Thank you to Charleston Animal Society’s supporters
Hank & Laurel Greer!
shelter animals each year.
Charleston Animal Society’s incredible volunteers fostered 2,616 vulnerable animals (yes, including horses) last year!
Thank you to Charleston Animal Society’s supporter
W.B. Henry Contracting Inc!
Publisher: Charleston Animal Society
Editor-in-Chief: Dan Krosse
Managing Editor: Joe Elmore
Sponsorships: Danielle Zuck
Graphic Design: mclaughlin design
Copy Editors: Joe Elmore, Cristina Guillermo, Natassia Donohue, Kylie Wiest
Writers: Dan Krosse, Cristina Guillermo, Heather Grogan, Abigail Appleton, Kay Hyman, Joe Elmore, Lindsey Cummings, Lisa Pearce, Nick Krueger
Photographers: Jeanne Taylor, Will Howell, Dan Krosse, Heather Grogan, Lindsey Cummings, Kylie Wiest, Chris & Cami
Photography, Christine Brugge, Jane Goodall Institute
For inquiries regarding sponsorships, distribution or suggestions in Carolina Tails contact:
2455 Remount Road North Charleston, SC 29406 (843) 747-4849 CharlestonAnimalSociety.org
Executive Committee & Officers
Martin Deputy, Chair
Jane Graham, Vice Chair
Gerri Greenwood, Vice Chair
Aussie Geer, Vice Chair
Patricia Henley, Secretary
Donald M. Smith, Treasurer
Louise Palmer
Edward “Ted” Corvey, III, Esq.
Luigi Bravo
Hank Greer
Laurel Greer, Immediate Past Chair
2025 Members of the Board
William Asche, Esq.
Linda Bakker
Cara Bibbiani
Luigi Bravo
Caroline Clark
Edward “Ted” Corvey, III, Esq.
Martin Deputy
Aussie Geer
Jane Graham
Hank Greer
Laurel Greer
Gerri Greenwood
Carolyn Murray
Louise Palmer
Charleston Animal Society kept 2,442 pets healthy with vet care, food, and emergency support for families in need last year. Thank you to Charleston Animal Society’s supporter Karen Sadik-Khan!
Did you know Charleston Animal Society helps more than 5,000 animals find loving families every year?
Thank you to Charleston Animal Society’s supporter Caroline Clark!
I want to open up with a big announcement: Paws in the Park presented by Fetch Pet Insurance is BACK! Join us March 21 at Brittlebank Park downtown (12pm – 4pm) as we welcome spring with an epic celebration of the animals that we all love. Please mark your calendars! If you want tickets, or if your company would like to become a sponsor, go to CharlestonAnimalSociety.org/PiP for details.
In 2025 we celebrated many successes. Most notably, we expanded our lifesaving programs in a new partnership with Berkeley County. With the largest shelter in the state (Charleston Animal Society) joining forces with the 4th largest shelter (Berkeley), we truly are stronger together.
At the same time, we faced significant challenges, and you responded. Our campuses are caring for nearly 2,000 animals at times, highlighting both the scale of the need and the urgency of our work. Despite this pressure, we truly appreciate the profound display of community spirit stepping up through fostering, adopting, donating and volunteering.
Your belief in our vision that every healthy and treatable animal should be saved remains the foundation of everything we do. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster issued a proclamation naming May 8th “No Kill South Carolina Day” to recognize the state’s achievement of becoming a No Kill state in 2024. This milestone means that at least 90% of animals entering South Carolina’s shelters and rescues are given a second chance at life.
In 2025, we were recognized as the leading nonprofit as voted on by readers of the Post and Courier, the Charleston City Paper, Moultrie News, Mount Pleasant Magazine, the Berkeley Independent, Lowcountry Parent Magazine and the Charleston Regional Business Journal.
Charleston Animal Society was one of only three organizations to receive the national Touchstone Award at the Best Friends National Lifesaving Conference in February, with 2,000 in attendance. The Touchstone Award recognizes shelters and communities that have made progress toward Best Friends’ goal of a No Kill nation by thinking outside the box.
We can’t wait for you to see the amazing stories you’ve made possible, as laid out in the following pages of Carolina Tails. Meet Creeker, a bomb-sniffing dog now pulling duty with the Goose Creek Police Department. Creeker is an alumnus of Charleston Animal Society’s Berkeley Campus (pg. 8)! Another charismatic canine, Boo, charmed his way once again on Capitol Hill, engaging top members of congress on behalf of shelter animals (pg. 9).
Learn about “The Vet’s Dog,” a natural nutritional supplement developed by well-known Charleston emergency veterinarian
Dr. Henri Bianucci, for his dog Phil, who he trained with for marathons (pg. 13). Read about how our incredible Bear Greer Memorial Cat Sanctuary will celebrate 10 years in 2026 (pg. 30) and don’t miss our article on Charleston County Parks– because, as they write, “your backyard just got bigger.” (pg. 26)
In 2025, we lost local business legend Edwin Pearlstine. Please take a moment to read Kay Hyman’s tribute to this philanthropist and all of the love and support he offered our community animals throughout his life (pg. 32). And speaking of support, our cover story is sponsored by Wendy and Doc Gilder. It is the story of how her dog Buddha came to her, bringing her an unexpected lifelong friendship as well. (pg. 19)
Cheers to each of you for bright and happy holidays and wonderful New Year. See you March 21st at Paws in the Park presented by Fetch Pet Insurance!
With gratitude, Martin
Martin Deputy Board Chairman Charleston Animal Society
Congratulations to Macie Gregory! Macie was a Summer Intern from Charleston County’s program for two years at Charleston Animal Society (2023 and 2024) and learned she has been accepted at the Mississippi State College of Veterinary Medicine! Macie told us, “I couldn’t have done it without my internships and clinical hours from Charleston Animal Society. Who knows, maybe next time I see you it will be as a DVM?”
The 2025 Hank and Laurel Greer Lifesaving Raffle had another lucky winner in October. This time, it was a volunteer for Charleston Animal Society, Marian Chatfield! This was the 9th raffle sponsored by the Greers, whose efforts have raised a whopping $2,346,207! Big thanks to Crews Subaru for their sponsorship, which included a $10,000 donation to the animals.
Winners:
2025 Subaru Ascent Winner: Marian Chatfield
$10,000 Winner: Denise Adkins
$5,000 Winner: Frances Bombardier
$2,000 Winner: James Hudson
Thirteen-year-old Ella Lathan has been named the recipient of the Future Philanthropist Award by the Lowcountry chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals for her remarkable compassion and creativity at Charleston Animal Society. A longtime camp volunteer, Ella uses her artistic talent to help shelter pets find loving homes. Working independently after camp hours, she paints portraits of hard-to-adopt animals, like Salley the cat and Scott the pit bull, capturing their true personalities and inspiring adopters to see their beauty. Her heartfelt art has directly led to multiple adoptions and inspired fellow campers to create adoption posters. Ella’s dedication shows how one young person’s talent can truly change lives.
