Charlie’s Corner

Charlie’s Corner is the domain of Charlie, the furry four-legged lady’s man of the Market Common. Each month, he’ll share information to help all new, visiting, and existing doggie community members get the most out of life alongside their human companions. We’ll feature his reflections on what it’s like to be a dashing downtown doggie, as he reminds all of us how to play well together.  This month, Charlie shares what he likes most about October and plans his Halloween costume.  Yesterday I was hanging out at Charlie’s Pad, (those of you who don’t know what that is, you’ll have to look in the September issue to keep up with me) musing about one of my all-time favorite events that’s coming up in the Market Common– Halloween. Okay, here’s why I love Halloween. First of all, my Grammy and Aunt Megan put me in a great costume and give me a lot of treats and attention while Megan takes my photo. Second I get to meet so many new people and other animals out on the town; and thirdly, it’s a great chance to check out the other cute girl dogs and what they’re wearing. This year, I will attend the festivities as a French chef. After hearing about what Joe Bonaparte is implementing with the new culinary school, and being myself a big fan of food, I felt inspired to sport a tall white hat. Everyone knows it’s sexy to wield a wooden spoon in the kitchen with aplomb. Granted my paws can’t handle utensils, but I sure do appreciate those humans who do. Especially when chicken is involved and coming my way. But… I can always pretend. And Halloween is the one day of the year when we all dress up in funny, zany, even mystical ways, and play pretend while socializing and enjoying treats. Yum. Lots of treats. Halloween in the Market Common is October 31, 5-7pm in the retail district. This event is for old and young alike, and all you dogs reading this, don’t forget to bring your people. They usually enjoy it too. As a reminder, while we love food, dogs don’t eat chocolate, it makes us sick. Some people who don’t have dogs in the family may not know this, so be sure to keep an eye on us during the event in case some well-meaning person unwittingly gives me some. If I do happen to get into chocolate, (it happened to me once, when Megan turned her back and I stole her breakfast. Boy, I’ll never do that again!) take me to the vet right away or I could be in serious danger. Other than that, just watch out for cars as it could be a new surrounding for some of us four-legged ones— and we’ll all have a grand time. Well, it’s time for me to be off. My Grampy just opened a new office with lots of sunny windows over by the Piggly Wiggly, and I can’t wait to go stake my claim on the part of the conference table that gets the most sunlight. Charlie’s Extra Pad. Until next time, P.S. Follow me on Facebook to keep up with all my latest news, www.facebook.com/InsiderCharliesCorner and on Instagram @charlieparkerscorner.

Charlie’s Corner is the domain of Charlie, the furry, four-legged lady’s man of the Market Common. Each month, he’ll share information to help all new, visiting, and existing doggie community members get the most out of life alongside their human companions. We’ll feature his reflections on what it’s like to be a dashing downtown doggie, as he reminds all of us how to play well together.  This month, Charlie shares what he likes most about September, as we get a glimpse into his private life and musings.  Welcome September! It’s one of my and my people’s most favorite months at the beach. The ocean temperature is blissful, and the temperature outside is perfect for us canines— warm, but not so hot I need sunscreen on my paws. It’s sunny and still nice enough that I can join my family for an outdoor dinner here in the Market Common at one of the pet-friendly establishments. There’s a lull in the air that feels delightful, as if everyone has rested, recharged and played all summer long, and is still relaxed and relaxing. In the garden, the crops are at their peak of production, which makes everyone feel safe and grateful, and I’ve noticed, spend a lot more time in the kitchen with a cocktail or glass of wine in hand— even my people, who don’t really cook… I have my own little spot on the outdoor deck at my place. I call it Charlie’s Pad, right next to the hibiscus and the begonia. There’s a tree on the street below, and the branches are so close to my balcony that I’m afforded a fantastic view of the birds while sunning my belly. Mmmmm. Eye candy. If I lie still enough one of them might come close enough to play with me. It hasn’t happened yet, but I remain optimistic. And then there’s people-watching. I hear conversations below in several different languages as visitors from all over the world come to our neighborhood to explore this area and experience the beautiful shopping, dining, and outdoor events. As I write this from Charlie’s Pad, I can see a wonderful medley fashion styles and age groups passing by. This month, the crowds are lessened significantly, and much as I enjoy the excitement, I have to admit, I like the slower tempo and less crowded roads. You’ll never catch me complaining about long rides in the car, (there’s so much to see as we pass by, wind in my face, slobbering on windshields, what’s not to like?) but my family seems happier with less traffic, and there’s more wind when the car is actually moving at a steady clip. When I’m not hanging out at Charlie’s Pad, I’m with my Aunt Megan. You can usually find me curled up on her lap, or posing for a photo shoot (gotta keep my fans happy) or lying under my favorite chair at the Insider headquarters, playing with my new chipmunk chew toy. So that’s the scoop on me. Until next time, P.S. Follow me on Facebook to keep up with all my latest news, www.facebook.com/InsiderCharliesCorner and on Instagram @charlieparkerscorner.

