Pet Stories - Page 9 of 28 - Mount Pleasant Pets

How Service Dogs Have Aided My Recovery: Best Friend on Another Level

When it comes to thinking about dogs and family, for me, they are one and the same. As far back as my earliest memory, my family always had a canine companion within our home. My last BFF — best furry friend — was Madison, a German shorthaired pointer that we adopted in 2007, my junior year at Wando High School.

Painting of Anthony and Madison by Lauren Gabriel Madison and I were inseparable throughout my final years in the public school system and then my college years. Upon college graduation, I was hired by the school — but soon started itching to add new experiences to my resume, including an opportunity on the West coast. Yes, this would mean committing to the gut-wrenching decision to leave Madison. I knew she would be in good hands with my parents, so off I went to explore California.

Six days after moving into an apartment in San Mateo, California, I suffered a traumatic brain injury, or TBI, as a result of a bicycle accident. Thankfully, I was wearing a helmet. After the accident, I spent months in Stanford Hospital’s ICU, an acute care facility in Marin County, California, as well as Shepherd Center’s in-patient rehab in Atlanta. I’ve also endured years of outpatient therapy of all types since returning to the Lowcountry.

man in a wheelchair with his service dog. Photo courtesy of Jeanne Taylor Photography. Long story short, I returned to Mount Pleasant after my seven months of in-patient experience. The simple, everyday tasks of walking and talking were still a ways off, but knowing I’d be gaining full recovery at my childhood home — with Madison’s presence — helped me to stay positive. For the next seven years, Madison was my cheerleader, motivator and listener as I navigated life to find my new normal. But these furry companions of ours, unfortunately, don’t live forever, and in December 2019, we had to say goodbye to Madison. She lived to be almost 17 — well past her breed’s life expectancy — and I know she gave me her absolute best.

A few months before her passing, I began researching options for a new service dog to assist me with critical activities that became more of a challenge after my TBI. I learned about Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services (PAALS) through Marka Danielle, a friend and survivor of a spinal cord injury. She’d been matched with her very own assisting canine named Cora.

While the application process for these animals is extensive, it is necessary to ensure that these gifted and welltrained dogs are appropriately matched with each applicant’s needs. Unlike an emotional support dog or a therapy dog, a service dog is trained to perform as a helper, responding to cues that will assist and improve the handler’s quality of life. This could be anything from assisting after a fall to retrieving a phone for emergency calls and other tasks.

I hold onto hope that I will soon be paired with my own service dog to help me continue the path to recovery. I look forward to introducing you all to Mount Pleasant’s newest assistive canine sometime in the near future.

DEFINITIONS:

ASSISTANCE/SERVICE DOG: A dog trained to aid or assist an individual with a disability. They are trained by an assistance dog organization or by their handler, often with the help of a professional trainer.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DOG: A dog that provides comfort to help relieve the symptoms of a person’s disability. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, these dogs are not service animals. State and local regulations dictate the rules and acceptance of emotional support pets in public spaces.

THERAPY DOG: A dog that is trained in providing affection, comfort and support to people, often within hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, libraries, hospices or disaster areas.

For those wanting to learn more about the varied categories of service animals and the laws pertaining to their acceptance, visit ADA.gov and AssistanceDogsInternational.org.

By Anthony Macchio

Our Beloved State Dog, the Beloved Boykin: From Field, to Home, to Hearts

There have been times I’ve been out with one of my dogs and people have asked me, “What kind of dog is that?” I’d reply that my dog is a Boykin spaniel and then engage in polite conversation, asking where they were from. The answers would be assorted — North Carolina, Florida, California, Maine, South Carolina. Yes, even South Carolina.

I was always surprised to hear that South Carolina residents, some who lived here for years, were unaware that we had our own state dog. In 1985, Governor Richard W. Riley recognized the Boykin spaniel as our official state canine. Because South Carolina is one of only 13 states with a designated state dog, we commemorate the special date every September 1, which also happens to be the first day of dove season — the Boykin is, after all, a hunting dog.

Bred by and for the South Carolina hunter, the many positive traits attributed to Boykins are intelligence, adaptability, athleticism, trainability, affection, socialness, friendliness and versatility. These traits woven together give you our Boykin, also known as a “little brown dog,” “swamp poodle,” “chocolate possum” or “little brown dog that doesn’t rock the boat.” Our state dog goes from field to home and into hearts without missing a step. How did we get so lucky?

To answer that question, let’s look back. Years ago, a small brown dog — later named Dumpy — wandered across the path of Mr. Alexander White, who was on his way home from church in Spartanburg. The pup was soon discovered to be an eager retriever, demonstrating qualities hunters seek in a companion: enthusiasm, endurance and willingness to please. Mr. White, recognizing the potential of this pup, sent him off to be trained by his friend and well-known sportsman, Mr. Lemuel Whitaker Boykin. Boykin noted Dumpy’s qualities, and, with selective breeding with Cocker spaniels, Springer spaniels, American water spaniels and Chesapeake Bay retrievers, developed the dog we’ve come to know and love today. The Boykin was originally bred as a turkey dog and waterfowl retriever to accompany hunters in the Wateree River Swamp.

