Mount Pleasant Magazine July/August 2019

PETS 7 C O V E R Larry and Pam Haskell improve the landscape of the Lowcountry with their generosity, supporting Pet Helpers, as well as other local rescues. These Mount Pleasant resi- dents, by way of New Jersey, Atlanta and Jacksonville, along with their seven rescue dogs, call Dunes West home. Their house is geared toward the dogs, from the protective gates to the abundance of toys — and even a lure chase so the smaller dogs in the pack can have more intense exercise. They keep a corkboard pinned with photos of all of their fosters. I imagine it’s inspiring to look back and see the good you have done in the world, all staring back at you in smiling, grateful puppy faces. Prior to our session, Larry had provided me with a summary of the pets I would meet and he was spot-on in his descriptions of them. What he didn’t tell me, however, was how kind both Pam and he are. Easygoing, delightful and calm, they create a loving environment for nurturing the dogs in their care. Among their pack are Emma and her now-5-year-old pup, Roxie, whom they have had since fostering Emma as a shy mother dog with her new litter and ended up keeping both she and Roxie. Knowing Emma was shy, I was prepared to wait her out, but she came to me without hesitation and took treats immediately. This, to me, speaks of the trust she has been able to build under the guidance of Larry and Pam. I also met sweet Muffin, the original foster failure, a gorgeous, quiet Shih Tzu, who was worried and protective of Rosie, a small mix of so many breeds that she resembled a purebred Westie! Then there was Archie, a rat terrier mix who joined the family as a 40-pound dog, which is easily twice what he should weigh. Now, under their care and watchful eyes, he is a spry, active, healthy senior with a spring in his step! I met their Pet Helpers foster dog, Tuck- er, a perfectly healthy young spaniel mix, who had been surrendered when his owner went into a care facility. The family requested the vet euthanize Tucker rather than taking responsibility for his future care. Seeing a viable, healthy dog, the vet worked with Pet Helpers to transfer him to rescue instead, and now Tucker has been in foster with the Haskells for almost a year. He is very much a part of the pack. Lastly, there was Cooper and his charming underbite. EMMA & ROXIE ROSIE MUFFIN ARCHIE www.MtPleasant.Pet | www.MPVets.Pet | www.facebook.com/MPpets