CAROLINA
SPRING 2017 A Charleston Animal Society Publication
carolinatails.org
We Salute Military Working Dogs
Spay-Neuter on Wheels
Introducing Your Pet to a New Baby
Kitten vs. Hawk Surprising Winner
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CAROLINA
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Publisher: Keith Simmons Editor-in-Chief: Dan Krosse Managing Editor: Joe Elmore Graphic Design: Heineman Design Assistant Editor: Teri Errico Griffis Writers: Dan Krosse, Teri Errico Griffis, Ellie Whitcomb Payne, Joe Elmore, Wayne Pacelle, Claire Roberson, Caitlin Cuczko, Nolan Schillerstrom Photographers: Vincent J. Musi, Marie Rodriguez, Jeanne Taylor, Beth Huntley, Aldwin Roman, Ellie Whitcomb Payne, Mary Beth Dew, Ryan Fiorini, Kay Hyman, Dan Krosse Cover Photo: Vincent J. Musi Illustration: Zoe Hyman Advertising Sales: Ted DeLoach For inquiries regarding advertising, distribution or suggestions in Carolina Tails call (843) 352-9048 or ksimmons@charlestonanimalsociety.org.
2455 Remount Road, North Charleston, SC 29406 (843) 747-4849 www.CarolinaTails.org
Contents SPRING 2017
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Welcome
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6
Pet Pointers
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Spay-Neuter Goes Mobile
10 We Salute Our Military K9s 14 Meet Hawkeye: A Kitten Who Fought Back
16 Bringing Home Baby: Introducing Your Pet
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18 Abuse or Cruelty? A New Study Supplies Answers
19 Lawmakers Talk Pets 20 Pilots N Paws
President: Hank Greer Vice President: Helen Pratt-Thomas Secretary: Aussie Geer Treasurer: Laurel Greer Members of the Board Kiara Barnett Mary Black Eugenia Burtschy Hal Creel, Esq. Andrea Ferguson Gerri Greenwood Sarah Hamlin Hastings Ellen Harley Cynthia Hayes Patricia Henley Johnny Maybank
Megan Phillips Bob Rife Dillard Salmons Stevens Diane Straney Joe Waring, Esq. George “Pat” Waters Peter Waters Jeff Webster Nancy Worsham Tami Zerbst
Chief Executive Officer: Joe Elmore Media & Marketing Consultant: dpk media solutions
22 Ask the Trainer 23 Ask a Lawyer 24 Let ‘em Rest, Let ‘em Nest: Birds Need their Space
28 Pet Alert: USDA Data Dump!
29 10 Reasons Charleston Is the Harshest City for Horses
34 Take Me Home: Adoptions! 36 Tortoise at Risk: Is the Environment Next?
37 Turf for Your Pet? Please contact regarding Carolina Tails distribution, advertising or suggestions. For all other inquiries, please contact Charleston Animal Society.(843) 410-2577 ksimmons@charlestonanimalsociety.org 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 in part without the express written permission of the publisher is prohibited.
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38 Around Town Cover: Vincent J. Musi Senior Airman Carly Dykeman posing with her Military Working Dog Jaga.
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Welcome
Hank and Laurel Greer in front of the brand new Simon Greer Mobile Spay-Neuter Clinic they donated to Charleston Animal Society.
DEAR FRIENDS,
Just in time for Memorial Day, this issue of Carolina Tails salutes the brave men, women and K9s who make up the 628th Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog Section at Joint Base Charleston. Deployed around the world after natural disasters, sent into harm's way in war zones and put in place to protect the President of the United States, these military animals are deserving of our thanks, time and again. National Geographic Photographer Vincent J. Musi was so in awe of this crew, he jumped at the chance to take the photos for our pages. Please don't miss the story of Hawkeye. He's a kitten that got his name from the amazing rescue team at Charleston Animal Society after his harrowing ordeal with a hawk. Let's just say he almost became lunch and is believed to have gotten a ride into the sky before fighting his way back to earth. If you or someone you know is expecting, we have some excellent tips on introducing your new baby to your pets. We also explore the fascinating link that the gopher tortoise has to the environmental health of South Carolina. And before heading to the beach with your dogs to enjoy this Spring weather, please read about a new program called "Let 'em Rest. Let 'em Nest." It's a joint initiative between the Audubon Society and Charleston Animal Society. On a personal note, I, along with my wife Laurel, are thrilled to see the write-up about the new Simon Greer Mobile Spay-Neuter Clinic, named for our beloved cat. We are fortunate enough to have made this vehicle possible for Charleston Animal Society, as part of a decades-long dream to bring spay-neuter to rural and underserved areas around the state. As I believe from the bottom of my heart, spaying and neutering are key to ending the euthanasia of adoptable animals. By the way, if you see someone tailgating the Simon Greer Mobile Spay-Neuter Clinic, (staring at the beautiful cat on the sides), it is likely me or Laurel who could not be more proud to be part of the lifesaving team at Charleston Animal Society. Enjoy the Spring!
Hank Greer President CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY SPRING 2017 | CAROLINA TAILS
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NEWS:: You Can Use
PET POINTERS
SPRI
New NG Tidb s its
CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY ANNUAL MEETING Three hundred people turned out for the 143rd Annual Meeting of Charleston Animal Society. It was held March 5th at the beautiful River Club on Kiawah Island. Guests were inspired by the theme of “Always Reaching Higher,” which looked back at the accomplishments of Charleston Animal Society in 2016 and looked ahead to 2017. This year’s keynote speaker was The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) President & CEO Wayne Pacelle. Pacelle praised those in attendance saying that while challenges in animal advocacy continue, he was (L to R): Among the 300 in attendance were Linn Greenwood with Board Member Gerri Greenwood, comforted by the large turnout in Charleston. “A comBoard Member Peter Waters and Carolyn Waters. munity’s commitment to animals can be judged by strong humane organizations,” Pacelle said. “And Charleston Animal Society is a perfect example.” (Read a column by Pacelle on pg. 36). Other highlights included honoring outgoing Board President Elizabeth Bradham with the Charleston Animal Society Humanitarian Award. The award will now be named for Bradham, who served as Board President since 2013 and inspired Charleston to become a No Kill Community. The showstopper was the Simon Greer Mobile Spay-Neuter Clinic donated by Hank & Laurel Greer. (There is so much to say about the new unit we are devoting an entire article about it on pg. 7). Board Member Meg Phillips was this year’s Annual Meeting Chair, helping to arrange the incredible Kiawah Island venue. “I am so proud to be part of such an amazing organization,” Phillips said. (More photos on pg. 38).
REMEMBER TO BRUSH! As humans, we remember to brush our teeth every day. But when it comes to our pets, most of us have never even thought about it. It’s a sad fact because not only does brushing improve your pet’s health in ways you’d never imagine, it can also save you money at the vet’s office according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Astonishingly, only one-percent of pet owners brush their pet’s teeth! Toothpaste for pets comes in a variety of flavors, including chicken, and aren’t expensive. When you consider the diseases you could prevent with a daily brushing, there’s no excuse not to brush. Experts say untreated dental infection can spread to the heart, kidneys and other organs, and suddenly become life threatening. Practicing good dental hygiene at home in addition to regular cleanings by your veterinarian is the most efficient and cost-effective way to extend your pet’s life, while keeping them comfortable and pain-free. Here are some warning signs that your pet’s teeth need attention: • Bad breath: Most pets have breath that is less than fresh, but if it becomes truly repugnant, that’s a sign that periodontal disease has already started. • Frequent pawing or rubbing at the face and/or mouth. • Reluctance to eat hard foods. • Red swollen gums and brownish teeth. Most veterinarian offices and pet retail stores sell pet toothpaste. Start brushing and your pet will love you back with a long, healthy life.
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SPAY & NEUTER:: Mobile Clinic
SAVING LIVES ON THE ROAD BY DAN KROSSE
SPA NEU Y & TER
Dr. Cody Dressler, Raymond Varner and Jarrett Rice examine one of 63 cats rescued in an Orangeburg hoarding case inside the new mobile spay-neuter clinic.
areas, we know that people may not have the inclination to spay or neuter. But once they see this on the road with the Charleston Animal Society name on it, it’s a name they know they can trust and they know they will be treated well,” Laurel said.
PHOTO ALDWIN ROMAN
Technology on Wheels Walking inside the mobile spay-neuter unit, visitors marvel at how much technology is placed into such a small space. As you enter, there are two exam or “prep” tables on the left, both equipped with anesthesia machines. You walk through a second door and enter the surgery unit that has two operating tables and anesthesia machines. The rig is equipped with two oxygen generators that will allow the unit to operate for hours at a time. “It’s amazing,” said Charleston Animal Society CEO Joe Elmore. “I’m grateful, our community is grateful, thousands of people in rural areas are grateful.”