Humane Perspectives: Leadership Voices in Animal Welfare brings together 45 of the most respected leaders in animal protection, rescue, and shelter management. Edited by Cathy M. Rosenthal, CHES, with a foreword by Jim Tedford, CAWA, the book explores the evolving meaning of humane leadership — from compassion and ethics to resilience and innovation. The expertise of Charleston Animal Society President and CEO Joe Elmore, CAWA is featured in the book.
By DAN KROSSE
In July, Charleston Animal Society in partnership with the Berkeley Sheriff’s Office, aided in the rescue and care of more than 35 dogs seized from a Berkeley County property on July 2. Goose Creek Police assisted in the seizure.
“Tragically, we also discovered the skulls of three dogs onsite,” said Charleston Animal Society Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Aldwin Roman, CAWA.
The suspect in the case was convicted of animal cruelty in 2015, after law enforcement found 200 dogs buried in his yard. As this latest cruelty case winds its way through court, Charleston Animal Society’s Berkeley Campus has been busy finding new homes for the hounds. All but two have been adopted! “We know we will find Wendell and Walter homes, we won’t give up,” said Berkeley Campus Shelter Manager Dezi Bald Eagle.
When Lacy was brought to Charleston Animal Society, she was in terrible shape, with her ribs and spine protruding. On top of this, her best friend in the world, another horse named Sweepea, was suffering from a malignant tumor that had been left untreated too long and she had to be humanely euthanized. Troubled by Sweepea’s loss, Lacy slowly bounced back under the love and patience of Charleston Animal Society fosters Holly and Stan Jones. What’s more, Lacy put on more than 150-lbs.!
In October, Lacy (now Lady) was healthy enough for adoption and is now living in a pasture that she shares with a new friend named Dan.
Just before Halloween, Charleston Animal Society was called upon to help save several pythons, a family of bearded dragons, and a tarantula. “House Slytherin” came to us after Charleston City Police found the animals living in an apartment in inhumane conditions. The snakes are doing well after being sent to a snake rescue and only one of three bearded dragons is still looking for a home. As for the Tarantula? It was the first to be adopted and is slowly adjusting, according to adopter Tricia McCaslin. “Everything is trainable. My goal is to have him or her hang out on my shoulder,” McCaslin said. She is letting the spider settle in for a while inside an aquarium next to her reading chair before she handles him or her to determine the tarantula’s sex.
By DAN KROSSE
Crews Subaru announced as Presenting Sponsor celebrating animals and the people who love them.
This holiday season, K9 Creeker will be snuggled up near a Christmas Tree in a nice, warm home, taking a much-deserved break from her day job as a bomb sniffing dog for the Goose Creek Police Department.
The holidays will mark a long journey from where Creeker started out, as a puppy brought in to Charleston Animal Society’s Berkeley Campus after being abandoned at a gas station. A volunteer heard about Creeker and thought she should go “take a peek” at her, and that one look is all it took. The volunteer happened to be Goose Creek Police Chief LJ Roscoe, who thought Creeker would make a great addition to the force. “They sent me a picture of her sticking her nose out of the crate. I said, ‘I’m on the way,’” Roscoe recalls.
With the opening of the Danning Amphitheater in Goose Creek, Roscoe had already budgeted to purchase a bomb dog who could survey the area before events. Creeker’s adoption saved the city the expense of purchasing a new K9. “So with Creeker, I took a chance and I started training her about a month after I got her,” said Roscoe. Creeker did so well, she’s now fully certified in explosives and in tracking. That means if a child, an Alzheimer’s patient or any person goes missing, Creeker can use her gifted nose to find the person who’s lost.
In late October, Creeker put on a demonstration for Carolina Tails. While this writer stood in a
TOP LEFT: Creeker while she was at the Berkeley Campus, sticking her nose out, that caught the police chief’s attention. RIGHT: Goose Creek Police Chief LJ Roscoe with Creeker at the Danning Amphitheater in Goose Creek.
BOTTOM LEFT: Creeker jumps a hurdle at the Leashes and Beaches competition in North Myrtle Beach.
training room, Creeker was brought in and after methodically surveying the room, Creeker found two different explosive training packs that had been planted by police in advance. When she alerts, Creeker stops moving and sits quietly at the explosive’s location. “Once she alerts, I walk backwards. So she’ll walk toward me and then I reward her,” said Roscoe. “That’s for her safety, of course. If it’s a bomb, I don’t want her to stay there.” Creeker trains every Tuesday with the K9 unit.
Goose Creek police recently held active threat training at a warehouse. It was a large-scale exercise with an actor playing the part of an active shooter in the building. As part of the practice, the shooter hid a backpack with training explosives, which gave Creeker the opportunity to go in and find it, which she did.
When Creeker is home, she has a big sister “Goose” who is another German Shepherd trained as a narcotics dog. Roscoe says the two have very different personalities, with Creeker being much more clingy. “I honestly think
that rescue dogs know they were rescued and they will always show their appreciation,” said Roscoe.
As you might guess, the police chief is a huge advocate for shelter dogs. She encourages everyone to start their search for a new pet at an area shelter, “I DNA tested Creeker, she’s a pure-bred German Shepherd!”
Roscoe, who has also fostered shelter animals, hopes people remember that any dog will need time, patience, and attention to become the dog you want. “You have to realize that no matter what the breed, no matter whether you get it from a breeder, whether you get it from a shelter, you have got to invest time in these dogs,” she said.
And this Christmas, Roscoe says both Goose and Creeker will have stockings with their names on them, some cheese (because they both love cheese) and maybe, just maybe, a little taste of turkey.
By JOE ELMORE, CAWA, CFRE Charleston Animal Society President and CEO
It’s been an incredible journey for Boo, a strapping 85-pound Great Pyrenees-Golden Retriever mix rescued just three and a half years ago from a puppy mill operation in Pickens County. From humble beginnings, Boo has risen to become the official ambassador to Washington, D.C. for Charleston Animal Society’s statewide initiative, No Kill South Carolina, funded by Petco Love.
Over the past two summers, Boo’s mission has been to put a face — and a wagging tail — on the lifesaving work being done in South Carolina. As the representative of more than 35,000 animals helped by Charleston Animal Society across the state, Boo traveled to Capitol Hill to help tell Charleston Animal Society’s 151-year-old story and advocate for animal welfare policy with the South Carolina Congressional Delegation. Everywhere Boo went during his 2024 and 2025 visits, staffers and elected officials alike couldn’t resist coming out of their offices to meet him. Whether he was visiting with Senator Lindsey Graham, Senator Tim Scott, Congressman Jim Clyburn, or other members of Congress, Boo brought smiles — and serious conversations — into every South Carolina Congressional office.
To commemorate Boo’s first visit in 2024, the U.S. flag flew over the Capitol in honor of Charleston Animal Society’s Sesquicentennial Anniversary — a fitting tribute to both Boo and the organization’s long history of service.
