Volunteers | Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary

Meet Mary Malarkey and Olive

Sep 16, 2024

Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Mary Malarkey, A Champion for Special Needs Dogs

Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary is fortunate to have wonderful volunteers like Mary Malarkey. Mary grew up in Washington, DC, and graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1981 with a degree in Microbiology. After graduation, Mary embarked on a career for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), serving the public proudly for over 32 years. Mary has always been drawn to the water, and after falling in love with Charleston, decided to make it her permanent home in 2021. Mary now resides on Johns Island with her rescue dog Milo Louie, and her Partner, Rob. Mary is a proud stepmom, Grandma Mary to six, Oma to one, and has recently welcomed her fourth great-grandchild.

Mary’s lifelong love for animals was deepened by her 15 years of volunteer experience at a rescue group in Maryland. Upon retiring, Mary wasted no time getting involved with Hallie Hill and has become a valuable member of our volunteer team here at the Sanctuary. Special needs dogs hold a special place in Mary’s heart. She finds it incredibly rewarding to connect with and see these dogs open up after all they have endured. One such dog is Olive, a sweet and shy soul who came to us from an overcrowded shelter. Olive struggled at first and was very timid around people. With Mary’s tender love and care, Olive has begun to open up and make tremendous progress.

Mary’s enthusiasm extends beyond the animals – she cherishes the relationships she’s built with other volunteers and has described it as a privilege being able to work with such caring folks. Thank you Mary for your unwavering commitment to Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary, our animals, and our team.

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New at the Sanctuary- Dog Daycations!

Jul 22, 2024

We’re excited to introduce our new “Dog Daycations” program, where our shelter dogs and volunteers get to enjoy a fun-filled day together. Volunteers can take a shelter dog out for an adventure, whether it’s a stroll in the park, a refreshing swim, or other enjoyable activities. This initiative not only gives our dogs a delightful break from the shelter environment but also offers volunteers a rewarding experience of companionship and joy.

Enrichment is a wonderful thing for a shelter animal and having the opportunity to participate in new experiences and explore the world is the most valuable kind of enrichment (unless it’s getting their very own home!) The dogs learn A LOT and we learn A LOT about the dogs! It’s a WIN-WIN. Become a Tier 3 Volunteer and go on a Dog Daycation! You’ll be glad you did!

Check out what our volunteers have to say about their experiences with our “Dog Daycations” program and get to know some of our wonderful dogs! Read their heartwarming stories and see how these special outings have created unforgettable moments and strengthened the bond between our shelter dogs and their human companions.

Meet Kelly Ackerman & Clayton

Jul 15, 2024

Clayton arrived at Hallie Hill from an overcrowded local shelter where he had been adopted and returned for being an adept ‘escape artist’. At Hallie Hill, Clayton has been exemplary, but he has recently begun to suffer from storm anxiety. This condition is worrying during the sudden thunderstorms common here in the summer. We administer medications and shelter him in the barn, yet our greatest wish is to find him a loving home where he can find solace in a closet or under a bed during storms.

Kellie Ackerman, a Lowcountry native, adores spending time with her 2.5 dogs – she counts her mother’s rescue Pit Bull as half hers!

She enjoys time with family and friends. Kellie can often be found on the water, fishing or boating, and she has a passion for travel. Kellie holds a special affection for all the animals at Hallie Hill, particularly Clayton, who captures her heart by reminding her of Poncho, her own youngest dog who also has a wild spirit. Volunteers such as Kellie are instrumental in providing the necessary enrichment for dogs like Clayton who live at the sanctuary while they wait for adoption.

DIY Doggy Ice Cream

Jul 10, 2024

Treat your four-legged friends to a delicious and healthy treat with this easy recipe for dog-friendly ice cream! Made with only a few wholesome ingredients that are safe and nutritious for dogs, this recipe is perfect for a hot day.