The Simon Greer Mobile Spay-Neuter Clinic was donated by Hank and Laurel Greer who also serve as Charleston Animal Society's Board President and Treasurer.
MARCH 3RD WAS AN HISTORIC moment for Charleston Animal Society and a game changer in the fight against animal overpopulation in the Lowcountry and South Carolina. “The Simon Greer Mobile Spay-Neuter Clinic has been a dream of ours for years,” said Laurel Greer. “We are just so proud that we were able to make this happen for Charleston Animal Society.” Greer is talking about the brand new, 32-foot, spay-neuter clinic on wheels, that is already driving across South Carolina highways. Laurel and her husband Hank donated the $225,000 unit in honor of their beloved cat Simon. Upon seeing their precious feline staring out from the sides of this high-tech trailer for the first time, both Greers were filled with emotion. “Don’t be surprised if you see me following this down the highway when it rolls out,” said Hank.
On the Road Hank didn’t have to wait long, because within a week of its arrival, the Simon Greer Mobile Spay-Neuter Clinic was called into action. An animal hoarding case had overwhelmed the Orangeburg Animal Control Shelter. “The facility received 63 cats from the case and we went to help them examine the animals and decide on the best course of treatment for each cat,” said Charleston Animal Society Director of Anti-Cruelty & Outreach Aldwin Roman. Two veterinarians and five staff members went to help and it made all the difference. “Today is a good day,” beamed Orangeburg County Animal Control Director Dana Lang in an interview with the Times-Democrat newspaper. Helping in a rural area like Orangeburg was one of the goals the Greers had in mind with their donation. “In the rural
The Mission The Simon Greer Mobile Spay-Neuter Clinic will be used in three primary ways: • Spay-Neuter Blitzes: Setting up in rural and underserved areas and spaying and neutering pets, who otherwise would not receive treatment. • No Kill South Carolina: Helping shelters and animal owners in times of need (such as during the Orangeburg hoarding case or in hurricane evacuations). • Pets for Life: The goal of this program is to help keep pets with families in underserved areas of Charleston County by offering services they may not have access to. So keep an eye out for the Simon Greer Mobile Spay-Neuter Clinic in your hometown. If you see it, the Greers would love you to give a friendly honk or wave! “In order to stop the obscene killing of adoptable animals, the answer is spay and neuter,” said Hank. “We’re blessed we were able to do this. We know we can help people. This is about doing anything we can to sanctify animal lives.”
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Inbox:: Reader Feedback
DEAR CAROLINA TAILS: I’m outraged that the City of Charleston is requiring four readings before they will pull horses off the streets in hot temperatures! They sure kept that quiet. It’s crystal clear they are more interested in protecting the industry’s bottom line than the safety of horses. –Scott, Charleston At first I was shocked to see an article on muzzles in your magazine. But after reading it, I do see the value of at least introducing my dog to one, in case of an emergency. –Kerrie, Summerville Your cover made me laugh and I had to pick it up. Thank you for making the magazine available for free at Harris Teeters! –Andrew, West Ashley Cats on toilets? Really? We have to draw the line somewhere. –Sue, Ravenel
Event Calendar
Send your comments to CarolinaTails@CharlestonAnimalSociety.org.
I love the new vet directory in Carolina Tails. I hope you keep it in every issue, it is very handy! –Geraldine, North Charleston
Battery Soccer APRIL 8 7PM – 9PM Come watch the Battery Soccer Team in action on a special night for animals. Blackbaud has named Charleston Animal Society its “charity of the game!” Enjoy the game and stop by our table to say hello.
Yappy Hours APRIL 27 & MAY 18 • 4PM – 8PM, JAMES ISLAND COUNTY PARK Come 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 Island County 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.
Lowcountry Giving Day MAY 2 12:01AM – MIDNIGHT Lowcountry Giving Day will live on through supporters of Charleston Animal Society! Your donations benefit our community’s animals throughout the year. Please remember to give on May 2nd at www.CharlestonAnimalSociety.org.
Rounds for Hounds MAY 7 & JUNE 4 6PM – 8PM Rounds for Hounds is the hottest new music scene that benefits Charleston Animal Society. Bring your dog and enjoy the scenery of Shem Creek as local musicians share their best new music. It all takes place at Shem Creek Music on Coleman Boulevard in Mt. Pleasant.
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A cat can jump even seven times as high as it is tall.
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MILITARY DOGS:: Joint Base
Saluting Our Military K9s I
n military jargon, they’re called a “MWD.” But there is nothing abbreviated about the list of contributions these “Military Working Dogs” make to our country on a daily basis. Stationed around the globe, these K9s go into places devastated by natural disasters, uncover hidden bombs in war zones and guard the President of the United States on official visits. And that doesn’t begin to cover everything they do. This Memorial Day, as we remember all of the service members who have fought for our country, let’s include the amazing K9s who make up the 628th Security Forces Squadron’s Military Working Dog Section at Joint Base Charleston. Carolina Tails got to go inside the unit to meet some of the K9 teams who are always ready to jump into service at a moment’s notice.
BY DAN KROSSE PHOTOGRAPHY VINCENT J. MUSI
MEMO RIAL DAY MISSION READY Becoming a military K9 is like going to an Ivy League school for dogs. Tens of thousands of dollars are invested in each K9’s training. “Depending on how much time he spends in the actual schoolhouse and how much training was actually put into him, I would say a good estimate is anywhere between $30,000 to $50,000,” said Staff Sgt. Adam Dye. The dogs at Joint Base Charleston are trained in one of three primary missions: patrol, narcotics or explosives. But in almost any scenario they are also natural peacemakers. “The dogs can de-escalate a situation very quickly because everybody knows they don’t want to be on the other end of those teeth,” said 628th Security Forces Squadron Kennel Master, Master Sgt. David Tagliaferro. Depending on what’s happening, a MWD can roll up on scene and all of a sudden, the perpetrator or the subject will get calm real fast.”
The dogs at Joint Base Charleston are trained in one of three primary missions: patrol, narcotics or explosives. TOUGH TO SAY GOODBYE Many people think K9s and their handlers are paired for life. In the Air Force, this isn’t the case. MWDs are assigned to a base and as new airmen rotate in, they are paired with one of the K9s. Their daily routines include training, deploying and relaxing together. The teams work hand-in-hand anywhere from two to five years, which makes saying goodbye difficult, when an airman is reassigned. “It is the hardest part. You know you have to say goodbye to your best friend and it's like ‘All right man, bye,’ and you'll probably never see him again,” Dye told Carolina Tails. When a military dog reaches retirement age, a handler or a former handler can adopt him or her if all the paperwork goes through. That’s the plan for Staff Sgt. Jonathan Garrett who has worked with his “best friend” Chico since 2013. Garrett is being reassigned and must leave Chico at Joint Base Charleston – a thought that chokes Garrett up with emotion after everything the pair has been through -- including finding a missing child on base. “The moment Chico retires, I will be on a plane down here to pick him up. This dog has grown to be my family. He's more than just a military working dog,” Garrett said. “You build such an amazing bond with an animal like this who's had your back, does everything for you. He is willing to lay his life down for yours, and then you have to basically cut ties and go somewhere else. That is the hardest part about being a dog handler.”
ELMO & STAFF SGT. JENINGS CASEY Breed: Belgian Malinois Age: 10 Specialty: Explosives Shining Moment: Finding three explosive devices in Afghanistan, saving hundreds of lives. “Elmo is our toothless wonder,” Casey said.
SALUTE
Dog Training Tip: Marking positive behaviors is more important than marking negative behaviors.
The Military Working Dog section at Joint Base Charleston has nine K9s and all are either German Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds or Belgian Malinois. On our visit, five of the teams were available to be photographed by Vincent J. Musi, whose work has filled the pages of National Geographic. In the next few pages, we hope you take a moment to learn more about these amazing K9 teams as Carolina Tails salutes their bravery, their sacrifice and their duty to country
Casey: “These are the greatest animals in the world. They're heroes from the day they start and the day they end and then further on and they should be treated as such. We have the best opportunity to treat these guys the best we can. You can see it in some of the handlers in how motherly or fatherly they are.”
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CHICO & STAFF SGT. JONATHAN GARRETT
ARI & SENIOR AIRMAN TREY WESTON
Breed: Dutch Shepherd Age: 7 Specialty: Explosives
Breed: Belgian Malinois Age: 3 Specialty: Explosives
Shining Moment: Finding an autistic child who was lost.
Shining Moment: Working with the Secret Service to protect the President.
