Old Trolley Road Animal Clinic

06/05/2026

06/04/2026

🐱⛴️ A South Carolina cat named Captain Whiskers has been riding the same harbor ferry route across Charleston Harbor for nearly four years, and the crew finally decided he deserved a seat of his own.
Each morning, Captain Whiskers calmly boards the ferry, hops onto his custom-built wooden stool beside the window, and spends the crossing watching dolphins, pelicans, sailboats, and the iconic Ravenel Bridge glide by.
When the ferry reaches the dock, he strolls along the waterfront like Charleston's unofficial harbor inspector, carefully surveying the marina before returning to catch the next boat home.
The crew eventually installed a small plaque with his name after tourists repeatedly asked if he belonged to anyone.
Regular passengers say the ferry doesn't feel quite the same when Captain Whiskers misses a trip.
According to the captain, the feline commuter has never purchased a ticket.
"Whether it's blazing summer heat, coastal fog, or a windy winter morning, he's always here waiting at the dock," the captain laughed. "After four years of loyal service, I'd say he's earned a lifetime pass."
🌊🐾🚢
🐱💙

05/19/2026

⚠️ Let’s Talk About IVDD ⚠️

If you’re following Clover’s journey, you’ve probably seen us mention something called IVDD. But what exactly is it, and why do we bring it up so often with Frenchies and other squishy-faced breeds?

👉 IVDD stands for Intervertebral Disc Disease.
It’s a spinal condition caused by weakened or damaged discs that cushion the vertebrae. When those discs rupture or herniate, they can press on the spinal cord — causing pain, loss of movement, or even full paralysis.

💔 Sadly, IVDD is extremely common in French Bulldogs due to years of unethical breeding practices. We see cases of it all the time in rescue.

Here’s what every Frenchie (and Bulldog!) parent needs to know:
✅ IVDD can happen suddenly — sometimes overnight. A dog who was walking fine yesterday may not be able to use their back legs today.
✅ Treatment is time-sensitive. Dogs often need surgery within 24–48 hours for the best chance at recovery.
✅ Not every case can be fixed. Some dogs, like Clover, may remain paralyzed or incontinent for life. But that doesn’t mean they can’t still live happily with the right care and support.
✅ Prevention matters. Keeping your Frenchie at a healthy weight, limiting rough jumping, and using ramps instead of stairs can help reduce risk.

🌟 Our rescue is committed not only to saving dogs like Clover, but also to spreading awareness about conditions like IVDD. The more we talk about it, the more future adopters understand the true lifelong commitment these special breeds require.

Every share of posts like this means more people are educated and more dogs get the care they deserve. 💕