Boo didn’t just make waves on Capitol Hill. At the South Carolina Business Council meetings and Senator Scott’s Annual Prayer Breakfast, Boo stole the show — often drawing more photo requests than the Members of Congress themselves.
A surprise hit of the trip? The custom “Boo and Sam Greer” baseball cards handed out across the Capitol. These collectible cards told the rescue stories of Boo and his feline counterpart, Sam, keeping South Carolina’s animal welfare issues top of mind in a fun and memorable way.
“This trip was incredible. To have Boo there to help us share our message was perfect,” said Laurel Greer, former Chair of Charleston Animal Society’s Board.
The 2024 trip — dubbed “Boo Goes to Washington” — was such a success that Boo was invited back in 2025, for what became known as “Boo Returns to Washington.”
Charleston Animal Society is now working with Senator Graham’s Office on a bold new workforce development strategy, aiming to address South Carolina’s shortage of trained shelter veterinarians, support staff, animal control officers, and career opportunities for at-risk youth.
As Boo continues his ambassadorial work back home, we invite you to give him a friendly salute the next time you see him — for his incredible service in advocating for animals across the Palmetto State.
Petco Love Pick Me! SC, South Carolina’s biggest dog and cat adoption event of the year, took place June 20th to June 29th. The 2,416 adoptions over the 10 days brought the grand total of lives saved to more than 15,000 animals over the seven years the event has been held! This statewide adoption celebration, powered by Petco Love — and organized by Charleston Animal Society’s No Kill South Carolina initiative — united more than 90 animal shelters, rescue organizations, and Petco pet care centers, making it easy to find a new best friend in every corner of South Carolina.
As part of Petco Love Pick Me! SC, Charleston Animal Society’s Simon Greer Mobile Spay-Neuter Clinic traveled the state to ensure hundreds of pets received vital preadoption care, including spay-neuter surgery and vaccinations. Pick Me is the largest annual statewide dog and cat adoption event in the U.S.
“Petco Love Pick Me! SC showcases the incredible impact we can have when shelters, rescues, and communities unite with one
By SAMANTHA McKINNON Fetch Pet Insurance, Chief Experience Officer
Pet parenting is one of life’s greatest joys, but it also comes with real responsibilities. At the top of that list is making sure your pet gets the medical care they need to live a long, healthy life. Vet care costs have risen sharply, with visits now up to 60% more than a few years ago. Since one in three pets will need emergency treatment each year, even the most prepared pet parents can face an unexpected bill.
That’s where pet insurance helps. It’s a safety net, letting you focus on care instead of cost. More than six million pet parents in the U.S. and Canada already have pet insurance to be ready for whatever comes next.
Every six seconds, a pet parent is hit with an unplanned vet bill of $1,000 or more. Fetch Pet Insurance helps make those moments manageable with the most complete coverage for cats and dogs. And when you enroll in Fetch Wellness, you get coverage for the preventative care that keeps your pet healthy. Plus, Fetch has exclusive member benefits that support your pet’s overall health and happiness:
• Fetch Health Perks: Over $1,500 in annual savings on everyday essentials like food, litter, treats, training, and more.
• Fetch Pet Rx: Get 100% back on qualifying medications when filled through the Fetch Pharmacy.
• Fetch Online Vets: Access $1,000 in televet coverage each year with no copay or deductible.
Together, these benefits make Fetch more than just insurance — it’s a smart investment to give your pet a longer, healthier life.
The best time to get pet insurance is when your pet is healthy — before any signs or symptoms of illness appear. Like other providers, Fetch doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, meaning any illness or injury your pet has before enrollment won’t be eligible for coverage. The sooner you sign up, the sooner your pet is protected for what’s next.
Once you’ve decided to get pet insurance, the next step is choosing the right provider and level of coverage. Here’s what to look for when comparing options:
• Coverage: Fetch covers more types of injuries and illnesses than other providers, including, full mouth dental for every adult tooth and gums, exam fees that cost up to $250, and complete treatment for injuries and diseases — from diagnostics and testing to identify the issue, all the way through treatment and follow-ups.
• Claims: Choose a provider with a simple claims process. With Fetch, there’s no paperwork or long forms — just snap a picture of your paid invoice and file a claim in the app within minutes. You can track your claim status and enroll in direct
deposit to get your money back in as little as two days after approval.
• Exclusions and limits: While no provider covers pre-existing conditions, exclusions vary. Fetch clearly lists what’s excluded in jargon-free language, unlike others who list pages of included items, leaving pet parents uncertain.
• Waiting periods: There’s a waiting period of up to 15 days before illness coverage begins. Any illness that occurs during this time won’t be covered. There’s no waiting period for accident coverage or, if added, Fetch Wellness — these can be used on or after your policy’s effective date.
Bottom line: Pet insurance gives you the freedom to make care decisions based on what’s best for your pet, not what’s in your wallet. Fetch makes that possible with the most complete coverage, exclusive health perks, and benefits designed to help your pet live a longer, healthier life.
Editor’s Note: Fetch Pet Insurance is an amazing corporate partner of Charleston Animal Society. When people come to adopt, a Fetch representative is on-hand in our adoption lobby offering counseling and resources regarding pet insurance. Visitors to the Animal Society are so thankful to learn about options for protecting their new pets during their lifetimes. Fetch offered this advice to Carolina Tails readers to consider when deciding what kind of pet insurance will meet your needs best.
recommended and tested by a Veterinarian Surgeon
Each chew contains a proprietary blend of functional plant ingredients known for their antioxidant, immune-supporting, and inflammation-balancing properties. Formulated specifically for the vet's dog and now available for yours.
Elevating pet health through scientific innovation.
Contact us at: info@vetsdog.com for more information.
By HENRI BIANUCCI, DVM, DACVS
The education and training process that made a veterinarian and a surgical specialist out of me was firmly rooted in western medical and scientific methods. Botanical therapies were regarded with skepticism, and even derision. This, in spite of the fact that everyday medicines, such as aspirin and morphine, are also derived from plants.
About twenty years ago, with this as my prevailing mindset, I went in for a consultation with a family to break the news that the spleen I had removed from their dog a week prior contained an aggressive form of cancer. As their sweet, beloved Golden retriever gazed lovingly up at them, tail wagging, blissfully unaware of the news, I explained that this condition carried a grave prognosis. The expected survival time was six months with chemotherapy, and three months without.
To my surprise, they remained calm, waived off the options I had presented, and matter of factly said, “well, we’ll just get her started on barley grass.” With thinly disguised skepticism, that I tried to pass off as curiosity, I asked where they had gotten that idea. They responded that their other Golden had the same problem, and they treated him with barley grass. “How long did he live after that?” I asked, to which one replied “About two years.”
Then they told me about their neighbor’s dog, a boxer with the same condition who lived more than four years after diagnosis, while using barley grass.
