Pet Stories - Mount Pleasant Pets

Santa Paws: The Gift of Pet Adoptions

As the holiday season approaches, many Charleston families may be considering adding a furry friend to their homes. The image of a puppy with a bow under the Christmas tree is certainly heartwarming, but before rushing to a breeder or pet store, consider the opportunity to make a real difference by adopting from a local rescue center or shelter.

Adopting a shelter dog during the holidays isn’t just a gift to your family; it’s lifesaving. Charleston Animal Society and other local rescues are often overwhelmed, especially during the holiday season. By choosing adoption, you’re not only giving a deserving dog a loving home but also freeing up space for another animal in need.

The variety of dogs available at shelters and rescues is astounding. From energetic puppies to wise seniors and purebreds to lovable mutts, there’s a perfect match for every family. The dedicated staff at Charleston’s leading rescues and shelters are experts at making great matches, considering factors like energy levels, size and temperament to ensure both the dog and the family thrive together. And if you have your heart set on a specific breed, breed-specific rescues are a great place to start.

Financially, adoption is often more cost-effective than purchasing from a breeder or pet store. Adoption fees at Charleston Animal Society range from $100 to $250, depending on the dog’s size and breed. This fee includes essential services like spaying/neutering, microchipping and initial vaccinations – services that would cost significantly more if obtained separately.

For families who want to get to know the pet before committing, Charleston Animal Society offers innovative foster programs like Paws Around Town, allowing registered members of the community to take a dog on a field trip. This gives pet lovers a chance to interact with a dog outside the shelter environment and get a real sense of their personality and needs. Even if the pet isn’t a match for the volunteer, it allows the dog to take a break from the shelter environment and meet other potential adopters.

Those who choose to adopt a shelter dog also set a powerful example for children during the holiday season. Adoption teaches compassion, responsibility and the value of giving second chances. Many of these dogs have overcome challenging circumstances, usually through no fault of their own, and by welcoming them into your home you’re showing your children the true spirit of the holidays – kindness, empathy and love.

What’s more, by choosing adoption, Charleston families can take a stand against the puppy mills and unethical breeding practices that often ramp up production during the holiday season. Every dog adopted from a shelter means one less customer for these unscrupulous operations, helping to reduce the demand that keeps them in business.

The joy of adopting a shelter dog extends far beyond the initial homecoming. These dogs often seem to understand that they’ve been given a second chance, and the bond they form with their adoptive families can be incredibly deep and rewarding. Imagine the memories you’ll create together – from holiday gatherings to summer beach trips – all while knowing your dog thinks of you as Santa!

By Isabel Alvarez Arata

Portside Vet: Hap(paw)y Hour

Nestled in the heart of Mount Pleasant, Portside Vet isn’t just another veterinary practice — it’s a hub of community connection and compassionate care. Since opening their doors in November 2022, they’ve made it their mission to fully engage in the community, one event and one furry friend at a time.

From the outset, community involvement has been at the core of Portside Vet’s ethos. They’ve eagerly participated in a variety of local events that resonate deeply with both pets and their human companions. Whether it’s been the lively Bark in the Park, where tails wagged as freely as the smiles, or the Isle of Paws Music Fest, where the rhythm and beats mingled with the patter of paws, each event has allowed them to forge connections in unconventional yet meaningful ways.

One of their favorite venues for meeting new clients and their pets has been our local breweries. As a self-professed lover of craft beer and dedicated dog parent, Dr. Patrick Jones saw these places not just as venues for relaxation but as ideal spots for fostering community. Events like the “Happy Hour with a Vet” at Two Blokes Brewery or their collaboration with Hobcaw Brewery for a private client-only beer release (featuring the Portside Hazy IPA) have been wonderful opportunities to chat with locals about their pet’s health while enjoying a cold one.

But it’s not just about the breweries. They’ve also found immense joy in connecting with the senior residents at Atria Senior Living facility. Hosting events like “Yappy Hour” and participating in “Trunk or Treat” brought smiles to their faces. These moments aren’t just about providing veterinary services; they’re about building relationships and offering convenience and care.

As a third-generation veterinarian alongside his wife Jackie (yes, they met in undergrad and graduated together from Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine), Jones finds deep fulfillment in supporting not just the pets but the entire family unit, from seniors to young families.

Their clinic, located conveniently near the entrance to the Wando Port on Long Point Road, stands as a testament to their commitment to modern, top-tier veterinary care. Housed in a state-of-the-art facility within a renovated warehouse, Portside Vet is designed to be as welcoming as it is advanced, ensuring both pets and their owners feel at ease from the moment they walk through its doors.

