Uncategorized | Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary

Volunteer Spotlight: Doug McPherson

Sep 28, 2025

Hallie Hill is lucky to have so many wonderful volunteers, and this month we are delighted to introduce you to Doug McPherson!

Doug was born in Oil City, Pennsylvania, but life on the move came early — his father was a career Air Force pilot, so the family lived in many different places before settling in South Carolina. Doug has called SC home since 1967. After an impressive 44-year career in dentistry, Doug retired in December 2023 and, along with his wife Deborah and their oldest daughter Heather, now enjoys a well-earned slower pace of life. Heather, who has Down syndrome, is a constant source of joy for their family. Recently, Doug, Deborah, and Heather relocated to Wadmalaw Island to be closer to their younger daughter, Erin, and her family. They didn’t want to miss out on sharing in the daily lives of their grandson, Griffin, 4 1/2 and granddaughter, Rory, almost 1!

Animals have always had a special place in Doug’s life. Even though he’s been bitten twice by dogs in the past—his love and appreciation for them has only deepened through understanding them better. He’s shared his home with pets for as long as he can remember and today shares his heart and home with two dogs and two cats, promising to keep opening his home to animals for as long as he’s able to care for them. Doug discovered Hallie Hill thanks to a chance meeting at a Christmas social last year, where a woman suggested he visit the sanctuary.

Soon after, he joined our Friday crew, where you’ll often find him mucking enclosures, handing out treats, and—most importantly—spending time socializing with the dogs who call Hallie Hill home. When he’s not at the sanctuary, Doug stays active with daily walks alongside Deborah and Heather, jogging three times a week, and keeping up with plenty of yard work. His kindness, commitment, and genuine love for animals make him an invaluable part of the Hallie Hill family.

Thank you, Doug, for all you do to make life brighter for the animals in our care!

Doug is shown here with Roxie, a sweet, energetic, one and a half year old girl, with lots of joy to share. She loves
squeaky toys and spending quality time with her people.

Meet September’s Adorable Adoptables at Hallie Hill

Sep 14, 2025

Looking to add a little more love (and fur) to your life this September? Our sanctuary is home to incredible animals waiting to fall into the arms of their forever families. From playful pups to snuggly seniors and curious cats, each adoptable is brimming with personality and ready to meet you. Click here to fill out an application and make this the month you welcome home your new best friend!

MAX

Max is a super-friendly shepherd mix who just tested negative for heart worms! Max was found as a stray in Colleton County last September, and treating heartworms can be a long journey. This is a huge victory for him. Max is as sweet as they come. He loves golf cart rides, greeting friends, and has even made a few TV appearances representing Hallie Hill.

MONET

Meet Monet, a beautiful 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.

KIMCHI

Kimchi is a lovable pup under a year old. She is getting very good at her “sit” and “down” and absolutely charmed the news crew on her debut appearance on Channel 2. She is smart and adorable and loves her squeaky toy. Kimchi is a medium sized mixed breed terrier, and will make a perfect addition to the right forever home.

ZIGGIE

Ziggie 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 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 Hill’s September Celebration is Going on Now through the End of September

Sep 4, 2025

September is a special month at Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary. It’s a time to reflect on the animals who have touched our lives, honor the ones with us today, and ensure that future animals in need will always have a safe place to call home. This year, we’re inviting you to be part of our September Celebration, a fundraiser that’s as heartwarming as it is impactful.

We’ve compiled a list of 250 incredible animals, each with its unique story and personality. When you celebrate an animal, you’re making a direct difference in the lives of all the animals at Hallie Hill, present and future. You can select one or more animals from the list and donate between $1 and $250 in their honor. Every dollar raised goes straight to our animals’ daily care, food, and medical needs. The list is randomized, so no animal is ranked above another.

As a thank you for your donation, you’ll receive a personalized certificate recognizing your contribution and the furry friend(s) you’ve chosen to celebrate. It’s a small reminder of the big impact you’re making.

With 250 amazing animals waiting to be celebrated, there’s never been a better time to show your support. Whether you give a little or a lot, you’re helping us continue our mission of providing love, care, and second chances to animals in need. Be part of the Hallie Hill September Celebration because every animal deserves to be celebrated.