It’s important to understand that conventional treatments (chemotherapy) are expensive, carry side effects, and offer limited benefit. So, many people opt out. But people always want a little hope, and a sense that they are at least doing something, and causing no harm. So, when I had patients with a similar condition I would tell them this story. Over the years I began seeing cases out one year, two years, even four years.
It wasn’t like every pet enjoyed those extended outcomes. Advanced cases seemed to derive no benefit at all. But what we did see was more long-term follow-ups, and some animals with truly outsized results.
I found my skepticism was transformed into professional interest and optimism. Could something be added to enhance traditional therapies?
My “aha moment” came when my own dog, Phillip, developed his own health issue. I knew I needed to formulate a supplement to provide these botanicals to my dogs every day.
I began researching and incorporating other botanicals such as turkey tail mushroom and broccoli sprouts into the mix I recommended to clients. Together, these botanicals were playing a preventative role by protecting DNA, supporting a healthy immune response, managing
inflammation, and acting as antioxidants.
Three years later, after the removal of a mast cell tumor, Phillip and I finished the New York City Marathon — together. It was one more reason that I knew I was on the right track, and that’s when I founded The Vet’s Dog, in honor of Phillip, to further the health and longevity of dogs.
“How can I extend my dog’s life?” It’s a question I get asked almost every day as a veterinarian. My answer is simple, “build your pet health toolbox.”
Fill that toolbox with proper nutrition, exercise and weight management. These are your hammer, your saw and your screwdriver.
But consider adding to your toolbox with nutritional supplements like those found in the Vet’s Dog. Yes, barley grass is a key ingredient! The Vet’s Dog is a chewable treat that your dog will love (and even sit for).
But unbeknownst to them, the botanicals will boost their physiological systems and I believe it will increase their chance of living a long, happy, healthy life.
By DAN KROSSE
Greta’s first winter in her new home began with a 1,700-mile journey mixed with a little bit of holiday magic.
Lisa and Pete Turgeon had promised themselves that when the time was right, they would open their hearts again. For more than 11 years, their family had been shaped by a rescue dog named Pato, a gentle, joyful companion adopted by their daughter, Allie, from the Columbia Animal Services shelter during her senior year at the University of South Carolina.
Pete cherishes the road trip from South Carolina back to Connecticut with Pato as something he will always remember. When Allie entered medical school at the University of Connecticut, the Turgeons stopped by for a visit and Pato insisted on going home with them. When Pato got to their house, he trotted inside as if to say, this is where I live now. From that moment until he passed away recently, he was the center of family life—on walks, at holidays, and visits to Andover Lake.
It’s important to note what Pato looked like for the next part of this story: a medium-sized shepherd mix with big ears, soulful eyes and a dark muzzle.
To honor Pato, the Turgeons wanted to adopt a shelter dog from South Carolina again. They saw many wonderful dogs, but then, a few weeks before Thanksgiving, they came across a puppy whose face stopped them in their tracks. She looked just like him — the eyes, ears, even the same hopeful tilt of the head. Her name was Greta. The Turgeons
booked a flight for Friday, but there was one complication: Greta appeared on television on Wednesday as an adoptable animal, and families were already calling about her.
Lisa went into full panic mode. “I kept looking at Charleston Animal Society’s website and refreshing it, refreshing it, and she was still there at three o’clock when the sheltered closed,” Lisa recalls. “I told myself, ‘We have to just make it through one more day and then fly on Friday.’ But
TOP: Greta striking a pose on her new back steps in Connecticut.
INSET: Lisa reads a book about Greta’s adoption to her granddaughter’s classroom.
Pete said, ‘no, somebody will adopt her tomorrow if we don’t get down there. Let’s just change our flight and go.’” So, the Turgeons paid the change fee, packed in a hurry, and arrived at Myrtle Beach by sunrise on Thursday. They rented a car and drove down the coast to Charleston, so they would be the first in Charleston Animal Society’s lobby when the doors opened at noon.
The moment they saw Greta, all the worry dissolved. Greta padded toward them, curious and gentle, with her tail wagging as if she was expecting them.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Pato with Pete in Andover Lake near their Connecticut home. Greta is the spitting image of Pato, who was adopted by the Turgeon’s daughter Callie when she was a student at the University of South Carolina. Carolina road trips are filled with memories for Pete Turgeon (11 years ago with Pato, L, and this fall with Greta, R). “Gotcha’ Day” in November for Greta was joyful at Charleston Animal Society.
Greta was exactly who Lisa and Pete had been searching for. They kept her name. They held her close. And they brought her home. Pete got to re-live another Carolina-to-Connecticut road trip with a new winggirl by his side. Greta settled in quickly with visits from the grandkids (Allie’s children), a trip to the dog park, and she even saw snow. Allie wrote a short story about Pato and Greta that Lisa shared as a “mystery reader” to her granddaughter’s class. In short, Greta hit the jackpot.
This Christmas, an ornament of Pato will hang on the tree, looking down on Greta tearing through the wrapping paper, bringing joy to the Turgeon family — as only a shelter dog can do.
In the first five months of 2025, Charleston City Animal Control responded to more than 150 calls regarding animal welfare, with 103 of those calls being welfare checks. This shows that people across the community are concerned about how animals are being treated.
It is also one reason Charleston City Council passed an update to their animal control code, the first update in 10 years. Here are some of the key provisions in the updated ordinance.
• Microchipping & ID: Dogs and cats over four months must be microchipped — or wear a tag with current owner info.
• Adequate Care: New definitions for food, water, shelter, and overall care for outdoor pets.
• Leash Law Update: Maximum leash length reduced to eight feet — yes, retractable leashes count!
• Tethering Rules: Puppies under 12 months, females in heat, and nighttime tethering are prohibited; strict guidelines for weight and length apply.
• Vehicle Safety: Pets left in vehicles must be monitored carefully in temperatures above 75°F.
• Animal Rescues: Must register with Animal Control, maintain proper records, and follow intake rules for strays.
• Livestock & Poultry: required for ownership within the city, and roosters are prohibited.
By NATASSIA DONOHUE Charleston Animal Society Chief Relationship Officer
Did you know that animal welfare is one of the most underfunded areas of philanthropic giving? According to the Giving USA Report 2024, a comprehensive research project from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy on charitable contributions in the United States, only about 3% of all philanthropic dollars are given to nonprofit organizations who support the environment and animal welfare. Read: the market share for giving to animals is so small, it is combined with environmental causes.
There are likely many reasons why, but what is truly important is asking who. Who gives for animals? Who is so passionate enough about ending animal cruelty that they are willing to invest in the future?
The answer is YOU. And this year, the animals need you like no other. From every individual animal who is saved from a life of suffering on the streets, to the tiniest neo-natal puppies and kittens needing care to thrive, to the dozens of animals who are victims of cruelty…the list of those in need goes on.
