean. Move upstream andthere’s the very real danger of alligators.

Always bring more freshwater than you thinkyou’ll need. After all,you never get stuck ona sandbar on purpose.Most dogs need anounce of water perpound per day, so if youhave an 80-lb. dog, thatmeans bring a lot.




ANIMAL RIGHTS:: On Display

The Show Won’t Go On

Maybe it’s in the eyes—small yet reflective, sunken in atidal pool of lines, and heavily draped in thick, wirylashes. “I think circus elephants always look so sad,”

said Lowcountry mom and doctor, Jen Fiorini. “I’m glad to seethem go.”

Barnum and Bailey’s Ringling Brothers Circus parted ways thispast May with a 145-year-old tradition: its show-stopping elephants.It was an enormous decision, based as much on business asopposition.

“Could we have continued to fight every battle with city hallsaround the country?” asked Feld Entertainment spokesman StephenPayne. “Yes, we could. But we decided in our heart we’re anentertainment company, so let’s not do that.”

Legal fights with animal rights groups over alleged mistreatment,abuse and neglect have prompted dozens of cities to ban elephants

altogether, as well as the bull hooksbelieved to control them. Theexcitement of going to shows wassoon overshadowed by paradesof protesters as well.

“The last time I went to thecircus was 18 years ago,” saidCharleston mom, Brandi

BY V. K. HANSEN

SHOW

STOPPER


Wombwell-Kotwoski. “We were eye-level with the elephants whenthey were paraded around the big top. I immediately got sad.Their eyes, my God their eyes, I swear some were crying.”

Payne says he can’t foresee public sentiment. “If I could lookinto my crystal ball and predict the future, I would be in a differentposition.” But, he says, the circus evolves. “If you look back into the1800s, Thomas Edison debuted the light bulb on Ringling Brothers.I don’t think people today would pay money to see a light bulb.”

Victory for Animals“This is a game-changing victory for elephants of the RinglingBrothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, for everyone who foughtfor this moment and for the progress of animal welfare in America,”said ASPCA President and CEO Matt Bershadker.

“Scientific research suggests elephants possess uncannyintelligence, remarkable depth and complexity, and a highlydeveloped social structure,” said Janice Zeitlin, CEO of the ElephantSanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee, where pachyderms can escapeentertainment and exhibition for long-term care. “The sanctuaryhas learned from our own elephants there can be great physicaldamage from both the training for and the performance of unnaturalbehaviors, such as standing on their hind legs, riding a tricycle orstanding on their head.”

Zeitlin applauds Ringling Brothers’ decision, but says elephantsborn in captivity in North America will most likely spend the restof their lives that way, perhaps in zoos. Nearly a dozen Asianelephants are off the road, retired at the Ringling Brothers ElephantConservation Center near Lakeland, Florida. But their work maynot be done. They will be bred, as a pediatric oncologist from Utahconsiders studying their blood. It’s been discovered elephantsrarely get cancer.

“It is difficult, if not impossible, for captivity to replicate anelephant’s natural habitat and meet the dynamic social needs ofthese amazing animals,” Zeitlin explained. For example, in the wildshe says, elephants walk an average of 10 to 15 miles a day.

BlackfishElephants used for entertainment are not the only animals surroundedby controversy. Consider killer whales. “More and more peoplehave become uncomfortable with very large animals under humancare,” says SeaWorld Corporate Communications Director AimeeJeansonne-Becka. “We are changing with those attitudes.”

SeaWorld announced in March what has been called a watershedmoment. It will no longer breed orcas at its parks and will phaseout their theatrical shows. “We will introduce new, inspiring, naturalorca encounters,” said Jeansonne-Becka.But nostalgia can make it hard to say good-bye. “I don’t supportany neglect or mistreatment of any animal,” said Lowcountryresident Charlene Anderson Barbot. “I fell in love with whales anddolphins because of SeaWorld.”

Change may have been inevitable, as SeaWorld faced a tidalwave of backlash following the very public death of one of itstrainers in 2010. Initial reports said the 40-year-old veteran slippedor fell into the tank at Orlando’s Shamu Stadium and was fatallyinjured by one of the whales. Witnesses, and later an unnamedemployee, told CNN an orca named Tilikum grabbed the trainer,Dawn Brancheau, and shook her so violently her shoe came off.She drowned. SeaWorld no longer allows trainers in pools withkiller whales.

