carolina tails magazine - spring 2016

SPRING 2016A Charleston Animal Society Publication

Zika & Your Pet

A Marine’s Story:How Two Dogs Saved Him

8 Easy Steps to Trapping a Cat carolinatails.org

SPRING 2016 | CAROLINA TAILS 1

2 CAROLINA TAILS | SPRING 2016


ContentsSPRING 2016

TAILSCAROLINA

Publisher: Keith SimmonsEditor-in-Chief: Dan KrosseManaging Editor: Joe ElmoreGraphic Design: Heineman DesignCopy Editor: Teri ErricoWriters: Dan Krosse, Teri Errico, Elizabeth Bradham, Ellie Whitcomb Payne, Helen Ravenel Hammond, Cornelia Pelzer Elwood Photographers: Marie Rodriguez, Brian Stiles,Ellie Whitcomb Payne, Dan Krosse, Erinn AbarbanellAdvertising Sales: Ted DeLoachDistribution Manager: Brenda Fletcher

For inquiries regarding advertising, distribution or suggestions in Carolina Tails call (843) 352-9048 or [email protected].

2455 Remount Road, North Charleston, SC 29406 (843) 747-4849

President: Elizabeth BradhamVice President: Julie BresnanVice President: Ann Long MerckVice President: Matt Watson, CPA, CVASecretary: Perry Jameson, DVMTreasurer: Hilton Smith, III

Members of the Board

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

Carolina Tails is published quarterly by Traveler Communications Group,an independent publishing company. PO Box 22677, Charleston, SC 29413(843 352-9048). Carolina Tails is a registered trademark of Traveler Communications Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or inpart without the express written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

John CawleyJohnny MaybankTara GerardiBob RifeElliott SummeyJeff WebsterMeg PhillipsEllen HarleyAussie GeerTami ZerbstHank GreerLaurel Greer

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Kiara BarnettMary BlackJoe Waring, Esq.Sarah Hamlin Hastings Cynthia HayesAndrea FergusonHelen Pratt-ThomasEugenia BurtschyNancy WorshamBritton M. Hawk, Esq.Gerri GreenwoodDean RiegelHal Creel, Esq.

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5 Welcome

6 Pet Pointers

8 Dear Carolina Tails

10 Zika & Your Pet Should You Be Worried?

14 A Marine’s Story:Two Dogs That Saved Him

17 Cats Through the WindowA Nursing Home Soap Opera

18 8 Easy Steps to Trapping a Cat

20 No Kill South Carolina Gaining Momentum!

26 A Tale of Two Pit Bulls

30 Can Pets Help with Asperger’s?

31 New Perspective:Saving Cats in Shelters

32 If You See: Leave ’em Be

34 Take Me Home: Adoptions

36 Cat Café Coming Soon?

38 Ask the Vet:Too Much Medicine?

40 Kid’s ZoneTime to PlayPlease contact regarding Carolina Tails distribution,

advertising or suggestions. For all other inquiries, pleasecontact Charleston Animal Society.(843) [email protected]

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DEAR FRIENDS,

When someone asks me why I spend so much time with an organization that seems to focus on dogs and cats, here is myanswer: Our relationship with dogs and cats goes back over 15,000, perhaps 30,000 years. It is a unique relationship inthe animal kingdom. Nothing like it exists between any two other species. This relationship was formed when dogs

began to assist man in providing hunting assistance, protection and an early warning system. Cats allowed man to store foodsupplies for longer periods of time by hunting rodents. And even today, dogs are still assisting us with things that we cannot dofor ourselves—detect early stage cancer, bombs, explosive devices, find people in trauma situations, and provide visual, emotionaland physical support for those in need, like the young man at the airport. Even if you don’t have a dog or cat or other animal inyour life, your life and that of society in general is still greatly improved by our unique partnership. There is a lot of history behindthe old saying, “Dog is man’s best friend.” And that saying could not be truer for Marine Veteran Steve Hall and the two dogs thathelped save him and his family. His story, on page 14 in this issue, documents how Scout first came into his family and gave himthe courage, confidence and comfort to regain his life in his ongoing battle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

And in that same vein, I would like to introduce my great nephew, Alexander Elwood, pictured here with his dog, Sidney.Alexander, now 15, was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome when he was four years old. The family adopted Sidney about fouryears ago and in that time, Sidney has had a noticeable impact on the entire Elwood family. Most importantly, he has helpedAlexander ease into a more comfortable existence with society and his surroundings. Before Sidney, my husband and I wouldhesitate to hug Alexander, as we understood that even a simple hug would be uncomfortable for him, just as getting squeezedwould be uncomfortable for us. Now when Alexander visits, he immediately comes forward and hugs us—quite a change!

Alexander’s mother, Cornelia, credits Sidney with teaching Alexander how to love, so I hope you will read their story in this issue.

As always, with much gratitude,

Welcome

Elizabeth Bradham, President, Charleston Animal Society

Alexander Elwoodenjoying time with his dog Sidney.


PET POINTERSSPRINGNews Tidbits

NEWS:: You Can Use

Flying with Your PetIf you’re planning to travel the friendlyskies this summer with your pet, be aware that airline rules are always changing. Starting March 1, Deltastopped accepting pets as “check-in” luggage. That means, the only way youcan travel with your pet on Delta is bytreating your animal as a “carry-on” bag.But going into the cabin will restrict your pet to the 20-lbs. weight limit.

If your pet is larger, you will have touse a Delta Cargo flight, where your petwill be taken through airport screeningby specialized handlers. The hope behindthe change is to cut down on animaldeaths and injuries that have happenedover the years while pets travel domesticflights and are placed in the cargo holdas “regular baggage.” This new travel set-up will be complicated because youwill have to coordinate your domesticflight with the Delta Cargo flight your pet must fly on. (You must pick your animal up within two hours of thepet landing.)

The best advice? Check your airlinerules and regulations regarding pet travel well in advance of any trip.

Charleston Animal Society Helps ASPCA in NC RescueAt the request of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office, the ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®)is assisting with the seizure and care of nearly 600 animals from The Haven, a 122-acre,unlicensed, self-described animal rescue in Raeford, North Carolina. Charleston Animal Society sent personnel to help with the operation. The owners of the facility were arrestedon charges of animal cruelty after a search warrant was served in late January.

More than 300 dogs, 250 cats and 40 horses were discovered, along with numerous farm animals. The animals were kept in filthy kennels, cages, outdoor pens and paddocks,many without protection from the elements. Many animals are suffering from untreatedmedical issues including open wounds, severe upper respiratory disease and emaciation.“This is one of the largest animal seizures the ASPCA has ever conducted in our 150 yearsas an organization,” said Tim Rickey, senior vice president of ASPCA Field Investigationsand Response.

The Department of Agriculture and Hoke County Sheriff’s Office began investigating The Haven after receiving numerous complaints of sick animals adopted from the facility.The ASPCA is assisting with evidence collection, animal removal, transport, sheltering andmedical care “Even now, weeks after the seizure, we are preparing to help the ASPCA with the adoption and placement of these animals, to ensure they make it safely into loving homes,” said Charleston Animal Society Director of Anti-Cruelty and Outreach Aldwin Roman.

2016 APHE National Humane Education ConferenceCharleston was the backdrop for 95 humane educators from around the country in February. Charleston Animal Society’s Senior Director of Humane Education De Daltorio also serves as a board member and a national conference co-chair for the Association of Professional Humane Educators (APHE). “We were thrilled to be chosen as the host organization for this passionate group of educators,” Daltorio said.

12 different seminars were packed into the three-day conference, covering topicsranging from “Creating Humane Heroes,” to “Humane Education for a College-AgedAudience.” The purpose of APHE and its national conference is the exchange of ideason how to spread the power of humane education. “Our immediate goal is to fosterchildren’s empathy through animals. But what we ultimately hope for is that our children grow up to be future leaders who are compassionate humanitarians,” saidCharleston Animal Society Humane Education Coordinator Heather Grogan.