And YOU are saving their lives. In 2024 alone, your support helped more than 5,000 animals find loving homes. Your contributions provided for more than 15,000 spay-neuter surgeries, and more than 11,000 compassion education lessons
to children–all to create a better future for the pets we love.
Without YOU, we would be incredibly limited in the scale and scope of lifesaving work we could accomplish. Your stories are their stories.
YOUR GIFTS’ IMPACT IN 2024
5,000 Adoptions
15,000 Spay-Neuter Surgeries
34,000 Compassion Lessons Taught to 11,000 Children
Every heartbreaking animal story starts with one person who decided to be a hero for that animal.
When we say the animals rely on YOU, we mean it. Our community contributions account for more than 60% of our annual revenue–the majority of which comes from compassionate, caring individuals and local-owned businesses and organizations.
When you are sorting through your stack of end-of-year mail, or configuring your charitable budget this December, please remember that the animals are relying on you. Whether your gift is $25, $250, or $2,500. Every gift makes a lifesaving difference for the animals under our care here at the shelter, and those waiting to be saved.
For more information on ways to give, please contact Natassia Donohue (843) 329-1558 or email ndonohue@ charlestonanimalsociety.org
neighborhooddininggroup.com
By ABIGAIL APPLETON, PMP, CAWA Chief Project Officer, No Kill South Carolina
Animal shelters in South Carolina face a lot of challenges and one national organization has stepped up to help in a big way.
Best Friends Animal Society was founded in 1984 when a small group of friends opened an animal sanctuary in remote Kanab, Utah. With lifesaving for companion animals always firmly in mind, they’ve since opened pet lifesaving and adoption centers across the country, and created a network partnership program to help shelters and rescue leaders share their expertise. Best Friends currently works with over 5,500 network partner shelters and rescues across the US, with the goal to get pets out of shelters and into homes where they belong.
One key that’s helping the Palmetto State save lives is Best Friends’ Prince and Paws Shelter Collaborative program, in which shelters with Save Rates over 90% are paired with shelters that aren’t yet No Kill. Since 2022, Best Friends has granted over $2 million to at least eight South Carolina organizations in an effort to boost lifesaving.
Three SC communities in particular have benefitted from the “Shelter Collab” initiative, as it’s affectionately called. Charleston Animal Society’s involvement in Florence County has been supported by Best Friends. The mentorship formally began in January of 2023, with Jayne Boswell Animal Shelter, Florence County Animal Services and several supporting community organizations. Best Friend’s grant allowed Charleston Animal Society to hire a full-time staff member who lives in Florence to help develop and implement a Trap-Vaccinate-Alter-Return (TVAR) program for community cats. In just one year, Florence’s Save Rate for cats jumped from 44% to 85%! With the renewal of the mentorship through 2025, the focus has been on raising the Save Rate for dogs as well, with a three-day spay-neuter day, a pet food pantry, and expanding adoption reach.
Addressing the community cat population was a primary focus of the Shelter Collaboration at Charleston Animal Society Berkeley Campus. The mentoring organization in that collaboration was the MSPCA out of Massachusetts. While the Berkeley shelter building had a surgery suite, they didn’t have a veterinarian to do the work (most South Carolina shelters don’t have a vet on staff). The MSPCA helped get the TVAR program off the ground in Berkeley County by sending a veterinary team every month all the way from Boston to Moncks Corner to provide spay-neuter services. Charleston Animal Society assumed management of the Berkeley Campus this summer, but MSPCA continues to fund the TVAR program through the end of 2025 thanks to the Shelter Collab program.
Rural Barnwell County is the third community on the receiving end of a Shelter Collab. Animals from four neighboring counties feed into Barnwell
County Animal Shelter. When Barnwell County Animal Services joined the Shelter Collaborative program in 2023, their Save Rate sat at 72%. With mentorship from Horry County Animal Care Center, they have raised that to 86% for 2025.
Jessica Krueger, National Senior Strategist for Best Friends’ Shelter Collaborative Program, raves about Horry County’s readiness to support their fellow organization, “The whole team will jump in to help at any time.” Staff from Horry County have helped increase adoptions in the Barnwell community, and the success is evident: during this year’s Petco Love Pick Me! SC statewide adoption event, an outbreak of disease hit the pets in the Barnwell shelter. Staff made the difficult decision to to close their shelter to provide treatment and keep pets safe — yet they still managed to send an astounding 22 pets into homes! In addition, they’ve updated their return to qwner procedures to get more stray pets back home, and they have increased microchipping as well.
Florence County has also been the pilot site for Best Friends’ Veterinarian of Record (VoR) initiative. Best Friends Veterinarian Dr. Becca Boronat says, “The Veterinarian of Record is a key partner in helping shelters deliver humane, high-quality medical care and save the lives of the animals they serve.” Dr. Boronat checks in with Florence County on a regular basis and shared, “As part of Best Friends Animal Society’s lifesaving mission, I’ve been working with Florence County as their Veterinarian of Record to help strengthen medical care, support staff, and make lifesaving possible for more animals in their care.” (Dr. Boronat is well-known and loved in our state, as she worked on Charleston Animal Society’s No Kill South Carolina initiative before moving on to the national stage.)
As Todd Floyd of Florence County Animal Services put it, “From my eyes, our mentorship has been nothing but amazing, looking at the positive impact it has had on our organization these past several years. We are now looking past our old ways of how we have always done it, and are now moving forward with new ideas that begin with three simple words ‘Let’s try this.’ It is transforming our shelter in so many positive ways”.
“Groovy Surfer Air Force Chick” flies a dog to his new home.
By NATASSIA DONOHUE Charleston Animal Society Chief Relationship Officer
Crews Subaru announced as Presenting Sponsor celebrating animals and the people who love them.
For Air Force Pilot, Captain Sammy Bledsoe, her love of surfing on Folly Beach led her on a meaningful journey — one built on the bond between people and dogs.
In 2019, Sammy often parked to go surfing in front of a home where two friendly dogs would greet her through the fence. Archie, a lab rescue from Indiana, and Dooey the Pug, both adopted by Wendy Gilder, loved seeing their new surfer friend whenever she walked past. Over time, as Wendy and Sammy became acquainted, Wendy was so impressed to learn that Sammy flew C-17s in the Air Force that she saved Sammy’s number as “Groovy Surfer Air Force Chick.”
Months later, Wendy texted Sammy for the first time to ask if she knew any volunteers for Pilots ’N Paws, a nonprofit that transports rescue animals. A passionate animal advocate, Wendy had agreed to foster a Labrador named Buddha who had been surrendered to Atlanta Lab Rescue; he was located in
Birmingham, AL and needed transportation to Charleston.
“I do!” Sammy replied immediately. At the time, Sammy was still earning flight hours and chose Pilots ‘N Paws to make those hours more meaningful by helping dogs find new beginnings.
