We believe that our dogs are our best friends, and that’s why we need a reliable source to turn to for information on all things “dog” in our community. Our mission is to be the Carolina’s number one resource for dog owners regarding regional dog-centric and dog-welcoming events, health & wellness information, dog training, trends, and local news. We also strive to be a mouthpiece to the public for various Lowcountrybased pet non-profits, and we promote pet adoption and other responsible pet care practices.
Founded in Charleston, South Carolina in 2005 as a print magazine. From 2015 through 2019, we went digital. in 2020, print returned and we have grown to become “The Carolina’s Source for All Things Dog,” with print distribution throughout the Carolina’s, and digital readers worldwide.
This and every issue of Lowcountry Dog Magazine is dedicated Peanut, our Chief Canine Officer from 2005 to 2023.
For advertising and media inquiries please email contact@lowcountrydog.com
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Lovey’s Lowcountry Livin’: My New Year’s Resolutions
Sit, Stay, Behave... Training Your Dog to Dock Dive
HEALTH & WELLNESS: Protecting Against Heartworms, Fleas, and Ticks
FEATURE STORY: SEWE Has Gone to the Dogs
LOCAL DOG EVENTS
IN THE NEWS
2024 Lowcountry Dog Animal Advocate of the Year: Tiffaney Hazel-Faust
GO GREEN: Adopt A Recycled Dog!
Cover Photo & Above Photo by the Humane Society of the United States
My New Years Resolutions!!!
I’m embarking on a whimsical journey to master some new skills this year.
First on the list: tail chasing – it’s an art, a science, and a sport, all rolled into one. I’m dedicating a few minutes each day to this pursuit. It’s not just about catching my elusive tail; it’s about the thrill of the chase. I spin, I twirl, I leap – each movement more graceful than the last. And I think this might be the year that I finally get up the speed to finally catch it. This is a life-long pursuit. I hear some canines never get there, but I think that if I put in the practice, this really might be my year!
This year I also want to get to know my neighbors a bit better. We all chat at the pee corner and stuff, but it’s so impersonal. It’s like everyone is just posting to be seen and not really to get to know each other. So I set my sights on something grander – refining my howl. Think of it as doggie singing lessons. I’ll begin by exploring different pitches and volumes, much to the chagrin of the neighborhood’s cats. I practiced during the day, finding that sweet spot where my voice could carry.
Then for the real test – conversing with my fellow dog friends. We’ve all been talking for years, but I’ve just been howling it in. I don’t really know them. Especially that cute little poodle a few blocks over. I really want to add my own twist to the nightly chorus. I’ve been practicing for a couple weeks already and my howl already has more nuance. It’s not just howling, it’s communicating, telling stories of my daily adventures, sharing the joy of a well-chewed bone, or the sorrow of a squirrel that got away.
Now, onto my pièce de résistance – a prank for my human. A masterclass in canine theatrics. I’m going to learn to play dead. This isn’t your gardenvariety trick... I’m going for award-winning levels here. I’m doing this to prank my beloved humans. How funny will that be if I make them believe it? The process starts with the basics – lying down
Lovey's lowcountry livin’
on command. Then, with the dramatic flair of a seasoned actor, I’ll flop over when my humans say “bang!” My goal? To lay there, motionless, watching them through a sly, half-closed eye, gauging their reaction. Each time I perform this trick, I’ll get better at it. And the reward? Not just treats, but the look of bewildered amusement on my humans’ faces. Priceless!
Through all these activities, I’ve discovered more about myself. Tail chasing taught me grace and agility; playing dead, the art of timing and a bit of mischief; and howling, the beauty of communication and the importance of having my voice (even if it’s a bit more on the woofy side).
But it’s not just about the skills I’ll learn. It’s about the journey, the laughs, and the bonding with my humans and my furry friends. Each day brings a new challenge, a new adventure.
So here’s to a year of wagging tails, cheeky pranks, and heartfelt howls. To my fellow pups, I say: let’s not be afraid to try something new. And to the humans reading this – maybe give your furry friend an extra treat tonight. We’re working hard on being our best selves, after all!