Three years later, the documentary Blackfish centered onBrancheau’s death cast an even darker cloud. It accused the companyof capturing and separating young whales from their families, firstin the wild, and then later in captivity. Mother orcas were shownshrieking. SeaWorld vehemently denied the allegations. Still, thestigma sent stock prices and park attendance plummeting.“There’s been a lot of misinformation spread by those who opposezoos and aquariums,” said Jeansonne- Becka. “The orca issue wasa blocker for our broader message. Wild animals and wild placescontinue to disappear unless humans awaken to take action.”

SeaWorld announced inMarch what has been called a watershed moment. It willno longer breed orcas at its parks and will phase outtheir theatrical shows

(Counterclockwise from left): • Elephants were trained for tricks by using a bullhook. • Baby elephant being “trained” with bullhook. • Elephants are now in retirement in Florida. • Orcas will no longer perform at SeaWorld. • (Next Page): A Silver Back Gorilla like Harambe, killed at Cincinnati Zoo.

“Accredited nonprofit zoos and aquariums, whose primarypurpose is education, should not be confused with for-profitcircuses...and other animal attractions that have a solepurpose of entertainment at the expense of the animals’health and welfare.”– Joe Elmore, Charleston Animal Society CEO


Gorilla TragedySeaWorld has promised to promote conservation, but zoos and wildanimals are once again breaking news—most recently in May aftera beloved Cincinnati Zoo gorilla was shot to death when a child fellinto its enclosure. Deciding who’s to blame doesn’t negate the tragicoutcome: an endangered animal is dead.

Perhaps that’s why local zoos and aquariums are cautious toweigh in. “As an elephant holding facility, we can only speak on thefour, female African elephants living in our zoo,” said ColumbiaRiverbanks Zoo Public Relations Manager Susan O’Cain. “Thehealth, husbandry and welfare of animals cared for in Associationof Zoos & Aquariums-accredited institutions are paramount.”

The South Carolina Aquarium quickly let us know it’s illegal todisplay dolphins and whales in captivity in our state, although, thelaw was recently amended. Previously, it included other marinemammals, such as sea lions and seals. They just went on exhibit atRiverbanks last week.

“The best aquariums provide windows into the wild,” said SouthCarolina Aquarium Public Relations manager Kate Dittloff. “Theyintroduce their guests to animals that are otherwise out of sight andout of mind. They invite moments of empathy for some of the mostendangered species.”

Charleston Animal Society CEO Joe Elmore agrees there is valuein humane educational opportunities, “Accredited nonprofit zoosand aquariums, whose primary purpose is education, should not beconfused with for-profit circuses, marine mammal shows, roadsidezoos and other animal attractions that have a sole purpose ofentertainment at the expense of the animals’ health and welfare.Time and time again, these for-profit entertainment ventures haveresulted in tragic outcomes for the animals they exploit.”

Empathy, like beauty, is often in the eyes of the beholder. Circuses,zoos and aquariums have long professed care and concern for theanimals they show. Most do so for profit. They sell us that rare viewinto a world we may never really know. But as we look closer, wemay find an additional hidden cost, one far too expensive for thosealready endangered.

THE FIVE FREEDOMSCharleston Animal Society subscribes to theFive Freedoms as its guiding principles in thehumane treatment of animals:

1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst 2. Freedom from Discomfort 3. Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease 4. Freedom to Express Normal Behavior 5. Freedom from Fear and Distress


MEDIA SPOTLIGHT:: Radio Partners

FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS, KAYHyman has been making the media rounds,promoting Charleston Animal Society andthe furballs that come through their doors.One of her weekly stops is to visit withMix 96’s 2 Girls & a Guy. The hosts have aloyal following, but they’re also avid fansthemselves—of their local animal shelterand their four-legged guests.

The trio (Brooke Ryan, Tanya Brown andMike Edwards) has a strong connectionwith their listeners, people who trust whatthey’re saying and who they support. “That’swhy we live Charleston Animal Society.We don’t just have Kay on,” Brooke explains.“I adopted my cat there. Mike adopted his

TWO GIRLS & A GUYMix 96 Team Loves to Save Animals

dogs there and always goes to Kay forquestions. Tanya, even though she can’thave an animal, is the first one to step upand get together towels to donate or dothe Chili Cook-Off.”

Hyman drops by the show everyThursday, after ABC News 4’s Good Morning,Charleston. From there it’s off to Kickin’92.5, Y102.5, 98 Rock, 105.5 The Bridge andNash 96.9. And wherever she goes, animalscontinue to be rescued listener by listener.Or sometimes, but the show hoststhemselves.

