Uncategorized | Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary

Volunteer Corner – Meet Julie White

Apr 29, 2025

If you’ve spent any time at Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Julie White — and if you haven’t, you’ve surely seen the positive impact she leaves on the animals and humans lucky enough to know her. Julie has been a dedicated Hallie Hill volunteer since 2015, and from the very beginning, her time here has been filled with laughter, compassion, and…the occasional entanglement!

One of her earliest memories involves getting her t-shirt caught in the electric fence while entering a pen — a moment that required Daniela’s heroic untangling skills and a good sense of humor from both sides. Julie laughs about it now, one of many fond stories she’s collected in her years of service.

She and her husband, Charlie, a Vietnam veteran and her partner of 37 years, share a home filled with love, laughter, and a small zoo of cherished animals. Their current crew includes six cats — four of them feral — and their sweet pup Gus, adopted from Hallie Hill in 2021. Gus, who understands a bit of Italian, has become an irreplaceable part of their lives, proving once again how deep the bonds are between adopted animals and their humans.

When asked what Hallie Hill means to her, Julie’s eyes light up. “There is not enough space in The Howler to fully express what Hallie Hill means to us,” she says. “From top to bottom, it’s the best refuge for dogs, kitties, guinea pigs, — you name it. From pampered to feral, all who are blessed to find sanctuary here are loved equally and respected for as long as they live. There’s no place like Hallie Hill.” And Julie is right — Hallie Hill is truly special. Volunteers like her make it so.

Are you interested in making a difference by volunteering at Hallie Hill? Learn more and apply: https://www.halliehill.com/volunteer/

First Onsite Medical Clinic Hosted at newly-Opened Hub Medical Facility

Apr 21, 2025

Working in partnership with PETSinc Affordable Mobile Veterinary Clinic, more than 20 dogs and cats were spayed/ neutered, and more than 20 animals were seen at the wellness clinic.

This was the first low-cost clinic in Hallie Hill’s new monthly clinic program. “We are so excited to partner with PETSinc to launch this program. Our new facility is a perfect place to offer these services at a low-cost to those in our community.” said Jennifer Middleton, Executive Director of Hallie Hill.

The next clinic is scheduled for May 8. Follow Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary on Facebook for sign-up and registration. This program is sponsored in part by Crews Subaru, a longtime supporter of Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary. During the clinic Crews Subaru donated 50 dog and cat beds for the animals at Hallie Hill.

Animals, Art & Automobiles 2025

Apr 15, 2025

Join us for a day of excitement at Animals, Art & Automobiles, a special fundraiser benefiting Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary! Mark your calendar for Sunday, May 11, and head to Charles Towne Landing from 11AM – 3 PM for an unforgettable event.

Enjoy stunning cars, a silent auction, unique vendors, delicious food trucks, adorable dogs, and more! This family-friendly event is the perfect way to have fun while making a difference. Every dollar raised helps provide food, shelter, medical care, and love for the hundreds of animals who call Hallie Hill home.

Be a part of this special event by registering a car to show, becoming a vendor, donating an auction item, or sponsoring the event: you can find more info on our website.

Don’t miss out—come for the fun, stay for the cause!

April Adorable Adoptables

Apr 7, 2025

Desiree

The Queen of the “Look, But Don’t Touch” Club Want a dog who won’t demand constant attention? One who won’t photobomb your Zoom calls or insist on belly rubs at inconvenient times? Desiree is your girl! She’s great with other dogs and would love a furry roommate to help her navigate the world of “maybe humans aren’t so bad.”

JB

JB is a 14-week-old white and lemon-colored hound with a nose that never quits and an appetite to match! Like any good hound, he takes his sniffing very seriously—every blade of grass, every interesting scent, and definitely every treat you might have in your pocket. Despite his adorable puppy charm, JB has somehow been overlooked for adoption, and we can’t figure out why! He’s got everything you could want in a pup: curiosity, enthusiasm, and a love for snacks that makes training a breeze. But he shouldn’t grow up at the sanctuary—he needs a home where he can stretch his legs, go on adventures, and have a family to spoil him.

Ziggie

This furry friend didn’t just arrive at the sanctuary—he rolled in, tipping the scales at a whopping 20 pounds of pure feline presence. Since then, he’s slimmed down a bit, but let’s be real—he’s still a big boy with an even bigger personality. This all-black, 6-year-old cat has a strong opinion on two things: mealtime (it should always be happening) and personal space (his, not yours). He’s been known to get a little feisty if you dare try to move him from a spot he has claimed as his throne, but hey, who can blame him? Despite his occasional sass, Ziggie is also a sweet and affectionate guy who enjoys attention—on his terms, of course.

Hallie

Looking for a dog with the energy of a party host and the charm of a professional cuddler? Meet Hallie! This beauty with the brindle coat is possibly a hound-pittie mix. Hallie is equal parts boisterous and loving. She’s got enthusiasm for life and isn’t afraid to show it, whether that’s zooming around the yard, playing with her dog friends, or showering her favorite humans with affection.

Are you looking to add a furry friend to your family? Go to halliehill.com and fill out an application to come out to HHAS to meet these wonderful animals!

Volunteer Corner: Christopher Bernique

Mar 26, 2025

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!

Michele’s Trip to India

Feb 11, 2025

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!