Dog Training Tip: Don’t let your dog see you get frustrated. Garrett: “Chico can detect (very small) amounts of explosives. We've been all over the place including multiple U.S. Secret Service missions. We took second place in an Iron Dog competition, which was a 10-mile event. It included a 7.5-mile ruck, a 1.5-mile run, and then a mile buddy carry, where I carried Chico to the kennels through the sand. I think it took us an hour and 52 minutes to finish.”
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Dog Training Tip: When disciplining a dog, don’t wait too long or the dog will forget what he or she did wrong. Weston: “I wanted to become a K9 handler because I wanted to do more for the country and be responsible for the safety of other people. It is not just a career where you work with or play with a dog. It is more important than that. There will be a time where you deploy or go on a mission where the lives of many people are in your hands.”
SHARK & STAFF SGT. JONATHAN LEE
JAGA & SENIOR AIRMAN CARLY DYKEMAN
Breed: German Shepherd Age: 9 Specialty: Narcotics
Breed: Belgian Malinois Age: 6 Specialty: Patrol
Shining Moment: Multiple narcotic finds throughout his career.
Shining Moment: Countless sweeps across US and deployed in war zone.
Dog Training Tip: Think outside the box. Every dog is different.
Dog Training Tip: Learn the psychology of your dog. Why do they do what they do?
Lee: “People would be surprised to learn how much of a regular dog he really is. He still enjoys playing fetch. He still enjoys getting petted. He still enjoys being a regular dog sometimes. I know everybody always sees these dogs and they think, ‘Oh my gosh! Killers!’ That's not the case. They just want to be out there doing the job with us.”
Dykeman: “When you first get your dog, there is a rapport-building stage for two weeks where you really don't give them any commands or anything. It's just love, you're just loving on them, letting them know, ‘hey we're a team now, we're together and it's just you and me.’ Then once that initial phase is done, you start doing obedience and detection work and all the other things that come with it.”
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KITTENS:: Foster
HAWKEYE THE KITTEN’S MOST EXCELLENT ADVENTURE
D WIL E? RID
BY DAN KROSSE
NO ONE ACTUALLY SAW HAWKEYE soaring across the skies above the Lowcountry, but the folklore at Charleston Animal Society surrounding this kitten continues to grow. He was brought in paralyzed after being found near Ladson Elementary School. The only clues about what caused his paralysis were on his body. “He had puncture wounds on his neck that resembled talons,” said Charleston Animal Society Foster Coordinator Christina Ellwood. Combine this with a large number of hawks seen in the area he was found— and the pieces of Hawkeye’s story come together. The running theory is that the kitten was grabbed by a bird of prey (most likely a hawk) and then potentially dropped after Hawkeye fought back. “Thank God he put up a fight because he was going to be food,” said Charleston Animal Society Kitten Attendant Christine Brockenfelt. The five-month-old kitten spent the first two weeks of his rescue at the shelter, unable to move his legs. Veterinarians treated the kitten, but no one was sure Hawkeye would survive. “It’s a common part of nature for birds of prey to pick up small animals,” said Dr. Angele Bice, Director of Veterinary Care at Charleston Animal Society.
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On February 12, just before Valentine’s Day, Charleston Animal Society Foster Marybeth Dew made Hawkeye her new Valentine. “He was still not using his left front leg when I picked him up and vets weren’t sure of the prognosis for that leg,” Dew said. “He would hiss any time someone approached him, but then purr like a baby when you pet his head.” Dew worked with Hawkeye, giving him physical therapy she had learned from a
local veterinarian. “Massage was a big part of it, so was letting him try to walk while I held the base of his tail,” Dew said. About a week into his foster care, Dew says there was a major breakthrough when she saw Hawkeye chase a ball. “I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, he’s using all four paws! He’s going to get better!’” Then in early March, another leap forward (literally), when Hawkeye was spotted jumping onto the sofa. As Dew tells it, “He was trying to jump up on all the furniture. He was so proud of himself. He would turn and look at you and say, ‘Look what I did!’” Dew, who has fostered 65 cats and kittens for Charleston Animal Society says Hawkeye now spends his days constantly trying to get her foster cat Sora to play. As Hawkeye continues to get better, Dew is posting his progress on Facebook and Instagram. Despite one of his nine lives used up, this kitten with a fascinating story will eventually be placed for adoption. “It’s always difficult to say goodbye, but I usually become friends with the new adopters and when I see pictures and videos, it makes everything worth it,” Dew says.
Hawkeye is one of hundreds of kittens who will need foster homes this Spring through Charleston Animal Society. If you can help, please call: (843) 329-1543.
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TRAINING:: Dogs & Babies
Bringing Home Baby BY TERI ERRICO GRIFFIS
T
he stick turns pink. You’re elated! You’re going to have a baby! Once the initial excitement passes, reality sets in and it’s time to prepare for a new addition to your family, and your home. Among all the worries that fill a new parent’s head, it’s not just sibling rivalry they have to worry about when adding a family member. Pets can get jealous, too. They might not know what to make of the new smells, sounds and energy around them, or the lack of your attention. Here are some helpful tips to prepare your fur baby for your new human one, courtesy of The Humane Society and ASPCA.
GETTING YOUR PET READY: • Update your pet’s shots and vaccinations. First and foremost you’ll want a healthy pet. • Spay or neuter your pet. According to the Humane Society, sterilized pets tend to have fewer health problems. They are also calmer in nature and less likely to attack or bite. • Train your pet. If they have any behavioral issues, address them now. Teach your pet to go to their bed or stay calmly by your side without jumping. It’s important to discourage them from jumping on you or the baby. • Carry a baby doll to help your dog or cat get accustomed to you holding your future child as well as watching routine baby activities—e.g. cuddling, rocking, changing diapers, bathing, etc. • Set boundaries early. Teach your dog or cat early on that the baby’s room, furniture and/or toys are not theirs. Don’t let them curl up on the rocking chair or play with the stuffed animals now only to take that away later. If you need to, put a sturdy gate in the baby’s doorway to keep pets out. • Play baby sounds so your pet can grow accustomed to the noises. Find a YouTube video of crying or laughing and run it for a few moments each day. Turn on the baby swing, show them toys that make noises or flash lights. Like anything new, introduce these new pieces positively to your dog.
INTRODUCING YOUR PET TO YOUR BABY: • Before you head home from the hospital, have someone bring home a blanket or piece of clothing with the baby’s scent. Let your dog sniff it to learn the scent. • When you first arrive home, relax. Your dog will be eager to see you, but will feed off your energy, so if you’re anxious or worried, your pet will pick up on it. Before you walk into the house, be sure your dog is in a calm, submissive state. • Let everyone head into the house first so the dog can get out its excitement greeting them. Then when you’re ready to enter with the baby, leash your dog during its first few moments with the baby. You may not have any reason to believe the dog will display aggressive behavior, but have treats on hand and reward your pet for any calm interest in the baby. • Following your hello to your pet, allow them to sit next to your baby. Reward any positive behavior so that your dog will see interaction with the baby as a positive experience. “Convince [your dog] that meeting and interacting with its new friend is fun, not stressful,” says the ASPCA.org. • Maintain routines for your pet and continue to give them lots of attention when the baby is around. Take them out and feed them at regular times. Maintain your daily walks, and take the baby along. • Supervise your pet. No matter the breed or temperament, never leave your pet and your newborn alone. • Love your pet. They are still your babies and need attention too!
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CRUELTY:: Fighting Back
NEWES CLU
CRUELTY OR ABUSE? New research may help catch abusers A VETERINARIAN SEES A DOG WITH severe rib and head injuries whose cause of injury is unknown. Without having witnessed the incident, how can the veterinary professional distinguish an accident from abuse? Using data from criminal cases of animal abuse, researchers from Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) have demonstrated that motor vehicle accidents and non-accidental blunt force trauma cases in dogs and cats present with different types of injuries. The research can help in the effort to uncover and address animal abuse and was published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences. While the veterinary community, health professionals and public officials have acknowledged the need to address animal cruelty and have developed general guidelines for identifying suspicious behavior, clinicians face many difficulties in identifying specific injuries caused by abuse. In cases of injury caused by animal abuse, commonly referred to as non-accidental, 18 CAROLINA TAILS | SPRING 2017
the cause reported by the abuser typically differs from the actual cause. Motor vehicle accidents are often falsely cited when an animal presents with skeletal injuries. The new study compared records from 50 criminal cases of abuse provided by the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Division with a sample of 426 motor vehicle accident cases from the Foster Hospital for Small Animals at Cummings School. It is the first study of its kind to look at two populations of animals with known causes of injuries. “Our research has found that nonaccidental injury and motor vehicle accidents cause different patterns of skeletal and soft tissue injury,” said one of the study’s lead authors, Nida Intarapanich, fourth-year veterinary student at Cummings School. The researchers found that abused animals generally had more head injuries and rib fractures, as well as tooth fractures and claw damage. Pets involved in motor vehicle accidents tended to suffer skin abrasions or injuries in which the skin is torn from tissue, lung collapse and bruising, and hind end injury, which the researchers
suggest could be a result of running away from a moving vehicle. "This new study will strengthen our ability to investigate abuse cases,” said Charleston Animal Society Director of AntiCruelty and Outreach Aldwin Roman. “It will also give private practice veterinarians, who may have less experience dealing with animal abuse cases, the tools needed to differentiate between accident and animal cruelty." A clear difference in rib fracture patterns was demonstrated, with abuse injuries generally causing fractures on both sides of the body, while rib fractures caused by motor vehicle accidents tended to appear on only one side of the body, with the ribs closer to the head more likely to fracture. Researchers also found that victims of nonaccidental injury were more likely to have evidence of older fractures, a pattern that is similarly seen in human abuse cases. “This study contributes to the expanding body of research in the growing field of veterinary forensic medicine and will help forensic veterinarians continue to give a voice to the voiceless,” said Robert Reisman, D.V.M., supervisor of forensic sciences, ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Group, who also collaborated on this research.
