Volunteer Corner: Christopher Bernique

Volunteer Corner: Christopher Bernique

Meet Volunteer Christopher Bernique.

Christopher has been married to his wife, Dorothea, going on 45 years next month! He now hails from Summerville after returning to the States from England in 1996. He has two children, Stephanie and Stephen, and four wonderful grandchildren.

Christopher spent 22 years in the United States Air Force as an Aircraft Electrician until his retirement in 2000. He then continued working with the SCDOT in Traffic Engineering for another 13 years until his medical retirement.

Finding himself with lots of time on his hands, Christopher decided to put his love for dogs to good use when he began to volunteer with Dorchester Paws, where he met our own Michele Griffin! After the Covid hiatus, Christopher began looking to volunteer once again with dogs. After connecting with Michele on Facebook, he came out to Hallie Hill at her invitation and the rest is history, as they say! Christopher shared, “The staff and volunteers here at Hallie Hill are a friendly and welcoming group and I felt this was the place for me where I hopefully could make a difference in the lives of the dogs at the sanctuary.” Christopher volunteers his time 3 days a week and is ‘Fear Free’ certified!

Christopher and his wife have had the privilege of owning many beloved animals over the years, the fondest memories created by a pedigreed Bichon Frises, named Jeeves, who was purchased in England and named after the storied British butlers! The collective Bernique pack has been quite eclectic over the years including a Pomeranian, a Toy Poodle, two Bichons, a Chihuahua, and a Chinese Crested. Their current adorable canine master is named Monte, a Silky Terrier who will be 16 years young in May!

We thank Christopher for his dedication to the animals of Hallie Hill – we are ALL lucky to have you with us!

National Poison Prevention Week

National Poison Prevention Week

National Poison Prevention Week is March 16 – 22.

We must recognize and acknowledge poisons and toxins affecting our furry friends to prevent emergencies and life-threatening situations. While some of the common pet toxins aren’t necessarily deadly, depending on the amount of exposure and timeliness of treatment, they can still be detrimental to your pet’s overall health and quality of life. The following 10 toxins, on the other hand, are decidedly deadly. They aren’t common, and you may not have heard of some of them, so it is essential to bring awareness.

1. 5-Fluorouracil: An ointment to treat skin cancer.
2. Amphetamines: Both prescription and illicit drugs are equally dangerous for pets.
3. Baclofen: A prescription muscle relaxer for humans that is life-threatening for small dogs.
4. Calcium channel blockers: Common blood pressure medications, such as diltiazem, amlodipine, verapamil, and nifedipine.
5. Lamotrigine: Prescription human medication for seizure sufferers.
6. Hydroxytryptophan: An over-the-counter human supplement.
7. Hops: The flower used to make beer.
8. Metaldehyde: An ingredient in some slug and snail baits.
9. Blue-green algae (BGA): A naturally occurring algae that sometimes grows in lakes, ponds, or rivers. 10. Methomyl: An insecticide ingredient used in some fly baits.

March’s Adorable Adoptables

March’s Adorable Adoptables

Meet Hallie Hill’s Adorable Adoptables for March!

Looking for a new furry family member? Meet some of the adorable, adoptable pets at Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary this month! These sweet animals are eager to find their forever homes, and one of them just might be your perfect match.

If you see a new best friend, visit halliehill.com to fill out an adoption application. Once approved, you can schedule a visit to Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary to meet these wonderful pets in person.

Give them the love they deserve—your new best friend is waiting!

Tucker
Meet Tucker, a handsome 12-year-old hound with a heart as sweet as his lemon-and-white coat! Despite his senior status, Tucker is full of energy and enjoys exploring the world around him. He has a mischievous side and a talent for escaping fences, so leash walks are a must for this little adventurer.

Rex
Meet Rex, a delightful 3-year-old bundle of energy weighing in at just 12 pounds! He could be a blend of Chihuahua and Jack Russell—he’s got a playful spirit and a sweet, affectionate personality. Rex is a jumper with impressive leaping skills, and he loves to show off his acrobatic moves as he zooms around the yard or races down the hall. Watching him in action is pure joy!

