IslandVibesIOP.com 26 tanding atop his roof overlooking the ocean, Charleston native and Isle of Palms resident Dr. Robert Beall beamed, “It’s a lifelong dream come true!” Beall is the ninth of 10 children, a father to Grace, a dentist at James Island Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry and a philanthropist with a giving spirit who has endured every challenge that comes his way. With a smile almost as big as his PEOPLE & PETS Meet Your Island Neighbors! By Laura Fogarty S Pet of the Month Levi & Lola the lively Vizslas By Isabel Alvarez Arata DR. ROBERT BEALL generous heart, Beall explained a mission that is near and dear to his heart: Pacific Hope and Marine Reach Global. “Pacific Hope is a relief ship providing hope wherever it is needed.” More than 50 percent of the earth’s population lives near the coast, which makes bringing medical care by sea one of the most efficient ways to safely and effectively offer life-saving health care for those who may have never seen a doctor or dentist. Pacific Hope has provided relief and care to communities worldwide for 15 years. One such recent mission trip took place in Cancun, Mexico. “The ship was not operational, so we found a local government clinic, bought supplies and got permission from the government to treat patients all in one week,” Beall noted. “Such great people! I even had a press conference with the mayor. It was a complete group effort with the crew of Pacific Hope and the municipal government of Cancun. Everyone had a part in making this trip the success that it was.” Many of the patients Beall treats on the ship include children from nearby orphanages. He and his crew relieve their pain, restore their teeth and teach them about oral hygiene. In addition to Mexico, Beall has volunteered his time, services and resources with Pacific Hope in Haiti, Brazil, Panama, South Africa, Costa Rica and Nicaragua for their humanitarian trips. The hospital ship brings medical supplies, eyeglasses and as many soccer balls and toys as they can manage to some of the most remote locations in the world. When Beall isn’t traveling the globe or helping patients on James Island, his favorite things to do on Isle of Palms include anything and everything outdoor related. From boating to biking, swimming, surfing and watching the ocean from his rooftop, Beall lives his life to the fullest on the island. His kittens Sadie and Ollie enjoy their home too, complete with a “catio” facing Palm Boulevard with plenty of ocean sounds and gentle breezes. “I’m living my dream every single day. I’m more blessed than I deserve,” stated Beall. “I’ve been all over the world and this is the place I choose to call home. There’s no place else like it!” Beall recalled how the first two offers he made on Isle of Palms houses were unsuccessful. Due to those failed attempts, he ended up living in a house he never imagined he would be lucky enough to call home. “Life is full of ups and downs,” added Beall. “I realized a lifelong dream to be able to see the ocean from my rooftop. Never dreamed I would be so blessed. I have a lot of things to be thankful for.” Your island community and certainly the people and patients you have graced with your generosity and professionalism are thankful for you too, Dr. Beall. 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. izslas were bred to hunt in the Puszta region of Hungary. Proud of their heritage, local Vizslas Levi (5) and Lola (2), honor their ancestors by stalking the squirrels and birds on Isle of Palms. Loving and energetic goofballs, Levi and Lola love zooming around town in their family’s golf cart. “They love it so much,” explained dog mom Christiana Harsch, “that they’ll sit on (the golf cart) in the dark garage for hours hoping to go for a ride.” Levi and Lola joined their family after a case of mistaken identity — their human mistook her rescue mix, Piper, for a Vizsla, developing a lifelong love for the breed. Harsch was so fascinated by Vizslas that she talked her friend into getting one, only to take Levi for herself when the friend’s family decided he wasn’t a match for them. When Piper passed, serendipity led the family to Lola, who would become everyone’s ideal sidekick. She relocated to IOP all the way from Ohio. “Vizslas are velcro dogs,” joked Harsch. “They always have to be touching you. I’ve had a Vizsla or two connected to my body for over five years now.” Three if you count their best Vizsla friend, Alba Sue. Harsch and her family are such fans of the breed, they have a Vizsla American flag hanging from their porch. “It’s like we’re in a weird cult. When I see (a Vizsla) I squeal and run directly to it. We all do. I’ve made some wonderful friends by stalking Vizslas.” “I’ve had dogs and loved them all, but there’s something incredibly special about Vizslas. I tell people who are about to get one and ask for advice, ‘Prepare to love like you've never loved before,'" Harsch added. V
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