THE LAW:: Animals
ANIMALS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
TE STA ORT REP
BY CLAIRE ROBERSON
WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR THE WELFARE of animals in South Carolina’s future? That’s the question posed to the South Carolina Legislative Pet Care and Humane Treatment Study Committee. Advocates hope lawmakers will put South Carolina on the road to becoming a No Kill state. A key goal of the committee is to encourage better standards of care throughout the state and reduce shelter admissions. Animal welfare administrators, such as Barbara Nelson, CEO of SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare in Aiken, and Kim Kelly, South Carolina State Director of The Humane Society of the United States, joined forces with State Senator Vincent Sheheen, committee chair, and State Representative Steve Moss, committee cochair, and many other hardworking, passionate delegates, such as private veterinarians, breeders, the SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, the SC Department of Agriculture, and the Association of Counties. The committee has already begun searching for solutions for many issues— including tethering regulations, fixes to abuse and neglect law, and strategies to reduce the homeless dog and cat populations. “Anything of importance always takes time. We are thoroughly vetting the issues at hand. We feel that we need to present something that will pass both legislative bodies,” Representative Moss says. According to Nelson, these solutions will not be burdensome and the committee is simply acting as the “think tank” for these new ideas. Tethering Regulations In the animal welfare world, tethering has been a concern on the minds of many animal lovers. From horrifying images of dogs with deep cuts from ropes or logging chains around their necks to dogs so skinny and hairless they almost don’t look alive, advocates have been fighting for stricter regulation. However, the committee recognizes that the solutions aren’t so simple.
Nelson comments that, “Banning tethering altogether isn’t necessary. It’s a matter of defining what types of tethering are physically and mentally humane.” Educating law enforcement and prosecutors about what they can do in animal abuse and neglect cases is also a big piece to this puzzle. Reducing Homeless Dog Population Pet overpopulation is easily the biggest issue animal welfare ambassadors are facing. The committee is working on a strategy that resembles an approach the City of Aiken took in 2005—replacing an annual license fee with a one-time fee that was adjusted based on whether the pet was spayed or neutered and chipped and creating a spay/neuter voucher fund for low-income owners. Reducing the number of homeless animals and having a trail back to owners will keep animals out of the shelter, thus reducing the burden on the taxpayer. Representative Moss hopes that the committee can work towards a solution that addresses both dog and cat overpopulation.
The Future for South Carolina Animal Welfare & Community Involvement The committee and its members feel satisfied with the work that is already being done and are optimistic about the future and the difference they believe they can make for South Carolina’s companion animals. They are currently constructing draft legislation, but Representative Moss and the committee realize the solutions to these problems will not be executed quickly. “We have been very open with all of our meetings, giving all the stakeholders the opportunity to contribute,” Moss says. Key issues yet to be tackled include the standards of care in animal shelters and statewide microchip requirements. The committee has already heard testimony and suggestions from shelter operators, law enforcement and concerned citizens and is open to any further suggestions from the public. You can continue to follow the work of the committee at www.scstatehouse.gov.
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A dog gets his bearings in his crate, as he is transported by Pilots N Paws to a new home.
RESCUE:: Travel In Style
TRAVE IN ST L YLE
Destination: New Home! BY TERI ERRICO GRIFFIS PHOTOS COURTESY OF RYAN FIORINI
W
hen an animal needs rescuing, it isn’t always as simple as driving him or her down the road to the nearest shelter and a brand new life will unfold. Sometimes dogs have a better chance of survival hundreds of miles away. But how do they get there? That’s exactly the thought behind the South Carolina-based organization Pilots N Paws. Each year, thousands of volunteer pilots fly across all 50 states to rescue animals and bring them to safe shelters, or even their forever homes, miles upon miles away. “Basically it’s the issue of needing to rescue animals to a new location and having to get that transport,” says Kate Quinn, Executive Director of Pilots N Paws. It all started in 2008 when the founders learned of a Doberman who needed to be flown from Florida to South Carolina. They put the word out to family and friends and someone volunteered to fly the animal. Today there are 5,300 volunteers around the country who together have flown nearly 100,000 animals, whether it’s to rescue them and bring them to a shelter where there is a better survival rate, or simply re-home them to a family who wants to adopt the animal hundreds of miles away. Ryan Fiorini is a local volunteer who has been flying with Pilots N Paws since early 2012. He and his wife love dogs and would foster greyhounds as they came up from Florida for retirement. When Fiorini sold his company in 2010, he was fortunate enough to buy an airplane and take time to do the things he loves— including rescuing animals. “Quite frankly, I just love the dogs. They can’t just get in the car and drive away versus getting on a plane,” Fiorini says. “So that got me involved, just seeing it. But what really hooked me was the second or third flight I did where ABC went with me.” Fiorini recalls Inca, the Belgian Shepherd he rescued on that trip, with local reporter Victoria Hansen coming along for the ride. Inca and Joe Bane, a U.S. soldier met while Bane was on tour in Afghanistan. Bane was sent home with a back injury, but duty kept Inca in Afghanistan. A year or so later, Inca was diagnosed with a heart murmur and was forced to retire. “They offered him to [Bane] first, but only gave him X-number of hours to go down to Florida and get this dog, which was impossible,” Fiorini explains. “So we were able to put everything together and get the dog up from Orlando to Tennessee. It was still to this day the most amazing rescue that I’ve done.”
While that trip was a flurry of last minute moves, most trips take about a week to plan. “Normally people will go into the kill shelters and pull out the dogs. So the last one I did was for a group up in the Greenville area and they pull dogs, mostly Labs, that they think can potentially become service dogs for PTSD.” Fiorini continues, “They put all the dogs through a test that they see as being trainable. They get someone to foster them for a few days until we can coordinate to get them, then we fly up and bring them south of Jacksonville where the training is. That’s more the normal path.” For the most part, dogs are transported north. “Often there’s a geographical component where we need to move animals from the south to the north, possibly a puppy in Georgia who wouldn’t ever get adopted because of supply and demand,” Quinn explains. “There’s just not enough homes and too many homeless animals. So if you can move that dog from Georgia up to New Jersey, the same dog who might never be adopted in the south could find a home in New Jersey the day it arrives.” Each plane is equipped with necessary resources—water bowls, food, crates for keeping the animals safe—but while these animals have never been on an airplane, they make themselves right at home. Fiorini notes he’s yet to have an animal get overly excited— good or bad. “They always get on the plane, get in the back seat and curl up and go to sleep,” he says. “Most I don’t even put in a crate, though we have them on board. I don’t know how, but it’s like they know they’re going to a better place.” Pilots N Paws’ volunteers have the equipment necessary to save these animals’ lives—but what they really need are fosters. Often the flights can be too long for pets to endure in a single day, so there are often stopovers necessary for a night or two. If they can’t find a foster home, the pilots are forced to board the dogs, and foot the bill. That’s money they could have put towards fuel and resources to save other animals. Whether you want to volunteer as a foster family, or a pilot, Pilots N Paws’ process is really simple. Just head to PilotsNPaws.org to learn more how to sponsor pets or become a pilot. All flight transports are completely voluntary—and free of charge—and that’s no small sacrifice. “I use my own plane, my own time, I pay for the fuel. The IRS doesn’t give us any breaks,” Fiorini admits. “But it doesn’t matter. Seeing that dog’s face when you know that innocent dog gets to stay alive, there’s nothing like it.” SPRING 2017 | CAROLINA TAILS
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ASK THE TRAINER:: Canines
H LEAS ING K WAL
ASK THE TRAINER: CUT 'EM SOME SLACK BY CAITLIN KUCZKO, CPDT-KA
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE LOOSE-LEASH walking skills off-leash, then you will not have them on-leash. Sounds strange, right? Maybe even backwards? After all, off-leash obedience is introduced in the advanced levels of obedience, and you need to have a leash to have loose-leash walking skills...right? Not quite! A leash is a safety device that we often use as a steering wheel. Adding a leash to the situation tends to complicate things for both the dog and the owner. Therefore, getting the behavior off-leash first makes loose-leash walking easier when we do add in the leash component. Our objective is to teach our dog what we want him or her to do (to walk without pulling on a leash) and where (next to us) we want our dog to do it. To begin, you will need a few supplies. First, find a low distraction environment, such as a bedroom or a hallway. Next, you will need high value treats (hot dogs, chicken or cheese) cut into multiple, pea-sized rewards. Have your marker readily available. (A marker is a unique indication to the dog that pinpoints what behavior earns it the reward. It can be a clicker device, or a word such as “Yes” 22 CAROLINA TAILS | SPRING 2017
or “Nice.”) A marker speeds up the learning process because the dog is able to pinpoint the exact behavior that earned it the reward, even if your pet performed several in an attempt to earn the treat. Last but not least, you will need yourself and, of course, your dog. PHASE ONE Step 1: Pick the side where you want your dog to walk, and hold the treats in that hand. This creates the reinforcement zone. If you reward with the opposite hand this will cause the dog to cross over in front of you. Step 2: Show your dog the treats, and then hold them waist high. Step 3: Before moving, mark and reward your dog for being next to you. Step 4: Begin to walk, first stepping with the foot closest to your dog. Mark and reward your dog for moving with you. Step 5: Move forward one to three steps. Mark and reward your dog for being next to you.