Years ago Brooke adopted Trace, a 3-legged cat who had come on the show, andMike adopted two dogs, Bucket the Beagle

BY TERI ERRICO

and Roxy the Pitbull. His newest puppywas a handful, however, and he often turnedto Hyman for support. Mike recalls, “Kayalways had great advice, but most of it wasto give it time.”

Mike also found solace in sharing hispuppy problems on air. The trio were amazedhow many people called in with the sameissues and useful tips. “As silly as it sounds,it was just another way for us to connect toour audience,” Brooke admits.

Tanya too has found love in Hyman’svisitors—including a Pomeranian she namedJackson Montgomery after the All MyChildren heartthrob. Though allergiesprevented her from keeping Jackson forever,she’s found other ways to help. One exampleis participating in the annual Chili Cook-off (coming up November 19th)—whichshe’s won 5 times. She’ll do anything forCharleston Animal Society, she readilyadmits, unless it has to do with snakes.

As a child, Tanya visited Mt. Pleasantevery summer and she still vividly recallsone day when she rode a friend’s bike downher aunt’s dirt road. And fell. Next to ablack snake. “I screamed and went running,running, running!” Tanya recalls, stillhorrified. When she and her friend wentback for the bike, they found the snake hadwrapped itself around the handlebars. “Ididn’t come back to South Carolina until Iwas 17 years old!” Tanya swears. “I willforever be afraid.”

But Tanya’s heart is full for the rest ofthe animals Hyman brings in, as well asfor the listeners who call in each week toadopt the dogs and cats, or show up at theshelter. She, Mike and Brooke are localcelebrities, but they’re also local heroes forusing their show as a way to save so manyanimals… Just maybe not the snakes.

ANIMAL

ADVOCATES

(L-R): The Mix 96 Team - Mike Edwards,Tanya Brown, Kay Hyman (with CharlestonAnimal Society) and Brooke Ryan


The Secret Life of Pets (Unrated)For anyone who’s wondered what your pets do when you leave for work or schooleach day – The Secret Life of Pets could be the movie you’ve been dreaming of.Taking place in a Manhattan apartment building, Max's life as a favorite pet isturned upside down, when his owner brings home a sloppy mongrel namedDuke. They have to put their quarrels behind, when they find out that an adorablewhite bunny named Snowball is building an army of abandoned pets determinedto take revenge on all happy-owned pets and their owners. Illumination Entertainmentand Universal Pictures present comedy superstars Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreetand Kevin Hart in their animated feature-film debuts.

Finding Dory (PG)Finding Dory reunites the friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish with her lovedones, and everyone learns a few things about the true meaning of family alongthe way. The all-new big-screen adventure dove into theaters in June, takingmoviegoers back to the extraordinary underwater world from the original film.Some of the early reviews were mixed, claiming the film couldn’t possibly live upto the classic original released in 2003. Ellen DeGeneres is back as Dory, andAlbert Brooks co-stars in his original role as Marlin. Nemo will have a new voice,with Hayden Rolence replacing the original actor Alexander Gould. Ed O’Neill,Kaitlin Olson and Ty Burrell from Modern Family round out the underwater cast.

The Angry Birds (PG)Based on an App – The Angry Birds leaves it to you to find out why the birds areso angry. The movie takes us to an island populated entirely by happy, flightlessbirds--or almost entirely. In this paradise, Red (Jason Sudeikis), a bird with atemper problem, speedy Chuck (Josh Gad), and the volatile Bomb (DannyMcBride) have always been outsiders. But when the island is visited by mysteriousgreen piggies, it's up to these unlikely outcasts to figure out what the pigs are upto. Critics have been mixed on the movie, with the film’s score on Rotten Tomatoes– 42%. Still, for a movie based on an App….what would you expect?

Zootopia (PG)The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised ofhabitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s amelting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place whereno matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you canbe anything. But when optimistic Officer Judy Hopps arrives, she discovers thatbeing the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy.Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even ifit means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde, to solve themystery. Released on the big screen in March, Zootopia was out on DVD in June.It could be a great way to spend a lazy summer evening with the kids. The moviestars Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Shakira, Idris Elba, Octavia Spencer andBonnie Hunt among others.

AT THE MOVIES

HOLLYWOOD:: Animal Flicks

4

PAWS?

