Beach festivals. “The kids have loved living here. We have so many memories of happy times: surfing, fishing, going to the beach, ghost crabbing on summer nights, swimming, boat rides, inshore fishing, barrier island trips, enjoying the rec center park, biking and just living here on this little ur home has always had an open door policy to come hang out. The more the merrier,” said the adorably joyful Ashley Sheppard about her home of over 20 years here on the Isle of Palms. The mother of five children and wife to Rus Sheppard has a unique perspective on island life. Her effervescent, exuberant take on life here on the Isle of Palms casts a light of pure joy and gratitude for island living to anyone lucky enough to stand in her presence. Rus and Ashley Sheppard both graduated from the University of South Carolina in Columbia and decided shortly thereafter to settle on IOP. Rus tore down the house on their current homesite to rebuild in order to accommodate their party of seven. Rus and Ashley both lived on the island as young adults, and both also coached sports at the recreation department during their tenure here on IOP. Ashley said the entire family enjoys the island’s golf cart parades, fireworks, Halloween carnival, farmers’ market and Front slice of paradise,” Ashley smiled. We love riding bikes to all of our favorite local restaurants on the island and soaking in every ounce of the local community.” Rus started Sheppard Construction with his brother Tre in 1997 and they are still building custom homes today, many of which are on IOP and Sullivan’s Island. The basic values of trust, integrity and service are the core of their commitment to serving the community in which they live. “We all love getting lunch at the marina. Our kids always loved biking there for the milkshakes and candy.” Ashley added. “We have so many great memories and friends on the island, especially our favorite Harris Teeter grocery employee, Grace Myatt!” Rus and Ashley’s 19-year-old daughter, Laura, works at Café Paname, serving coffee to locals and vacationers alike, a dream shared by her siblings, who each hope to end up back on the Isle of Palms after college because, according to Ashley, “They can't think of a better place to be.” Neither can we, Ashley; neither can we. 25 IslandVibesIOP.com PEOPLE & PETS Meet Your Island Neighbors! By Laura Fogarty O Pet of the Month Momma Aussie breeds ‘Beach Vacation Litter’ By Isabel Alvarez Arata THE SHEPPARDS rom devastation in Kentucky to hope in the Isle of Palms, Momma Aussie and her 1-day-old litter of eight were brought to South Carolina after their humans suffered a house fire in which the pups’ dad, a German Shepherd, tragically perished. Born on March 22, 2024, these pups spent some time with a foster in Kentucky before finding their way to the Lowcountry. They have now had all their vetting done at Marsh Tide Veterinary and are slowly but surely finding their forever homes. Thus far, Momma Aussie and six of her aptly named “Beach Vacation Litter” pups have been adopted. Each puppy, with its distinct personality, was as lovable as the next. Castle, who is still available for adoption, is affectionate, lean and athletic. He’s playful but knows when to lay low. Per his foster, Sarah Parker, Castle HEY NEIGHBOR! If you or a neighbor would like to be featured in our Island Neighbors section, contact Zach Giroux at Editor@IslandVibesIOP.com or call (802) 733-6321. has shown an interest in being a water dog, perfect for the IOP. Then there’s Barnacle, more low-key, independent and observant. He has an adorable, natural bob tail -- shorter than his siblings’ -- and also loves water. Castle and Barnacle are friendly with other dogs and comfortable with children. For now, they have been referred to as “cat curious,” are mostly pee-pad trained, and per Parker, “are transitioning to the great outdoors!” Parker fosters for Australian Shepherds Furever. A national volunteer foster-based, nonprofit rescue, Australian Shepherds Furever is actively taking applications for Castle, Barnacle and other fantastic rescue pups. Visit australianshepherdsfurever.org/ to learn more. F CASTLE BARNACLE
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