Step 6: Repeat, taking a few more steps than you previously took. Mark and reward your dog for being next to you. You’ll want to vary the number of steps you take, randomly changing from lows to highs and back again in order to keep our dog thinking and engaged. For example: You could take two steps, then mark and reward; take five steps, then mark and reward; take three steps, then mark and reward; take seven steps, then mark and reward and so on for the duration of the exercise. The reason it’s recommended you vary the number of steps you take, instead of rewarding every fifth or sixth step, is because some dogs may learn that the reward only comes on step number five. To them, this means that on step two, three, and four, they can pull or sniff as they wish, and then think they can come back for step five to receive the treat. If you would like to learn more about loose-leash walking and the keys to Phases two and three, join us at Charleston Animal Society’s Levels Training class, so you and your dog can learn to leisurely walk together!
LAW & ORDER:: Your Pets
ASK A LAWYER No matter how much we love our pets, there’s always the chance they will run into a legal situation. Attorney David Aylor took time to answer questions from our readers in this edition of Ask a Lawyer. QUESTION: Is there a leash law for cats in North Charleston? My friend says she was stopped and told she had to put her cat on a leash, unless it was "ear-tipped." Any scoop? – "No Leash" Lisa, North Charleston DAVID AYLOR: Lisa, yes, there is a cat leash ordinance in North Charleston, and in fact, many other area municipalities have similar laws on the books. While usually not enforced, animal control officials can give you a ticket for a cat on the run. We're told that you will likely get a warning before any ticket. (Feral or free-roaming cats which are "ear tipped," signifying they have been spayed or neutered, are typically exempt from enforcement). If you’re surprised that cats must be on a leash, you’re not alone. Most people believe that leash laws only pertain to dogs and that is rooted in history according to the Michigan State Animal and Legal Historical Center quoted here: “Dogs have historically been the symbol of the hydrophobic, marauding beast, ravaging small children and livestock alike. Cats, by virtue of their general overall size and jaw strength, were not seen as a threat to civilized society. Further, cats in agricultural locations kept to themselves in barn communities, surviving with little concern or connection to human life. As times change, however, so do the concerns of pet owners.” Michigan State researchers also find that many lawmakers are reluctant to require leashes for cats because it may interfere with their natural abilities: “Historically cats roamed agricultural areas as a means of pest control. Thus, leashing the cat would impair its ability to catch rodents. Many cat owners worry about strangulation if
LEA LAW SH S
cats were required to wear collars. Some groups contend that restricting a cat to a collar or indoors goes against its basic instinctual nature.” But, the law is the law, and in North Charleston your cat must technically be on a leash if outdoors. Typically, your cat will only gain the notice of animal control if there are complaints from a neighbor, or if your cat is continuously getting into trouble around the block. Getting cited is
David Aylor with his son Fletcher and English Lab, Belle.
no laughing matter. You could end up with a fine of $1,092 or spend 30 days in jail! If you are stopped, remember to be polite and respectful and make your case in court -- not on the street, where your anger could work against you. In many cases, the leash law you hear about that you think only applies to your dog, really applies to all animals. This includes pigs, bunnies, goats and as we’ve learned, cats.
If you have a legal question regarding pets, write us at CarolinaTails@CharlestonAnimalSociety.org and we will try and get it answered for you.
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BIRDS:: At the Beach
S D R BI ORE ASH
Let ’em Rest, Let ’em Nest C
harleston Animal Society is teaming up with Audubon South Carolina in a brand new campaign called “Let ’em Rest, Let ’em Nest.” The campaign is designed to teach the importance of reducing human disturbance to popular beaches and coasts on which declining shorebird species depend. Every year, hundreds of thousands of shorebirds use South Carolina beaches and shores to replenish energy, find food and to hatch their young. Birds seen in coastal areas are usually in the middle of nesting or migration, many flying thousands of miles to reach their destinations. Starting in late February, migrating shorebirds begin to arrive from the south to rest on our coast. Beach-nesting birds begin their nesting process in mid-March. “It is of utmost importance that we respect the birds during this time. Let’s show them a little southern hospitality,” said Nolan Schillerstrom, the Coastal Program Coordinator for Audubon South Carolina. “When the birds are on our beaches it’s like a layover when traveling on an airplane—they haven’t reached their destination yet and they are tired, hungry and desperate to rest and refuel.” Any disturbance to migrating birds during their time spent on the South Carolina coast can be life threatening. Extra strength used to escape or fend off intruders, being chased by
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dogs or children or even scarcity of food and habitat can derail a bird’s migration and nesting. “The best thing we can do is simply to ‘let ’em rest, and let ’em nest’ and give the birds plenty of space so they don’t feel threatened,” Schillerstrom added. “For these birds, it’s the difference between life and death.” Not only do birds add to the quality of life and aesthetics along the coast, their presence supports local economies through tourism. A 2011 report done by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service states that South Carolina wildlife watchers spent $467 million on wildlife-watching activities with over 536,000 people observing birds around the home and on trips in the state. “People usually want to do the right thing, and we have found that most people don’t always realize how valuable our coast is to shorebird survival,” says Sharon Richardson, Executive Director at Audubon South Carolina. “With so much at stake, letting birds rest in peace on the beach is a small act of kindness that can make all the difference for that bird, and the entire species.” The Let ’em Rest, Let ’em Nest program was created by Audubon South Carolina and Charleston Animal Society in efforts to decrease human-caused disturbance to declining migrating and nesting coastal birds and promote responsible dog ownership on the beach. “We want to do whatever we can
to educate people on the importance of keeping dogs away from birds on the beach,” said Charleston Animal Society CEO Joe Elmore. “We represent all animals, including birds.” The campaign aims to educate South Carolinians, along with coastal visitors, on how to create safe spaces for both birds and people. Audubon researchers ultimately hope to protect and increase threatened coastal bird populations along the Atlantic Coast.
AUDUBON SOUTH CAROLINA SUGGESTS SIMPLE WAYS YOU CAN HELP SHOREBIRDS: 1. Let ’em Rest. Let ’em Nest. 2. Keep a safe distance (50+ yards) from nesting and resting birds on the beach. If you notice that you are altering their behavior in any way, you are too close. 3. Don’t allow children or pets to chase birds. Just because your pet doesn’t “catch” a bird, doesn’t mean the bird isn’t affected. 4. Be proactive with responsible dog ownership and keep dogs on a leash near birds. The Let ’em Rest, Let ’em Nest campaign runs through March 2018. Visit http://sc.audubon.org/coasts to learn more.
