LOCAL VETERINARIAN DR. TRACY DUFFNER SPECIALIZES IN TREATING EXOTIC ANIMALS. HERE, SHE SHARES SOME FUN FACTS ABOUT THEM

Advice from Dr. Tracy Duffner

“Husbandry is the most important part of owning an exotic pet — 90% of what I have to do with exotic pets has to do with improper environment or care conditions.”

“If you are thinking about getting an exotic pet, make sure to reach out to an exotic pet vet first to learn about the care needs and commitment the animal will require.”

PAMPERING PETS IS STUART AND BRECKEN CAMPAGNA’S PASSION

A flat-screen TV, classical music, freshly fluffed pillows topped with a mint: The amenities would have even the most discerning hotel guests drooling.

Of course, drooling is second nature to the four-legged visitors at Southpaw Pet Resort on Hilton Head Island’s north end — especially when there are treats involved.

AIR TRAVEL OPENS NEW DOOR FOR SHELTER DOGS HELPED BY PALMETTO ANIMAL LEAGUE

Palmetto Animal League has spent years working on strategies to get homeless animals adopted: An extensive foster care network, a spay/neuter program, an easy-to-access adoption center.

But it’s the nonprofit group’s latest strategy that’s really taking off. PAL’s transport program turns to “freedom flights” to send at-risk shelter animals in Beaufort, Jasper and nearby counties to no-kill shelters in the north that are less crowded.

Rogue Rescue and Sanctuary in Bluffton has an urgent need for foster families for its dogs after the nonprofit’s owner had a stroke last month.

“I suffered a stroke, and the doctor is not wanting me to do any type of work, especially in the heat,” said Dianne Chesser All. She needs to recover for at least the next 90 days.

The rescue, which has a second location in Allendale, cares for about 35 dogs, including 20 adoptable dogs that need to go into foster homes, All said.

NEW ANIMAL CAMPUS IS STATE-OF-THE-ART

Augustin may have been adopted by now, but if not, the friendly, 60-pound golden retriever mix is in good hands at the new Beaufort County Animal Campus in Okatie. He’s got a spacious kennel with a doggy door separating private inside and outside areas, a large play yard where he can run with his friends, staff who walk him on a leash on a path around a small lake and volunteers who pet him. When potential adopters come to see Augustin, they’ll take him outside to an acquaintance yard or, if it’s raining, they’ll get to know him in a comfortable meet-and-greet room.

We received 102 submissions this year! Below are our finalists. To see the full gallery of this year's entries, please go to our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/hiltonheadmonthly. Thank you to everyone who participated!

HORSE RESCUE GROUP SETS UP IN THE LOWCOUNTRY

Dayle Eldredge, founder and president of Second Wind Thoroughbred Project, has been taking in unwanted thoroughbreds since she was a teenager. Now, fresh from a transplant from Florida to Hilton Head Island, she hopes to spread her mission to the Lowcountry.

DESIGNER DOGS ARE GAINING POPULARITY IN THE LOWCOUNTRY

Move over, Labs and beagles. There are some new dogs in town: schnoodles, puggles, cockapoos and bassetoodles, for starters. These “designer” breeds are the top dogs right now.

Designer dogs may sound like elite, sophisticated, high-priced canines — and in many cases, they are — but “designer dog” is just a term that means mixed breed.

DOES YOUR DOG HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A GOOD CITIZEN?

There’s a test and accompanying certificate to prove that dogs know how to behave well in public. This is the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test, and thousands of dogs nationwide pass this exam every year. Why do owners want to do this rigorous testing of behavior, manners and basic obedience skills? Passing this test indicates that you have a well-mannered dog who can be trusted to behave well in public places and in your living environment. Some hotels and apartments now require that dogs be CGC-certified in order to be there. Also, many therapy dog organizations require the Canine Good Citizen certificate in order to volunteer in the community. Locally, Hos-Pets, the therapy dog program at Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, requires this, as does PAWS to Read, a volunteer group which helps kids at the Boys and Girls Club with reading.