Editor’s Note: To Be Frank is a new pet editorial series featuring the daily life of Robert Francis “Frank” Weatherbee, a petite 2-year-old Jack Russell terrier rescue with a bone to pick for island justice. Frank’s column is the voice and backbone for his community of furry friends. I am a runner. I do not listen. I am easily distracted and I am an excellent hider. That’s why my human tethers me to her wrist with a leash when we are out and about. I get it; really, I do! What I don’t understand is the dogs who are not under voice control and that meander off leash on my beautiful beach. Recently, I was enjoying the evening surf with my human when a rather large, unruly, heathen of an animal charged at us. This dog did not retreat after multiple attempts by my human to defend my tethered self. Surfers exited the water to call 911 when my human was knocked over by this giant beast. Responding officers were not happy that my human did not have her driver’s license on her person and that we allegedly “fled the scene.” Generally, I’m not one to learn a lesson, so I can absolutely guarantee if attacked on my beach again, I will most assuredly flee for my life! My human had to carry me home because my injuries precluded me from walking comfortably. Such a shame we weren’t even offered a ride home but no matter, my human and I ventured off the island to see our friends at Veterinary Emergency Group. About $317 later, we were sent home with pain medicine and condolences for our troubles. Frankly, I’d love to see enforcement of our leash laws and the voice command rule if a dog is off leash. The beach is for everyone, not just the biggest, most aggressive among us. elaxed and low key is the island vibe exuding from our delightful island neighbors, Amy and Jim Boling. Jim and Amy began visiting the Isle of Palms when their daughters were students at the College of Charleston. “When we would come to visit them, we’d rent a house on the island so they could have a mini vacation on the weekend,” recalled Amy. Shortly after they started these mini vacations, the Bolings purchased their island home. Hailing from Sandusky, Ohio, Jim and Amy favor the cooler months here in South Carolina, especially the month of November when their family flies in to gather for Thanksgiving. Family is at the heart of just about every activity and intention for the Bolings. “We have family dinner every Sunday at our house with our children and grandchildren,” said Amy. “Our grandchildren love the beach!” “We love our golf cart rides around the island with our dog, Isabelle,” beamed Amy, of the couple’s 10-year-old golden doodle. Isabelle is certainly a fan of her golf cart 25 IslandVibesIOP.com PEOPLE & PETS Meet Your Island Neighbors! By Laura Fogarty R Lulu, the petite and prideful lap dog By Isabel Alvarez Arata MEET THE BOLINGS ulu, a charming Coton de Tulear, has been bringing joy to those around her for 13 years. Coton de Tulear are originally from Madagascar, but Lulu’s dog mom, Elizabeth Shirley, adopted her from the Charleston area. Weighing in at a petite 13 pounds, Lulu, who is affectionately known as Miss Lu, may be small in stature, but she's big on personality. Her favorite pastime is cruising down the beach in her dog mom’s bicycle basket, looking down on other dogs with a mischievous bark as she rides by in style. She knows she’s safe because the other dogs can’t get to her in the basket! True to her breed's reputation as a people-pleaser, Lulu is always eager to entertain. She's mastered the art of Pet of the Month L rides, and if you’ve ever seen the Bolings out cruising with Isabelle, you most assuredly have heard Isabelle barking for joy before ever seeing the Bolings’ golf cart. Another frequent activity for the Boling family is dining at their favorite island restaurants. “We can be found having dinner at the Long Island Cafe fairly often,” said Amy. “We have met the nicest people there and have formed some great friendships.” Jim and Amy are looking forward to retirement early next year while reflecting on what they call their best island memory. “When our daughter got married on Goat Island at Goat TO BE FRANK, Amy and Jim Boling at Islander 71 Island Gatherings. It was a perfect day and evening,” recounted Amy. When asked what their scariest or worst island memory is, Amy is quick to share, “We rode out a hurricane. That’s the scariest thing; riding out a hurricane. We won’t do that again!” The Boling family has seen a lot of changes in their 13 years as island residents. Amy explained, “The traffic and tourist count has really grown. So have the houses!” Thankfully, the best parts of the island remain unchanged – the wonderful people and the gorgeous, colorful landscape. Jim, Amy, Sarah and Jennifer Boling with dogs Gus, Isabelle and Sylvie dancing on her hind legs, twirling in circles to delight her audience. This little performer knows how to keep humans smiling. Lulu's discerning palate favors only the finest refrigerated dog food and she's not shy about expecting a treat upon her family's return home. A lap dog through and through, Lulu thrives on constant companionship and affection. Lulu embodies the playful spirit and loving nature that make the Coton de Tulear breed so beloved. Whether she's performing tricks or simply cuddling up for a nap, Miss Lu proves that sometimes the best things come in small, fluffy packages.
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