The conference also included an opening reception at Charleston Animal Societyand a closing cocktail party at the historic downtown home of Charleston Animal Society’s Board President Elizabeth Bradham. No Kidding Around!

There’s no denying that cats are kingwhen it comes to internet videos. It’sproven hundreds of millions of timesevery year by YouTube clicks alone.

But butting in line for our attentionare goats! Even the Washington Posthas taken stock of the trend: “Yes, indeed: You heard it here first. Goats are the new cats. Cats are the old goats. The Internet has a new mascot,and I for one am psyched to rally underhis bleating banner,” wrote columnistCaitlin Dewey.

A mashup of goats yelling like humanshas garnered more than 33m hits (yes,that “m” means MILLION). Another videoshowcasing a compilation of goats doingweird things, like pushing each other inwagons and walking on their front legshas a mere 530,000 views. But perhapsour favorite is the angry goat terrorizinga town. Almost 5-million of us have wasted a lunch break (or two) laughingat the goat showing the poor townspeople who’s the new king of the internet. (We have posted some of thefunniest goat videos on our website at www.CarolinaTails.org).


Visit us onlinewww.CarolinaTails.org

TAILSCAROLINA


Sesame Burger & Beer Block PartyAPRIL 10 • 1230pm – 5pm, 4726 Spruill Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405Come enjoy the 10th Anniversary of this amazing Block Party near Park Circle! Burgers, Beer and donations are raised for the animals at Charleston Animal Society.

Puppy & Kitten Shower MAY 1 • 11am – 2pm, Charleston Animal Society, 2455 Remount Road, North Charleston 29406Just like a baby shower, come spoil our babies! Charleston Animal Society needs food, formula, toys and other goodies for kittens and puppies. You can also sponsor a kitten or puppy and enjoy abrunch! RSVP: [email protected]

Lowcountry Giving DayMAY 3 • 12:01am – MidnightLowcountry Giving Day will involve hundreds of nonprofits from around the state! Your donationsto Charleston Animal Society this year will celebrate Caitlyn and go to the brand new “Caitlyn Cruelty Fund” at Charleston Animal Society (See inside back cover). Donations to the fund will help us investigate cruelty cases, educate the public and set rewards to help catch those responsiblefor injuring our community animals. Please give on May 3rd at www.CharlestonAnimalSociety.org.#LGD16

Yappy HoursMAY 12 & JUNE 16 • 4pm – 8pm, James Island County ParkCome join Charleston Animal Society and reward yourself and your pooch after a long day at the office! Bring your favorite furry friend to enjoy live music and beverages at Yappy Hour at the James Island County Dog Park. The Yappy Hour series promises great music and fun! $2.00per person park admission (or free for Gold Pass Members). Beverages available for purchase on-site. Outside food, alcohol, and coolers are prohibited

Event Calendar

Editors Note: Dr. Ernie Ward is internationally known forimproving veterinary medical standards, creating a higherquality of life for animals, and promoting healthier habits for pets and people. Learn more at www.drernieward.comReprinted with permission from the fetch! blog, 01/26/2016.

PET

SAFETY


BY DR. ERNIE WARD

DISEASE OUTBREAK: Zika

Zika Alert WHAT IS ZIKA VIRUS?Zika virus was first identified in 1947 in Uganda’s Zika Forest. Ifyou’re wondering, “Zika” means “overgrown” and the forest is hometo The Uganda Virus Research Institute of Entebbe. Scientistswere conducting research on yellow fever in primates when theystumbled upon this stubborn mosquito-bite fever. They largelydiscounted Zika virus as a serious threat because the majority ofvictims (80%) didn’t develop significant illness.

Signs of Zika virus infection include fever, joint pain and muscleaches, rashes, headaches and red eyes (conjunctivitis). Most peoplerecover within a week without hospitalization and death is extremelyrare. Zika virus is directly related to yellow fever, dengue, WestNile and Japanese encephalitis virus. That is not a nice familytree.

HOW IS ZIKA VIRUS SPREAD?Zika virus is spread through the bite of a mosquito; Aedes africanus,Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopticus have been identified as carriers,and other species may also transmit the disease. Aegypti andAlbopticus are found throughout the southeastern U.S. and as farnorth as Connecticut. For decades, Zika virus remained relativelyconfined to Africa and Asia. Cases began emerging in the Americasand Europe within the past five years with a spike in North andSouth American cases over the past six months.

IF IT’S NOT FATAL, WHY ALL THE FUSS?The biggest concern with Zika virus is it appears to cause a seriousand life-threatening birth defect known asmicrocephaly (smallhead). If a pregnant female contracts Zika virus from an infectedmosquito bite, the fetal brain could become underdeveloped,resulting in death or severe neurological deformation.

Zika virus has the ability to spread quickly. The first case ofZika virus in Brazil was identified eight months ago. Since then,over 3,500 cases of microcephaly have been reported. While we’restill unsure of the exact link between Zika virus and microcephaly,this rapid spread has officials troubled.

Scientists are also worried because there’s so much we don’tknow about Zika virus and the potential harm it may cause tohumans or animals. Even though we’ve known about Zika virus fornearly 70 years, extensive research is just beginning.

CAN DOGS OR CATS GET ZIKA VIRUS?We don’t know. At this time there is no evidence that dogs or cats

can transmit or contract Zika virus. The studies haven’t been done.There is evidence that primates and humans can become infectedand transmit the disease through mosquito bites. Some researchsuggests Zika virus may be transmitted through male sexualcontact and that rodents can harbor or transmit the virus.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MY PETS FROM ZIKA VIRUS?Mosquito control is the best defense at this time against Zikavirus. Unfortunately for us, Aedes mosquitoes are incredibly toughcritters. They are aggressive daytime feeders and prefer peopleover most animals and thrive indoors or outside. The eggs ofAedes can survive dry, cold conditions for over a year and hatchinto larvae as soon as they contact water. Remove any standingwater from flower pots, bowls or buckets to help eliminate mosquitobreeding areas.

Even if you live in cold regions, the larvae of these mosquitoescan remain dormant for months during cool weather and emergeas soon as temperatures increase. When water and warmth arepresent, the entire Aedesmosquito life cycle – egg to adult – canoccur in as few as 10 days. Told you they were tough.

There is no vaccine or treatment for Zika virus yet. The diseaseisn’t widespread in North America and doesn’t pose a threat in theU.S. at this time. The CDC is collaborating with worldwide infectiousdisease agencies and governments to reduce mosquito populationsand acquire answers about Zika virus. For now, stay tuned to healthalerts, and protect your dogs and cats against other mosquito-borne infections such as heartworm disease.

If you are pregnant, you should avoid travel to areas with knownZika virus. The CDC currently advises pregnant women to avoidtravel to Mexico, Puerto Rico and parts of Central America andSouth America. The CDC Zika site is an excellent resource to keepupdated on Zika virus.


HEARTWORMS POSE BIGGER THREAT THAN ZIKABy Dr. Lucy Fuller, DVM, Charleston Animal Society Senior Director of Veterinary Care

Zika virus, while an emerging threat in the human world, doesn’t pose nearly the threat that heartworms do here in South Carolina. Mosquitoes are the key source for heartworm disease, so it's vital to take measures to keep mosquito numbers low.

Heartworm disease is one of the most common health problems we see in animals entering our shelter. Both dogs and cats can contract heartworm disease, so make sure that you keep your pets up to date on heartworm prevention.

Local mosquito control expert and owner of Mosquito Squad of the Lowcountry, Mary Anna Lewis, recommends walking your yard a couple times a week to identify and eliminate sources of standing water. And for the ultimate mosquito control,

call a professional for protective treatments all season long. (See page 12 for more details.)


Scout & KimberA Marine’s Story: Stephanie Hall shares a deeply personal story of how a communityrallied around her and her husband during their family’s most troubling hours.

