Meet Mary Malarkey and Olive
Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Mary Malarkey, A Champion for Special Needs Dogs
Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary is fortunate to have wonderful volunteers like Mary Malarkey. Mary grew up in Washington, DC, and graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1981 with a degree in Microbiology. After graduation, Mary embarked on a career for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), serving the public proudly for over 32 years. Mary has always been drawn to the water, and after falling in love with Charleston, decided to make it her permanent home in 2021. Mary now resides on Johns Island with her rescue dog Milo Louie, and her Partner, Rob. Mary is a proud stepmom, Grandma Mary to six, Oma to one, and has recently welcomed her fourth great-grandchild.
Mary’s lifelong love for animals was deepened by her 15 years of volunteer experience at a rescue group in Maryland. Upon retiring, Mary wasted no time getting involved with Hallie Hill and has become a valuable member of our volunteer team here at the Sanctuary. Special needs dogs hold a special place in Mary’s heart. She finds it incredibly rewarding to connect with and see these dogs open up after all they have endured. One such dog is Olive, a sweet and shy soul who came to us from an overcrowded shelter. Olive struggled at first and was very timid around people. With Mary’s tender love and care, Olive has begun to open up and make tremendous progress.
Mary’s enthusiasm extends beyond the animals – she cherishes the relationships she’s built with other volunteers and has described it as a privilege being able to work with such caring folks. Thank you Mary for your unwavering commitment to Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary, our animals, and our team.
In Memoriam: Judith Phillips Hanzel
Meet Jess Smith and Molly
Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary is fortunate to have a dedicated team of volunteers, each bringing unique experiences and passions to our mission. One such remarkable volunteer is Jess Smith, whose journey from central Illinois to Charleston has been filled with adventure, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to animal wellbeing. Jess’s story begins in central Illinois, where she spent her early years. Her academic journey led her to the bustling streets of New York City, where she attended college. In 2016, Jess made a life-changing move to Charleston, a decision driven by her love for the coastal city’s vibrant culture and warm community. Professionally, Jess excels in her role in sales at Wolters Kluwer, a leading software company. Despite the demands of her career, she finds time to dedicate to Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary, showing that her passion for animal wellbeing is as strong as her professional drive. Jess’s love for dogs is evident in every aspect of her life. When she isn’t working or volunteering at Hallie Hill, she spends her time with her own beloved dogs Reece and Iris as well as her gecko Stella. Beyond her dedication to animals, Jess is an adventurer at heart. She enjoys traveling to new places, experiencing different cultures, and finding hidden gems in every destination. Her love for live music and concerts often takes her to various venues, where she indulges in her passion for melodies and rhythms. Jess also finds time to share her love of the great outdoors by taking some of the Hallie Hill residents on excursions to explore new places whether it’s hiking trails, parks, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature in a local Sniff Spot. Jess is also a self-proclaimed foodie, always on the hunt for the best culinary experiences Charleston has to offer. We at Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary are incredibly grateful for Jess Smith’s dedication and hard work. Her enthusiasm, compassion, and diverse interests enrich our community, making her a valuable member of our volunteer team. If you see Jess around the sanctuary, be sure to say hello and thank her for all that she does. Her journey and contributions are a testament to the impact one person can make in the lives of animals and the community. Inspired by Jess’s story? Consider joining our volunteer team at Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary. Together, we can continue to provide a safe haven for animals in need and create a more compassionate world.
Welcome to Hallie Hill
We’d like to welcome the following pups to Hallie Hill! If you are interested in adopting any of these precious pups, you can fill out an application here. Although Hallie Hill does not do same day adoptions, you can take the first step by filling out an application. Meet and Greets and adoptions are scheduled by appointment only.
Astra
Baron
Bingo
Dove
Dillon
Mallory
Dandy
Mellow
Roo
August’s Adorable Adoptable’s
These adorable animals, Baron, Gizmo, Homer, and Dr. Pepper are up for adoption this August. Fill out an application to come out to HHAS to meet these wonderful animals! Hallie Hill conducts meet + greets and adoptions by appointment only. If you would like to fill out a dog application for any of these sweet pups, click here! If you would like to fill out an application for a cat, please click here!
Baron!
Baron is a remarkably handsome boy. Short and stout, he’s built like a tank. His personality is incredibly sweet, enough to melt your heart. He has interacted well with other dogs at the sanctuary and has shown great friendliness to everyone he has encountered.
Gizmo!
Gizmo, an endearing hound mix, is brimming with love to share. He is house-trained and needs a fenced-in backyard. While he may be cautious around strangers at first, he warms up and becomes loving with his family once he gets to know them. Gizmo is full of energy but gets anxious around lawnmowers. In the sanctuary, he has lived in harmony with other dogs.
Homer!
Homer, a sizable hound, is highly motivated by food. He gets along wonderfully with both people and other dogs and remains playful despite his age. Homer is a staff and volunteer favorite who would really enjoy an air conditioned home for his senior years.
Dr. Pepper
Dr. Pepper is a charming 1-year-old cat with a sleek black coat. Dr. Pepper enjoys the company of other cats and has a calm demeanor that makes him easy to love. He’s affectionate without being overly pushy, making him a delightful companion for both play and relaxation. If you’re looking for a cool and collected kitty with a touch of sweetness, Dr. Pepper is your guy!