Mount Pleasant Magazine Jan/Feb 2019

91 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MtPleasant.pet | www.CharlestonBrides.com BY CATHY C. BENNET T Man’s Best Friend The Unbreakable Bond of Humans andTheir Dogs “I do not consider my dog a pet – my dog is family.” While the author remains unknown, this quote continues to gain momentum and popularity through social media threads, Pinterest pins and one-of a-kind Etsy creations. The truth of the matter is, families all across the country relate to this sentence. Household pets now have a seat at the table. Literally! Pet ownership in the United States has increased over the past 30 years. According to the National Pet Owners Survey, 68 percent of U.S. households (or the equivalent of approximately 85 million families) own a pet, based on the organization’s 2017–2018 survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association. LIVING TOGETHER Pets are part of the family. They are woven into our lives and treated with practically the same respect and care one would give other humans in that same family. Presently, more than 60 million families have a dog in their home. Many of these families believe in their hearts that their dog or dogs are more than just pets. If you ask them, they will tell you their dog is like a member of the family. Meet three Mount Pleasant families – who for various reasons – not only believe their dog is family but live every word. WILL AND SUZETTE HAYNIE The Mayor of Mount Pleasant, Will Haynie, and his wife, Suzette, a teacher at Jennie Moore Elementary School, adore their 5-year-old mixed-breed dog named Rusty. He was a scared, tiny, little puppy, not quite 3 months old when they brought him home. Lady, their 100-pound German shepherd, was huge in comparison and could be quite intimidating. Rusty might have been small, but he was not afraid, and, shortly after his arrival, they took to one another and became the best of friends. Dogs are masters at coercing the human elements in their lives to conform to their rituals. Rusty, for instance, has replaced the need for an alarm clock in the Haynie home. Every morning he jumps on the bed, smothering both Will and Suzette with affection whether they’re ready to wake up or not. Many families make the decision to bring a dog into the home because of a significant lifestyle change. Will and Suzette chose marriage and relocation. They associate Rusty as a symbol of the happiness they found in each other and in their new life together. “He’s the happiest and most enthusiastic dog we have ever had,” said Will, adding that he shows them how to be happy and carefree. They believed they were raising a docile, easy-going rescue, but Rusty surprised them. He has border-collie like drive and intelligence. Energetic, highly intelligent and cunning at times, Rusty requires regular activities and exercise. Will and Suzette are grateful that he enjoys the beach. Lady crossed the rainbow bridge in July, and, as the family continues to grieve the loss of her presence after 11 years, Rusty makes sure he reminds them that they are his entire world. Sometimes he just sits in front of them and Photo by Jeanne Taylor. Will, Rusty and Suzette Haynie. mount pleasant pets