On the heels of the huge success of Jungle Book earlier this year, Hollywood is banking on the animal kingdom to make even moregreen at the box office this summer. Here’s a preview of what’s showing:




MASCOTS:: Animal Superstars

The Stories Behindthe Mascots

USC Gamecock

It’s hard to tell what’s more iconic of USC: its garnet logo orits Gamecock mascot. A long-standing symbol of spirit andcourage, the Gamecock has come to represent the heart ofthe school and Sir Big Spur crows in the center of it all.USC has been the Gamecocks for nearly 100 years, but itwasn’t until the late ’90s that Ron Albertelli and his wife MarySnelling, a USC alumna, started the informal tradition ofbringing a live bird to USC football games. Baseball gamescame next as the school sought new ideas to get the crowdinvolved.

Named in honor of then-football coach Lou Holtz, Cocky-Doodle-Lou quickly became a fan-favorite, Albertelli recallswith a laugh, and it was eventually recommended he and hiswife “bring the chicken to everything!” That “chicken” becameUSC’s mascot and Albertelli and his wife let the original birdenjoy one last go-round before retiring him and calling upthe second string. “That year was the sunshine part of hiscareer,” Albertelli says of Cocky-Doodle Lou. It was then thatthey also renamed him Sir Big Spur.

Today, Albertelli and Snelling own Sir Big Spur, along with12 pairs, on their Aiken farm. “Just enough to perpetuate thismadness!” he jokes, noting so far they’re on Sir Big Spur IV.The birds enjoy a wonderful life, are well fed and looked after,and their caretakers insist they enjoy a happy retirement.Since gamecocks have a life expectancy of around ten years,Albertelli made an unofficial rule that after age nine they canlive out their days on the farm and the next Sir Big Spur canstep up.

Sir Big Spur has been featured on ESPN, attended everybowl game imaginable, weddings, parties and parades galore.The mascot even rides around in his own car, The RollerRooster, made especially for him by the College of Engineeringand Computing. No matter who you root for, you have toadmit this Sir certainly lives a regal life!

TERI ERRICO

FOOTBALLSEASONFootball season’s going to be here before we know it – and so are the mascots! CarolinaTails Writer Teri Errico did some digging to find the stories behind these iconic symbols.Be sure to tell us who your favorite mascot is at www.CarolinaTails.org.

Charleston Animal Society does not condone the promotion or encouragementof cockfighting, which is illegal.


Clemson Tiger

The year was 1896 and Clemson needed a mascot. After all, everyone else had one. For inspiration, Professor Walter Riggs and histeam looked to the Princeton Tigers. Why? Because Princeton was a football powerhouse, and Clemson should be too. The secret,they felt, was in the mascot.

“It seemed perfectly obvious to them that if Princeton was a good football school, we should be too,” said Jerry Reel, football historian.“That’s why they picked the tigers.”

But unlike the Gamecocks who have a unique mascot, over time Clemson realized tigers were extremely common. By the late ’60s, theywere one of 30 universities with the same symbol. The tiger’s appearance changed over the years, varying between cartoonish andferocious figures, but the school’s then-president felt the tiger needed a complete overhaul.

He enlisted the help of a Greenville advertising agency to recreate the logo, and John Antonio is the now-famous artist who came upwith “the paw.” To truly set Clemson’s logo apart, Antonio persuaded the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago to give him a realprint of what a tiger’s paw looked like. Antonio chose the one he liked best, down to its hook-shaped scar.

Funny enough, Reel recalls, no one liked it. It wasn’t until everyone saw the image of the white tiger paw on the orange helmets that itfinally clicked how instantly recognizable the logo would be. Reel adds that Antonio set the logo apart by including the scar and slantingthe paw to one o’clock. The logo was officially adopted by the school on July 21, 1970.

Today, the Clemson Tiger is a symbol of excellence for the entire campus, and the orange and white paw is one of the most iconic andfeared logos in the south.


MASCOTS:: Animal Superstars

College of Charleston Cougars

Here’s a fun fact: Before 1970, College ofCharleston’s mascot was actually theMaroons. Here’s another fun fact: The

student body voted to change it to the Cougars, inhonor of a Carolina Cougar that had just arrived atthe Charles Towne Landing Zoo.

In True Maroon, a history of the CofC Athleticsprogram, Class of ’71 alumnus, Remley Campbell,wrote that being the Maroons was “agony” (thinkbeing taunted by opposing teams as “Morons” or“Macaroons”). So the college held an election inthe ’70-’71 school year to rename the mascot.

