IslandVibesIOP.com 22 Jess continued, “Just six weeks after we had our daughter, Genevieve, Liza found out she had lymphoma. She basically spent a year in the hospital. She really looked forward to the therapy dog visits. That was a truly bright spot for her.” Liza expanded on that sentiment, noting, “Now Sonic is going to be a therapy dog at MUSC.” Jess interrupted, “If he passes!” Laughter all around and extra kisses for Sonic, who was present and fairly vocal throughout our conversation at Co-Op’s Sullivan’s Island location. Having loved the therapy dog visits during her time in the hospital and now coming full circle and working to get her own dog certified is merely one example of the thoughtfulness and giving spirit ingrained in this precious family. Lest you think the Pattersons are all work and no play, they did describe their favorite island activities as going to the beach and cruising the island on a golf cart, but taking first place for their children is the pool at Sweetgrass in nity while giving back generously to it. The Co-Op remains a charming addition to our town as an island café offering gourmet sandwiches, coffee and award-winning frosé. Both Liza and Jess graduated from the College of Charleston but did not meet until Liza became Jess’ dog walker, and the rest, as they say, is history. Married for eight years, parents to 7-year-old Genevieve and 4-year-old Vedder and their 1-year-old English golden retriever, Sonic, Jess and Liza complete each other’s sentences, laugh easily and often emit an aura of gratitude with nearly every syllable they speak. Their lives have been wrought with challenges including open heart surgery for Jess early last year to repair an aortic aneurysm, which included a long road to recovery. He explained, “I’ve gotten so much support from friends and the community, and I just try to reach out to others going through the same thing and offer my support to them. It truly takes a village. I’m just so grateful.” Get ready Isle of Palmers, we have a big month on our hands as Sugar Britches Robertson turns 13 years old. This girl has mastered the art of coastal living, moving through life at her own leisurely pace. For example, waking up? That’s not something Sugar rushes into. Most days, it’s well past noon before her eyes open. She enjoys walks on warm sunny days and loves feeling the breeze of a golf cart ride. Slow afternoons and soaking up life’s simple pleasures are her forte; she’s basically got it all figured out. Sugar has spent nearly her whole life as part of the Robertson household. She adores her parents Jen and Gerald and played an important role in raising their two kids, Laura and Wil, who are both attending college now. Her story began when the family called Washington, D.C., home. They sought a sweet, loyal pet for their kids, which is a big responsibility for two little paws to fill, but Sugar took it on naturally. Sugar is the queen of the house and holds a lot of authority within her tiny frame. If she wants to snuggle, she climbs right into your lap and stays there until she’s fulfilled cuddle time. Meet Your Island Neighbors! By Laura Fogarty Cooped up in paradise with the Pattersons TO BE FRANK Love is a four-legged word Pet of the Month Nothing sweeter than Sugar By Allyah Harrar PEOPLE & PETS -FRANK If yin and yang had spokespersons, it would be the Pattersons. Jess and Liza Patterson are laid-back and polished, easygoing and driven, humorous and heartfelt simultaneously. They bring light and laughter to the most concerning of situations and put those around them at ease in an effortless manner. Owners of the Co-Op located on the Isle of Palms, Kiawah at Freshfields Village, downtown Charleston, Nexton in Summerville and of course their original location on Sullivan’s Island, Jess and Liza approach their business much like they approach life – with an innate sense of embracing their commuWild Dunes – practically an everyday occurrence in the summertime. The Sullivan’s Island Co-Op will soon be converting over 1,000 square feet of space into The Market, promising to carry fresh flowers, wine, local breads, fresh produce, an entire take-n-go section from a local chef, soups, soft serve ice cream and more. Cheers to the Co-Op and the Patterson family. Wishing them all the best with each new adventure they embark upon. To be frank, I do not have a leading lady of the partner-worthy variety. Frankly, Valentine’s Day is not my favorite holiday for a multitude of reasons, not the least of which being the propensity for those involved in romantic relationships to consider it as a singles’ awareness day. I am loved by the masses. I am adored, revered if you will. My distinct ability to love and to be loved makes me a particularly amazing candidate to change the trajectory of your own Valentine’s journey, dear reader, if you will allow me the leeway to describe to you my perfect Valentine’s Day. As all perfect days begin, Feb. 14 should commence with the presentation of a new toy, conveniently placed on the kitchen table for me to unwrap before I even bother eating breakfast. (No kibble on the feast of Saint Valentine. Scrambled eggs will do just fine). After brushing my teeth – a task of which I am truly quite fond, I shall proceed on my holiday with a leisurely stroll down the beach. Temperatures tend to be a bit chilly on our fair isle this time of year, hence I will be wearing one of my Valentine’s sweaters and perhaps a jacket if layering should be required. After sniffing and digging and engaging with only my properly vetted and favorite canines and humans alike, I will stop for photo ops. (Sometimes one must throw the paparazzi a proverbial bone to keep them at bay.) I would then like to head back to my beach cottage for a proper morning nap, bathed in the sunshine of my perfectly placed pillow bed in the window of my human’s office. When my human decides it’s time for a break from the rigors of our workday, I shall run outside and hop in my bicycle basket for a ride around the island. Here too, I shall be approached by photo-taking onlookers, but no matter, I will allow it as long as it does not require us to stop and converse. I like to stop at the IOP Recreation Department on occasion while tethered in my bicycle basket and allow my fans at the canine play area a chance to engage with me. Of course, this outing will require a cool drink of water, and another sunshine-drenched nap. I love my humans and I feel quite certain they will choose to partake in an evening date night of the dining out variety. But no worry, yours truly will attend the aforementioned dinner date because, as you may have already surmised, there is no one my humans love more than I. Happy Heart Day! Genevieve, Jess, Liza and Vedder Patterson Don’t even think about multitasking either; Sugar is here for your full attention, zero distractions. She still bops around excitedly when the kids visit, which is impressive for a dog pushing 13. And with her big eyes and smushed pug face, she has a naturally goofy expression that makes people smile. Plus, you’ll usually find this pup sporting her signature pearl necklace. Sugar used to enjoy dog park trips, but after losing some of her hearing last year, she prefers a quieter routine. Now one of her favorite activities is family golf cart rides. The wind tends to irritate her beautiful buggy eyes, so her family got her a pair of dog goggles to help. Sugar has been a steady presence through every stage of family life. No matter what kind of day he’s had, Gerald said looking at her goofy face makes everything feel lighter. Jen said Sugar has taught their family to slow down and enjoy the simple parts of life like taking walks, spending time together and appreciating the small moments. So if you happen to see a pug in a pearl necklace and goggles this month, make sure to wish Sugar a happy birthday!
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