MYTURN

COMMUNITY:: A Veteran’s Story

Steve Hall driving with Scout,his constant companion.


Ican remember the smile on Steve’s face when I gave him Scout.Steve looked at me and said, “What is that?” I jokingly respondedthat it’s what people would call a “German Shepherd puppy,”

and he grinned and told me, “You better not put that in front of meunless she is mine.” The two became inseparable from that momentforward.

You can’t imagine what it’s like to watch someone find the abilityto live again. Before Scout, my husband—a U.S. Marine Veteranwho'd been awarded three Purple Hearts and a Medal of Valorduring three tours of duty, including Iraq—couldn't go to the storealone without the possibility of a panic attack. At one point, he wason 20 pills a day. But somehow, this German Shepherd workedmiracles with Steve's Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. His smilereturned and the prescriptions went away. Now my husband wantedto get up every day and go places. He found a peace that hecouldn’t achieve before Scout. He was living again.

When I talk about some of the best memories of Scout andSteve it often starts off with me biting part of my lip, as I canremember doing that every time I would walk into the room andrealize there was another pair of shoes I could no longer wear. Buttheir happiness kept everything in perspective. Scout changed ourlives. She gave me the ability to sleep through the night becauseSteve no longer had nightmares, and to go to the store and notworry if my husband was okay. Steve felt so safe knowing thatScout had his back, and that when he wasn't here she would doanything to protect us.

1,000 Year FloodIf we knew then what we know now, well, I wouldn’t be writing this.Scout and Steve loved the water so when the two of them wentoutside to play in the rain, during last fall’s “1,000 Year Flood,”everything felt normal. Little did I know that the water would starta life-threatening fungal infection on Scout's skin. Treatment atour regular vet wasn’t working.

Two days before Thanksgiving, Scout began bleedinguncontrollably as I bathed her. We rushed her once again to thevet, but were told she probably wouldn’t make it through the night.My mind was racing, "I can’t lose this dog because it will kill myhusband."

I called One80 Place—a Charleston nonprofit that works withwar veterans—and begged for her help. They put us in touch withCharleston Animal Society. When we got to the shelter, we metwith Kristin Kifer, who was incredibly caring. I told her I didn’thave much but I would give my right arm if she could just makeScout okay.

As the infection worsened, Scout’s tail had to be amputated, andfor a week, we took her in for bandaging and treatment. But thefungal infection was relentless. Charleston Animal Society reachedout to Dr. Henri Bianucci at Veterinary Specialty Care. Dr. Bianuccihad never seen anything like this, but he was dedicated to doingwhatever he could to save Scout for Steve, because he was sograteful for all the sacrifices my husband made for his country.

Saying GoodbyeThere was never a moment Dr. Bianucci ever stopped trying, evenseeing Scout on Christmas. That was a tough day. Scout struggledto get up so I laid down with her on the floor and I told her howsorry I was that I couldn’t take away her pain. I loved her and could

never repay her for giving me my husband back, but I promisedher it was going to be okay.

December 28th will always be a sad day for us. When we arrivedat the clinic, Dr.Bianucci walked in and I could see how upset hewas. Scout could barely move, but she still gave Steve hugs andkisses. Until the end, I couldn't believe how incredible the bondwas between them. I was overcome with grief and the drive homewas almost too much to handle after saying our good-byes toScout.

Steve tried so hard to hold it together after that, but each day Iwatched my husband fall a little harder. He didn’t want anotherdog—they’d never be as good as Scout. And he poured himself intowork just so he didn’t have to come home and have Scout not behere. We were all so grief-stricken and simple things became sohard. On New Year's Eve, Steve had a panic attack driving over theRavenel Bridge. He pulled over, turned on his hazards and criedwith the ashes of Scout on his lap. His PTSD was getting worseand we finally went to see his doctor at the Veteran's Administration.His doctor made Steve understand that he needed to considergetting another dog, not only for himself, but for his family.

Charleston AnimalSociety FosterCoordinator Jodi Osborneholding Kimber justbefore meeting Steve.


COMMUNITY:: A Veteran’s Story

A Mystery Dog ArrivesThen Kristin called. There was puppy living with a CharlestonAnimal Society foster family that sounded promising. No one hadbeen sure what kind of dog she was, because she had mange sosevere, she had lost all of her fur, but now the fur was back. Seeinga photo of the dog was like a gift from God. I opened my eyes topictures of this beautiful German Shepherd and she was ours if wewanted her. She was the spitting image of Scout! I was speechless.

The ride to meet her was long as Steve struggled with emotionsof excitement and grief. I knew he was only going there for me. Hehad planned on telling me that he didn’t like her, but heunderestimated the power of love. The second he held Kimber inhis arms and she stuck her nose in his pocket like Scout always did,all he could say was, “Can I take her?”

Kristin, Aldwin Roman (Anti-cruelty & Outreach Director forCAS) and the foster family were miracle workers. After Kimber’sspay and final check-up, you can’t imagine what it felt like when wewalked into the room and there stood the entire staff that hadworked with Scout, and now Kimber. I tried so hard to come upwith a way to say thank you and I failed horribly. The emotions ofthe loss of Scout and watching Steve smile for the first time in along time when he saw Kimber, was overwhelming. I was there andyet I felt like I was watching a movie of my life. I stood back and Ilooked at all of these people who did this to save my husband andmy family. I didn’t know that there were people out there like them.Thank you, Charleston Animal Society, for everything you do notonly for animals, but for families like mine.

Scout smiling and wonderingwhere her next ride withDaddy would take her

Kimber brought a smile andpeace of mind back to Steveafter the sudden loss of Scout.


CATS THROUGH THE WINDOW:A NURSING HOME SOAP OPERABY HELEN RAVENEL HAMMOND

COMMUNITY:: Feline Fans

JAMIE BARNES KNEW SHE COULDN’Tignore the calico cat she found in the bushesnext to the nursing home where she workednearly two summers ago. Barnes, themarketing director of Life Care Center inNorth Charleston, already had two cats ofher own at home. She brought some catfood and set it out.

That’s when the magic began for theelderly residents. Word soon spread andthis neighborhood cat became a daily natureshow for people who lived at Life CareCenter.

But this nature show soon became a bitof a soap opera, when the calico becamepregnant. Jamie would smile as she listenedto the residents wonder aloud how manybabies the cat would have and just who thebaby daddy was. The scoundrel.

Before they knew it, the momma catdelivered eight babies and this nature showthat turned into a soap opera, now turnedinto a parenting program. The residentswere constantly intrigued with what“Momma” was doing. But when Barnes sawthat Momma had kept one of the kittens,and wasn’t coming back to feed the others,she was urged to call Charleston AnimalSociety.

The kittens were treated in the Jane &Jerry Acker Kitten Intensive Care Unit atCharleston Animal Society and wereeventually adopted.

But before Barnes knew it, Momma waspregnant again and delivered three morekittens. “This story is a perfect example ofwhy we see such an overpopulationchallenge with cats,” said Charleston AnimalSociety Senior Director of Animal Services,Pearl Sutton. “We need all the help we canget from the community in trappingneighborhood cats, so we can get themspayed and neutered.”

This time, Barnes wasted no time andtook it upon herself to make sure Mommagot fixed. She was able to use traps (which

are always available to the public) fromCharleston Animal Society and had themset out. Lured into the trap by some tastytreats, Momma was quickly caught andtaken to Charleston Animal Society whereshe got spayed. By the next day, Mommawas back at Life Care Center so she couldnurse her kittens.

As Barnes and residents at Life CareCenter learned, trapping cats can be fun,educational and it can help save lives. Sofar, two more cats have been trapped,spayed/neutered, vaccinated and returnedto the nursing home, thanks to Barnes andher co-worker Kathryn Harris. “This wholeprocess is what we call ‘TVAR,’” said Sutton,“and this year alone, Charleston Animal

CATCOLONY

Society is planning to spay or neuter 13,000animals in our community!” Statisticsindicate the effort is paying off—the numberof free-roaming cats seen by CharlestonAnimal Society dropped 11% between 2014and 2015.