Charlie’s Corner is the domain of Charlie, the furry four-legged lady’s man of the Market Common. Each month, he’ll share information to help all new, visiting, and existing doggie community members get the most out of life alongside their human companions. We’ll feature his reflections on what it’s like to be a dashing downtown doggie, as he reminds all of us how to play well together.  This month, Charlie educates us on staying safe in the heat, and introduces us to a new friend.  It goes without saying that July in the Market Common is hot! I have my own way of staying cool, including panting, but if the temperature around me is hotter than my internal temperature, then I can’t cool down and can suffer heat stroke. Now isn’t the time to take me jogging, and definitely don’t leave me in a car without the air conditioning on, even for a few minutes. Car temperatures can soar to over 140 degrees rapidly, and that’s dangerous for me. Here are some signs that I might be suffering from heat stroke. If I have: increased heart rate; excessive panting; increased salivation; bright red tongue; red or pale gums; thick, sticky saliva; weakness; dizziness; vomiting; diarrhea. If you think I have heat stroke, take me to the vet right away, as I can develop other complications quickly. With loving care, I’ll be fine and flourish. I’m lucky to have such great people looking after me, so I trust I’ll always be okay. But not all canines have wonderful homes like me. Good thing they have my new friend Angie Westfall on their side. Angie has been rescuing abandoned, mistreated and condemned canines her entire life. Starting from when she was a girl, my kind in trouble would find her (we do tend to have good sense about whom to turn to for help), and she would bring them home with her. As she got older, picking them up and taking them home evolved into rehabilitating them, getting them vaccinated, spayed or neutered, as well as proper veterinary care— and boy were some of them in rough shape! Terrified, malnourished, spinal injuries, heartworm positive… Yikes. Angie healed wounds inside and out, helping skittish or aggressive ones get socialized, and thank goodness— giving them proper house training (manners, manners, it goes miles with the ladies fellas). But most importantly, giving them safety, nurturing, and love until they grew healthy and strong again and were able to move on to a forever home with people who appreciated them. Angie is an angel! After years of working with shelters and rescues while caring for these animals, Angie decided to become captain of her own ship. She filed for non-profit status in June 2015, and Peace, Love & Paws, Inc. was created. Today she’s happy to be a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization, which gives her more credibility at the shelters (where she goes to rescue some really unfortunate of my kind). I’m so happy that people like Angie exist, to help make the world a better place for all us canines. But it really goes without saying that we reciprocate and make it better for you too. When I think about her work, I remember the words of a bumper sticker I see from time to time: Who Rescued Who?  Until next time, P.S. Follow me on Facebook to keep up with all my latest news, www.facebook.com/InsiderCharliesCorner and on Instagram @charlieparkerscorner.

