Paws and Heroes
story by MICAH PEPPERS photos by REBECCA BASS
Peanuts cartoon creator Charles M. Schulz once said, “Happiness is a warm puppy.” For a group of firefighters, this statement rings true. Beaufort County resident Rebecca Bass is a regular at the local fire station, but she brings some furry companions with her: therapy dogs.
Elke and Ocho are Rebecca’s two rescued Dobermans. “My dogs are certified by the national organization, Alliance of Therapy Dogs. They have each made over 200 visits, and as a result, they have earned their Therapy Dog Excellent title from the American Kennel Club. I am also a Tester and Observer for Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and I have personally trained and tested about 100 dogs in the Beaufort area.”
While out making visits around town with Elke and Ocho, Rebecca noticed one place that could use the extra support — fire stations. “I recognized that firefighters face stress daily, so I contacted Deputy Chief Ross Vezin, and asked if we could start making regular therapy dog visits to brighten the day of the first responders. Enthusiastically, he endorsed this idea. Together, with a few other local therapy dog teams, we began visiting, and these dogs have become a source of stress relief and emotional support for the firefighters and first responders. A special bond has formed over time between the dogs and the heroes in our community.”
It was during one of these visits that Rebecca conceived an idea. Why not create a 20-month calendar that would feature local firefighters and therapy dogs as models? Each month of the calendar would highlight a photograph of a firefighter alongside his truck and a featured therapy dog. The calendar would symbolize the strength, courage, and compassion of Beaufort’s local heroes. Rebecca explains, “My Doberman, Ocho, was featured as Miss January on the 2023 MUSC Hospital calendar presenting therapy dogs and hospital personnel.”
“Once I saw the positive impact of the dogs on the firefighters, I suggested to Ross that we should do a similar calendar featuring firefighters and therapy dogs. He could also envision the potential positive impact of the project. He advocated for this project with Fire Chief Tim Ogden. Tim thought it was an outstanding idea.”
Rebecca took on the photography herself, and donated her time and talent to the project. She conducted four photo shoots in different locations around Beaufort and Port Royal. She has won many ribbons in photography competitions. She has had photos published as The Parting Shot in several issues of LOCAL Life Magazine as well as Dude, Camera in the Wild, Alliance of Therapy Dogs Newsmagazine, and The Beauty of Beaufort photography book. Rebecca couldn’t have done this alone though, as she credits not only Ross Vezin for partnering with her in this venture, but also her friend, Rita Wilson. “I approached Rita, who owns Alphagraphics, about design and printing services. She was delighted to participate in my project.” Together, the three of them have brought this calendar to life.
Although a fun and unique idea, the purpose of the calendar is much more significant. This unique charitable project not only pays tribute to our local firefighters and therapy dogs, but also supports three impactful charities: Beaufort County Animal Services, the Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA), and the Burned Children’s Fund. The one-of-a-kind calendar is available to the public for only $25, and the proceeds will be distributed evenly among the three charities.
On October 16, the calendar will officially launch at Shellring Ale Works from 6 to 8 p.m. This event is open to the public and will be a fun opportunity for the community to visit with the firefighters and therapy dogs featured in the calendar, purchase a calendar, and enjoy the local drinks and cuisine.
For those interested in purchasing a calendar, you may attend the launch event on October 16 or email Rebecca Bass at rebecca@seabassproperties.com. Calendars are available now. They are 20-month calendars starting in January 2025 and will make the perfect holiday gift!