After the cats are spayed or neutered,they are returned to their original locationso new cats that aren’t “fixed” won’t moveinto the territory and start multiplying.

Every day when she goes to work, Barnessays the cats come running. The residents’families have even joined in on theenthusiasm and follow the progress. “Theresidents absolutely love the cats, askingabout them every day,” said Barnes.

This is a reality show all of us can cheer for!

Jamie Barnes’ work with the catcolony seen in the backgroundhas amused and educatedresidents at the nursing homewhere she is employed.

Residents at Life Care Centersmile as they look for the catsroaming around outside.


8 EASY STEPS TOTRAPPING A CAT!IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A FUN FAMILYproject, why not consider trapping thosestray cats in your neighborhood, so theycan be spayed or neutered? In 8 easy steps,we can show you how it’s done andCharleston Animal Society even providesthe traps for you!

Who?You or any Charleston County resident!

What?Trapping cats (in Charleston County) who need to be spayed or neutered.

When? Right now.

Why?Trapping these neighborhood, or feralcats, and getting them spayed or neuteredwill help prevent the births of thousandsof other kittens who wind up homelesseach year. Not only does trapping catsfor spaying and neutering purposes savelives, it is a wonderful, educationalexperience for the whole family.

8 EASY STEPS:

1. Come pick up a trap at Charleston AnimalSociety. We’re located at 2455 RemountRoad, North Charleston, SC 29406.)

2. Go to where the cats hang out. (Weargarden gloves and long sleeves throughthe entire trapping process.)

3. Place the trap and slide food into therear trap door. (The best place for a trap isnear a bush or a house. If you put it out inthe open, cats get suspicious. )

4. Set the trap mechanism. (It’s very easyand we will show you how to do it whenyou pick your trap up.)

5. Watch and wait. Move out of sight of thecats, but do not leave trap unattended.

6. Bingo! When cat triggers mechanism,locking him inside, place a blanket overthe trap to calm the cat down.

7. Before moving the cat (inside the trap),check to make sure the cat’s left ear is NOTear-tipped. This means it’s already beenspayed or neutered. If tipped, just open thetrap’s front door and release the cat. Startagain with step 4.

8. Bring the cat (inside the trap) toCharleston Animal Society where thesurgeons will spay or neuter the cat andmake arrangements with you to return catto his or her original habitat.

ANIMAL OVERPOPULATION:: Cats

SPAY

NEUTER

HOW THE TRAP WORKS: When the cat steps on the floor panel to eat, it releases the front door of the trap and safely and humanely closes the cat in.

Important things to remember:*Charleston Animal Society can only loan traps to Charleston County residents.*Charleston Animal Society holds a check or credit card for $75 (which will only be cashed, iftrap is not returned).

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SAVING LIVES:: New Initiative

No KillSouthCarolina

Despite Charleston County becoming a No Kill Community,tens of thousands of animals in other areas of SouthCarolina are dying needlessly due to a lack of sheltering,

medical availability and community support. To combat thesealarming statistics, Charleston Animal Society is joining forceswith 5 other animal shelters around the state to launch No KillSouth Carolina. It is the boldest animal care initiative ever undertakenin the U.S.

Together, these six shelters will act as “key resource centers”working with shelters in their surrounding areas to coach, inspireand train smaller shelters on life-saving strategies. “In the nexttwo years we are looking to help build up capacity at these KeyResource Centers with research-based and data-driven best practicesso they can then reach out and support other organizations intheir own local communities,” said Abigail Kamleiter, ProjectManager for the No Kill South Carolina initiative. “The goal is thatno animal welfare organization in South Carolina will be morethan an hour's drive from real help. By working together andsupporting one another we can save lives.”

MEET SOUTH CAROLINA’S KEY RESOURCE CENTERS!

Charleston Animal Society (Charleston)Charleston Animal Society led Charleston County to become thefirst No Kill Community in the Southeast under No Kill Charleston2015. “We launched this goal in 2012 and thanks to a very supportive

community and research-based strategies brought to us by theASPCA, we reached our goal ahead of time,” said CEO Joe Elmore.“Experts said it couldn’t be done in the South. But we proved theexperts wrong, and now we want to accomplish the same successfor the entire state of South Carolina.”

Charleston Animal Society spayed and neutered 12,000 animalsin 2015 while saving the lives of an additional 8,000 animals. As anopen-admission shelter, Charleston Animal Society never turns aCharleston County animal away.

Greenville County Animal Care (Greenville)Greenville County Animal Care is the largest open admissionanimal shelter in the state of South Carolina, taking in between17,000-20,000 animals each year from every municipality inGreenville County and the unincorporated areas of SpartanburgCounty. “Our facility is capable of housing over 500 dogs and catson any given day,” said Division Manager, Shelly Simmons, CAWA.“We have a team of over 60 staff, 20 work release inmates, and 125volunteers that help provide many services to the citizens ofGreenville and Spartanburg counties.”

Services GCAC provides include adoption and foster care,volunteer opportunities, humane education, pet retention, petreclamation, and clinic services, which include spay/neuter, low-cost veterinary care and weekly vaccination clinics.

“As a [Key Resource Center], GCAC will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other shelter and animal groups within our

BY TERI ERRICO

NKSC

Charleston Animal Society ledCharleston County to become the firstNo Kill Community in the Southeast.


geographical area to share our resources and successful strategieswe’ve already implemented to reduce the number of animalsentering shelters while also increasing life-saving opportunities,”Simmons said. “We are excited to join the No Kill South Carolinaeffort because not only is it in-line with our mission and vision, it’sa commitment that animal organizations need to make to seeSouth Carolina become a leader in animal welfare.”

Humane Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals(Columbia)The Humane Society in Columbia offers a low-cost, high-quality,high-volume spay and neuter clinic. They investigate reports ofanimal cruelty, abuse and neglect; run a trap, neuter and releaseprogram for feral cats, and they provide community education. Tobest serve the community, the Humane Society has both a fixed-site clinic in Columbia and a mobile clinic that travels throughoutthe midlands. Last year, they performed more than 8,000 surgeries. Executive Director Wayne Brennessel said the Humane Societywas more than ready and willing to serve as a resource to otheranimal welfare organizations throughout the state. “If they needhelp with spay-neuter, if they need us to do surgeries, if they needhelp with animal investigation of animal cruelty or to do theinvestigations for them, we will,” he said. “I’m absolutely supportiveof anything that will help reduce euthanasia rates around thestate.”

Pawmetto Lifeline (Columbia)Since Pawmetto Lifeline’s inception as Project Pet in 1999, theyhave held the belief that no healthy or treatable adoptable companionpet should lose his life simply because he is homeless. All of theirprograms, including their low-cost, high-volume spay/neuterprogram, educational outreach, and rescue collaboration andadoptions, aim to bring their community and our state closer to ano-kill status. Additionally, the organization has implemented petretention programs as a way to keep animals from ever enteringmunicipal shelters. Examples of these programs are Sophie’s Good

Greenville County Animal Care takes inbetween 17,000-20,000 animals each year, andprovides adoption and foster care, humaneeducation, clinic services and more.

Humane Society for the Protection of Crueltyto Animals (Columbia) offers a low-cost, high-quality spay and neuter clinic and performedmore than 8,000 surgeries in 2015.

Pawmetto Lifeline (Columbia) believes nohealthy pet should lose their life because it ishomeless, and that through collaboration andcommunication together we can solve petoverpopulation.


Samaritan Medical Fund, which helps owners get their pets themedical care they need, and their Pet Soup program, which assistsfamilies who need help providing their pets with food.

