IslandVibesIOP.com 25 $14,600 for their piece of beach paradise 60 years ago,” she recounted. Marlene elaborated on her love for this island, “The best part about living on the IOP and raising our girls here, aside from them growing up across the street from their grandparents, is the small community. Sullivan’s Island Elementary and the rec center hold such fond memories for my girls. It was so special for them to grow up on this little island, doing many of the same things I did when I was growing up – except the marina was just a trailer when I was younger!” Andy owns Hager Construction LLC, which specializes in new construction, custom home renovations, remodeling and additions. A licensed residential home builder, he has been in the industry for over 35 years. Now that the Hagers find themselves empty nesters, one of their favorite things to do on the island is take their golden retrievers on golf cart rides. Marlene explained, “Cooper and Banks are littermates, so they don’t do well with other dogs. They don’t get to do off-leash fun, but you can find them every afternoon at the Harris Teeter on their daily golf cart ride barking at everyone they see.” Outdoor shows at The Windjammer are still on the Hagers’ list of favorite activities and you can most often find them on the beach at 31A. Marlene summed up their island experience this way: “My dad used to always call Isle of Palms ‘paradise,’ and he was right. It truly is paradise.” To be frank, I’m not certain that Sarah Hale would approve of the way in which we currently celebrate the holiday for which she so vehemently advocated. Mrs. Hale campaigned for a national day of gratitude and unity for 17 years, writing letter after letter to our commanders in chief, persistently putting pen to paper to champion her noble cause. When she finally succeeded in getting President Lincoln to declare the fourth Thursday in November a national holiday, I doubt if she could have anticipated the gluttonous extravaganza that has become our modern-day Thanksgiving. An entire day centered around not thankfulness, not gratitude, not humble reflection, but rather one entirely focused on food, football and festivities. No matter. One tiny terrier cannot possibly be expected to change the dynamics of what has become of Thanksgiving. What I can do is help to protect the canines amongst us from being sickened or (gasp) poisoned from well-intentioned, yet ill-informed humans. Frankly, I enjoy the feast. Albeit in moderation, as I have a petite frame to maintain, but nonetheless I enjoy a smackerel of snacks in equal measure to the next guy. Consider this a friendly reminder for those humans and canines who wish to maintain good health during the holiday season and beyond. NOT SAFE FOR DOGS: Grapes, raisins, onions and garlic are toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce are also on the no thank you list if you want to ensure an abundant and fruitful life for your canine companion. SAFE FOR DOGS: Pumpkin, green beans, turkey (plain, cooked, white meat only without skin, bones or excessive fat), sweet potatoes, carrots, apples and plain cheese (in moderation) are all safe, delicious choices. Of course, all of the above should be prepared without butter or seasoning, but I mention it only to inform you, dear reader, to proceed with an abundance of caution. Be grateful, give thanks, spend time with the people and the creatures you cherish and for the love of pumpkin, before you clean up the buffet table, grab a leash and take a walk. Your dog and your stomach will thank you. Peace, Meet Your Island Neighbors! By Laura Fogarty Hanging out with the Hagers PEOPLE & PETS TO BE FRANK, Safe Thanksgiving treats Did you know if you look up the word ‘happiness’ in the dictionary, you will find two bundles of sunshine with wagging tails? James and Jack are brothers who put the “gold” in golden retriever and light up Isle of Palms with their joy and loyalty. These boys are full siblings from different litters and they don’t even try to hide it. You will find them moving through life side by side, constantly looking to one another for both a cuddly buddy and a playmate. James is now 8 and has been with his family since he was just 7 weeks old. He’s a gentle giant, endlessly loyal and the kind of dog who takes his caretaker role very seriously. When his mom Pet of the Month James & Jack By Allyah Harrar Melissa was on crutches he was her loyal guardian, carefully matching her pace with every slow step. Jack is now 7 and joined the family at 12 weeks old, instantly becoming the island’s unofficial ambassador of joy. He greets everyone – humans and dogs – at the beach with a full-body wag that puts a huge smile on everyone’s face. Together, they’re inseparable. They mirror each other constantly, napping in identical poses and matching each other’s outrage whenever a squirrel dares to exist. If these contented canines could have it their way, each morning would come with beach walks, pup cups, sofa naps and a squirrel smack-talk session. In their world, every day is worth celebrating. They remind us that joy can be found in the simplest things and that the key to happiness isn’t complicated: just keep life golden. -FRANK It probably doesn’t get more local than Marlene and Andy Hager. Born and raised on the Isle of Palms, Marlene and Andy met in 1992 at The Windjammer. Marlene explained, “They used to do surf movies upstairs on Wednesday nights at The Windjammer. We met on one such Wednesday and have been married now for 27 years.” Marlene continued, “We had a big fat Greek wedding downtown at the Greek church and our reception was at the Sand Dunes Club on Sullivan’s Island.” Marlene grew up on 32nd Avenue, and in 2008, her parents’ across the street neighbors decided to retire to the lake. Marlene knocked on their door and let them know she and Andy were interested in purchasing their home. “We signed the papers in their living room the next week, with the only stipulation being not to tear it down. So far so good,” Marlene laughed. After Marlene’s father passed away in 2009, Marlene and her mother made an interesting discovery. “Fun fact: we found my mom’s house title while looking through some paperwork. My parents paid IOP’s fluffiest officers, James and Jac reporting for squirrel duty SCAN FOR A VETERINARIAN DIRECTORY!
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