Remember, life’s too short not to chase a few tails, play a few pranks, and howl at the moon now and then! ■
WRITTEN BY TOM HOWELL JR., Bark Brains & Palmetto DockDogs ®
Your dog can be a DockDog® too if you’ve got a dock, a toy and an open body of water. DockDogs® is an elite dog sport consisting of three different dog disciplines advertised as “The World’s Premier Canine Aquatics Competition”. DockDogs® is prepared to bring a 40 foot dock and a 40 foot pool to y’all anywhere across the country. In fact, DockDogs® is an International Dog Sport with docks and pools in Canada, Australia and Italy.
Big Air is the first and most well-known discipline-equivalent to the long jump in track. Your dog is measured by how far they jump off the dock into the pool. Unlike in track where you’re measured by your feet hitting the sand, DockDogs® distance is measured based off where the dogs’ “tail set” (where the tail is placed on the body) enters the water. You are provided two jumps per event wave and there are normally 6-10 waves per event. The World Record for Big Air is 32 feet! All dogs start out with Big Air and ramp up to the other two more difficult disciplinestracking a bumper at the end of the pool and tracking a bumper raised above the pool.
The second is Speed Retrieve (Speed), where the true definition of “team sport” starts coming into play. For Speed, you’ll only be allowed to use 20 feet of the 40 foot dock. There is a two foot rectangular box you will be forced to keep your dog in to avoid triggering the tripwire laser at the start line. A drag strip style light is anchored to the end of the 40 foot pool with a “bumper” free hanging and dangling several inches above the water. A red, yellow and green light is produced for you to release your dog to retrieve the bumper at the end of the pool. The time is finalized as soon as the dog takes the bumper off the magnet, as they’re not expected to retrieve the bumper all the way back to you. Speed is treated like a time trial and measured based on time, so you can get
disqualified for releasing your dog too early during the red or yellow lights. All dogs compete against each other until final times are posted and are put into divisions based on the fastest times. You are only provided two jumps at Speed and there is likely only one Speed discipline for each event. The World Record for Speed Retrieve is a sub 4 second retrieve!
The last event is Extreme Vertical (EV) and is equivalent to the high jump in track where your dog is measured for how high they jump off the dock to retrieve a toy bumper hanging 4’6” above the water. For EV, we’ll need to use the “EV rig,” a “hangman” style apparatus that is extended out 8 feet over the water. You’re only allowed to use up to 20 feet of the dock with the EV rigs’ minimum starting height (4’6”) (measured from the dock). The handler provides a starting height at the minimum height/where they feel comfortable with their dog making the grabs without any misses. The height is raised in 2 inch increments each time your dog takes down the bumper. You have the opportunity to keep jumping higher until you’ve reached two misses. While there’s most likely only one EV discipline for each event, you are provided with as many jumps as needed so long as you have not reached two misses. Even the humans have some fun at certain competitions with the human EV record being 8’9” (me), while the DockDogs® EV world record for dogs is 9’0” (Sounders)!
I got a dog 8 years ago, barely knowing what this sport was, and it has changed my life! Not only has DockDogs® provided my dog with a channeled outlet, it has provided a community unlike any other. I never could have imagined myself being named Vice President of Palmetto DockDogs® (SC’s local affiliate) nor could I have imagined starting my own dog training business (Bark Brains®) to follow my passion and train the best dogs in the world. Bark Brains® has allowed me to give back to my local community so I would JUMP at the chance of training you and your dog. If you love dogs, enjoy being outside, being active and having fun with like-minded dog folks... give DockDogs® a try! Especially right in your backyard during Charleston’s best festival, SEWE, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition! ■
Protecting your Pets against Heartworms, Fleas and Ticks
WRITTEN BY DR. JEN BROGLE,
Park West Veterinary Associates
Do you know the true value of giving your pet that tasty “heartworm” treat each month, or why it’s especially important being a resident of South Carolina’s picturesque Lowcountry? By giving your pet a preventative, you are mitigating the risk of infectious diseases like heartworms, fleas, ticks and common intestinal parasites. As a primary care veterinarian, one of my number one goals is to educate pet owners on ways to keep their pet healthy and happy, so here is the “why”.