“No one agency or group can single-handedly solve our petoverpopulation and euthanasia problem, but through collaboration,partnership, and communication, we know that it can be done,”said CEO Denise Wilkinson. “We are so proud to provide otheroptions not only to homeless pets in our community but to familieswho want nothing more than to be able to care for their pets andhonor their lifelong commitment.”

City of Columbia Animal ServicesThe City of Columbia Animal Services Division is responsible forenforcing the City's animal control ordinance and the humanecare and euthanasia of unwanted pets in Columbia and RichlandCounty. “The Southeast seems to have a huge euthanasia issueand it’s important to help folks find outlets for those animals orrealize the importance of spay/neuter,” said Superintendent of theDivision Marli Drum. Animal Services partners with rescue groupsall over town, such as Animal Mission, which spends about $125,000a year to assist citizens of Columbia and Richland County with

free spay/neuter. They also have a program called HEART, a directpartnership with Pawmetto Lifeline, which stands for Help EveryAnimal Reach Tomorrow. “They actually come in and photographsome of our animals and email them out to rescue groups,” Drumexplained.

The shelter’s work is definitely seeing results in decreasing thenumber of animals that come in. While Animal Services used toget about 14,000 animals a year for their spay/neuter program,they’re down to almost 9,100. This year they predict that numberwill be closer to 8,000 and Drum is thrilled. Drum said hisorganization is very excited about No Kill South Carolina, “For usand the state to go forward and try and do something is prettyhuge.”

Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare (Aiken)The SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare is a No Kill Shelterthat serves the entire Central Savannah River Area region. Theyprovide an incredible amount of services to the community,including subsidizing a high-volume/low-cost spay and neuterclinic as well as a veterinary clinic that provides services, products,and procedures at affordable rates. With these efforts, the AlbrechtCenter is helping thousands of pet owners overcome the challengeof healthcare affordability.

Additionally, the Albrecht Center’s Phideaux University Enrichmentand Training Program aims to prevent dogs from being surrenderedto shelters for behavioral reasons. As education is important to theorganization, they have even implemented a Humane and CharacterEducation Program in some Aiken County schools as part of themonthly curriculum. “We built a new shelter that is inviting andanimal-centric to encourage people to visit and adopt,” explainedPresident & CEO Barbara Nellson, “Our expertise is in efforts thatreduce the homeless pet population that ultimately ends up in thesheltering system.”

(TOP) SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal (Aiken) is a No Kill Shelter whose goal isultimately to reduce homeless pet population throughout the entire Central SavannahRiver Region area. (Left) City of Columbia Animal Services works with non-profitsaround the community to help others successfully launch their own No Kill SouthCarolina initiatives.

SAVING LIVES:: New Initiative


ASK THE TRAINER::Canine Challenge

DOGS NEED MORE THAN PHYSICALstimulation like playing ball; they alsoneed mental stimulation, which thesegames are great for. Always start simple,make it easy. As your dog grasps thegames, make it more challenging.

Hide and Seek: This game is intended toget your dog thinking and using their nose. ■ Use your dog’s favorite treats, thesmellier the better, and begin by placingthem in obvious places around the yard.As the dog learns the game you can beginto place them in more difficult areas. ■ When first starting out, use the cue“Find It” and point toward the nearesttreat. When the dog finds it reward with a “Yes” and move on to the next area.

■ As the dog becomes more accustomedto the game and learns the cue you canmove to the general area and say the cue. ■ Eventually the dog will learn some ofthe typical spots you hide the treats, sostart to branch out. ■ Once your dog understands the game,hide the treats in the yard while the dog is inside (so he can’t watch where youplace them), then upon letting them outhave them sit and release them with “Find it!” and enjoy watching your dogrun about the yard in search of hisfavorite treats.

Scent Game: This game is also a great one for nose work.■ There are multiple ways to approach

this game. You can use items such asraw meat, different animal scents, oreven a favorite toy.■ If using meat or a favorite toy, drag itacross the ground and hide it behind atree or bush. Start simple with straightlines, then amp it up with zig zags orrounding corners. You can use a string or rope as a guide, and have your dogstart at one end and find the object atthe other.■ When using scents, spray small doses around the yard for them to follow.Try mixing it up, using two or threedifferent smells for them to track. Place a high value reward at the end of the trailto continue to encourage them.

OUTDOORFUN FORDOGSBY MELISSA KLEIN AND DONYA SATRIALE

WOOF!

WOOF!


Follow the Leader: This is good practicefor ensuring your dog learns how to be off-leash. ■ Using a fenced in area or a long lineleash, begin the session with your dog at acomfortable distance from you. This is notintended for him to be right at your side.You want your dog to be comfortable at ashort distance, but follow you when youturn to go.■ Never walk directly toward your dog.Make it a game, as if you are trying to getaway from the dog. Try running in theopposite direction of your dog to get himto chase you. Make quick sharp turns andget your dog to respond.■ If your dog begins to get ahead of you,turn and go in the opposite direction andwhistle/call/whoop to get them to runafter you.■ The more fun and enthusiastic youmake this, the more your dog will enjoy it and learn the game faster.

Obedient Fetch: This is one way to get insome basic obedience, while enjoying a gameof fetch. Instead of having to try and prythe ball from his mouth or listen to himcontinuously barking at you to throw it, thiswill teach the dog that calm/respectfulbehavior will earn rewards.■ Work on their recall with “Come.”Reward him once you can physicallytouch him.■ Drop it: using the cue along withhaving two separate toys so you can throwone the minute the other is dropped. Also,be sure to bring treats to help reward thebehaviors.■ Have your dog sit or lay down beforeautomatically turning and running in thedirection of where the ball will be thrown.In a high energy situation these mannersare very helpful to learn.■ You can also use a release command,such as “OK!” to prompt him that you arethrowing the toy and he can get up fromhis sit/down. This is beneficial to improvethe stay/wait command as well.

The more fun and enthusiastic youmake this, the more your dog will enjoy it and learn the game faster.


500 ANIMAL ADVOCATES CAME OUT TO SUPPORTCharleston Animal Society for its Annual Meeting on February20th. The event focused on “Overcoming the Odds” and recappedall of the accomplishments of the past year, including the rescueof Caitlyn and the success of No Kill Charleston 2015, whichinspired this year’s launch of No Kill South Carolina and themovement, No Kill. No Harm. No More. The chairwoman of thisyear’s annual meeting was Charleston Animal Society BoardMember Sarah-Hamlin Hastings. The entire staff of VeterinarySpecialty Care was honored as this year’s recipient of theCommunity Ambassador Award, given to area businesses thatgo above and beyond for the health and welfare of our community’sanimals. The keynote address was delivered by Garden & GunMagazine President & CEO Rebecca Wesson Darwin.

CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY ANNUAL MEETING

SOCIAL:: Overcoming the Odds

AROUND

TOWN

Veterinary Specialty Care Received the 2015 Community Ambassador Award

L-R: Katie Huemmer Reed, Ryan Johnson, Beverly Snelgrave

L-R: Stephanie Hall, Steve Hall, Pamela Doggett Kristen Kifer, (front) Shelby Hall Charleston Animal Society Board Member Sarah-Hamlin Hastings makes opening remarks

L-R: Gerri Greenwood and Mary Beth Dew Dr. Perry Jameson and Dr. Henri Bianucci

PHOTOS BY: CALEB WILSON


COMMUNITY:: It Takes a Village

A Tale of TWO Pit bullsBY TERI ERRICO PHOTO: ERINN ABARBANELL


HAPPILY-EVER-AFTERS DO EXIST IN THEreal world. For humans. For dogs. Even forneglected Pit bulls many would be scared to

step in and save. Two local pups, aptly named Kingand Queen, found their happy ending and a safe newhome thanks to the tireless efforts of two animaladvocates, and all around “Fairy Godmothers,” EmeliaAdkins and Heather Beem.

