Just Going to See? Famous Last Words.

We at Fig Magazine cannot in good conscience recommend that you ever go to Charleston Animal Society (CAS) “just to see.” We can guarantee there is no “just to see” there. You’ll walk in and find your forever friend, whether or not you meant to. Trust us. We’re speaking from experience.

We can, however, highly recommend CAS as a world-class animal rescue organization that has been saving animals in the Lowcountry for more than 150 years. Its mission is to end unnecessary euthanasia, reduce overpopulation, and put a hard stop to animal cruelty in Charleston and beyond. And it moves mountains to do so, caring for tens of thousands of animals each year through rescue and adoption, spay and neuter clinics, and by taking in animals from hoarding and cruelty cases across the region.

One hundred and fifty years is a long time. Originally founded in 1874 as the South Carolina Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, this is an organization that has grown and changed with the times, moving through different shelters and names (who here remembers the John Ancrum SPCA, named in honor of the late Dr. John Ancrum, a veterinarian who left a portion of his estate to the society?) before settling into its current name and location: a beautiful campus on Remount Road in North Charleston.

There, they operate a spay and neuter clinic, including a program for feral cats that truly reduces the population of tiny feline mouths to feed across the region, while also reducing the number of animals susceptible to diseases like rabies.

CAS also manages programs that teach children to love and respect their furry friends, from the Compassion Initiative to birthday parties and summer camps. There’s even a program that invites children to bring their favorite book and read to a resident pooch. Imagine the lessons your child can learn: reading practice, animal care, and love. Plus, it helps the pups, too, socializing them to little ones and enriching their day-to-day lives.

Partnerships with local organizations help this nonprofit grow and serve its residents and the community even better. Some dogs, cats, and even entire weekends see their adoption fees waived completely, underwritten by partners who know that reducing financial barriers can often place more cats, dogs, and even guinea pigs and rabbits into kind, loving homes.

So listen. Maybe we’re rethinking how we started this piece. Maybe you should head over to CAS “just to see” what they offer. You might find your new best friend, or you might find a community to serve through volunteering, donations, and so much more.

Yes. We’ve changed our minds. Go. Go now. What are you waiting for?

(Author’s Note: This article was written with an adopted pup beside us, another licking our toes, and an adopted cat sitting nearby, silently judging us.)

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