Did you know that dogs, cats and ferrets get heartworm disease from mosquitos? First, a mosquito bites an infected animal (dog, cat, coyote, fox), then transfers the heartworm larvae by biting another animal. Once the larvae has been passed to that animal, the only way to eliminate the larval (early) stage is with preventative medication. If your pet is not on prevention and is bitten by an infected mosquito, then the larvae will mature into adult heartworms over the course of 6-7 months. Adult heartworms are about a foot long and live in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels. Heartworms cause serious long-term damage to the heart, lungs and other organs and can be fatal in some cases. Once pets are infected with adult heartworms, they can only be killed with a more aggressive, costly and time-consuming treatment under supervision by your veterinarian.
You might be thinking “so, do I really need to give my pet this heartworm medication”? In 2022, the American Heartworm Society reported that the Lowcountry had one of the highest cases of heartworm disease, totaling
greater than 100 cases per clinic. This should not come as too big of a surprise because there is a vast amount of standing water and warm-humid weather that is a breeding ground for mosquitos. Even with outdoor treatment of yards, it is difficult to guarantee your pet will not be bitten by a mosquito and we have no way to control our wildlife population serving as carriers.
The beautiful climate of the Lowcountry has become a popular spot for many to migrate over the last decade, but the people are not the only ones appreciating the weather. Fleas and ticks are a year-round problem in South Carolina and can cause a problem for your pet or household fast!
Thinking about fleas always makes me itch! Once fleas are found on your pet they will start reproducing quickly. When they bite your pet, the saliva causes an allergic reaction. The itch from flea bites can be severe causing inflammation, hair loss and infection. Persistent flea infection can lead to anemia and other diseases. When infected pets groom themselves, they ingest “flea dirt” that causes tapeworms. Once a pet brings fleas into the home, getting rid of these environmental pests can be time consuming and expensive.
There are many species of ticks living in South Carolina. These ticks can transmit a number of infectious diseases including Lyme and Ehrlichia, which can lead to fever, swollen joints, arthritis, anemia, bleeding disorders and kidney disease.
It is important to remember that many of these ticks can also cause disease in humans, so by protecting your pets you are lessening the risk to yourself and your family.
Now let’s get back to that “tasty heartworm” treat each month! There are many options for
prevention against heartworms, fleas and ticks. There are various oral, topical and injectable medications. Some preventative medications, like Simparica Trio, Nexgard Plus and Revolution Plus, even include coverage against all three; heartworms, fleas and ticks. If your pet has a food allergy or is not good about taking oral medication, consider an injection called Proheart12 for 12-month heartworm protection. There is certainly a preventative medication that is right for your pet, so be sure to talk with your veterinarian about your options. Remember, these parasites love the Lowcountry climate as much as we do, so if you are outside enjoying that February day, they are too! ■
References:
The American Heartworm Society: https://www. heartwormsociety.org/ Companion Animal Parasite Council: https://capcvet. org/
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SEWE: The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition“A Celebration of the Great Outdoors”. This inaugural, dog-friendly, widely known event is back once again from February 16th through 18th and SEWE has so much in store to offer everyone! Two legs or four. Monumenting the kickoff of tourist season and Presidents Day weekend for the last 40 years, SEWE has continuously become more and more of a staple event in the Lowcountry, while being more and more recognized all over the country. SEWE ongoers look forward to this event every year in Charleston, South Carolina around the middle of February. Whether you are a dog lover like us over here, headed there as press for another year or just needing something to do over the weekend, SEWE has something for everyone in the whole family. This event has allowed thousands and thousands of like-minded people from all over to showcase, explore, and enjoy a weekend FILLED with great expositions, demonstrations, artists, vendors, and people connected through a shared passion and appreciation for wildlife and its preservation.
SEWE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is still around because of the dedication of all those involved. SEWE has created it’s own legacy through showcases of the nation’s finest wildlife art, awareness for the conservation of wildlife and the environment, the positive influence on wildlife and nature education and an impact on local and statewide economies through increased tourism. Tickets can be purchased online for all the events right now on www.sewe.com/events! For events before the weekend fun begins, prices of tickets are limited and vary depending on what your group decides to do. (Feb 14/15th)
Friday through Sunday, upwards of 50,000 people will come out to enjoy DockDog competitions, artisans and vendors, food and drinks, fine art, plenty of demonstrations, exhibitioners and more at Brittlebank Park, Marion Square, the Galliard Center. All locations will be filled with animals and animal lovers, enthusiasts, and loads of activities. The two “dog friendly” spots are Brittlebank Park and Marion Square.