Their informal poll offered 10 suggestions,including a hard push for Sea Hawks, butunfortunately it didn’t produce a front-runner. Asecond election was then held for the top two picks:the Colonials and the Cougars. Says Remley, “TheCougars had gained significant momentum becauseCharles Towne Landing had recently opened andhad a native Carolina Cougar prowling the site.” Atthe end of the second election, the school didn’teven count the votes. It was clear they should bethe Cougars and have been ever since.

The mascot has evolved over the past 40-plusyears, from a menacing-looking cougar to the smiling,peppy version he is today. CofC can thank ToddCrowe (Class of ’86) for the evolution. Disappointedin the shabby costume, or an often stuffed animalplopped on a team’s bench, Crowe proposed arevitalization—and a naming of the mascot. Hepolled his classmates and settled on a new name:Clyde the Cougar. Crowe breathed new life into themascot and Clyde has been clawing his way up asone of the state’s favorite mascots ever since.

Vote For Your Favorite Mascotwww.CarolinaTails.org

• USC Gamecocks• Clemson Tigers• College of Charleston Cougars• Citadel Bulldogs


The Citadel Bulldog

Despite being the Bulldogs since the early 1900s, The Citadel didn’t have a dog of their own until 2003. That year’s senior class wasthe catalyst for making this happen, and Mike Grosham has been, as he jokes, the “Chief Pooper Scooper” since.

When the Class of 2003 first proposed the idea of a campus mascot, everyone vetoed it. After all, for nearly a century it had worked justfine having alumni bring their bulldogs to games. “But the president said, ‘I have the vote so I’m voting yes!’” recalls Grosham, theAssistant Athletic Director of Facilities and class of ’76 alumnus.

The staff responsibly analyzed what other schools with live mascots had done—they called Texas A&M and Penn State. They visitedGeorgia. With weekends and long breaks, they knew someone on campus had to take care of the dog, and Grosham was it for them. Atthe time, Grosham owned incredibly obedient dogs—and he lived on campus.

“They said, ‘But Mike, you could train it!’ and I said, ‘Have you ever trained a bulldog?’ They do what they want to do. They’re notstupid, but they are stubborn!” Grosham turned the job down three times before the president himself said they wouldn’t go forward withit unless he was in charge. “To be honest, it’s the best thing that ever happened to me at the school. You’re bringing so much pride andjoy, and you meet everyone.”

In August 2003 The Citadel adopted General, and in November Boo IX joined him. They served as mascots until their retirement in2013 when General II and Boo X came on board.

The Citadel is proud of their mascot, which was established in the early 1900s when a Cadet wrote a newspaper article saying thefootball team was playing with “the tenacity of a bulldog.” From that moment on, it stuck.

Today General and Boo have a full schedule. They go to every home football and basketball game, and travel to as many away gamesas possible. They go to soccer and wrestling matches, homecoming and parades, riding the campus in their very own Jeep—chauffeuredby Grosham, of course. “We try to involve them in as many community affairs as we can, too,” Grosham says. “We help with CharlestonAnimal Society and truly do enjoy working with Kay [Hyman].” The dogs also attend cancer society events, visit alumni at BishopGadsden, and regularly support The Georgia English Bulldog Rescue.

“We try to be community-friendly and do everything we can to meet as many people as possible,” Grosham said. And it seems as manypeople as possible also love meeting the Bulldogs, too!

Boo and General getting ready for a jeep ride to Citadel Stadium.


MILITARY HEROES:: Honor & Pride

IT WAS A SPECIAL DAY WHEN THECharleston Animal Society animal carecampus turned into a sea of militarypageantry. On May 14th at 11am, CharlestonAnimal Society held a special dedicationof the Joan August Terry military memorialthat was placed under the flagpole. Thestone marker commemorates the serviceof not only military men and women, butalso the animals that served alongsidethem. “Charleston Animal Society hasalways had the deepest appreciation possiblefor our military and they are among ourmost loyal supporters, through adoption,fostering and volunteering,” said CharlestonAnimal Society CEO Joe Elmore.

Dressed in navy whites, The NavyNuclear Power Training Center band openedand closed the ceremony with patrioticmusic that went perfectly with the blueskies above Charleston Animal Society.