At Portside Vet, they aim to debunk any stigma associated with veterinary care by embodying transparency, compassion and a genuine passion for their work. Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or a first-time visitor, they’re here to ensure your furry family members receive the best care possible in an environment where you feel like part of the Portside extended family.

So if you find yourself on Long Point, stop by Portside Vet. Whether it’s for a routine check-up, a community event or just to say hello, they are there with open doors and open hearts, ready to welcome you. Because caring for pets means caring for the entire community.

By Katie Finch

Woof Gang Bakery: Every Dog’s Pawadise

Woof Gang Bakery in Mount Pleasant is a dog lover’s paradise, bursting with charm and doggy delights. When I took my dog Russ there for his birthday, it was an experience that exceeded every expectation. From the moment we stepped inside, Russ was on a doggy vacation, even my tail wagging.

Woof Gang has several standout features, but Russ’ favorite was the impressive treat table. There is a treasure trove of gourmet goodies, allowing pet parents to mix and match to find their dog’s favorite.

Owner Cameron Reid’s love for animals shines through every aspect of Woof Gang. Reid, along with her mother, opened this delightful boutique in 2016, bringing a personal touch to both grooming and retail. Their highly trained groomers use quality products to make sure your pet’s coat stays healthy and shiny with a stress-free experience.

Visiting Woof Gang was more than just a treat for Russ; it was a heartwarming experience in a shop that truly cares about its canine customers. With its inviting atmosphere and top-notch products, Woof Gang is where pet love and fun come together.

For more information or to book your next appointment, visit woofgangbakery.com, or call 843-388-5167.

By Allyah Harrar

Grand Pawformance: Lowcountry Strawberry Festival to Feature Dog Show

A family business that prioritizes having fun with dogs sounds like a dream, but it’s a reality for the Pompeyo family. Semi-finalists on “America’s Got Talent,” Jorge and Natalya, daughters Katerina and Isabella and almost 5-year-old son, Nicolas, handle rescue dogs of all ages and breeds, using each dog’s unique talents to entertain audiences throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.

Over 10 years in the making, the Pompeyo Dog Show continues to grow its fan base through exhilarating festival and television appearances. They will soon be captivating audiences at the Lowcountry Strawberry Festival, which will take place at Boone Hall Plantation over two festive weekends, April 5 – 7 and April 12 – 14.

Their first time in Mount Pleasant, the Pompeyos are looking forward to bringing their act to one of the largest spring festivals in South Carolina. Though their performance boasts a rugged Western theme, they can’t wait to explore the Lowcountry’s vibrant culture and soak up the Southern charm.

Performing their one-of-a-kind dog show, the Pompeyos often travel with as many as 10 dogs representing a wide variety of breeds — namely “rescued.” From mixes that include poodles, heelers, rat terriers, border collies and jack russells, the Pompeyos don’t get hung up on genetics. They can tell if a dog is going to be a good addition to their performance troupe simply by having them engage with their children.

“I know by watching a dog’s body language if he or she is going to be a good match for trick training and performances, especially during playtime with my kids. We observe their natural abilities and what they can do. Then, we base our tricks on their natural abilities,” noted Jorge. The family patriarch, Pompeyo comes from a long line of dog trainer s and started to trick – train dogs at a very young age. He and his wife, Natalya, use their platform to promote animal rescue and adoption. “We feel that it’s important to bring the message to audiences that dogs in shelters can be stars. Right now, shelters are full. If audiences see how talented rescue dogs are, we can motivate them to adopt,” he added.

They also showcase the power of positive reinforcement. Their cheerful approach to training fosters happy and focused performers. On stage, the dogs exude unwavering confidence, seemingly oblivious to the sizable audiences around them. Every successful performance is met with enthusiastic celebration and, of course, delicious treats.

The Pompeyo Dog Show wows audiences with colorful, high – energy acts that typically include a mix of acrobatics, dog tricks and dance routines. The dogs perform a variety of impressive feats including jumping through hoops, walking on tightropes and balancing on balls. It’s easy to see the dogs enjoying their contributions to the show, working in harmony like a joy – filled machine. The younger members of the Pompeyo troupe also enjoy participating in the family business. “They like to travel and meet people,” said Jorge. “It’s fun for them too,” he affirmed

By Isabel Alvarez Arata

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