Brittlebank Park
Brittlebank Park will be open to attendees with one or 3-day admission passes. Lowcountry Dog has had a great spot in direct view of the DockDogs for the last three years (behind the huge crowd of dog lovers, die hard fans, and curious people who are ready to be amazed and heartstruck). Brittlebank Park, located at 185 Lockwood Drive, is where the talented and hopeful dogs and fur parents of all levels of expertise, age and breed
compete in the DockDogs competitions. This is one of the most popular events of the entire weekend, starting on Friday and crowning the best doggos on Sunday. Registration is each day 9-10am. With your general admission passes, you will be able to check out all the talented pups and the dedicated owners at the DockDogs competitions. There are three main contests in DockDogs: Big Air, Extreme Vertical, and Speed Retrieve. Big Air, the most popular, has dogs from several divisions, compete for distance of the dock. A whippet named Sounder has the current world record of 36 feet 11 inches. Last year ar SEWE, the top dogs were jumping over 25 feet. Extreme Vertical is a high jump, with last years winner breaking over seven feet. Speed Retrieve measures the time the dog is released to the time the dog reaches the end of the pool. Winning times are usually under 6 seconds. If you are spending the day at Brittlebank Park, you can also see a number of sheep and duck herding and retriever demonstrations, check out different local vendors and brands, enter raffles, enjoy good food and drinks with great people, and lots more. There is also a zone at Brittlebank just for the kiddos, with everything from fun/ educational games to pony and camel rides, an exotic petting zoo, and inflatables. Brittlebank has something for everyone.
Marion Square
Marion Square is going to be very hard to pass by and not stop during SEWE weekend! On the corner of King Street and Calhoun Street you won’t be able to miss the hundreds of workshops, demonstrations, exhibits, and live presentations happening the entire weekend! The Center for Birds of Prey flight demos are some of the most entertaining, incredible and educational shows during SEWE. The disc throwing competitions at Marion Square are something us dog lovers do not want to miss. Lowcountry Dog will be set up in Marion Square this year, so stop by and say hello, grab a free magazine or some stickers, buy a 2024 calendar, or grab some some merch to benefit local rescues!! Several local rescues will be set up in Marion Square as well including Carolina Coonhound and Boykin Spaniel Rescue.
SEWE activities, artisans and events will be taking over the streets of Charleston mid-February, and we as locals should be proud to call our city the original host of this highly-anticipated event. They promote many different rescues, beginning in 1983 with 100 artists, to now over 500. SEWE
now brings in over 40,000 people to our city to take in all that we support and preserve for. If you have been, you know! If not, this is your sign to come out this year, there is no better place to be February 14th-18th. GA tickets for the weekend are $85 and day passes are also available. As they say, “...together, let’s keep the world wild. Now and forever. A wild weekend awaits, theres so much to SEWE.” If you have not got your tickets yet, go to www.sewe.com now. ■
SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE!
Written by Chelsea Salerno, Copy Editor
Photography provided by HSUS
We’ve all seen cute puppies in the windows of pet stores. Though it may not be as common of an occurrence as it was back in the nineties and before, pet stores like Petland still advertise the sale of healthy purebred puppies at storefront locations. Putting aside the puppy mill aspect altogether for just a minute, many of these puppies are far from healthy and its a fact that Petland is less than willing to disclose much less be held accountable. We talked to John Goodwin of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to gain more insight into the sourcing of Petland puppies, the laws surrounding their purchase, and what members of the community can do to move toward eradicating the sales of sick and puppy mill puppies.
