DOG TALES OF BEAUFORT

story by KATE HAMILTON PARDEE

Beaufort is known for its Lowcountry beauty, esteemed history, and warm sense of community. Our residents and visitors love it, but let’s not forget our canine family members. Not to be left behind, Beaufort welcomes pups. Whether stopping in for a visit or living here, our town is known for being dog friendly, and it is just another part of Beaufort’s undeniable charm.

The evidence is clear — dogs hold a special place in the hearts of residents and visitors, including many of the Beaufort area businesses. Whether visiting the local pharmacy or the drive-through window at the bank, pet owners have become accustomed to their canine companions receiving a special dog treat. Take a walk along Bay Street in downtown Beaufort, and you’ll notice leashed pups nestled beneath their owner’s tables at several dog friendly restaurants, like Plums, a riverfront kitchen and oyster bar with an outside deck. You can quickly determine which establishment welcomes people’s pup companions by viewing the water dishes set out or provided by the storeowners for the pups to have a much-welcomed drink.

In downtown Beaufort, dog tales and their influence on the area are nothing new to Diana and Milt Rundquist, owners of The Rustic Pup Biscuits and Boutique located at 724 Bay Street in Beaufort. The Rundquists have been running the store since relocating from California in 2019 when they decided to move back to Milt’s home on Lady’s Island. Diana had retired from real estate in the Bay area, and Milt from being a global account executive at Verizon for 25 years.

“One day, while shopping downtown, I decided to buy my sister in Alaska a treat for her beloved dog Trooper and noticed no dog stores. So, after doing some research, I opened one!” Diana says. The shop is a hit with dogs and owners alike, and, according to Diana, both are particularly fond of the Biscuit Bar. “I have seen dogs pensively looking through the glass window when we’re closed, with hope in their eyes, dreaming about getting treats.” While the store is dog-focused, there are plenty of unique items for cat lovers.

It is not just downtown where you’ll notice the presence of dogs — you are also in for a treat when you stop by to pick up fruits and vegetables at St. Helena’s Pasture Shed Farm. It is a long-standing family-run farm at 1083 Sea Island Parkway in St. Helena. Expect a furry greeting from Tully, the family’s Australian Shepherd. As sisters Peggy and Cristi help their customers, Tully sits on his makeshift throne underneath the cashier’s table, watching everything going on at the market.

Although known for their incredible produce and whimsically created hay bales designed by Cristi, it is recognized that Tully’s greetings are just another bonus of stopping by St. Helena’s Pasture Shed Farm.

Beaufort is lucky enough to have two dog parks that are popular, and frequented by owners and their pets. The Burton Wells and Southside Dog Parks, created by forward canine-thinking town officials, are well worth a visit. Both parks have a devoted following, and Beaufort is lucky to have them.

We recently met Thad Lane and his Weimaraner mix, Lilly, at Southside Dog Park late Saturday afternoon. Thad regularly meets with fellow dog owners and friends for what they consider their “Yappy Hour.” This diverse group of men has met for many years.

One group member, Steve Jones, of Port Royal, and his Dalmatian Lab mix, Dobie, have their own story. Upon learning that Dobie was deaf, Steve was even more excited to adopt him. “Well, that works; I am, too!” he jokes.

Paul Manzie, another member of the group originally from Ipswich, Massachusetts, purchased his beautiful black lab, Ruby, from the breeders at Greenbriar Plantation located in Holly Hill, SC, nine months ago. Paul was particularly excited to share a photo of Ruby — proudly seated and having a bite at the Fishcamp Bar in Port Royal — that he could barely contain his enthusiasm in showing off his gorgeous lab. “This is just an article being written, not a novel,” Thad ribbed as one picture turned to twenty.

Marine Tanner Baumgard , an aircraft mechanic living in Beaufort, and his Golden Retriever, Maximus, round out this group of kindred canine companions. Bonded initially by their mutual devotion to their pets, the men now share a friendship forged and sealed at the Southside Dog Park.

The next stop on the Beaufort dog meet and greet was Coosa Island. There, resides a special pup named Nutmeg, or Nutty, lovingly owned by retired Advertising Creative Director Bruce Patterson and recently retired nurse Holly Hadson. They both moved here from Connecticut, and while there, saw a beautiful pup online at a shelter and adopted her.

“We loved the color of her coat and would name her Cinnamon. But it was a bit long. Holly came up with Nutmeg, and that stuck. But we just call her Nutty — which she certainly can be.”

Although Patterson grew up with pups, this was Holly’s first introduction to a canine pet because her mother had allergies. It didn’t take long for Holly, who couldn’t imagine Nutty, a purebred mutt of beagle and hound, not being in their lives.

Nutty has another unique feature: she never barks. Patterson says she has a vocabulary of expressive howls and grunts. He continues, “It is the perfect language, Nutty’s language.”

One of their favorite daily rituals is walking her in many Beaufort areas and sharing their beautiful Lowcountry days.

There can’t be a Beaufort dog story without including the magic of Hunting Island. With its miles of beach and gentle surf, it’s a dog’s dream playground. There are even rumors that a particular Border Collie, Moose, has gained quite a reputation as a devoted Hunting Island lifeguard. Fellow beachgoers have observed his never-to-be-disturbed attitude, sitting on the beach, stoically watching his owner surf. Neither flying frisbees, balls, sailing kites, nor playful puppies can interrupt him. Instead, he is focused on the water, ensuring his owner remains safe and sound. Only when he sees her emerge from the water and hears his name called does he run to greet her at the shore. He might even go for a ride on the board, but not until he knows his lifeguarding duty is mission accomplished.

Although Moose has quite the reputation at the beach, he also has his fan club.

Local groomers Barbara and Cathy Summerall, born and bred in Beaufort, and the owners of Bark’s Groomery, have gotten to know Moose. Barbara, now Barb Fraley, says clearly as her husband, Brigadier General Dennis Fraley, smiles as he shakes his head up and down in total agreement. “You can feel Moose looking through your soul with his eyes.”

How do I know so much about this particular dog tale? He is this writer’s special dog — my Moose. See you at the beach.