The year that Hurricane Hugo came to South Carolina, we lived on one of Charleston’s coastal islands, a mere 6 feet above sea level.

Not only was our small home situated only 75 feet from a saltwater tidal creek but a miniscule 100 yards further back sat our thriving boarding kennel, which had become the home away from home for many of Charleston's four-footed residents. As an Ohio transplant, I had only a vague idea of the impact a major storm could have on a setting like ours, but when the governor gave the orders for a mandatory evacuation of our island, I didn’t have to be told twice that leaving was in our best interests.

A truly horrifying Category 5 hurricane, Hugo had Charleston squarely in its sights. with wind speeds of almost 180 mph, . Even before the Governor made it mandatory, we were rushing to evacuate the pets in our care off the island and far inland to safety before the storm devasted our low county home.

I still remember the hushed atmosphere in the kennel as we were making our final frantic preparations to load up all our furry charges and hurry them to safe quarters far, far inland. The boarding dogs gazed worriedly into our faces, clearly sensing our anxiety as we hurriedly gathered food and collars and leashes, water dishes, medications, crates for traveling, and the 1001 things needed for the safety and comfort of the pets whose care we were entrusted with.

It seems like another lifetime ago, coming back to John’s Island, before even the National Guard had arrived, reuniting pets with their overjoyed owners, our relief in finding our home badly damaged but still standing. The utter disbelief we felt viewing the near-total destruction just a few miles from our island home.

Yes, we live in Ohio now, and as much as I loved the South, I have great peace in knowing we never have to face those water-borne monsters again.

Yes, we may have snow-storms, blizzards, and the like, come winter, but I’ll get to stay home in front of a cozy fire and, yes, we’ll listen to the winds howl round the windows, but I won’t have to flee any further than my own toasty bed on even the stormiest night.