Volunteer Spotlight: Gwen D’Orazio

Aug 12, 2025

A Cattery Companion with a Heart for Cats
Suppose you’ve ever wandered into the Hallie Hill cattery on a quiet afternoon and spotted someone eating her lunch and giving head rubs to some affectionate felines. In that case, chances are you’ve met Gwen D’Orazio. A devoted weekly volunteer since 2023, Gwen has quickly become a favorite among the community cat colony and the “Sweethearts,” as she lovingly refers to the sanctuary’s resident cattery cats. Whether offering head rubs or simply providing a calm presence, Gwen has a special way of making each cat feel cherished.

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Gwen’s journey has taken her from the Southwest to the Northeast and now to the warm charm of the Lowcountry. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of New Mexico before launching a 20-year career in Boston as a jewelry buyer and product development design manager for a multi-channel catalog/website company. In 2015, Gwen and her husband traded snowstorms for sunshine and moved to Charleston—and she’s never looked back. Though she and her husband now share their home with a tennis-named pup named Rafa, Gwen’s heart has always belonged to cats. Over the years, she’s adopted three cats and cared for several feral colonies. One of those colony cats led her to Hallie Hill—a feral cat in need of rehoming brought her through our doors, and she says she’ll be forever grateful that we opened both our hearts and our sanctuary to him. By day, Gwen serves as a Content Director for an Amazon agency, but her passion for animals fills her spare time. She enjoys traveling, Pilates, and quiet evenings with her husband, but her weekly visits to Hallie Hill feed her soul. She calls it a “true blessing and honor” to volunteer alongside some of the most thoughtful and kind individuals she’s ever met.

Thank you, Gwen, for your dedication, compassion, and all the love you bring to our feline friends!

Volunteer Spotlight: Mia Balman

Jul 22, 2025

Introducing Mia Balman, one of our newest volunteers at the sanctuary. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Mia moved to Charleston in 2015 to attend the College of Charleston and quickly fell in love with the Lowcountry and its community of needy animals.

Mia is no stranger to rescuing herself; her beloved companion, Jabba, has been by her side since she was 19. A spirited German Shorthaired Pointer/Pittie mix, Jabba is now almost nine years old but full of life and personality. “He’s my entire world,” Mia says. “He keeps me active and busy with all his energy.”

Between graduate school, earning her master’s in social work, and her love of the outdoors, travel, and reading, Mia still makes time to give back—and Hallie Hill is lucky to be one of the places where she shares her time and heart.

“Volunteering at the sanctuary feels like a way I can give back to those who saved my baby, Jabba,” she says. “Having a facility like Hallie Hill has been my dream for the last 10+ years—something I talk about as my ‘early retirement plan.’ Being a part of it now is so special. And honestly, every animal here has completely stolen my heart.”

We are beyond grateful to have Mia as part of the Hallie Hill family—her passion, compassion, and commitment are truly inspiring. Volunteers like Mia help us give second chances to animals in need, and we couldn’t do it without them.

Tips to Give Your Cat a Happy Start in their New Home

Jun 8, 2025

Congratulations on getting a new furry friend! Bringing a cat into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience. Whether you’re a first-time cat owner or just adding another member to your feline family, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure that your cat feels safe, comfortable, and loved. In this post, we’ll share some essential tips for caring for your new cat to guarantee a smooth transition into your home.

1. Develop a routine

Creating a consistent schedule is an important way to ensure your cat’s comfort. Set aside regular times for meal, play, and other activities, including just spending time with them.

2. Offer hiding spaces

Being in a new environment can be scary for cats, and providing a space that feels secure can ease some of that anxiety. Provide a mix of high and low hiding spaces that are small but not too small. A hiding space could be as simple as a cardboard box, or you could buy a cat cave/condo. If it’s cozy and has a good view of the rest of the room, your cat is sure to feel safe.

3. Don’t forget grooming

Just like your own, maintaining your cat’s hygiene is essential for its health and happiness. Regularly brush your cat’s fur and teeth and trim its claws.

4. Provide the basics

Food, water, two litter boxes, a scratching post, a bed, and toys are a perfect start to your supply of cat essentials.

5. Provide a safe space

Getting your cat acclimated to its new home isn’t difficult. Start your new cat in a small room with all the basic necessities, including some of your unwashed clothes so your cat can get used to your scent. Once your cat is ready, let it explore one new room at a time.