Sparkie
Meet Sparkie, a handsome 4-year-old gray and white male pit bull with a heart full of love! Sparkie is a big, strong boy who loves hanging out with people and soaking up all the attention he can get. While he’s been fine with other dogs at the sanctuary, his fast and enthusiastic approach can sometimes intimidate more shy pups. Once he settles in, though, Sparkie is a sweet, affectionate companion who thrives in the company of humans.

Monet
Meet Monet, a beautiful 4-year-old calico cat who’s been patiently waiting for her forever home. Monet is a bit shy at first, but once she gets comfortable, she’s a gentle and calm companion who enjoys the company of other cats in her enclosure. She’s not demanding and is perfectly content to observe the world around her, offering quiet companionship and love when she’s ready.

Help us “Bridge The Gap” at this year’s Cooper River Bridge Run

Help us “Bridge The Gap” at this year’s Cooper River Bridge Run

Are you planning to run the Cooper River Bridge Run this year? It’s SO easy to do some good, too! Run for Hallie Hill and allow supporters to ‘put their money where YOUR feet are’ to benefit the deserving animals of Hallie Hill!
 
 
The Cooper River Bridge run is a Charleston tradition where runners take on the challenge of 10k over the Cooper River Bridge. Register today as a Hallie Hill runner and work to fundraise for our furry friends.
 
 
Running’s not your thing? No worries! Sign up to sponsor one of our runners! When you give to our runners’ fundraising pages, you are helping care for the 200+ animals of Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary through everyday necessities like food, medicine, microchips, vaccinations, spayings or neuterings, and life-saving medical procedures.
 
 
While we are no strangers to surgeries at the sanctuary, we have had many recently.
We would love it if you would please consider contributing to our cause today! Together we can Bridge gap between animals and forever homes!
Hallie Hill Needs Your Help

Hallie Hill Needs Your Help

If there is one thing we are reminded of on a regular basis it is how wonderful the community support is for Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary.

Recently, we have seen the community share its generosity through our Medical Equipment Sponsorship program. Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary is excited about opening our new medical care facility – The HUB! This will allow us to treat our dogs and cars onsite rather than transporting them to veterinarians in the community.

As we work toward fully outfitting The HUB, we need some medical equipment to become a full-service veterinary clinic. Community members have already helped us purchase several key pieces, and we hope to complete all of our medical equipment purchases by the end of the month.

We are asking for our generous supporters to consider sponsoring our major remaining equipment needs, such as a countertop autoclave, anesthesia machines, oxygen concentrators, pulse oximeters, dental scaler and polisher, and so on.

If you or someone you know is interested in sponsoring equipment please visit: https://www.halliehill.com/hub-medical-sponsorship/. All sponsorships will include recognition signage honoring the donor(s) for their generous support of Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary.

 

 

February’s Adorable Adoptables

February’s Adorable Adoptables

When you think of the month of February, what comes to mind? For many, February is the month of LOVE! At Hallie Hill, we can’t think of a better way to spread and experience love than by taking on a new furry companion. From kittens to puppies, we have many furry friends waiting to find their forever home.

Holly

Holly is a charmingly sweet girl who arrived at Hallie Hill accompanied by a large litter. Although she’s somewhat more reserved than her siblings, she would be a wonderful addition to any family, whether they have another cat or not! Holly is relatively calm. She enjoys affection but is not demanding.

Roo
This playful, medium-sized guy is full of enthusiasm! With his Boykin Spaniel mix of good looks, Roo is a toy lover who is seriously focused on playtime. He’s always ready for a game and would happily chase after toys for hours. Roo is also a loyal companion who loves to be right by your side, making him the perfect buddy for someone who wants an active dog to share their adventures with. If you’re looking for a fun, energetic dog who will keep you on your toes and never leave your side, Roo is the one for you!
Nova

Nova is a medium-sized rat terrier mix with a unique, charming look and a wonderful personality to match. She’s friendly, great with people and other dogs, and loves spending time with her humans. Nova is eager to please and ready to be your loyal companion, though she’ll need a little help mastering the leash. If you’re looking for a loving, playful, and spirited addition to your family, Nova is February’s Adorable Adoptables!

Roxy

Roxy is a young mixed breed with a sleek black and white coat and an even more beautiful heart. She might be a little shy when exploring new places, but once she settles in, her playful personality is the life of the party! Roxy is full of love and has been wonderful with both people and other dogs at the sanctuary. If you’re looking for a lively, affectionate companion who will light up your life, Roxy is ready in January to join your family and share her joy with you!