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MEDIA:: In the News
IA MED ERS TN PAR
ABC NEWS 4: WORKING FOR YOU BY TERI ERRICO GRIFFIS
IT’S ALWAYS A GREAT MORNING AT ABC News 4 when station employees see Charleston Animal Society’s Kay Hyman strolling in with an adorable dog or cat. She is a weekly guest on Good Morning, Charleston and Lowcountry Live! and Jason Lewis, Creative Services Director, has come to genuinely love his station’s partnership with the shelter. “Kay’s great about bringing the pets and getting the word out to the public what they’re in need of and what events they have coming up to support the shelter,” Lewis said of Hyman, Charleston Animal Society’s Director of Community Engagement. Hyman visits Good Morning, Charleston each week, airing from 5am7am, followed by Lowcountry Live! from 10am-11am. Between Hyman’s personality, ability to connect with an audience and how recognizable she truly is, Lewis couldn’t imagine anyone better to get the shelter’s message across to ABC’s audiences. “Kay is terrific, she’s personable and knows how to talk to the viewing public. Her personality really comes across on screen so it’s great that she has that recognizable personality and can really bring good content to our shows,” he says. “Everyone immediately recognizes her in the studio and in the 26 CAROLINA TAILS | SPRING 2017
Kay Hyman visits Lowcountry Live with an adoptable pet each week. (L to R): Erin Kienzle, Kay Hyman and Emily Gracey.
station. When she comes in she brings the animals, and people love all the cute little dogs and cats that she has with her, just walking around.” Whether Hyman is visiting to help get an animal adopted, such as Gummy Bear the toothless dog who recently graced the studio, or to promote events, Lewis values ABC’s role as a platform to promote the shelter’s message. “Animals need good homes and we happen to have a platform to be able to reach out into the community and showcase these animals,” he says. “It’s important people see the need is constant. So whether Charleston Animal Society needs donations or to move animals, we really use television as a platform to get this message out to the community.” Hyman’s visits also help to lighten the mood at the station, which understandably can get heavy at times. “When Kay comes on Lowcountry Live! and is able to bring on the animals, it’s fun. It’s just lighthearted stuff, followed by a great message behind it as well that these animals need good homes,” Lewis says. Whenever ABC features a pet on the morning shows, he notes the phones ring off the hook with viewers asking for more information on who they can call and how they can adopt the pets. Hyman estimates that hundreds of animals have
been placed with new families over the years thanks to the efforts of ABC News 4. Other ways in which ABC promotes Charleston Animal Society is to showcase specific shelter events. They even give away tickets, which is just another reason viewers should tune in and watch Hyman’s appearances. That or perhaps seeing the models of the Firefighter Calendar visit the show! “We’re a sponsor of the Firefighter Calendar this year, so to be able to put a little extra promotion behind that and give Charleston Animal Society extra appearances with something a little different was great,” Lewis said of having a firefighter on each week along with a shelter animal. “It helps mix up the exposure a little bit and try to push sales to raise donations for Toby’s Fund. We have a great audience for that kind of thing—people who are home during the day or off and want to reach out and adopt and make a donation.” Lewis has also loved following along with Caitlyn’s story and being able to share it with viewers every step of the way. Caitlyn was found suffering, with her muzzle taped shut in the Spring of 2015. “To be able to bring Caitlyn’s story to the public was inspiring for a lot of people, especially to just see her come back after she made her recovery,” he notes.
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CALL TO ACTION:: USDA Controversy
WHERE HAVE ALL THE NUMBERS GONE?
NG I S S MI ATA D
BY WAYNE PACELLE, HSUS PRESIDENT & CEO
THERE’S AN OUTPOURING OF ANGER and mistrust about the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s abrupt decision in January to delete from its website inspection reports on some 9,000 licensed facilities that use animals, including commercial dog breeding operators, Tennessee walking horse show participants, roadside zoos, animal research labs, and other operations regulated under the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and Horse Protection Act (HPA). In February, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) took the first step to initiate legal action to challenge this outrageous action that undermines longstanding consensus about public access to information concerning these laws, and frustrates state, local, and industry efforts to help enforce them. The HSUS sued the USDA in 2005 over public access to AWA reports concerning animal use in university and other labora28 CAROLINA TAILS | SPRING 2017
tories. That case was settled in 2009 in exchange for the USDA’s agreement to post certain data on its website concerning research on animals. The agency’s precipitous decision to purge virtually all AWA and HPA enforcement documentation—just two weeks after President Trump assumed office—violates the plain terms of the settlement and a federal court order. It also runs contrary to Congressional provisions in 1996 and 2016 designed to increase transparency and electronic access to information. Under the order, once we file a notice of a violation, the parties must consult for 30 days to try to resolve the dispute. If that is not successful, the agency can be ordered to comply or be held in contempt. The prior lawsuit only covers some of the vast corpus of important enforcement data the USDA has scrubbed from its website. We hope this mandatory consultation period will give the USDA a chance to reconsider
this ill-advised and precipitous maneuver across the board. There is more than just a principle of transparency and good government at stake here. These documents are essential to a wide range of matters of direct interest to The HSUS, dozens of other animal welfare groups, state and federal lawmakers and regulators, regulated businesses, and many other stakeholders who rely upon the records of a public agency. Like every federal agency, the USDA operates thanks to the generosity of taxpayers, and it must be accountable to them. The USDA is changing the equation for the worse for animals and the public with this action. The HSUS will continue to pursue this matter until public access is fully restored. Please sign the petition urging the USDA to stop hiding animal welfare records and covering for abusers at www.humanesociety.org.
CARRIAGE INDUSTRY: Humane Treatment Now!
10 REASONS CHARLESTON IS STILL THE HARSHEST CITY ON HORSES IN U.S.
TO L L CA TION AC
BY JOE ELMORE, CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY CEO
2. 95° will still be the extreme upper limit in the nation. (Savannah is expected to lower their temperature to 95°, but measured once, and carriage loads are much lighter in Savannah.) 3. Rank and file cities across the nation pull the horses when the temperature is reached once, not four times. Charleston changed the temperature reading, with no public input, to two measurements a year and a half ago in favor of the carriage operators. Why is the City doubling that again? 4. Ten respected organizations support the call for a true scientific study to determine humane working conditions and a humane working environment for the working horses:
PLEASE CONTACT THE CITY OF Charleston and let them know you are disappointed with a recent move that will require four consecutive readings to pull horses from the street in the heat. While the move to lower temperatures to 95°F / 110° heat index is a step in the right direction, let them know we need a scientific study to insure working animals are properly protected. Here's why: 1. Despite the new drop in temperature, Charleston will still have the harshest and most extreme heat and load conditions in the nation for working carriage horses.
American Association of Equine Practitioners Pet Helpers ASPCA Hallie Hill Sanctuary HSUS Humane Net Trident Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) Charlestowne Neighborhood Association Charleston Animal Society Historic Ansonborough Neighborhood Association
5. A true scientific study would look at the relationship of all stressors (i.e. heat, humidity, load, rest, nourishment, etc.) to the horses and how they are interrelated rather than examining them in a vacuum. 6. Citizens and tourists alike reject the measurement of temperature atop a four-
story building versus at street level in the working environment of the animals. Charleston currently measures its official horse temperature on top of the Doubletree Hotel – four stories above the hot pavement. (The gold standard for measuring temperature and heat index for both animals and humans in performance activities is the wet bulb globe temperature device, which is verifiable data for courts of law and other uses). 7. The proposed change in the ordinance is based on an arbitrary, not scientific, basis and subsequent misinformation provided to the Tourism Commission 8. Charleston Animal Society has adopted a position statement that it is NOT against working animals, specifically horses, provided that they work in a humane environment and under humane conditions, which is not the case with Charleston's working horses. This is why the Society calls for significant reform of the system. 9. The Society has never called for a ban on the enterprise provided that it is conducted humanely and monitored independently. The Society is not antibusiness! Carriage operators across America profit from this enterprise working in lower temperatures and with lighter loads! 10. Contrary to false and misguided characterizations of this issue, the Society has never called a carriage horse company, operator or employee "animal abusers or cruel to their animals." The Society has focused attention on the system, meaning the working environment and the working conditions of the animals. SPRING 2017 | CAROLINA TAILS
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ANIMAL CARE
VET DIRECTORY Charleston Animal Society and Carolina Tails want to always promote the best habits for animal care possible and seeing your veterinarian regularly is key to having a happy, healthy animal.