King and Queen’s story begins in the middle, on aFebruary afternoon, when Adkins and her boyfriendwent for a walk in downtown Charleston and metQueen, a spritely five-month old Pit bull puppybounding toward them. “She was so sweet and so cute,and I’m a huge dog person so I had to know moreabout her!” Adkins recalled with a smile.

Beem introduced herself as Queen’s caretaker andthe two struck up a conversation. “Heather told methat Queenie belonged to her neighbors. They hadadopted two Pit bull puppies in the hopes of breedingthem, but instead the dogs were being neglected andpossibly abused,” Adkins shared. “It wasn’t good atall and Heather was trying to find a way to get themout.” In fact, when Beem was told the landlord wasn’tgoing to let the owners keep the puppies—and thatthey might be shipped up north—she swooped in andasked if she could re-home them herself. She startedwith Queen.

“I barely knew Queenie but I was heartbroken bythis,” Adkins said. But she rose to the challenge—andknew just where to start. She went back to her officeand posted a photo of Queen on her company’sFacebook page, along with the dog’s story, asking ifanyone might be able to take her in. Adkin’s company,a vibrant, growing tech company in downtownCharleston called BoomTown, is made up of some ofthe most kind-hearted, good people who love to helpothers and solve problems daily. A dog-friendlycompany, the office is often filled with furry friends ofall sizes. Even if no one could take in Queen, Adkinsknew her co-workers would be the ones to figuresomething out.

In a matter of days there was a waiting line to takein Queen. The top two? Allison and Will Tinney,newlyweds who worked at BoomTown! and were alreadyfur-parents to Lucy, a 6-year-old Pit bull rescue. “I hada feeling they would be the ones to adopt Queenie,”Adkins smiled. “They had wanted another Pit bull andrescuing was important to them.”

The couple met Quboomeen and took a night tothink things through, but when they returned thefollowing day with a decision, the owners suddenlysang a different tune—one to the sound of $500. “Ididn’t know what to do. I hate asking for money, butwe had all fallen so in love with Queenie and I couldn’tleave her,” Adkins said. She set up a GoFundMe page,emailed her office, and crossed her fingers. Withina day, her co-workers rallied together to raise morethan enough.

With the money, Beem was able to take Queen—and even convinced the owners to let her re-home theother puppy, five-month-old King. No one knew anythingabout this second pup who had been left on a chain inthe backyard, but unlike doubting Thomas in the Bible,Adkin’s co-worker Thomas Szymanski stepped forwardwith blind faith. “I didn’t know if I wanted a dog justyet, but I had a house with a big yard and was willingto take King just to get him out of such a terriblesituation,” Szymanski said.

Though he only intended to foster, Szymanski andthe dog bonded so quickly that within a week his co-workers proudly touted him a “foster failure.” “He wasso sweet, but I couldn’t believe he was a puppy!”Szymanski said of first meeting King. At almost sixmonths, he is already 60-lbs. “You have these ideas inyour head of what Pit bulls or an abused dog could belike, but he was so calm and smart. This office is fullof dogs, but every time one would come near and nipat him, King would take it or gently play with hismouth closed. He isn’t aggressive at all.”

For that reason, Szymanski decided to rename hisnew friend. “He’s going to be huge and intimidatingenough someday, so I tried to think of the gentlestname possible,” the dog owner noted. Already takingto saying, “Come here, buddy!” and “Hey, buddy!” thename “Buddy” just stuck.

Today, both dogs are adjusted in their new homesand are the most popular pups at the water cooler.Both Szymanski and the Tinneys take their dogs towork daily, and everyone’s face lights up when theysee these thriving dogs that together they all rescued.Queen is often found lying under a desk, exploringher new spaces around BoomTown!, and Buddy canbe found curled up with his toys when he’s not nuzzlingpasserby for affection.

They are the opposite of every stereotype you readabout Pit bulls, especially ones who have beenmaltreated and neglected. They were like Cinderella,kind souls treated unkindly, and thanks to the devotedacts of Adkins and Beem, they are now adored, healthyand safe in homes fit for a Queen and a King—or areally special Buddy.

TODAY, both dogs are adjusted in theirnew homes and are the most popularpups at the water cooler.

KING&

QUEEN


Cornelia Pelzer Elwood, author of Take Chargeof Treatment for Your Child with Asperger’s(ASD): Create a Personalized Guide to Successfor Home, School, and the Community

INKWELL:: Written Word

CAN PETS HELP WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME?

Editor’s Note: Kailey Allen is a frequentvisitor to Charleston Animal Society andhas grown into a passionate advocate forthe treatment and acceptance of Pit bulls.

Bull FighterWritten by: Kailey Allen (Age 13)

A creature, greater than us;One who can love unconditionally.One who brings joy.One, who is a symbol for happiness,Is labeled not as the higher rank,But called a killer?

How can you call them killers?If we, the ones who clip these creaturesinto monsters,And are sharpening their own feelings,just as we sharpen their ears,Cutting them down to size.

“They’re no monsters!”We, those who’ve taught them theseawful,These horrible things, are their monsters.

The Pit Bull, the one animal to have thebiggest smile,And to be gentle enough to sleep next to a baby,Has been labeled as a killer.

Now, I ask you, how can a breedOf one of the world’s most loving animals,Truly be a killer?

BY CORNELIA PELZER ELWOOD

EVEN THOUGH I HAD NEVER BEEN A“dog person” and my husband has allergies,we were willing to do anything to supportour child, Alexander, who has Asperger’sSyndrome (AS) and struggles with anxiety.Alexander always loved animals and beggedfor a dog for years. During a year loadedwith many AS-related crises such as epicmeltdowns with traumatic consequencesat school, expulsion from community classes,and a debilitating adverse reaction tomedication with resulting social withdrawal,depression, and anxiety, we finally consentedto a chocolate labradoodle named SidneyMacAdoodle Elwood. He changed our lives!

Graduate school taught me that animalscould be therapeutic for individuals on theautism spectrum. The theory that I learnedcame to life in our home. Sidney has becomeone of the most supportive influences inAlexander’s life. Unlike people, Sidneymakes no communication or social demandsbut simply offers predictable unconditionalacceptance and devotion. He provides anon-threatening path for Alexander toexplore and understand love. For years,Alexander never allowed family or friendsto hug or touch him due to his over-reactivesensory system, but he enjoys petting,cuddling, and sleeping with Sidney.Alexander’s control over the type of touchand pressure combined with the positiveemotional connection supported this

process. Getting used to one form of tactileinput has helped him better tolerate humanhugs, handshakes, and unexpected touchwith people he trusts. Sidney has expandedour worlds, opened our hearts, and becomepart of our Elwood pack.

PAWS WITH A CAUSEPaws with a Cause, is a Charleston Animal Society program that is adapted to fit the needs of children from 5-18 years old, that are diagnosed on the AutismSpectrum. The program is currently facilitated by Misty Stinnett, a HumaneEducator, who also has a license in Recreational Therapy, along with 2 SpeechTherapists. Through Humane Education, we are hoping to:

■ Build social skills ■ Incorporate a love for animals with fun■ Build self-confidence ■ Learn safe and appropriate ways to interact with animals

The primary goal of this program is to serve all children in our communityregardless of ability. To support or learn more about this program contact Misty Stinnett: [email protected].


SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH:: Felines

RE-THINKINGLOST CATSBY ELLIE PAYNE

BLACKIE, THE TOUGH LOOKINGJohns Island cat, knew how to turn on thecharm when he needed a little love fromhis girls Jade, 8, and Bella, 6. The big kittyspent all two years of his life with the Lewisfamily, stalking the neighborhood by day,home for dinner by night- living the typicallife of an indoor/outdoor cat. But when thefamily decided to up and move a few milesdown the road, no one decided to ask himabout it. After one week in the newapartment, the indoor/outdoor catdisappeared without a trace.