Click here to fill out an application to come out to HHAS to meet these wonderful animals!

Michele’s Trip to India

Michele’s Trip to India

Where in the world is Michelle?! Many of you know that our very own Michele Griffin is on an incredible journey in India. In India, Michele is studying the lives of street dogs in a country with a dense population. In her time here, she aims to learn more about street dogs and their profound resilience.

Anyone who has met Michele knows that her passion for animal welfare and deep compassion for all animals make her the perfect person for this experience. In India, she is working to gain insights into how we can improve the lives of the pups in the world! Michele aims to better the lives of the dogs she encounters in India and those we care for at Hallie Hill.

At Hallie Hill, many of our pups are rescued from off the streets, and their personalities range greatly. Through Michele’s work in India, her newly acquired knowledge will be the catalyst to help our dogs who are less socialized or not as well adapted as the rest. As we continue to follow her journey, we can’t help but miss her warm presence and the dedication she brings to our sanctuary! While we anxiously await her return, we know that her experiences in India will only further enrich our mission here at Hallie Hill. Michele – we can’t wait to see you back at Hallie Hill and see your work come to life first-hand!

Celebrating Hallie Hill’s Adopters

Celebrating Hallie Hill’s Adopters

At Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary, we are grateful for every adopter who opens their heart and home to one of our animals. Each adoption is a step toward giving these animals a life of love and comfort.

However, some adopters stand out for their willingness to take on the extra challenges of caring for pets with special needs or senior animals. In recent months, we celebrated the adoption of two cats with severe skin issues caused by allergies.

Jeannie Golden adopted Pooh into her family, and Megan Drinkwater took home little Bailey, who had yet to grow her hair back! The adopters knew the cats had conditions that required costly veterinary care and consistent, specialized care at home. Their dedication to providing these cats with the treatment and attention they need is inspiring, and it’s a powerful reminder of the profound difference adopters can make for animals who need just a little extra care.

Senior pets, too, often face challenges when finding their forever homes. Yet many people with big hearts are stepping up for seniors at the Sanctuary…

Daniela Schneider recently adopted 15-year-old French Fry, a chihuahua with arthritis and only one tooth but a joie de vie beyond compare.

Alex and Marit welcome Sparkles (Junebug), a senior Shiatzu, into their lives. Sparkles require daily eye medications and frequent grooming, which are made more challenging by her dislike of both processes. Despite this, Alex and Marit are committed to providing Sparkles with the care she needs and the loving home she deserves.

Adopting a pet is always a meaningful act of compassion, but taking on the additional challenges of special needs or senior animals requires a special kind of love. To all our adopters—we are endlessly thankful. You remind us every day that there is no limit to what a caring heart can achieve.

For those considering adoption, we hope these stories inspire you. Whether it’s a spry kitten, a graying senior, or an animal with special needs, every pet at Hallie Hill is waiting for its perfect match. Together, we can continue to give these deserving animals the lives they deserve.

Thank you for being part of the Hallie Hill family!

 

Reflecting on 2024 & Looking Ahead to 2025

Reflecting on 2024 & Looking Ahead to 2025

As we wrap up another incredible year at Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary, we want to take a moment to reflect on our tremendous impact on the Charleston community in 2024. From saving lives to expanding our reach, this year has been a remarkable chapter in our story, and we are beyond excited about what 2025 will bring.

2024 has been a year of tremendous growth for Hallie Hill, and we are grateful for the continued support of our dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and the community at large. With your help, we have rescued, rehabilitated, and rehome approximately 400 animals, providing lifesaving vaccinations, spay/neuter surgeries, medications, parasite prevention and treatment, proper nutrition, and, most importantly, love and care. Every animal that came through our doors was given a chance at a better life, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our incredible community. In addition to providing critical care to animals, we’ve been actively involved in community outreach, raising awareness about responsible pet ownership, dog bite prevention, the importance of spaying and neutering, and the challenges surrounding the overpopulation of pets in our area. Our educational programs and collaborations with local schools, shelters, and animal welfare organizations have allowed us to make a lasting difference in the lives of pets and people.