Start by warming 1/2 cup of peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t contain Xylitol or Birch Sugar as it is highly poisonous to dogs) in the microwave until it’s easy to stir. Mash a ripe banana in a bowl and mix in 1 cup of plain natural yogurt. Add one teaspoon of honey to the banana and yogurt mixture, then stir in the melted peanut butter until everything is well combined. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 6 hours. Your furry friend will adore this homemade frozen treat; you can be sure it’s made with only safe and healthy ingredients!

Meet Our June Adorable Adoptables

Jun 24, 2024

We have so many adorable adoptable this month at Hallie Hill, please meet a few below. If interested in adopting, please fill out an application to come out to HHAS to meet these wonderful animals!

Astrid

Upon her arrival at the local shelter, Astrid was a bit untamed. Her sister and she were moved to Hallie Hill for socialization. She takes delight in other dogs’ company and shows a playful side. Astrid seems smart and is motivated by food. She accepts human touch and will walk on a leash, though she might not enjoy exploring new environments or walking in busy places. Given time and patience, she has the potential to become a wonderful pet.

Copper

Copper, a charming hound mix, was found as a stray and brought to Hallie Hill. He possesses the lively energy of a puppy and joyfully greets people of all ages. At a recent bustling event, he behaved excellently on a leash, meeting both humans and dogs. He’s a diamond in the rough, waiting for the perfect family to discover his true shine.

Dolly

Dolly, a charming hound, arrived with some health concerns but is now flourishing. She possesses a robust voice that she reserves for moments of excitement. Her interactions with other dogs and all humans at the sanctuary have been positive. However, her compatibility with cats remains untested.

Bandit

Bandit, a regal light gray tabby, carries himself with a kingly attitude. Despite his often grumpy expression, he welcomes human affection. He may assert dominance over other cats, yet he remains harmless. This wonderful senior deserves a wonderful home.

Meet Laura & Bobby

Jun 19, 2024

At Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary, our mission to provide love and care to our animal residents is only made possible through the dedication and passion of our team members. One such remarkable individual is Laura Tudor, who not only works part-time with us but also volunteers her time and energy to make a difference in the lives of our animals.

Laura’s journey with animals started at a young age. Growing up in Chicago, she dreamt of becoming a veterinarian. Though life took her on a different path, leading her to Charleston via Florida State University (Go Noles!), her love for animals never waned. Laura’s professional life has been diverse, encompassing sales, education, and significant contributions to various non-profits. This rich background gives her the unique skills and empathy needed to excel in animal care.

Laura began her involvement with Hallie Hill as a volunteer. Her dedication and hard work quickly stood out, leading her to take on a part-time role focusing primarily on our canine residents. However, her love for animals doesn’t stop there. Whenever she gets a chance, she can be found sneaking

over to assist with our community cats, ensuring they receive the care and attention they deserve.

One of Laura’s favorite activities at the sanctuary is distributing cookies to all the dogs. This simple act of kindness is eagerly anticipated by our dogs and highlights Laura’s nurturing spirit. While she insists she doesn’t play favorites, Laura has a special bond with Simon, a playful dog she enjoys throwing the ball to whenever possible. Outside of her time at the sanctuary, Laura stays active by jogging and instructing yoga, embodying a balanced lifestyle of fitness and philanthropy.

Among the many dogs at Hallie Hill, Bobby’s story is particularly touching. Bobby is an eight-year-old hound who arrived at our sanctuary from an overcrowded shelter. Despite his hardships, Bobby’s gentle and sweet nature remained intact. Recently, Bobby underwent surgery to repair his knee. The procedure was a success, and he is now on the road to recovery, thanks in large part to the loving care provided by our team, including Laura. Bobby’s resilience is truly inspiring, and he continues to charm everyone he meets with his calm demeanor and hopeful eyes.

Bobby dreams of finding a forever home where he can spend his days in comfort and peace. His story is a testament to the resilience of animals and the transformative power of compassionate care. We are confident that with a bit of patience and love, Bobby will make a wonderful addition to a loving

family.

If you’re inspired by Laura’s story and Bobby’s journey, we encourage you to get involved with Hallie Hill. Whether through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading the word, every little bit helps us continue our mission of providing care and finding forever homes for our beloved animals.