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 … [Read more...]

If you’re an “animal person,” it’s safe to assume that your pet is part of the family. As much as they demand belly rubs, walks, bowl refills and litter box or habitat cleanings, those cute creatures often have their owners in the pad of their paws. In return, we as humans are on the receiving end of unconditional love – a best friend at all times. Cats and dogs have been … [Read more...]

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, … [Read more...]

Finding out what’s on the minds of canines and cats who reside in Mount Pleasant always keeps me on my toes. That’s why for this edition of Pet on the Street, I asked aspiring writer and dog whisperer Sophie Rose to help me out. As always, my biggest concern was whether we could find a furry friend who would be open to talking with us in public, as usually our four-legged … [Read more...]

Lana5, the jet-setting, car seat-shredding celebrity dog, calls Charleston home. She just turned 5 this summer, but has always had the five after her name. When asked what the five stands for, her owner and trainer, Julie Strang, responded that she never asked. She was too busy managing Lana5’s many movie roles. Strang and Lana5 were introduced when Lana5 was training for … [Read more...]

Piper Johnson Coleman the Yorkshire Terrier “Piper has been coming to the office with me on and off for the past seven years. He's become one of our office mascots and his friendly, calm, loving demeanor makes him a hit with co-workers and office visitors alike.” Piper belongs to Art Director Dana Coleman. Sully the Shih-Tzu “Sully has brought so much joy to our … [Read more...]

Conversations with homebuyers always include specific preferences regarding bedroom and bathroom count and other desired features. Many buyers will include descriptions of their immediate family members and explain why those features are important for them. For example, one buyer recently told me: “JoJo and Sammy need their own bedroom on the first floor. JoJo’s older now … [Read more...]

Post-traumatic stress disorder: we all know what it means, but do we understand the impact of PTSD on the daily lives of those who suffer from it? Probably not–how on earth could anyone comprehend the experience of a military veteran in a war-torn area without having a shared or even similar experience? According to the American Psychiatric Association, PTSD is clinically … [Read more...]

The town of Mount Pleasant and the Charleston Animal Society have a long-standing relationship of saving animals together. This teamwork is continuing to flourish as the Society introduces a new initiative to the state. At its 147th annual meeting, Charleston Animal Society announced that the Palmetto State can become a No Kill State by 2024. The initiative is funded through a … [Read more...]

Calling All Parents of Four-Legged Children In a year that saw most people spending a lot more time at home, it’s no surprise that our pets have further solidified their bond with us as bonafide members of the family. According to the American Pet Products Association’s (APPA) biennial National Pet Owners Survey, an estimated 67% of American households had a pet, with 50% … [Read more...]