Looking forward to 2025, we are thrilled to announce the opening of our new Animal Care Center, “The Hub.” This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a central location for our medical and wellness services, allowing us to care for even more animals in need. The addition of this facility will not only enhance the quality of care we can provide to the animals at Hallie Hill, but it will also play a pivotal role in our ability to serve the broader community. The Hub will include an expanded medical center equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and a dedicated space for surgeries, treatment, and recovery. This will enable us to offer veterinary services that were previously unavailable, helping to improve the health and well-being of animals across the Lowcountry.

But “The Hub” isn’t just about medical care—it will also serve as a catalyst for expanding and improving our other programs. With more space and resources, we will be able to:

• Increase Our Volunteer Program: Volunteers are the backbone of our sanctuary, and with “The Hub” in full operation, we can offer more volunteer opportunities and training to help people get involved in meaningful ways. Whether it’s providing care/enrichment, assisting with events, or helping with administrative tasks, there will be plenty of opportunities for everyone to make a difference.

• Expand Our Education Program: Expand our educational efforts to include dog bite prevention for all ages. By helping children, families, and communities understand how to interact with dogs safely, we hope to reduce the risk of injuries while promoting a safer, more harmonious relationship between people and pets. Our dog bite prevention program has been well-received, and we are excited to continue growing this initiative in the coming year

• Expand Our Foster Program: Foster homes play a crucial role in the lives of many of
our animals, and with the resources available at “The Hub,” we can offer more support to our foster families. This includes providing training, supplies, and medical care to ensure the success of every foster placement.

Strengthen Our Community Outreach: We are committed to building stronger relationships with the local community, and the opening of “The Hub” will allow us to expand our educational programs and events. From free wellness clinics to pet adoption drives, we will have the space and facilities to offer more events that help raise awareness and support the needs of local pets and their families.

In addition to the opening of “The Hub,” we are thrilled to announce the groundbreaking for the next phase of our sanctuary buildout: a new Cattery designed to house 80-100 cats. This much needed facility will provide a safe, comfortable, and spacious environment for our feline residents, giving them the best possible chance for adoption. The new cattery will also allow us to improve more cats’ lives, reduce overcrowding, and create a peaceful space for socialization and rehabilitation.

The opening of “The Hub” and the new cattery represent the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary. It’s a chapter that will allow us to do even more for the animals and the community we love so much. But none of this would be possible without the incredible support we receive from you—our donors, volunteers, and advocates. Your dedication makes all the difference, and we are deeply grateful for your continued commitment to our mission. We are filled with hope and excitement as we look toward the future. The road ahead is bright, and we can’t wait to share the next steps of our journey with you.

Thank you for being a part of the Hallie Hill family. Here’s to a new year filled with growth, compassion, and endless possibilities for the animals in our care.

Warmest regards,
Jennifer Middleton, CAWA, Executive Director, Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary

Holiday Safety Tips for Pets

Holiday Safety Tips for Pets

The holiday season can be stressful for all, including your four-legged friends. With all the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to overlook how certain holiday traditions can affect your pets. Some holiday elements are unsafe for our furry companions, so check out these tips to ensure your holidays are stress-free, pet-friendly, and fun for the entire family!

1. Food Dangers
Many foods are toxic to pets during holiday feasts. Keep your pets away from chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, alcohol, and fatty foods. Instead, treat your pets to pet-friendly snacks so they can safely join the celebration.

2. Keep the Wires Hidden
Holiday lights, decorations, and electrical cords are a big draw for curious pets, especially puppies and kittens. Keep them hidden or covered.

3. Loud Noises
Holiday parties can be loud; music, fireworks, or music can make your pet stressed. Putting your cats and dogs in a quiet place allows them to relax and feel safe.

4. The Christmas Tree
Pets love trees, and a toppled tree can injure your pet and ruin the celebrations. If you can anchor your tree and keep ornaments, tinsel, and tree water out of reach, these can be harmful if ingested.

5. Watch Out for Candles
Candles are a staple in holiday décor but pose a risk to pets. Pets could accidentally knock them over, or their tails could brush against open flames. Always use flameless candles or place real candles where pets can’t access them.

Click here for even more tips to keep your pets safe during the holiday!