One military adopter on-hand at theceremony was retired Air Force CaptainPatricia Riley, who spoke eloquently abouther personal battle with Post TraumaticStress Disorder (PTSD), urging all of us todo more for veterans. Riley said adoptingan animal helped her PTSD symptomstremendously, “Boomer came to me in 1991and saved me. Shelter dogs provide theunconditional acceptance, love and structureso many of us need. As I realized, we donot rescue dogs, they rescue us”

Other honored guests at the event wereLt. Col. Ralph E. Taylor, Jr., DeputyCommander, 628th Mission Support Group,and Staff Sergeant Jonathan Garrett, MilitaryWorking Dog Handler, 628th Security ForcesSquadron. Chico, a military working dog,also made a special appearance and wasthe star of the show.

Joan Terry is the benefactor who madethe day possible. Carolina Tails profiledthis popular military entertainer in our Fall2015 issue. Terry had seven poodle rescuesduring her 96 fascinating years on earth.One of them was named “Bon-Bon” andthe pair became a sensation entertaining

MILITARY VETERANSHONORED And the Pets Who Served With Them

the troops together in the 1960s. She laterbecame involved with Charleston AnimalSociety as a supporter and a donor and aspart of her final wishes, Terry left $10,000to Charleston Animal Society in her will.

To learn more about how animals haveserved our great nation in the military, visitthe Charleston Animal Society YouTubeChannel and look for our video “Salute toMilitary Animals.”

Staff Sergeant JonathanGarrett, Military WorkingDog Handler, 628th SecurityForces Squadron, MilitaryWorking Dog Chico, Lt ColRalph E. Taylor, Jr., DeputyCommander, 628th MissionSupport GroupJoe Elmore, CEO CharlestonAnimal Society

Chico

USA

Garrett and Chico posing near the newmarker at CharlestonAnimal Society dedicated to all militarypersonnel and the animals who have served with them.

PHOTOGRAPHY: MARIE RODRIGUEZ



RESCUE:: Adopt, Don’t Buy!

TAKE ME HOMESummertime means fun time. And any of these wonderful animals would love to share a sunset or a morning walk with you thisSummer, and the next, and the next. Come visit Charleston Animal Society today at 2455 Remount Road in North Charleston or goonline to: www.CharlestonAnimalSociety.org. Photography: Marie Rodriguez

You like my tux? Myname’s Orian and Ienjoy only the finestthings…like thoselittle yarn balls withthe bell in the middle.

I’m Moses -- a little guy with a bigheart. I need agood home to go to where we canplay and have fun.Come visit me atCharleston AnimalSociety.

They call me Lola. I am just waiting patiently for you to take me home. You knowI am adorable. Fun and loving is my middle name.

Hey whats up? I’m Tree. I know you want to adopt me. I am great at taking naps,chasing lasers and eating. See you at the shelter.

Hi! My name’s PhatPhat. Look into myeyes. I would love tofind a great homewhere I can cuddle.I love to play andchill out.

RESCUEME

Yes. I am giving you those puppy dog eyes and I am not ashamed. I really wantsomeone to adopt me. Is this eye thing working yet?


1. Family fun on King Street

2. Taking a golf cart spin on theBattery.

3. Me and my tongue posing for apicture.

4. Taking a break at Marionsquare.

5. Wende Natale's daughter reading to her foster kittens fromCharleston Animal Society.

6. Enjoying the dog park downtown.

7. Surveying the world from myfront porch near Hampton Park.

AROUND TOWN

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It seems like everyone is out and about with their dogs or cats enjoying thesummer. Here's a look at life around town. Photography: Caleb Wilson

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BY NATE BEALE

Before Nate Beale moved to California andopened his own graphic design business,his life hit a speed bump in Charleston witha broken relationship. In an effort to turnhis life around, he went to Charleston AnimalSociety to find a companion and that iswhere he met Sully. This is their story, onethat perfectly tells the universal story ofman’s best friend.

On November 1, 2008, my life changedforever.

That was the day I drove to the CharlestonAnimal Society in South Carolina with aplan to rescue a dog. This wasn’t a rashdecision. My wife and I had separated fivemonths earlier and when she moved out,our two dogs went with her. As with manyyoung marriages, there was no one reasonor person to blame; sometimes you realizeyou want different experiences out of life.

Prior to meeting my ex-wife, I never hada dog or even thought of owning one. When

we met, she already had a Jack Russellnamed J.R., then a few years later we adoptedCooper, a 2-year-old German ShorthairedPointer. Growing up in a family that hadcats, I found out very quickly that havingone dog, let alone two, was a whole otherballgame!