Charleston
West Ashley
North Charleston
Saddleback Mobile Veterinary Service (843) 718-4299 Mobile
Air Harbor Veterinary Clinic (843) 556-5252 1925 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407
Animal Hospital of North Charleston (843) 352-8404 8389 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston, SC 29418
All Creatures Veterinary Clinic (843) 579-0030 224 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC 29401 Patrick Veterinary Clinic (843) 722-4470 667 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403 Charleston Harbor Veterinarians (843) 410-8290 280 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403 Olde Towne Veterinary Clinic (843) 723-1443 17 Pinckney St, Charleston, SC 29401
Bees Ferry Veterinary Hospital (843) 769-6784 3422 Shelby Ray Ct, Charleston, SC 29414 West Ashley Veterinary Clinic (843) 571-7095 840 St Andrews Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407 Animal Care Center (843) 556-9993 1662 Savannah Hwy #135, Charleston, SC 29407 Animal Medical West (843) 766-7387 704 Orleans Rd, Charleston, SC 29407 Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (843) 614-8387 3484 Shelby Ray Ct, Charleston, SC 29414 VCA Charles Towne Animal Hospital (843) 571-4291 850 Savannah Highway Charleston, SC 29407 Banfield Pet Hospital (843) 766-7724 2076 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407
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Lowcountry Pet Wellness Clinic (843) 556-7387 5900 Rivers Ave, Unit D-1, North Charleston, SC 29406 Veterinary Specialty Care (843) 793-2161 3163 West Montague Ave, North Charleston, SC 29418 Dorchester Veterinary Hospital (843) 552-0259 5617 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston, SC 29418 Coastal Carolina Veterinary Specialists (843) 747-1507 3163 W Montague Ave, North Charleston, SC 29418 Charleston Heights Veterinary Clinic (843) 554-4361 2124 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston, SC 29405 Northwoods Veterinary Clinic (843) 553-0441 8320 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29406 The Animal Hospital of North Charleston (843) 608-8948 8389 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston, SC 29418 Banfield Pet Hospital (843) 797-4677 7620 Rivers Ave, Charleston, SC 29406
Mount Pleasant Exotic Vet Care (843) 216-8387 814 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 East Cooper Animal Hospital (843) 884-6171 993 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Island Veterinary Care (843) 628-1941 Mobile Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital (843) 884-4921 1213 Ben Sawyer Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Pet Vet Animal Hospital (843) 416-9304 307 Mill St, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Shuler Animal Hospital (843) 884-4494 1769 Highway 17 N, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Veterinary Specialty Care (843) 216-7554 985 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Advanced Animal Care of Mount Pleasant (843) 884-9838 3373 S Morgans Point Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
Animal Eye Care of the Lowcountry (843) 881-2242 1131 Queensborough Blvd Suite 100, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Tidewater Veterinary (843) 856-7300 1964 Riviera Dr Suite G, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Animal Medical Center of Mt. Pleasant (843) 881-5858 958 Houston Northcutt Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Banfield Pet Hospital (843) 971-7460 911 Houston Northcutt, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Cats Only Animal Hospital (843) 849-1661 1492 B North Highway 17, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Long Point Animal Hospital (843) 971-7701 757 Long Point Rd, #B, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Lowcountry Cat Practice (843) 884-7966 1184 Highway 41, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 Palmetto Veterinary Hospital (843) 881-9915 2443 Hwy 17 N, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 Park West Veterinary Associates Park West Veterinary Associates Simply Spay & Neuter (843) 856-9190 1054-C Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Southeast Veterinary Dermatology & Ear Clinic (843) 849-7770 1131 Queensborough Blvd Suite 100, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Banfield Pet Hospital (843) 971-7460 (843) 388-1701 676 Long Point Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Isle of Palms Sandy Cove Veterinary Clinic (843) 885-6969 1521 Palm Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
James Island Folly Road Animal Hospital (843) 762-4944 1038 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412 Charleston Veterinary Care (843) 789-3222 51 Windermere Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407 Maybank Animal Hospital (843) 795-3131 1917 Maybank Hwy, Charleston, SC 29412
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ANIMAL CARE
James Island
Goose Creek
Ohlandt Veterinary Clinic (843) 795-7574 1509 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
Creekside Veterinary Clinic (843) 824-8044 431-G St. James Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445
Sea Islands Veterinary Hospital (843) 795-6477 1310 Camp Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
Mt. Holly Veterinary Clinic (843) 405-7765 113 St. James Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445
James Island Veterinary Hospital (843)795-5295 756 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
Animal Medical Clinic of Goose Creek (843) 569-3647 102 Central Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445
Central Veterinary Hospital (843) 851-2112 1215 Central Ave, Summerville, SC 29483
Banfield Pet Hospital (843) 406-8609 520 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
Goose Creek Veterinary Clinic (843) 553-7011 501 Redbank Rd. Goose Creek, SC 29445
Shambley Equine Clinic (843) 875-5133 122 Kay Ln, Summerville, SC 29483
Hanahan
Knightsville Veterinary Clinic (843) 851-7784 478 W Butternut Rd, Summerville, SC 29483
Pet Helpers Spay and Neuter Clinic (843) 302-0556 1447 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
Johns Island Angel Oak Animal Hospital (843) 559-1838 3160 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455
Best Friends Animal Clinic (843) 414-7455 1000 Tanner Ford Blvd, Hanahan, SC 29410 Hanahan Veterinary Clinic (843) 744-8927 1283 Yeamans Hall Rd, Hanahan, SC 29410
Bohicket Veterinary Clinic (843) 559-3889 3472 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455
Ladson
Johns Island Animal Hospital (843) 559-9697 1769 Main Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455
College Park Road Veterinary Clinic (843) 797-1493 186 College Park Rd, Ladson, SC 29456
Riverbank Veterinary Clinic (843) 277-2250 2814 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455
Moncks Corner
Southside Animal Hospital (843) 556-6969 3642 Savannah Hwy Suite 176 West Ashley Place, Johns Island, SC 29455 Sun Dog Cat Moon (843) 437-0063 2908 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455
Daniel Island Daniel Island Animal Hospital (843) 881-7228 291 Seven Farms Dr, Daniel Island, SC 29492 Lowcountry Home Vet (843) 406-2997 Mobile
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Lowcountry Pet Hospice and Home Euthanasia (843) 640-9755 Mobile
Summerville Sangaree Animal Hospital (843) 494-5121 1665-A N Main St, Summerville, SC 29486 Sangaree Animal Hospital at Cane Bay (843) 494-5121 1724 State Rd, Unit 5D, Summerville SC 29486 Banfield Pet Hospital (843) 832-0919 470 Azalea Square Blvd, Summerville, SC 29483
Flowertown Animal Hospital (843) 875-6303 1401 Bacons Bridge Rd, Summerville, SC 29485 Westbury Veterinary Clinic (843) 873-2761 1497 W 5th North St, Summerville, SC 29483
Nemasket Veterinary Clinic (843) 871-4560 605 Miles Rd, Summerville, SC 29485 Oakbrook Veterinary Clinic (843) 871-2900 1705 Old Trolley Rd, Summerville, SC 29485 Sweetgrass Animal Hospital (843) 225-9663 9730 Dorchester Rd Suite 101, Summerville, SC 29485
ADVERTISER SPOTLIGHT:: Good Eats
EAST BAY DELI Editor’s Note: Carolina Tails Magazine would not be possible if it weren’t for the support of our many advertisers. We hope you enjoy this profile of one of our advertisers and we look forward to bringing you more Advertiser Spotlights in the future. Please support the businesses you see in Carolina Tails! BY TERI ERRICO GRIFFIS
WHEN LUNCHTIME ARRIVES, EAST BAY Deli is packed, providing some of the most quality sandwiches in the Lowcountry. Opening its first doors downtown in 2001, owners Dan Jaicks and Chuck Lee now have multiple locations around the state. They love their home of Charleston, and they love giving back to their neighbors— especially Charleston Animal Society. Dan Jaicks’ wife, Joanna Jaicks, Office Manager and Director of Marketing, said she will always remember the deli’s first days. “We really only planned to open the one store downtown, but it did well so we decided to open another one,” she said. They’ve now grown to nearly 10 locations, Summerville, Mt. Pleasant, West Ashley and two stores in North Charleston. There are franchise locations in North Myrtle Beach, Florence and downtown Columbia. And in April another location will open up in Lexington. Dan Jaicks and Lee’s story begins nearly 30 years ago when they started out in the restaurant business. The two were best friends working together at Applebee’s, but always shared a dream of owning their own business. Today they successfully feed the masses in Charleston and despite their growing business, they will always call the Lowcountry home. “What’s great about Charleston is you see people you know all the time. It’s growing and yet it seems somewhat small. That’s what we like about it most,” Joanna Jaicks says. And when it comes to friendly faces, she admits East Bay Deli definitely has its regulars they know by name.
And what is it the loyal customers love the most? Aside from the quality meats, generous portions, exceptional customer service and a clean, inviting atmosphere, Joanna Jaicks believes it just might be their Citadel Sandwich. “That one sells the most just about anywhere. If you’ve never had one you should try it!” Oven roasted turkey and imported ham with honey mustard dressing, crispy bacon, lettuce, and tomato, The Citadel is topped with melted Swiss and cheddar cheeses and is served on toasted wheat bread. Add a side
of traditional New York Cheesecake and you’re a fan for life. The Jaicks in turn are fans of Charleston Animal Society, and it’s one of their favorite local organizations to support. “We love animals. We have four cats and a dog, and Chuck has two cats, and all of ours are rescues,” Joanna Jaicks says, noting one cat is from Charleston Animal Society. “We love them because they’re No Kill—which is wonderful. And they do such an excellent job taking care of the animals. Anybody that loves animals is tops in our books!”