The Lewises looked for Blackie for weeks,posting missing cat signs, talking toneighbors and calling local shelters. Afterthree months and several leads that leadthem nowhere, the family had to pack upand move again into their new house. Jasonand Jessica Lewis decided it was time totell the girls that Blackie was not comingback.

What they didn’t know, was that Blackiedid go back- to the old house, which waslocated two miles away. On move-in day,an old neighbor called to say he had seenwho he thought was Blackie on the fencenext door. Jade was so surprised to see herold cat at her new house. “My dad said ‘Ihave a surprise for you’ and I said ‘A newcat?’ and he said ‘No, it’s your old cat!’ AndI said ‘Yeaaaah!!’ ” Jade held her kitty forthe entire day.

Learning from Blackie’s StoryWe share Blackie’s story to illustrate excitingnew research about reuniting cats withfamilies. The typical scenario goessomething like this: a cat is picked up byanimal control and is brought to a shelter,where the cat then waits to be adopted bya new family.

But a national study put out by Weiss,Slater, & Lord, noted that 74% of lost catswere ultimately found by their owners aftersearching their neighborhoods or the cats

returned home on their own. That compareswith a mere 2% of cats who were reunitedwith their owners through shelters.

The findings are raising an interestingquestion being discussed at animalconferences around the country – is it betterfor shelters to treat stray cats (that are notdeclawed) and then release them backwhere they were picked up – versus keepingthem in a shelter hoping for adoption?“This process is called ‘SNR,’ or ‘Shelter-Neuter-Return,’” said Charleston AnimalSociety Senior Director of VeterinaryMedicine Dr. Lucy Fuller. “It’s similar tothe process you may have heard about thatdeals with feral cats, called ‘TVAR’ or ‘Trap-Vaccinate-Alter-Return.’”

The Weiss, Slater & Lord researchers saythese findings could indicate that “asignificant percentage of the stray cats inshelters around the country do not havesomeone looking for them.” It means thatif not released, the animal’s only chance atreuniting with its family is adoption, whichcan take weeks or months, depending onthe shelter. And as is the case in manyshelters, cats may not make it out of ashelter alive.

The Cat SpectrumCommunity cats fall across a spectrum,with “feral,” cats on one side and friendly,indoor/outdoor-owned cats on the other.The portion of cats that this new researchis referring to, involves the friendly,indoor/outdoor-owned cats. CharlestonAnimal Society accepted 5,111 cats in 2015.

Using TVAR with feral cats was a mainstrategy for reaching the 90% live-releaserate achieved last year.

“This new research is exciting becauseit offers great potential to reunite evenmore cats with their owners,” said Fuller.She added that other shelters around thecountry are already using SNR with greatsuccess.

Another takeaway from the Weiss, Slater& Lord research is the confirmation thatzeroing in on a lost cat’s neighborhood isthe best way to find him. “We need tocontinue to encourage people who losecats to plaster their street with signs andto go on Facebook and contact friends wholive nearby,” said Fuller.

What about the 2%?A stunning and sad statistic from the newresearch is that only 2% of cats are foundby their owners in shelters. Why? Fullerexplained there are multiple reasons:• People often don’t realize a cat is“missing” for days, unlike other pets, suchas a dog. • This lapse in searching leaves the catopen to being adopted in No Killenvironments, or euthanized in lessprogressive situations.• Many people don’t think to look at theirlocal animal shelter.

“This is a big wakeup call for all catowners to go and get their petmicrochipped,” Fuller said. “Imagine all ofthe heartache and searching microchipscould help solve.”

LOST &

FOUND

IF YOU SEE, LEAVE 'EM BE BY HELEN RAVENEL HAMMOND


SPRING LITTERS:: Kittens

SPRING HAS SPRUNG AND LITTERSof kittens are being born, as is typical thistime of year. In the span of just two weeks,Charleston Animal Society saw five littersof cats come in, and the shelter has advicefor all of us: “If you see, leave ‘em be.”

Pearl Sutton, Senior Director of AnimalServices, explained, “Be certain kittens arereally abandoned before you disturb a nest.A mom cat can be harder to spot than astealth bomber. But just because she’s notthere ‘now’ doesn’t mean she’s not around.”

Dr. Lucy Fuller is the Director of PublicHealth and Spay/Neuter Initiatives atCharleston Animal Society. She warns thatthe younger the kitten is, the less likely itis to survive without its mother. That’s whywe should all think twice before removinga kitten from the outdoors. “If they are in anest area, they are there on purpose,” saidFuller. “The mother may be temporarilygathering food.”

Another important tip to keep in mindis that the mother may be feral and startled

by humans, which is why you may not seeher near her kittens.

According to Sutton, if the kittens areclean, plump, and sleeping quietly in aheap, odds are that they have an attentivemom and should be left alone. “Abandonedkittens will be dirty and the nest will besoiled, and they will cry continuouslybecause they’re hungry,” Sutton said. “Watchfor several hours before removing to besure mom is not returning.”

Milky goodnessKittens receive the vital nutrients they needfrom their mothers, including importantantibodies that help fight disease.The routine of natural feeding is impossibleto replicate, just like a cat could not feed ahuman baby. Oftentimes we hear about“bottle-fed kittens.” It is important to notethat the survival rate of an orphaned kittenunder two weeks is less than 50-percenteven with talented caregivers bottle-feedingthem.

“Humans don’t make good cats,” saidFuller, emphasizing the importance of themomma cat’s milk in those first few weeks.

So when should you act?Ideally, kittens should not be taken fromtheir mother until they are five- to six-weeks old. However, Sutton said, kittensborn to feral mothers should be taken awaywhen they start venturing away from mom.This is usually at about four-weeks old.

“At this age, it is easy to tame them andthey have gotten four weeks’ worth of theprecious antibodies only mother's milk canprovide,” said Sutton.

So while you are right to be concernedif you see kittens in the great outdoors,please remember to “leave ‘em be,” untilyou are sure the mother is not still involved.“Mothers don’t typically abandon theirkittens,” Fuller said.

KITTEN

CRAZE

Questions About Kittens?(843) 747-4849


RESCUE:: Adopt, Don’t Buy!

TAKE ME HOMEThe weather is warming up, the flowers are blooming and that means it's the perfect time of year to share the love by saving a lifeand adopting a pet! Come visit Charleston Animal Society today at 2455 Remount Road in North Charleston or go online to:www.CharlestonAnimalSociety.org.

Apollo Creeds gotnothing on me. Yo!My name is Rocky. Myworkouts consist ofnaps, snuggling andmore naps. I’m a funloving cat just wait-ing for someone tocall me their champ!

One thing we haveto get straight.You’re not allowedto pull that MarlonBrando routine onme. You know,“Stellllllaaaaaa!!!”Deal?

Yes my goatee is real. They call me Scruff and if you need to add a little swagger toyour life, I’m your cat.

My name is Flash and I’ve got deep, soulful eyes. The whole package. Right here. Waiting for you. Hey, don’t turn the page! Visit Charleston Animal Society today.

OK, I’m a little excit-ed right now becauseI can’t wait to meetyou. My name isSasha. Cute? Check.Love to play? Check.Love to snooze?Check. New Home?Please help mecheck this off my list!

RESCUEME

My name is Queen. Do you need me to fetch? Let’s practice catching the Frisbeefor about a thousand hours. My strengths are loyalty and friendliness. I thinkwe’re a perfect match.

36 CAROLINA TAILS | WINTER 2016

CAT CAFÉBY HELEN RAVENEL HAMMOND

YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KITTEN ME!A cat café right here in Charleston offeringadoptable cats, beverages and delectablepastries? Pounce Cat Cafe and Wine Bar isa purrfect idea that will hopefully becomea reality this summer in downtownCharleston’s Cannonborough neighborhood.

Ashley Brooks and Annaliese Hugheslived across the hall from each other at theCollege of Charleston a few years ago. Theybonded over the fact that they were both“crazy cat ladies.” Hughes said, “The runningjoke was we should just drop out of schooland start a café.”