It wasn’t until after they moved out thatI realized how much I missed having a dog.

The silence inside the house was brutal.The absence of hearing paws click alongthe hardwood floor left me frighteninglyalone with my thoughts. Even with a supportsystem made up of friends, family, andregular trips to counseling, coming hometo the silence was dreadful.

I finally found myself at the shelter tomeet Folly, a Black Lab puppy who was upfor adoption. After our meeting, it wasapparent that he was going to be morework than I had the energy for at the time.

As I was about to leave, I had this oddfeeling that I should walk through thefacility one more time. He was easy to missthe first time; out of at least a dozen or sodogs, he was the only one not barking. Hisname was “Tater” and he sat quietly in theback of his kennel, looking suspicious ofall that was going on around him. I’ll neverforget that look; it’s a look that he stillcarries to this day. After filling out thepaperwork, we walked out of the shelterand I gave him his new name, Sully.

The next several years would prove tobe very hard for me emotionally and thetiming of Sully and I finding one anotherwas serendipitous. Looking back, I stillremember staring at him and feeling thathe was just as scared and lonely as I was.Together, we formed a bond and a newjourney began.

Six years ago we drove across the countrywhen we moved to California. Since then,we’ve easily walked, run, hiked, climbed,camped, and driven over 100,000 miles andhave been to 27 states and Mexico together.We’re a package deal and I love that!

Early on, I discovered that Sully wasalways camera-ready, posing stoically orjumping with excitement, reflecting mymood and emotions. It then occurred tome that this was my way of documentingmy own life without having the camerafocused on me. Because wherever Sullywas, I was too.

After deciding to leave my job and startmy own studio in September 2014, it wasfitting that I name it after Sully. Again, thiswasn’t a rash decision. The day will comeand Sully will pass, but the impact he hashad on me is something that I’ll carry forthe rest of my life. Without him, I wouldnot have healed as quickly as I did, ormoved to California, or traveled, or…the listgoes on and on.

To see Nate And Sully’s entire road trip,visit www.seesullivan.com.

MY TURN: ME AND SULLY HIT THE ROAD

TRAVEL DIARY

Nate Beale adopted his dog Sullyfrom Charleston Animal Societyand headed west on a road trip.Here they're shown paddling inGlacier National Park.

Sully checking outa ranch fence in"Big Sky Country"in Montana.

When Angele Bice, DVM, saw that moreand more kittens at Charleston AnimalSociety were suffering a type of eye issuebrought on by common upper respiratoryinfections (URI), she started doing research.“The challenge we were running into wasthat we couldn’t extract enough serum fromthese tiny kittens to treat their eyes,” Dr.Bice said.

In her role as Associate Director ofVeterinary Care at Charleston AnimalSociety, Dr. Bice stumbled onto a uniquesolution that would involve someone ourreaders know very well – Gumby! CarolinaTails featured Gumby in our Winter 2015issue, profiling him as the “Houdini of theLowcountry.” 11 times families tried to adoptthis sweet, loving hound, but Eleven times,he would hop a fence, or open a latch, andsomehow, come running back to CharlestonAnimal Society.

“The staff unanimously decided thatGumby wanted to live here, so we officiallyadopted him as our live-in CharlestonAnimal Society ambassador in January,”said Charleston Animal Society CEO Joe


ASK THE VETGumby to the Rescue!

DOGS & CATS:: Helping Each Other

Elmore. Since he officially settled into hisnew digs in the “300 section” of CharlestonAnimal Society, Gumby has displayed someamazing talents. The behavior teamdiscovered that Gumby was a natural“greeter dog” for playgroups, so each day,he is the leader of the pack when it comesto training the new guys on becomingfriendly, social, playful pets.

But back to our story…Dr. Bice researched and discovered that anophthalmologist had successfully useddog’s blood to create the serum needed totreat the corneal ulcerations that developin kittens battling URI. What’s more, oneblood draw from a large dog could produceenough serum to treat 10 to 15 kittens!“Many people ask why we don’t use adultcats and the reason is that we don’t have afull history on the cats that come in andusing serum from them could spreaddisease,” Dr. Bice said. “A blood draw for acat is very stressful on them and wouldonly produce enough to treat one kitten.”

That’s when Gumby stepped in. “He is

Now, every couple weeks or so, Gumby has his blooddrawn and the resultingserum is used to treatkittens in the shelter.