Charlie’s Corner is the domain of Charlie, the furry four-legged lady’s man of the Market Common. Each month, he’ll share information to help all new, visiting, and existing doggie community members get the most out of life alongside their human companions. We’ll feature his reflections on what it’s like to be a dashing downtown doggie, as he reminds all of us how to play well together.  This month, as the thermostat rises, Charlie hits the beach with some great tips for pet and people fun.  The car door opens, and I leap out in enthusiasm. But ouch! That pavement is hot on my paws. Luckily my excellent people brought my doggie sunscreen to the beach. It’s made specifically for pets because it doesn’t have zinc oxide, which isn’t good for us. It’s the perfect protection for my tender paw pads on the hot asphalt and sand, and for the pink noses of my friends and those with shorter hair who can burn just as easily as humans. I love the beach. There’s plenty of new friends for me to make, as well as seagulls to chase. But you do need to keep us close to you on a leash at all times. And that includes when we’re frolicking in the waves. Speaking of swimming, I love it! But be aware there are rip currents right now, and an occasional jellyfish, so don’t swim too far with us, you might not be able to take care of us both. And definitely don’t let me drink ocean water. It makes me just as sick as it makes you. Mine and my peoples’ taste buds are perfectly aligned on this point. On the scrumptious dead smelly things I find all over the sand, though, I think we just won’t ever see eye-to-eye…. Now for the rules to remember: during the summer months, until after Labor Day, we can enjoy the beach before 10am and after 5pm. However, the stretch of beach from 13th Avenue South to 21st Avenue North doesn’t allow dogs at any time. But there’s plenty of other nearby spots to take us, including the area around Springmaid Pier, as well as Myrtle Beach State Park. And lastly, just like you would any other place, don’t forget to bring poop bags to clean up after us. Leaving my #2 in the dune-grass can harm the sensitive ecology of this place. What a great day. I go home a happy dog, and my loving people investigate my fur for sand fleas. That’s really important because they can burrow under our skin and feed off our blood. They are about the size of a grain of rice with clear wings and black spots; and are most active during the morning and around dusk when they are looking for food – which could be us! You’ll need to take me to the vet for their safe removal. Luckily I escaped this time around, if only it were as easy to avoid the inevitable post-beach bath. But I suppose I can’t complain, having fluffy fur and a pleasant odor is what keeps me so popular with the girls. Until next time, P.S. Follow me on Facebook to keep up with all my latest news, www.facebook.com/InsiderCharliesCorner and on Instagram @charlieparkerscorner. To read more about Charlie, click here.

Charlie’s Corner is the domain of Charlie, the furry four-legged lady’s man of the Market Common. Each month, he’ll share information to help all new, visiting, and existing doggie community members get the most out of life alongside their human companions. Here, we’ll feature his reflections on what it’s like to be a dashing downtown doggie, as he reminds all of us how to play well together.  This edition, we welcome Charlie and his take on life, as a Market Common pooch.  Hi, my name is Charlie, and I live here, in the Market Common. I have lots of neighboring doggie friends to socialize with, but I mostly enjoy spending time with my people in this wonderful neighborhood. I always start my day with a walk on a leash. Myrtle Beach city and Horry County laws specifically state when in public, dogs must be on a leash at all times, no longer than 7 feet. Overall, I must say, the Market Common is very considerate of my needs and that makes life for me and my people a whole lot easier. Strategically placed waste stations are located throughout, with waste bags and disposal receptacles in case Grammy forgets a plastic bag from the house. Boy have I seen her look relieved by this option on several occasions. Even though I’m a pretty popular guy, I’m not allowed in every establishment due to store and DHEC rules. So there are designated outdoor areas where I can enjoy meal time with my people. And I seem to always be able to find an outdoor drinking station in front of local establishments when I’m thirsty. Look in the Dining and Entertainment Section of this publication for the list of pet friendly establishments where you can take me and my friends along. And last but not least, my heaven on earth— the dog park. Barc Parc is located on Howard Ave east of Farrow Parkway, and has sectioned areas for small and large dogs, to ensure we’ll mix well. I can really let loose and play free here, with obstacle courses, a pond to swim in and chase geese, and there are even benches for people to sit when they get tired. Welcome to my neighborhood, the Market Common. It’s pretty grand here. Until next time, P.S. Follow me on Facebook to keep up with all my latest news, www.facebook.com/InsiderCharliesCorner and on Instagram @charlieparkerscorner. To read more of Charlie’s stories, click here.