As the popularity of the Boykin grew, there was a need to record the breed’s growth and preserve the breed by establishing standards and encouraging good sportsmanship. The Boykin Spaniel Society was formed in 1977, and the Registry followed in 1979. In 1996, the Boykin Spaniel Foundation was established as a nonprofit to support health research and education of inherited disease in the breed. The United Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club also recognize the Boykin spaniel as a retriever suited for both water and upland hunting.

The Boykin is first and foremost a hunting companion, but they are also very versatile dogs. Boykins are loyal, affectionate and social, always ready to go for a walk or boat ride. There are other avenues to explore as well, such as obedience training, therapy dog training, scent work, dock diving and more. You may find yourself interested in conformation and the opportunity to educate the general public about Boykins. Whatever activity you choose, these devoted dogs are easy to please, with a willingness to learn.

If you want to foster or adopt, there is a Boykin Spaniel Rescue that can always use volunteers to further its mission to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home at-risk purebreds.

Having a Boykin — or two, or three — is a rewarding journey. And, of course, there is something to be said for enjoying the great outdoors of our state with the official dog of South Carolina by your side.

Leslie Kern at Thornhill Kennels has been a Boykin spaniel breeder for 15 years and is a Gold Level Preferred Breeder with the Boykin Spaniel Society and a Breeder of Merit with the AKC. Her dogs hunt and compete in hunt tests and field trials, as well as many of the other sports opportunities available in the BSS, UKC and AKC. She lives in Beaufort with her husband, Beau, and their eight Boykin spaniels.

By Leslie Kern

Michael’s Barkery Pet Spa & Boutique

When Michael’s Barkery Pet Spa & Boutique opened on Daniel Island in November 2019, the local community of pet owners embraced the new store, appreciating access to top-quality products, professional grooming services and specialty baked goods. Located in a walkable section of the island, heading to Michael’s Barkery makes a fun field trip for pets and owners alike.

Michael’s boasts three grooming stylists, ready to coif your pet to perfection. Each of the stylists is a pet parent too, and they work to ensure all furry clients are comfortable and enjoy a stress-free experience at the spa. Worried how your new pup or rescue pet will take to being handled by a groomer?

Relax – these professionals offer an introductory appointment, where they slowly introduce the pet to the tools and the environment in a manner that establishes trust.

Moving into the kitchen, the “barkery” portion of Michael’s is manned by Master Chef Kaylyn Millington, who holds a Bachelor of Science in baking and pastry from Johnson & Wales University. Having worked in the food industry for the last seven years, she is thrilled to be at Michael’s, where she is able to indulge her love for animals with her passion for baking and produce healthy, tasty treats for local pets. The bakery offers custom baked goods, as well as grab-and-go treats for any celebration. Millington and her teammates also enjoy creating custom bulk orders for pet friendly hotels, apartment complexes and real estate offices – they’ve even had a request to augment catering at a wedding reception.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the story is the original inspiration behind the business. In 2017, Michael Patrohay, a high school senior at the time, was required to complete a project relative to his career aspirations. For Michael and his beloved dog, Sunshine, the answer was simple — bake and sell wholesome dog treats. The idea was greeted with tremendous success, and, two years later, Michael’s family was able to transform a senior project into the sustainable business we now know as Michael’s Barkery. That’s enough of a tale in itself, but add to the story Michael’s intellectual disability, and it becomes a heartwarming testament to following one’s passion and overcoming obstacles.

The store’s owners, Karen and Scott Patrohay — Michael’s parents — wholeheartedly believe in giving opportunities to people with cognitive limitations, choosing to maximize their skills rather than focus on disabilities. They employ specially-abled staff members in all areas of production, for the bakery as well as the retail space. “At Michael’s Barkery, we want to give everyone the opportunity to have a purpose and allow everyone’s gifts and talents to shine,” remarked Karen Patrohay.

Currently, Michael’s Barkery consists of 16 employees across grooming, retail and management, including six specially-abled teammates. They recently added obedience training to the menu of services, offered through an associate who is also a dog trainer, with a Bachelor of Science in animal behavior, ecology and conservation. The entire staff has taken great care to build a business with enthusiastic people who love your pets as much as you do.

When asked what Michael thinks of his success, the Patrohays said: “Michael is very proud of his store and can’t wait to go to work every day. What brings the biggest smile to his face is when we bring up the store’s YouTube channel. He thinks that is pretty cool.”

To learn more, visit MichaelsBarkery.com, or head over to their storefront, at 864 Island Park Drive, Ste. 103,on Daniel Island.

By Jeanne Taylor

Veterinary Specialty Care is Open in Case of Emergency

While COVID-19 has disrupted lives and businesses across the country since March, Veterinary Specialty Care, the only locally and privately owned 24-hour emergency and specialty veterinary hospital in the Lowcountry, has remained open to help pets, strays and injured wildlife. Services include emergency care, internal medicine and surgery. For families on vacation in the area or seeking specialty and emergency services, this accessibility is an invaluable service.

