Charleston Women-Summer 2021

www. Char l es tonWomenPodcas t . com | www. ReadCW. com | www. I ns tagram. com /Char l es tonWomen CW - 18 • Berkeley Animal Center: Heather McDowell, Director • Carolina Coonhound Rescue: Kelly Postell, Founder and Director • Charleston Animal Society: Laurel Greer, Chairwoman of the Board • Dorchester Paws: Maddie Moore, Co- Executive Director • Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary: Jennifer Middleton, Executive Director • Libby & Mace’s Place Rescue: Laura Phillips, Founder and President • Pet Helpers Adoption Center & Spay Neuter Clinic: Carol Linville, Founder and President I have had the privilege of working with each of these groups on some level in recent years through my volunteering. These ladies give so much of themselves, sacrificing their own schedules, participating financially, giving up valuable sleep and vacation opportunities – all to continue to help the innocent animals in our area. To say they are softhearted animal lovers does not properly describe their commitment. These women are involved in the weeds, from shelter visits and transports to medical and end-of-life decisions; from planning and working events to fundraisers for their groups. “Animal rescue is like emptying the ocean with a spoon” – this phrase rings particularly true in the Lowcountry. When asked about their personal histories, most of the respondents reflected back to finding and caring for strays in their neighborhoods as children and carrying this calling into their adult lives. Their work and other professional experience are of varying backgrounds, including service with military working dogs, working as groomers or vet techs and even teaching. What they share in common, however, is a lifelong connection to animals. On the subject of adoption, Jennifer Middleton, executive director at Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary remarked, “The number one cause of death for dogs and cats in the United States is not cancer or heartworm infection, but homelessness. I can’t imagine suffering death for not having a home. If you are willing to open your home to a pet, check out a local shelter because many wonderful animals enter charleston women