Between 2018-2023, 10 stores in at least eight states had lawsuits filed against them regarding the sale of sick puppies, with illnesses varying from open wounds, birth defects, diarrhea, vomiting, signs of infection and more. From where is Petland procuring these sick puppies? If you guessed “puppy mills” you would be correct. Petland may claim to be receiving puppies from responsible breeders; however, the reality is most of their dogs come from puppy mills in the Midwest, particularly Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Iowa. It’s basic science: sick puppies crammed into tight spaces create more sick puppies, and the cycle repeats perpetually. The sales staff at these pet stores are very slick and use videos
and pictures of dogs running in fields to entice a prospective purchaser. The harsh reality, though, is most of the mother dogs are sitting in rows of small cages, never having the chance to feel grass under their paws or sunshine on their fur. If you are looking to bring a puppy into your family, please know that pet stores are the worst place to acquire a new companion. Petland is not the only offender though it is the most well-known, due to their unacceptable practices. Puppies are wrenched from their mothers far too early and packed into large transport trucks whose drivers rarely care about the well-being of their canine cargo. They are stacked in crates and the comingling from different kennels and mills spreads sickness and disease. Transport vehicles don’t make stops to allow the animals to relieve themselves, so they are sitting in their own filth for the duration of the trip. Unfortunately, the USDA regulations require bare minimum survival standards, allowing dogs to continue to be bred behind cage bars from their first breeding cycle until their death, often without ever receiving loving human contact, proper veterinary care, or the opportunity to be free of a cage. Once they are “bred out” they are discarded. Many of these USDA licensed breeders have been found in violation of even the most minimal standards, yet they are rarely cited or fined. Pro tip: responsible breeders do not sell their puppies to pet stores because they know the horrors these dogs endure.
COVER, CENTERFOLD, OPPOSITE PAGE: Jasper - a sick blue merle Goldendoodle purchased from the Florence, KY Petland store was sick with Giardia and Campylobacter - two diseases that can be transmitted to humans.
ABOVE: An HSUS undercover investigator worked behind the scenes as a kennel attendant at the Petland store in Novi, Michigan, where a hidden camera captured sick puppies, questionable veterinary care and unsafe conditions.
In 2012, the average licensed puppy mill had 87 adult breeding dogs, mostly female. Ten years later, the USDA lowered the number of breeding dogs to 57, but there are few requirements on the conditions in which these dogs are forced to live. Large cages, for example, are not required – their housing only needs to be large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around.
All this begs the question, what is being done to combat the sale of sick puppies and ill treatment of dogs for the financial gain of pet stores? There have been various actions against puppy mills and pet stores such as Petland across the country, most recently in Ohio. As an example, HSUS is working with an Ohio-based law firm to provide legal assistance to three Ohio families who claim Petland sold them sick puppies through deceptive sales techniques. The first plaintiff, a 70-year-old widow who suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and a degenerative disk disease along with a broken foot, contacted Petland about a Rottweiler puppy. The company responded by offering delivery of the puppy to her location and even graciously put her on a payment plan to allow her to purchase the puppy on her limited fixed income. This resulted in the woman signing an agreement that committed her to paying $7,500 for what was promised to be a healthy dog. Almost immediately the puppy began having bloody diarrhea in her home. With her own health conditions, she quickly realized she was in no position to care for such a sick dog. When she contacted Petland about the issue, they insisted she provide a letter from a veterinarian as well as a letter from her physician stating that she was not physically able to care for the dog. Six days after taking on the puppy, a neighbor brought it to Petland on her behalf and was not only refused a refund but was also accused of criminal animal abandonment.
The second plaintiff is a woman who purchased a Jack Russell terrier puppy she saw on the Petland website. She was told the puppy was healthy, vet checked and came from a small-scale responsible breeder. Healthy, this puppy was not. Upon further investigation, the plaintiff realized from the paperwork given to her at the purchase that
could barely open his eyes when the investigator checked on him before he was taken to the vet’s office. The puppy tested positive for distemper and never returned to the store.
BELOW: The HSUS investigator rushed this very sick Teddy Bear puppy to an emergency vet clinic in Ohio.
ABOVE: Pekingese puppy #1139
the dog was from Blue Ribbon Puppies, a puppy mill broker who had the animal from a highvolume breeder. When Petland was contacted about the puppy’s excessive thirst and urination, staff informed her that this was completely normal and not to worry. Several months later, the puppy was hospitalized with bilateral renal dysplasia and could no longer eat or drink without an IV. Sadly, the pup was humanely euthanized after thousands of dollars were spent on hospital bills. Petland refused to reimburse the plaintiff for the puppy or its hospital bills.
Finally, the third plaintiff is a couple who purchased an English bulldog puppy who has a severely underdeveloped pelvis and hip dysplasia resulting in limping, lameness, and pain. These issues were not disclosed to them at the time of purchase despite Petland’s claim that it had been thoroughly vetted. To better accommodate the puppy’s needs, the family moved, not once but twice, and now lives in a single-level home without stairs. In addition to the physical pain brought on by his pre-existing conditions, the puppy has also suffered from multiple seizures, resulting in more undue stress. He may eventually need costly surgeries to combat his pain.