On November 28, 2020 Sammy flew to pick up Buddha. During the flight, Buddha enjoyed leaning over Sammy‘s shoulder in the cockpit and she fell in love. Upon greeting them at the airport, Wendy happily answered yes when Sammy asked if she could walk Buddha the next day.
Once home, Wendy and her husband quickly realized that Buddha belonged in their family and adopted him. Sammy continued to walk Buddha daily from then on — solidifying her place as not just a friend, but family.
“Wendy and Doc are like my second parents,” Sammy said. “I have this beautiful second family all because of dogs.”
ABOVE: Wendy Gilder with her three dogs Dooey, Bizzy, and Buddha, on Folly Beach. RIGHT: Buddha and Sammy Bledsoe recreate their rescue flight inside a plane cockpit. CENTER: Buddha is a senior dog (12) who found himself alone in a shelter in Birmingham, AL, when Gilder asked Bledsoe if she would fly and rescue him through the Pilots ‘N Paws program.
By LINDSEY CUMMINGS, Charleston Animal Society Humane Education Coordinator
Life in a shelter can be incredibly overwhelming for animals. Their days are filled with new sights, sounds, and smells. These dogs, who don’t have a cozy couch or a big bed to call their own, need patient individuals to help them rebuild their trust.
For the Raising Readers program, those patient individuals are compassionate children.
In June, Charleston Animal Society unveiled its newly revamped literacy initiative - Raising Readers. Sponsored by Raising Cane’s, this program aims to promote literacy among young readers and reduce the stress levels of shelter dogs.
Many don’t think of reading as an activity to be paired with animals. However, much like us, pets find reading a calm, quiet, and restful activity. For shelter dogs, it also serves as a form of enrichment that is incredibly diverse from their typical environment and provides a break from the commotion of the shelter. Often, participating dogs may start out by barking at the child sitting at their cage door, but as the child goes deeper into the story, sharing pictures and fascinating tales, the dogs quickly begin to settle down. The gentle voices and calming presence of the children melt away the stress of the day.
Some dogs will intently look at the pictures, some will fall asleep, and some will take this quiet time to simply rest and decompress.
Since the launch in June, more than 400 books have been read to shelter animals by children participating in the Raising Readers program. “Reading to animals not only helps kids improve literacy but also teaches empathy, patience, and compassion,” said Raising Cane’s Area Leader of Marketing, Fry Cook & Cashier Jordan Halfon. “Raising Cane’s is thrilled to be a part of a program that is making life better for children and animals.”
Reading to adoptable dogs not only strengthens literacy abilities but also nurtures compassion and empathy. Children see firsthand how their actions have a calming, positive impact on the dogs they are reading to. Additionally, dogs make the perfect nonjudgmental audience for children still mastering their reading skills. The program also builds confidence in young readers.
Charleston Animal Society’s behavior team recognizes Raising Readers as a critical environmental enrichment program, necessary for increasing successful outcomes in pets. Since June, thanks to Raising Cane’s active support of education and animal welfare, this initiative has positively impacted over 200 children and countless animals. Raising Readers is truly a win-win program; empowering children and saving lives.
By LISA PEARCE Charleston Animal Society Senior Grants Administrator
Coming off the success of the No Kill South Carolina 2024 (NKSC) Project, where South Carolina achieved an unprecedented statewide lifesaving rate of 90%, the state has set a new national benchmark. This accomplishment is particularly remarkable given that few regions in the country have reached similar levels of animal welfare progress.
Now it’s time to take the next step forward. The new initiative, PACT SC — People and Animals in Community Together South Carolina — will focus on ensuring that the infrastructure built through NKSC can sustain this remarkable level of lifesaving for years to come.
Over the next three years, PACT SC will
collaborate with animal shelters across the state to strengthen veterinary care capacity and expand lifesaving skills within local communities. The goal is not just to maintain the 90% lifesaving rate, but to embed sustainable, community-driven systems that prevent animals from entering shelters in the first place.
“No Kill South Carolina challenged us to achieve what many thought was impossible,” said No Kill South Carolina Chief Project Officer Abigail Appleton, PMP, CAWA, “Now, with PACT SC, we’re turning that success into a long-term model that keeps people and pets together.”
of less than $4 per animal saved) proving that lifesaving innovation can be both compassionate and cost-effective.
A vital partner in this next phase is Petco Love, whose generous $600,000 grant will support Charleston Animal Society’s leadership team as they develop and refine the PACT SC model. This approach can be replicated across the country (at a cost
With collaboration, education, and commitment, PACT SC represents the next evolution in South Carolina’s lifesaving journey, where communities come together to protect both people and pets, ensuring that every life truly counts.
In our “Take Three” Spotlight feature, we introduce you to TalluIah McGee, a leading advocate for animals in Beaufort County and beyond. Under her leadership as the Director for Beaufort Animal Services, her organization recently formed a partnership with Jasper County, to improve outcomes for animals in this struggling area.
QUESTION 1: What do you think the biggest challenge will be in animal rescue in 2026 across our state?
TALLULAH MCGEE: I think the biggest issue is open admission shelters saying “no.” [Open Admission shelters across the state are facing major overcrowding issues, forcing some to limit intake at times]. We are taking the weight of other counties surrounding us, including Georgia. I mean, people just can’t afford to live. And so they don’t have an outlet to release their animals because a lot of these shelters are full. It’s just if there’s not an outlet, we’re seeing a lot of hit-bycar dogs in surrounding counties. We’re seeing a lot of emaciated dogs that were released. So, I think [Charleston Animal
Society President and CEO] Joe Elmore has always looked regionally, he’s always said, “everybody needs to take care of their region versus their own county.” The Berkeley County partnership is huge. And I think that’s where we’re looking. We’re just seeing that next door to us [Jasper County] is they don’t have the resources that we do, so we’ve got to extend that past the county line.
QUESTION 2: If you could wave a magic wand, what is the one thing regarding animal welfare that you would make happen in 2026?
TALLULAH MCGEE: I would build a regional shelter where we all work together and increase our spay-neuter capacity in surrounding counties.
QUESTION THREE: How do you keep people in animal rescue motivated with so many challenges ahead?
TALLULAH MCGEE: I think when they see what we’re doing in the community; when they understand what people are going through and to have the compassion, the grace, and the understanding that people are going through hard times, then they see the benefits of everything they are accomplishing.