According to Outreach Coordinator and Client Advocate Natalie Garber: “Because the CDC has identified veterinary care as an essential business, we have remained available for the community, including pets and pet owners, in their time of need. As always, we are open and ready to help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. When the pandemic started, we postponed elective surgeries and procedures, but we have been able to start scheduling referral cases again. Urgent, life-threatening cases have always been seen immediately.”

Both clinic locations — Mount Pleasant and Summerville — have adjusted their protocols to meet CDC guidelines. Employees now wear masks and gloves at all times. Clients are met curbside after being registered online and calling to announce their arrival. Only healthy family members are asked to transport their pets to the clinic. Families no longer enter the building, except for specific circumstances, such as euthanizing a beloved pet. While visitation with hospitalized pets is not possible, check-up phone calls are welcome and some Skype or Facetime may be available with veterinary approval. Unless injured, strays and wildlife are to be taken to appropriate shelters and rehabilitation sites. All pets are screened for COVID-19 so extra precautions can be taken, if necessary.

Pet owners often wonder if their family pets might be transmitters. At one point, it seemed that Winston, a pug who went viral in the media, tested positive for the virus. Since he slept between two people at night who had tested positive, speculations arose.

For more information on Veterinary Specialty Care, visit veterinaryspecialtycare.com, or call 843-216-7554.

By Janet E. Perrigo

Our Pets, Our Lifeline

Just like that the world came to a standstill.

The novel COVID-19 will be viewed as one of the worst pandemics in world history, having claimed over 200,000 lives worldwide as of April 25 bringing economies to their knees and creating crippling anxieties among the masses.

What we did not count on was the critical importance our pets would play at this time in our lives. Orders were issued to work from home. People feeling unwell were told to quarantine in place. This way of living was new for many, and having the added bonus of a pet at home gave homebound people emotional support during a very trying time.

There were varying reports and schools of thought on whether pets could carry the virus or whether humans could transmit it to them. These were essentially debunked as the virus was shown to be human-to-human transmittable. Per the OIE World Organisation for Animal Health, “There is no evidence that dogs play a role in the spread of this human disease or that they become sick. Further studies are needed to understand if and how different animals could be affected by COVID-19 virus.” Caution was recommended to assuage fears and it was suggested that pets be wiped down after exposure to humans.

People without pets, or those whose pets were agreeable to having furry friends, answered the calls of many shelters and rescues and they began to foster. The inventory of our local shelters decreased dramatically in a short time, allowing them to limit their staffing and the associated risks of viral spread.

It’s hard not to fall in love with a pet once it has been in your home for a while, and many of these foster pets will become permanent family members. Some will return to their shelter to be adopted by another family when the pandemic has passed; but even having a break from the shelter will have been a positive experience for them. In the Washington D.C. area, rescues began pulling animals from high-kill shelters just so they could continue to meet the demands for foster requests. The larger picture shows what many of us already knew: Clearing the shelters has always been a community effort.

While so many animals landed in foster homes, many volunteers were left feeling displaced. These volunteer programs, upon which so many shelters and rescues rely heavily, were forced to suspend all activities for the public good. Medical treatments and preventive surgeries, like spay and neuter, were pushed back by several weeks at a minimum. Groups were forced to pivot without notice, canceling fundraising events that support their operations. While the need for volunteer and fundraising support did not diminish, each group’s ability to respond took a hard hit.

Upon Governor Henry McMaster’s instructions to limit groups and congregating, the Charleston Animal Society was left with no option but to postpone its annual gala. The fundraiser provides a large portion of the annual support for Toby’s Fund, which is a program covering the medical needs of the thousands of animals that come into their care each year.

Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary canceled its annual golf tournament, which raised more than $30,000 in 2019. In its place, the sanctuary cleverly created a “Bad Pet Portraits” fundraiser, through which one of their non-artist staff or volunteers will (sometimes poorly!) draw your pet in exchange for a donation. They also hosted a “Bridge the Gap” run in homage to the postponed Cooper River Bridge Run. This clever replacement fundraiser netted over $11,000 much-needed dollars for the sanctuary.

Pet Helpers was forced to cancel or postpone several events in which they would have been named a beneficiary, and they noticed monthly donors scaling back in light of economic uncertainty. The full financial impact to their operations may not be known until later in 2020.

Smaller rescues that routinely struggle have relied on their loyal followers to share their requests for donations on social media in order to help them stay afloat.

On a positive note, veterinary hospitals, pet supply stores, doggie daycare centers and groomers were deemed essential businesses. Stores began to offer delivery and businesses instituted curbside practices and policies to limit person-to-person contact, while still ensuring our pets’ needs were met. Creative problem-solving has become the norm.

Losing the option to go to the movies or the mall, or to eat at a restaurant has caused us to tweak our recreational mindset too. Many are now out walking their dogs more than they maybe would normally, taking in fresh air and chatting with neighbors from a few feet away. With beaches, county parks and dog parks closed, we have become our dogs’ playmates. And I think we can all admit that has been a silver lining around a very dark cloud.

By Jeanne Taylor