ABOVE: In 2021, USDA inspectors found a dog who was suffering from three large lacerations at Vernon Bontrager’s Grand Valley Kennels in Wisconsin. The state also inspected in 2021 and noted that newborn puppies died in the kennel after being attacked by other dogs. The breeder sold to the Barking Boutique in Michigan.
ABOVE: Petland Florence KY - a King Charles Cavalier puppy is delivered to replenish the store after its distemper outbreak.
ABOVE: An HSUS undercover photo shows dogs in puppy mill conditions at a USDA-licensed breeder, Terry Cozart of Missouri, who sold to at least two pet stores in Michigan, the Petland in Novi and the Westland Dog Food Company in Westland.
These are just three of the heartbreaking stories from Petland sales. The Ohio state director of the Humane Society states, “Welcoming a new puppy should be a time of joy and celebration, but for these families, Petland only delivered heartbreak. Ohioans deserve better than being duped into paying thousands of dollars for a sick animal. Today, we begin the process of holding Petland accountable for the pain they’ve caused these victims.” Ohio is just the beginning of what will hopefully be the end of sick puppy sales across the country. Houston, Texas is also busy fighting against Petland and issued an ordinance that bars the sale of puppies in pet stores. This ordinance passed unanimously by the city council in January 2022 and only allows the sale of animals to come from shelters or rescue groups in hopes of stopping the sale of puppies from inhumane breeders. Despite being cited over 60 times, Petland is operating in a lawless manner and persists in operating their business. The rub is that Petland could still be successful without selling puppies as the pet industry is currently booming! The greed of this company is what keeps the sales of these sick dogs active.
What can we do as members of the animal community to turn this tide? It may seem like a pipe dream, but if we pull together as a community, slowly but surely we can put an end to this atrocity. Any jurisdiction that doesn’t have
a humane pet store ordinance needs one! As a community we can work with our local and national-level humane societies and other legislative-based nonprofits; we can organize, calling animal advocates together to talk to local officials and bring awareness to these dogs’ horrible conditions. Locally, Dorchester County recently passed an ordinance that prohibits the sales of dogs and/or cats at a pet store in addition to prohibiting the display, barter, give away or otherwise dispose of dogs and/or cats at a pet store. This is a step in the right direction; however, due to lax enforcement, Petland in Summerville continues to operate and sell sick puppies. Buyers continue to be taken advantage of and animals continue to suffer. Just next door, Charleston County, on the other hand, has no such ordinances regarding the sale of puppies and kittens, but does have laws against animal abuse.
Stiff consequences and the actual enforcement of ordinances are necessary to combat the unlawful sales of these animals. Until we, as a community band together and demand these companies do better, nothing will ever change. Please consider contacting your local representatives to insist the laws become more humane in context. To quote a Lowcountry Dog follower, “Nothing changes if nothing changes.” ■
Local Dog Events
02/09/2024 Paw-DI-GRAS
New Realm Brewing 4 to 7 pm
02/10/2024 PAWS FOR VALENTINES
Arts Bar & Grill 12 to 4 pm
02/11/2024 MY FURRY VALENTINE PUPPY YOGA
02 Fitness James Island 10 am to 11 pm
02/16/2024 thru 02/18/2024 SEWE
Come see Lowcountry Dog at Marion Square with some of your favorite local rescues. Grab merch, mags, and more!
02/17/2024 OYSTER ROAST for Eunoia Rescue
House of Brews West Ashley, 12 to 4 pm
02/24/2024 3rd ANNUAL RUNNING OF THE WEENIES
Park West Recreational Fields, 11 to 3 pm
03/09/2024 OYSTER ROAST for Carolina Coonhound
Elks Lodge, West Ashley 12 pm to 3 pm
03/24/2024 OYSTER ROAST for Pet Helpers
Bowens Island, 2 to 5 pm
05/7/2024 DOG DAY TUESDAY at the Charlesron Riverdogs vs Fredricksburg Nationals
Joe Riley Stadium 7:05 pm DOGS WELCOME
LOWCOUNTRY DOG EVENTS
EAT, DRINK, & RESCUE Feb 10, 2024
Estuary Brewery 1 to 5 pm
LOWCOUNTRY DOGAPALOOZA April 13th, 2024 HANAHAN AMPHITHEATER 12 to 6 pm
MAY THE DOGS BE WITH YOU FESTIVAL Ashley River Park
May 18, 2024
BARK IN THE PARK September 2024
DIA DE LOS PERROS FESTIVAL Tattooed Moose Johns Island Nov 3, 2024
Check out our Events page for even more local events and check for date changes. www.lowcountrydog.com/events
Mount Pleasant man wrestles coyote, saves dog from attack
A man in his bathrobe raced to save his chihuahua from an attacking coyote in South Carolina, video shows. “Roxie is a part of my family,” Timothy Snipe, who lives in the Charleston-area town of Mount Pleasant, told WYFF. “I’d do anything to protect her.” Snipe told news outlets he was taking Roxie outside when she kept barking Friday, Jan. 12. That’s when he looked over and saw a coyote running from the woods, ready to strike.