+
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS WHO MADE OUR APPLAUSE FOR PAWS
Edwin & Ellen Harley, Valerie Luther, McDaniel Family Foundation, Arlene Morris & Colin John Campi, Louise & Walter Palmer, Karen Sadik-Khan
Edwin & Ellen Harley, Valerie Luther, McDaniel Family Foundation, Arlene Morris & Colin John Campi, Louise & Walter Palmer, Karen Sadik-Khan
Anonymous Friend of Animals, Cara Bibbiani & Mike Martin, Allison Clark, Delane & Walter Clark, The Grace & Louis DeWolff Foundation, Joe Elmore & Boo, Doc & Wendy Gilder, Gerri & Linn Greenwood, Gail Strickler & William Jasper, Nigro Family Foundation
Anonymous Friend of Animals, Cara Bibbiani & Mike Martin, Allison Clark, Delane & Walter Clark, The Grace & Louis DeWolff Foundation, Joe Elmore & Boo, Doc & Wendy Gilder, Gerri & Linn Greenwood, Gail Strickler & William Jasper, Nigro Family Foundation
Newton & Hinske CPAS
Martin & Andrea Deputy, Patricia & Richard Gatens, Brian & MaKeva McDaniel Martin & Andrea Deputy, Patricia & Richard Gatens, Brian & MaKeva McDaniel
Anonymous Friend of Animals, William & Louise Asche, Renee & Tony Burchard, Pamela Doggett & Robert Fitzgerald, Susan & Tom Flanagan, Christopher & Hunter Genovese, Christopher Moss, Jeffrey & Cynthia O'Brien, Dana Scarborough & Hayden Jennings, Kayla Repp & Lizzie Schaeffer, Vincent & Sharon Schiavoni, Lauren Sutton, Pat & Ruthie Votava
Anonymous of Animals, William Louise Asche, Renee & Tony Burchard, Pamela Doggett & Robert Fitzgerald, Susan & Tom Flanagan, Christopher & Hunter Genovese, Christopher Moss, Jeffrey & Cynthia O'Brien, Dana Scarborough & Hayden Jennings, Kayla Repp & Lizzie Schaeffer, Vincent & Sharon Schiavoni, Lauren Sutton, Pat & Ruthie Votava
Crews Subaru announced as Presenting Sponsor celebrating animals and the people who love them.
Charleston Animal Society provided a sparkling evening on October 4, 2025 at the Charleston Gaillard Center for the Applause for Pause Emerald City Gala benefitting homeless animals in our area.
The sold-out crowd of almost 600 supporters stepped into a world of wonder and compassion, all to raise funds and awareness for the thousands of animals helped by the Society each year. The night wasn’t
just about glitz and glamour — it was about heart, home, and hope.
“The gala had it all! Magic, a lot of love and a lot of fun -- all mixed together with a mission in mind; ending animal cruelty and saving lives,” said Emerald City Gala Chair Naomie Olindo. The Gala’s presenting sponsors where Hank and Laurel Greer and W.B. Henry Construction, Inc.
By NICK KRUEGER
Our dogs know every inch of the backyard. They’re familiar with every corner, every squirrel, every blade of grass. For Charlestonarea dogs and their humans, Charleston County Parks offer far more than a patch of grass or a quick loop around the neighborhood. With over 11,000 acres, your backyard just got bigger. Parks are an invitation to open the gate, step beyond the fence, and let your dog discover new sights, new smells, and new adventures all across the Lowcountry. These aren’t just walks, they’re shared adventures, and a chance to see your dog light up with curiosity and joy. Charleston County Parks are home to some of the best off-leash dog parks in the area, giving dogs room to run freely. At James Island County Park, pups can swim, play, and make new friends in a huge lakeside dog park. Wannamaker County Park in North Charleston offers a large, shaded off-leash area featuring
our splash paw, where dogs can play in the water. It’s perfect for playdates and games of fetch. Palmetto Islands County Park in Mount Pleasant features its own fenced dog park surrounded by tall trees and open space.
The newest addition to the lineup is the dog park at Johns Island County Park, which opened just a couple of years ago and has quickly become a favorite among local pet owners. With a wide-open field, shady areas, and easy access to walking trails, it’s the perfect blend of off-leash fun and scenic Lowcountry beauty. Whether your dog is sprinting across the grass or lounging in the shade, it’s a welcoming, relaxed spot for both pets and people to unwind. For pups who prefer a leashed walk, Charleston County Parks also offer miles of dog-friendly trails to explore. From the wooded paths of Meggett County Park to the long, peaceful routes at Laurel Hill County Park in Mount Pleasant, these
trails invite dogs and owners to slow down, take in the scenery, and enjoy the rhythm of the outdoors. Every turn offers a new scent to follow, a new stretch of trail to conquer, and a new way to strengthen that special bond between human and dog. Even the beaches at Folly Beach County Park, Isle of Palms County Park, and Kiawah Beachwalker Park welcome leashed dogs during designated hours, giving coastal canines a chance to roll in the sand and splash in the surf.
Parks also celebrate the fun of life with dogs through special events held throughout the year. The popular “Dog Day Afternoon” is a much-loved endof-summer event where pups can take over the pools at the waterparks for one last splash before the waterparks close for the season. For an extra twist on a dog-friendly outing, don’t miss “Yappy Hour” at James Island County Park and Wannamaker County Park. It’s a lively evening event featuring live music, cold
beverages, and tail-wagging fun. Beyond the fun and exercise, spending time outdoors with your dog has additional benefits. Studies show that walking together reduces stress, encourages mindfulness, and improves overall health for both people and pets. The best part might just be the bond that grows stronger with every step. Whether you’re jogging through the trails of Laurel Hill, resting after a game of fetch, or watching the sunset side-by-side, the simple act of exploring together turns everyday moments into lasting memories. Let Charleston County Parks become an extension of your backyard--just a bigger, brighter, wag-worthy version of home. It’s not just about giving your dog more space to roam, it’s about giving both of you the space to connect, breathe, and be fully present in the world around you. So, clip on that leash, grab your Gold Pass membership, and open the gate. Because in Charleston County Parks, your backyard just got a whole lot bigger.
Not even six months in, Charleston Animal Society Berkeley Campus celebrated some major highlights since Charleston Animal Society entered a partnership to oversee animal sheltering at Berkeley Animal Center in July.
“Charleston Animal Society is proud to enter a new era of lifesaving as it continues to develop its partnership with Berkeley County — and others. Through collaboration, we are building and evolving relationships that drive meaningful change,” said Charleston Animal Society President and CEO Joe Elmore, CAWA, CFRE. “Our mission is to transform your care and compassion for animals into immediate response — creating the pathways animals need when they come into our care.”
• More than 400 animals were spayed or neutered during a focus on Berkeley Campus animals in October
• More than 100 animals were spayed or neutered during a Mega Spay-Neuter Day in July
• Clear the Shelter broke records with 70 adoptions in August
• The Stronger Together Campaign found homes for 88 animals in one week
• 35 hounds found in terrible living conditions were rescued and brought to the Berkeley Campus on July 2
• Shelly Leeke and the Shelly Leeke Law Firm donated a transport van for animals from the Berkeley Campus and all of South Carolina
• In November, the Berkeley Campus launched “Berkeley Paw Pack,” an innovative foster-to-adopt program
By DAN KROSSE
In 2026, the Bear Greer Memorial Cat Sanctuary will mark its 10th anniversary under the stewardship of Charleston Animal Society. Tucked away in the Lowcountry, the sanctuary serves as a haven for feral cats who cannot safely live in traditional homes. What began as a rescue mission founded by Diane Straney and others has become a sustained commitment to lifelong care, medical innovation, and humane stewardship.