BY DAN KROSSE PHOTOGRAPHY: CALEB WILSON

If you have a question about your pet’shealth that you would like answered,please email: [email protected].

very easy to handle and is so happy-go-lucky, that he became the perfect candidate,”said Charleston Animal Society SeniorDirector of Veterinary Care Dr. Lucy Fuller.Now, every couple weeks or so, Gumby hashis blood drawn and the resulting serum isused to treat kittens in the shelter. Fulleradds that kittens are monitored closely forany reaction to the Gumby-produced serum,such as inflammation or worsening of theeye disease.

“The program has been very successful,”Dr. Bice said. “We are seeing most of thekittens healing at a faster rate than withoutthe serum.”

As for Gumby? On the day CarolinaTails was there, Gumby donated the blood,was given a treat and then insisted onrunning out to the play yard to check andsee how the “newbies” were doing in theplaygroup.

Dr. Angele Bice putting serumextracted from Gumby's blooddonation into a kitten’s eyes.

Gumby being a good sport as a blood donation is drawn to help the kittens atCharleston Animal Society.


CAN YOUR PET FISHRECOGNIZE YOU?

FISH:: I See You

DID YOU EVER WONDER AS YOUwatch your pet fish swim happily aroundhis aquarium as you walk by, “Hmmm, Ithink he knows me.” Well, a new study saysyour not crazy—yes, your fish can probablyrecognize your face! And when this newresearch study was released in early June,it spread faster than algae on an old farmpond. The Internet went crazy, even CNNpicked up the story.

The research, carried out by a team ofscientists from the University of Oxford(UK) and the University of Queensland(Australia), found that archerfish were ableto learn and recognize faces with a highdegree of accuracy—an impressive feat,given this task requires sophisticated visualrecognition capabilities.

The study is published in the journalScientific Reports.

First author Dr Cait Newport, MarieCurie Research Fellow in the Departmentof Zoology at Oxford University, said, “Beingable to distinguish between a large numberof human faces is a surprisingly difficulttask, mainly due to the fact that all humanfaces share the same basic features. Allfaces have two eyes above a nose andmouth, therefore to tell people apart wemust be able to identify subtle differencesin their features. If you consider thesimilarities in appearance between somefamily members, this task can be verydifficult.”

Before now, scientists thought the taskwas so difficult that it could only be

accomplished by primates, which have alarge and complex brain. The fact that thehuman brain has a specialized region usedfor recognizing human faces suggests thatthere may be something special about facesthemselves. Researchers wanted to know ifanimals with smaller brains could do so.

The researchers found that fish, whichlack the sophisticated visual cortex ofprimates, are nevertheless capable ofdiscriminating one face from up to 44 newfaces. The research provides evidence thatfish (vertebrates lacking a major part ofthe brain called the neocortex) haveimpressive visual discrimination abilities.

In the study, archerfish—a species oftropical fish well known for its ability tospit jets of water to knock down aerial prey—were presented with two images (oncomputers) of human faces and trained tochoose one of them using their jets. Thefish were then presented with the learnedface and a series of new faces and wereable to correctly choose the face they hadinitially learned to recognize. They wereable to do this task even when more obviousfeatures, such as head shape and color,were removed from the images.

The fish were highly accurate whenselecting the correct face, reaching anaverage peak performance of 81% in thefirst experiment (picking the previouslylearned face from 44 new faces) and 86% inthe second experiment (in which facialfeatures such as brightness and color werestandardized).

“Fish have a simpler brain than humansand entirely lack the section of the brainthat humans use for recognizing faces.Despite this, many fish demonstrateimpressive visual behaviors and thereforemake the perfect subjects to test whethersimple brains can complete complicatedtasks,” Dr. Newport said.

The fact that archerfish can learn thistask suggests that complicated brains arenot necessarily needed to recognize humanfaces. Humans may have special facialrecognition brain structures so that theycan process a large number of faces veryquickly or under a wide range of viewingconditions.

Human facial recognition has previouslybeen demonstrated in birds. However, unlikefish, they are now known to possessneocortex-like structures. Additionally, fishare unlikely to have evolved the ability todistinguish between human faces.

Archerfish like this one were used in theresearch study, because they spit waterat their prey. In the lab, they spit waterat human faces on computer screens,that they recognized.

HEYYOU!

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


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Carolina Tails Magazine - Summer 2016