120 dogs rescued in major dogfighting bust by federal and SC law enforcement
Some 120 dogs were seized Thursday following a dogfighting bust that took place across the Midlands and Upstate South Carolina, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for South Carolina has confirmed.
HSUS rescues 70 animals from appaling conditions in Kansas on January 30th
A property in Topeka, Kansas, where 70 dogs and cats have been suffering from what is alleged to be appalling neglect. The animals were living in filthy conditions with waste and debris covering most surfaces. Some animals seem to be suffering from upper respiratory conditions and many of the dogs are emaciated.
Click images above to read the full story. For more top stories, visit www.lowcountrydog.com/top-stories
lowcountry dog animal
Tiffaney Hazel-Faust
WRITTEN BY: BRIAN FOSTER, Publisher
in 2009, I began a second career, so to speak, as a volunteer at Pet Helpers Adoption Center on James Island. Over the next several years, I became the number dog volunteer, working almost daily by doing adoption counseling, evening feeding and walking and helped close the shelter. While I spent a majority of my time in dog land, there was someone, just like me in cat land. That person was Tiffaney Hazel-Faust. Tiffaney came in almost every afternoon with her daughter, Logan. They would help in cat land as well as help walk dogs when needed. Over the years, I became pretty close with Tiffaney. We had similar taste in music and of course of love of animals. When I would come in with a litter of feral puppies that I had caught, Tiffaney would often help me intake them into the shelter. When I bought Lowcountry Dog Magazine and moved away from James Island, my days at the
shelter came to an end. Soon after, Tiffaney became an employee holding pivotal roles such as Animal Care Technician, and Customer Service Representative before finding her true calling in the Foster Care Department several years ago.
Two years ago, Tiffaney began the fight of her life with metastatic breast cancer. I would often see Tiffaney at the shelter when I would visit and spoke to her via social media often just to see how she was doing. Tiffaney bravely fought the past two years. Her unwavering courage, resilience, and commitment to Pet Helpers’ mission have been a source of inspiration for everyone around her.
Tiffaney peacefully passed away in the early hours of January 6, 2024 at home, surrounded by her family and beloved pets.
Pet Helpers has officially renamed its foster care program to “Tiffy’s Foster Care Program” in memory of Tiffaney Hazel-Faust. Executive
Director, Melissa Susko shared, “Our Pet Helpers Family is devastated with the recent passing of In recognition of Tiffaney’s profound impact on the organization and the animals in its care, the foster care program has been renamed in her memory to ensure she will have a lasting legacy within the animal rescue community.”
Before her passing, an intimate dedication ceremony took place on Sunday, November 26, 2023, to celebrate Tiffaney’s passion, dedication, and lasting legacy. The event provided an opportunity for friends, family, and staff to come together to honor Tiffaney’s indomitable spirit, which has touched the lives of many humans and animals alike. Through the very end, Tiffaney continued to celebrate the daily adoptions that occurred and champion for those animals still awaiting their forever homes, with emails from her hospital bed.
After learning of Tiffaney’s passing, we decided to honor her memory by naming Tiffaney our Lowcountry Dog Animal Advocate of the Year for 2024. We will be collecting mometary donations throughout the moneth of February. Once all the donations have been collected, Lowcountry Dog Magazine and our friends at Pet Supplies Plus will help match the amount donated and present a check as well as a plaque honoring the memory of Tiffaney to Pet Helpers.
Donations can be made by scanning this code or at lowcountrydog.com/animaladvocate.■