FELINES:: What’s Trending

They both graduated, but Brooks heldonto her kitty café calling by helping toopen up one of the first cat cafés in theWashington, D.C. area, Crumbs & Whiskers.The concept took off! They partnered withthe Humane Society in D.C., and cat loverscould come and pay a minimal hourlycharge to hang out with adoptable cats.Now, they are partnering with CharlestonAnimal Society, hoping to showcasehomeless Lowcountry kitties.

“Pounce is perfect for people who don’twant to give the time, money orresponsibility to fully commit to having a

CAT’SMEOWpet. They can come and hang out for anhour-and-a-half and leave with no stringsattached,” explained Brooks. The conceptis also a great fit for people in apartmentbuildings and dorm rooms who are notallowed to have pets, as well as for thosewho can’t have pets because of allergicfamily members, according to Brooks.

Hughes reiterated that college studentscan come and play with the cats. “It’s anice way to play without committing to afull adoption,” she said. “It’s a way to getyour furry therapy on.”

But just in case you become attached toyour feline friend, you will have theopportunity to adopt. Charleston AnimalSociety will train all Pounce baristas onthe adoption process. Everyone will sign awaiver and, of course, there will be a keeneye on who is adopting.

The café will be chock full of fun forboth humans and cats. There’ll be beer,wine, coffee/tea and nibbles from a localbakery for the humans, and toys andclimbing apparatus (think cat nip andclimbing trees) for the cats. And since thiswill be the first cat café to serve beer andwine, Brooks and Hughes wanted to makea big meow about it by partnering with alocal brewery to make an exclusive beercalled “Hoppy Cat.”

And yes, the cat area and theeating/drinking areas are separated forhealth issues, so no worries about havingfur in your pastry!


SERVICE

DOG

LEAVING ONA JET PLANE

I WAS FLYING BACK TO CHARLESTONin February, sitting in the airport and tryingto figure out if my flight was going to becanceled, when a young man with a servicedog sat next to me. He had significantmotion impairment and facial scars. WhenI asked him about his dog, he told me thestory of Charlie, short for Charlotte, whocame to him almost five years ago.

He explained that his family now talkedabout their life in “BC” and “AC” terms—“Before Charlie” and “After Charlie”. BeforeCharlie, he rarely left his room. Now hehad a job, and his family was living in anice suburban development. He explainedthe other ways in which Charlie had helpedhim restablish his life and embrace his“new normal.”

At the end of his story, when I said,”Wow! it sounds like Charlie saved yourlife,” he responded, “No ma’am, Charlie didnot save my life. She saved my family.Without her, I would probably be living ina one room apartment, drinking myself todeath, I would be divorced and estrangedfrom my kids, who would probably be goingoff the rails, and I would be an unlovingson, brother and friend. Charlie helped meembrace my new life and my ‘new normal’by giving me the courage to do little things,like walking to the mailbox to get the mailafter work, and walking her to the cornerand back in the evening. Instead of seeingmyself as such a train wreck, she helpedme see myself again as just another husbandand dad home from work, walking the dog

OBSERVATIONS:: Essays

around the block, just like all the otherdads in the neighborhood. She has becomean easy way for me to meet people, justlike you asking me about her.”

So here is the question for myself—wouldI have started a conversation without Charliethere? Perhaps not, for the simple reasonthat Charlie gave me the confidence to talkto someone I did not know, someone whosebody language and demeanor gave me theimpression that he might view anyconversation as an unwelcome intrusion.Due to Charlie, we had an enjoyableconversation, and I relaxed about gettingstuck at the airport.

BY ELIZABETH BRADHAM

”Wow! it sounds like Charlie savedyour life,” he responded, “No

ma’am...She saved my family."

It is possible that Sparta may be licking ittoo much. If he is over-grooming, then Iwould be concerned about the underlyingcause of this. Over-licking can lead tosecondary irritation and infection. It ispossible it could be allergy-related (fleas,food and environment) or it could even berelated to stress. Stress, anxiety, fear ornervousness can lead to over-groomingand hair loss in cats. Some metabolicdiseases can lead to hair loss as well. Iwould recommend having Sparta examinedby your veterinarian so that the area andcause of licking can be better evaluated.

—Dr. Kelley Minor, DVMCharleston Animal Society

Thank you for your question. I feel it isimportant to immediately point out thatsome causes of a cloudy eye may result inloss of vision in a short period of time,therefore it is always imperative to schedulea veterinary examine as soon as possible.Certainly, do not administer human over-the-counter medicines, such as Visine orother ophthalmic products designed to"reduce eye redness" or irritation.

The layers of the eye that the ownerwould be able to view include the cornea(the outer layer), the aqueous (fluid mediawithin the eye), and the lens (center of eye,reflects and focuses light to back of eye).The health of the cornea is very importantin upholding the integrity of the entire eye,and disorders to the cornea need to be


ASK THE VET

TRAINING TIPS:: Meow!

Thank you for your question, Michelle. Itsounds like your dog might be sufferingfrom separation anxiety. There are manyaspects of this condition, so please discusswith your veterinarian exactly what isoccurring for an appropriate diagnosis. Wedo not know exactly why some dogs displaythis behavior, but it is important for you tounderstand he/she is not punishing youfor leaving. Separation anxiety is apsychological condition and is part of apanic response. There are some behaviormodifications you can try first, so speakwith your veterinarian about your concerns.

Some modifications include calmlyleaving and entering your home anddesensitizing your dog to the associationbetween picking up car keys and leaving.Certain changes in the house and how weinteract with our dogs could lessen theanxiety, but often medications are neededto calm their nervous systems to allow thetraining and changes to work. It is believedthat those suffering from anxiety ordershave a chemical imbalance. Psychoactivemedications, i.e. Clomipramine andFluoxetine, are used to increase the levelof neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, inthe brain. As long has your dog is otherwisehealthy, I would not expect psychoactivemedications to cause profound sedation.Side effects can include gastrointestinalsigns, such as vomiting and diarrhea andmild sedation, and your veterinarian willdetermine the best medication and dosethat works for you and your dog.

—Dr. Margaret Morris, DVMCharleston Animal Society

treated immediately. Cloudiness associatedwith the aqueous, which is responsible forthe eye's pressure (intraocular pressure orIOP), is frequently associated with increasedIOP (Glaucoma) and that is painful for theanimal. Cloudiness to the lens can occurslowly due to chronic inflammation or agerelated changes, or it can appear quicklywhen associated with diseases, such asdiabetes that lead to cataracts.

An accurate diagnosis is important inorder to provide treatment that willspecifically address the underlining causeof the cloudiness. Typically, a physicalexam, tear test, corneal eye stain and IOPtest are all that are needed to diagnose thecondition and start treatment. A bloodchemistry profile and blood cell count arefrequently recommended if a systemicdisease is suspected.

Treatment is variable based on whichlayer is being affected. Most commonlytopical drops or ointments are prescribed,but more progressed disease or certaincases may require surgery.

—Dr. Angele Bice, DVMCharleston Animal Society

If you have a question you’d like to ask the veterinarians at Charleston Animal Society, email us at: [email protected].

Separation anxiety is apsychological condition and is part of a panicresponse. There are somebehavior modifications youcan try first, so speak withyour veterinarian about your concerns.

QUESTION: My cat Sparta has a bald spoton his tummy. I think he is licking it toomuch. Is that possible? What do I do? —Milt, Lincolnville

QUESTION: I have started to notice somecloudiness in my cat’s left eye. She’sonly six. Could it be cataracts, and if so,how is it treated. Is it expensive? —Christina, West Ashley

QUESTION: My dog goes crazy and tearsthings up when I leave her alone at home.Now my vet wants to put her on an anxietymedicine. I don’t want her to be a zombie.Should I be concerned? —Michelle, Mount Pleasant

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


carolina tails magazine - spring 2016

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