t doesn’t get much more “local” than our island neighbors Ray and Janalyn Bowden. Ray is a born and raised Isle of Palms local, as is their son, Dax. Ray was working the ticket table for a Crabpot Players production at The Windjammer in January 1995 when a gorgeous redhead walked through the door and the rest, as they say, is history. Janalyn recalled, “It was my first visit to The Windjammer; it was a Wednesday. I went that night because Wednesday was the only day The Windjammer was non-smoking. It was the last performance of that particular play, and it might have actually been the Pluff Mud Players!” The Bowdens were married on the beach on a warm, sunny November day two years later. Janalyn recounted that when Dax was born in 2002, “The island was a sleepy beach town with Front Beach stores closed in the off season, and the beach being mostly empty during the week – even in the summertime.” Ray added, “We’re still a to their foster and forever homes. They’re such a silly and adorable breed and Benny has fit right in with us and brought such joy into our home,” she said. Janalyn works with three various Bull Terrier rescues providing transport, donating for auctions and adopting not only Benny, but his Bowden predecessors Millie and May as well. Janalyn sums up life on IOP this way: “We are truly blessed and grateful to be a part of this beautiful community.” 25 IslandVibesIOP.com PEOPLE & PETS Meet Your Island Neighbors! By Laura Fogarty I Pet of the Month Mowgli: city hall’s finest, furriest employee By Isabel Alvarez Arata THE BOWDENS dog that hangs out at city hall? That’s right, Mowgli is an honorary part-time employee at the Isle of Palms Building Department, where he enthusiastically greets workers and visitors. This confident fella has been spotted wearing official gear, escorting guests and sniffing passersby, making a very positive impression on those who have the pleasure of encountering him while on official business. A 6-year-old Labrador/Boxer mix, Mowgli belongs to Matt Simms, zoning administrator and ISA certified arborist for the city. “When he is not at work, he loves to play fetch and get the zoomies on the beach,” said 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. Simms, who rescued Mowgli from Pet Helpers on James Island. Pet Helpers is an adoption center and spay/neuter clinic that serves communities across the Lowcountry. Their mission is to end the euthanasia of all adoptable cats and dogs by keeping all animals until adopted; providing low cost spay/neuter surgeries; offering humane education programs; pursuing animal cruelty prosecution and initiating animal welfare legislation. Mowgli is a fantastic example of the difference they make in the lives of the animals and families they serve. In addition to enjoying IOP’s stunning beaches with a ball in his mouth, Mowgli loves to visit Café A small town, and I still know most everyone on the island. We still see people here that I grew up with!” Ray and Janalyn agreed that lasting friendships and the pleasantness of neighbors are a couple of the things that have not changed with the passing of time. The Bowdens also counted walks to the beach pulling Dax in his wagon as a baby among the best island memories they have. When asked about the scariest memory from their decades living on the island, Janalyn is quick to recall Hurricane Ophelia. “Ophelia was supposed to hit us as a tropical storm,” reflected Janalyn. “She didn’t. She upgraded to hurricane status before slamming the coast. We spent the night in the bathroom with a baby and a dog. That was a terrifying experience.” Golf cart rides, spending time at the marina and walking on the beach are some of the Bowdens’ favorite things to do on the island. Their newest family addition, Benny, enjoys those island activities as well. Benny, a rescue from the Bull Terrier Rescue Mission, joined the Bowdens in August 2023. Janalyn is passionate about her philanthropic endeavors in the Bull Terrier community. “I drive transport for these rescues Paname where he connects with his friends, Amine and Addy. He’s a regular. His usual order is a delectable pup cup treat. Millie and May Bowden Benny Bowden
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