When Charleston Animal Society took over the sanctuary in 2016, the property housed roughly 350 cats. Many needed updated medical care, vaccinations, dental procedures and general wellness support. The sanctuary’s new Director, Christine Brugge, CAWA, along with the entire Animal Society team, focused first on stabilizing and improving the cats’ health and living conditions. “We are able to give them lifelong care,” Brugge says. “To be able to continue the legacy of another rescue and provide these animals with dignity and an environment where they can thrive has been incredibly meaningful.”
Today, approximately 150 cats call the five-acre property home. This reduction occurred gradually, through a combination of adoptions, natural aging and improved population management. Remarkably, some of the original cats rescued nearly a decade ago are now 14 to 15 years old — far exceeding the typical lifespan of feral community cats, who often live only two to five years. The sanctuary’s environment, dedicated medical oversight, and individualized diet and treatment plans have made that possible.
The sanctuary is intentionally closed to the public to reduce stress on the cats, many of whom are fearful of humans. Their lives unfold quietly among trees, shelters, shaded hideaways, and feeding
areas. Staff members provide daily meals, annual vaccinations, flea treatments and ongoing medical support. “The goal is that this is their home, not ours,” Brugge explains. “Some cats eventually bond with certain caregivers. Others never do. And that’s okay.”
Over the past decade, the team has also expanded its medical capabilities. Staff members are trained to draw blood, administer fluids, and perform certain diagnostics on-site to avoid the stress of transporting cats. The sanctuary has also partnered with veterinary leadership to launch new research projects, including a forthcoming longevity study comparing the lifespans of feral cats living in a sanctuary to those of both owned cats and feral cats living outdoors.
The team has also recently completed a study using PerioVive, a medication that can help improve dental disease without the need for full dental surgery — a major development for older or high-stress cats.
The property has also grown beyond cats. The Lazin Animal Foundation Behavioral Transition Center, located on the grounds, provides a supportive environment for dogs struggling in shelter settings due to fear, stress or anxiety. By removing them from crowded shelter environments and offering targeted behavior support, many of these dogs go on to find adoptive homes — something Brugge calls “another way to give animals a second chance.”
As the sanctuary looks ahead to its next decade, the mission remains constant: compassionate, lifelong care for animals many overlook. “As the Lowcountry continues to grow, we will continue to help feral cats,” Brugge says. “We’ll keep improving the property, expanding our behavioral work and doing everything we can to honor the legacy that began here.”
INSET LEFT: The sanctuary motto is that “this is their home, not ours.”
ABOVE: Each cat is medically supervised throughout the year at the sanctuary.
RIGHT: Bear Greer Memorial Cat Sanctuary Director Christine Brugge spends time with Blue, believed to be the oldest cat at the sanctuary at 15-years-old. The population of feral cats at the sanctuary is now around 150 felines.
ABOVE: MariClaire Lake works on basic obedience with Surrey inside the Lazin Foundation Behavioral Transition Center located at the sanctuary.
LEFT: Mango and Mama are the official cat sanctuary greeters.
By KAY HYMAN, Charleston Animal Society Director of Community Engagement
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Edwin Strauss Pearlstine Jr., who passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025, in Charleston, surrounded by his loving family, including his two beloved chihuahuas. He was 90 years old.
A business legend in the Lowcountry, Pearlstine contributed to the community in numerous ways, including supporting the animals at Charleston Animal Society.
When discussing Edwin’s philanthropic spirit, Jan and Larry Lipov and Susan Pearlstine shared, “Our parents were always dog lovers. In 1986, when the Pearlstine Family Fund was established at the Coastal Community Foundation, one of the five giving pillars was for animal shelters and support. When our father passed away in August, his two dogs were on his lap, and we know that was exactly how he would’ve wanted it. His charitable gifts to Charleston Animal Society honor that legacy.”
As Edwin always said, “Pets can’t help themselves, so people have to help pets.” His dedication to animals and his profound impact on the community will be deeply missed.
Born in Charleston, Edwin grew up on Moultrie Street next to Hampton Park. He was a graduate of Rivers High School and attended the University of North Carolina and Tulane University, where he met his wife, Barbara. Together, they returned to Charleston, where Edwin joined the family business, I.M. Pearlstine & Sons (established 1865). In 1971, he became a fourth-generation owner, purchasing the business from his Uncle Milton and renaming it Pearlstine Distributors, Inc.
Under Edwin’s leadership, Pearlstine Distributors, Inc. grew into one of South Carolina’s largest privately-owned businesses. When he purchased it, the business sold 350,000 cases of beer annually with just 12 employees. In 1992, his daughters, Susan and Jan, and son-in-law, Larry Lipov, took over the business under his guidance. Even in “retirement,” Edwin remained committed to the business’s success, notably supporting our Celebrity Chili Cook-Off for years by donating beer to the event.
While his entrepreneurial spirit and business intuition were remarkable, Edwin’s greatest legacy lies in his philanthropy and unwavering commitment to community service. He was a proud Charlestonian and an active philanthropist across the Lowcountry and the state, truly never meeting a stranger. Living by the saying, “service is the price you pay for the space you occupy,” his generosity touched countless organizations and individuals. Edwin and his family were honored with the Frances Salvador award by KKBE for their contributions. After Hurricane Hugo, he and his family partnered with the Rural Mission on Johns Island to annually provide Thanksgiving turkey dinners to families in need—a tradition that continued for decades and instilled the importance of giving back in his grandchildren from a young age.
ABOVE: Edwin Pearlstine, seen here with Hokie, always remembered the animals as he generously gave to several area nonprofits. BELOW: Edwin loved animals, especially dogs like Melvin.
Patricia Henley & Pat Waters
Thank you to Charleston Animal Society’s supporters
Arlene Morris & Colin John Campi!
Thank you to Charleston Animal Society’s supporter Lyric Capital Group! In 2024, Charleston Animal Society’s Bear Greer Memorial Cat Sanctuary prevented the suffering of 152 free-roaming cats. lifesaving vaccines last year.
A partner you can count on. The care you can trust.
Boehringer Ingelheim, the maker of NexGard® and HEARTGARD® branded products, are proud to support shelters across the country. As part of that commitment, Boehringer Ingelheim is a sponsor of Save a Heart, a lifesaving initiative that reduces euthanasia in overcrowded shelters by transporting adoptable dogs to new homes. Our SHOTS FOR GOODSM initiative donates vaccines to trusted nonprofit partners providing veterinary care to underserved indigenous communities, helping protect against common diseases like distemper and rabies. For more information, contact your Boehringer Ingelheim Representative or call our Customer Service Team at 888.637.4251.
Charleston Animal Society reunites over 600 animals with their families every year. Thank you to Charleston Animal Society’s supporter Valerie Luther!
