would goad my friends into playing music, and it would become like a little private concert up there. I still love going to the Windjammer and also Smugglers, just no room for private concerts anymore. I’ve seen a lot of changes on this island over the years, but the one thing that remains is the goodness of the people.” solute privilege to live and work on this island and to get to share those experiences with so many different people. I know how fortunate I am, and I appreciate every moment.” Lindler and his nearly 6-year-old silver lab, Grouper, live adjacent to a beach access path in a home that has been in his family since the 1950s. He spoke fondly of Grouper’s experience living so close to the beach. “She loves chasing squirrels, but she loves chasing down friends and strangers alike to ask for pets even more. She spends her time watching for people walking down the beach access path before darting out to seek attention and love from passersby.” As for Lindler, his favorite island activities include being able to walk or ride a bike or golf cart to work. He explained, “My truck is 12 years old and has less than 90,000 miles on it. That’s how little I drive.” Lindler remembers a time when the Windjammer was his favorite hangout spot with friends for Monday Night Football games. He recalled, “Back before the Windjammer was such a popular attraction, we would meet for football and I Jessen Lindler began his island adventure as a young boy, spending summers on the island with his mother and two sisters while his father stayed in Columbia for work. “I swam on the Wild Dunes swim team every summer; rode my bike to practice every afternoon. It was a simpler, slower-paced time back then,” recounted Lindler. After graduating from Wofford College in 2005, Lindler moved to the Isle of Palms as a full-time resident. He began working as a dock hand at the marina and became dock master shortly thereafter. Lindler is currently the logistical engineer for Barrier Island Eco Tours, where he has worked for the past 18 years. He cherishes the job not only for the ability to work on the island where he lives, but also for the people he gets to meet daily. Lindler lit up while discussing the school tours, the family outings and all things ecotour-related. “Exploring the barrier islands, whether fishing, crabbing, touring, throwing a cast net or preparing a Lowcountry boil on Capers Island, it is an ab25 IslandVibesIOP.com Meet Your Island Neighbors! By Laura Fogarty Laid-back life of Jessen Lindler Jessen and Grouper Lindler Lowcountry boil on Capers Island Pet of the Month Rescuing Rusty the mini poodle By Allyah Harrar PEOPLE & PETS Rusty the mini poodle didn't mean to cause a stir, he just saw an open gate and decided to take the opportunity to stretch his legs. A few blocks later, a kind neighbor spotted Rusty wandering the street and brought him over to the Isle of Palms Police Department, where he made the most of his short stay. It was during a shift change that the neighbor walked into the station with Rusty. Communication Specialist Jane Stewart and Sgt. Kevin Barattini, who are both known around the station for their love of dogs, took the adorable mini poodle under their wing. They decided not to place him in a kennel. Instead, Rusty got to roam the station, greet officers and enjoy plenty of treats. He climbed into chairs, accepted belly rubs and even “answered” a few phones. At first, he seemed unsure, but some food and friendly faces quickly comforted the pup. Before long, Rusty was wagging his tail and stealing the hearts of his newfound pals. A short while later, his family came back from dinner and realized Rusty was gone. They came straight to the station where Barattini brought Rusty into the lobby and the family was able to reunite. Barattini said, “The joy, the relief and the love between Rusty and his family were undeniable.” Rusty’s adventure had a happy ending, but not all lost pets are as lucky. The IOPPD reminds pet owners to leash up when outside and to make sure pets wear ID tags. Microchipping helps too, especially if a collar slips off. The department has microchip scanners and does everything possible to return pets to their families. If 24 hours passes and the family does not come forward, pets are then taken to the Charleston Animal Society. For questions about pet safety, contact Animal Control Officer Sean Kittrell at skittrell@iop.net.
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