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RESCUE:: Adopt, Don’t Buy!
TAKE ME HOME
RESC U ME E
Spring is here, that glorious season when everything is fresh and new and blooming! Start some new memories for your family with an adoptable pet from Charleston Animal Society. They come behavior-tested and snuggle-approved. Come see us at 2455 Remount Road or visit www.CharlestonAnimalSociety.org. Cat Photography: Marie Rodriguez / MarieRodriguezPhotography.com; Dog Photography: Jeanne Taylor / JTPetPics.com
Call me Felix. It comes from the Latin origin for kitties, felis catus? Please come adoptus!
Hello, I'm Nicole. A little known fact, but I can turn my ears 180°. No kidding!
I'm not a nurse or anything, but studies show just petting a dog like me can help lower your blood pressure. Come see! Ask for Mary Anne.
I'm Carter. Yes, cats really do sleep 70% of the time with 15% devoted to grooming. But the rest is "you" time, I promise.
They named me Pluto, because I'm "over the moon" for you. Hopefully an astrophysicist is reading this and gets my humor.
I'm Chrysler. Did you know I'll be 25 (in human years) by the end of year two?! We're wasting time here people, come adopt!
I'm Willow with a tip for guys. You're 3x more likely to meet a girl, if you have a dog with you. (HINT, HINT.)
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I am Neptune. God of the Sea. Come adopt. The beach awaits!
CONSERVATION:: Endangered Species
GOPHER TORTOISE MAKING COMEBACK
WIL
DLIF
Why Our Environment is Counting on it.
E
BY ELLIE WHITCOMB PAYNE
GOPHER TORTOISES LIVE IN THE southeastern United States with the northern end of its habitat encompassing parts of South Carolina, where they are considered endangered. If the gopher tortoises die out, that could spell bad news for the Carolina environment because gopher tortoises are considered a keystone species. If they go, hundreds of other animals could fall like dominoes. Scientists estimate that 360 other animal species make their homes in the large burrows the gopher tortoises dig. Cue the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). The agency plans to release a group of gopher tortoises late this summer at the Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve, where the agency has been tracking the dwindling species since 2016. This is part of a collaborative effort with the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia and Savannah River Ecology Lab (SREL) that seeks to bolster the population of tortoises at the preservation site. Will Dillman, a herpetologist with SCDNR, explains that the idea behind the survivor and movement study is to collect waif hatchlings (baby tortoises from unknown regions) and raise them through a husbandry program at Columbia Zoo, to later be released and tracked for educational purposes. 36 CAROLINA TAILS | SPRING 2017
If you go to the zoo, you won’t be able to find these tortoises on exhibit. The zoo separates the reptiles in a controlled environment to mimic life in the wild, regulating details, such as diet and UV exposure. “Riverbanks Zoo partnered with us to provide expertise in tortoise rearing,” says Dillman. “A successful telemetry project will deliver data about survivorship and recruitment of hatchlings and released juvenile tortoises with the overall goal to establish a viable population on the site.” When released, most of the tortoises will have survived past the vulnerable hatchling age and will be large enough to carry a small radio transmitter, which SCDNR will use to track movement and behavior. An area will need at least 250 adults of varying ages to see regular reproduction needed for population growth. Some of the 30 hatchlings currently in the study will be released this year, with more in years to come. The group will consist of hatchlings, yearlings and 2-year-old tortoises. Those involved are optimistic, because they’ve done this before. The project is a continuation of the program organized in 2006 by SCDNR and SREL, who have successfully reintroduced tortoises at the Aiken site.
Gopher tortoises live in southern South Carolina, where they are considered an endangered species. Their large burrows provide shelter for many other animals in their habitat.
GOPHER TORTOISES Length: 11.8” Height: 14.6” Weight: 8 pounds
OUTDOORS:: Home Care
THE TURF IS ALWAYS GREENER BY TERI ERRICO GRIFFIS
NOTHING BEATS A BIG, BEAUTIFUL grassy yard for your pet to play in. But grass growers know all too well how a green yard can quickly turn into a blotchy field of yellow patches thanks to your pet’s potty habits. You can try training them to do their business in one spot or even give supplements to your dog to alleviate this issue, but Marty Huggins with Palmetto Moon Synthetic Turf recommends instead that pet owners purchase a turf yard. Problems solved! Huggins has laid turf for every kind of yard imaginable: dog parks, doggie daycare centers, pet grass installations, and more. His Charleston-based company, which began in 2007, serves the entire state of South Carolina, as well as Charlotte and Savannah. He may be biased, but he can’t speak well enough to the perks of an artificial turf lawn versus sod. Aside from no more yellow patches, some of the biggest benefits for pet owners—and parents alike—is the end of grass stains and muddy paws! No dirt, no mud, no problem. Artificial grass also reduces the presence of mosquitos, fleas and other pests, a high-priority health concern here in the Lowcountry. Then there’s the benefits to your home and lifestyle. “Artificial lawns reduce ground, air and water pollution from fertilizers. It reduces seasonal allergies from grass as well,” Huggins says, adding that artificial grass also means less outdoor water consumption and waste through lawn irrigation, as well as the negation of any noise pollution from lawnmowers and edgers. For those who are green-conscious, turf is made with renewable and recycled materials. It is 100% recyclable at the end of its life cycle, which is around 25-30 years. While turf may cost more than sodding, the benefits of artificial grass is that you
don’t have to re-sod every two or three years due to pets digging it up or killing it with their urine, so the average rate of return is four to five years. “Turf is going to be more expensive than sodding a yard but for many people who cannot grow grass because of pets, shade, oak trees or bad soil, artificial turf is the only viable solution unless you want to re-sod every year or two,” Huggins says. “In the long run, an artificial lawn will save you money.” As far as temperatures go, Huggins notes that many turf products have a cool turf technology which makes them 14-20 degrees cooler than turf from just a few years ago. They may be a little hotter than real grass in the summer, though definitely not hotter than the brick or concrete around it. A light spray down with your hose helps cool things down. And of course, who can forget drainage issues—when is it not a problem in the Lowcountry! Huggins says that depending on the type of turf you install, it will drain anywhere from 60 to 90 gallons per hour per square yard. “Pet grass is a no-brainer for people with pets. There are no holes since they can't dig through the turf, no dirty dog paws or coats full of grass, no brown dead spots in the grass and it's easier to see and clean the dog poop from turf,” Huggins said.
SAVE THE GRASS! Laying an artificial lawn isn’t the answer for everyone, and for those who do have a yard full of grass, here are some tips to preserve its vibrant color! 1.NATURVET GRASS SAVER PILLS. These healthy supplements for dogs contain a unique formula of B-Complex vitamins and amino acids that help lower the pH level of your pet’s urine, which helps avoid those unsightly yellow spots on your lawn. Taken twice a day, they can save your grass. *Consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any oral supplements. 2.WATER YOUR GRASS. Flush affected areas with water as soon as possible. Unfortunately badly damaged spots may need to be patched up with sod or re-seeded, but you can try Scotts Turf Builder EZ Seed Dog Spot Repair for those spots that are beyond saving. 3.SPOT TRAIN YOUR DOG. Like any training, command and reward your dog to only go potty in one spot, therefore negating the destruction of your lawn all over. You can also head to your local pet store and buy a pheromonetreated pee post that your dog will seek out to do his business on every time.
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AROUND TOWN Photos: Beth Huntley
The 143rd Annual Meeting of Charleston Animal Society was held on a beautiful sunny day at the River Course Club on Kiawah Island. The Annual Meeting Committee Chair was Board Member Meg Phillips and the keynote address was delivered by HSUS President & CEO Wayne Pacelle.
(L to R): Helen-Pratt Thomas (Board Vice-President), Elizabeth Bradham (Outgoing Board President), Hank Greer (Incoming Board President) Laurel Greer (Board Treasurer), Joe Elmore (CEO)
HSUS South Carolina Director Kim Kelly with HSUS President & CEO Wayne Pacelle
(L to R): Board Member Peter Waters, Board Vice President Helen Pratt-Thomas, Board Member and Annual Meeting Chair Meg Phillips
(L to R): Tom and Theresa Evans, Board Member Hal Creel and former Board Member Julie Bresnan
Charleston Animal Society's Pets for Life Team: Aldwin Roman, Kristin Kifer and Conor Thompson.
(Rear) Hendrick Charleston Director of Community Relations Donald Smith and his wife Frances with guests.
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TIME TO PLAY!
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Kids are some of the best animal advocates so we’ve devoted this space to young pet lovers.