Sales Rise After Tara Grinna Mention in the Oprah Magazine O

A local Myrtle Beach swimwear company, Tara Grinna, watched their sales rise after a mention in the June edition of The Oprah Magazine O.

According to an article published in the Myrtle Beach Sun News, the magazine’s fashion editor had taken a liking to the swimwear line a few months ago after a Tara Grinna sales rep sent some samples.

Rune Grinna, vice president of Tara Grinna Swimwear, said that  web sales have doubled since the magazine came out.

A Tara Grinna swimsuit picture was published in a fashion advice section of the  O magazine because the bra size goes up to 42EE. For many women that is a hard swimsuit size to find.

Tara Grinna Swimwear stores can be found in Wilmington, N.C., Conway and Myrtle Beach, S.C. Another good reason to visit the beach!

Miniature American Eskimo Dogs Rescued From Puppy Mill

Almost 400  Miniature American Eskimo dogs rescued from a puppy mill were turned over to the Humane Society of the United States on Thursday.

The dogs were rescued from the Sun Valley Kennel in Kennewick Wa. on Wednesday by the Benton County Sheriffs’ office. County Sheriff, Larry Taylor, said “the conditions were not only shocking, but also heartbreaking to veteran deputies.”

Dogs living on the two acre property were found in wooden crates and other makeshift kennels caked with feces and soaked with urine.

The owner of the kennel, 66 year old Ella Stewart, was arrested May 12. Stewart was charged with one count of second degree animal cruelty and prosecutors are considering additional charges.

Staff of the HSUS, local veterinarians and other animal welfare workers are caring for the rescued dogs at the Benton County fairgrounds.

The HSUS Washington state director, Dan Paul said, “It has taken more than 60 people two days to provide basic, essential care for these animals. The sooner they can be placed up for adoption and placed in loving homes, the sooner they’ll be able to start a new life.”

A list of shelters taking the rescued miniature American Eskimo dogs will be listed on the Humane Society of the United States

SPCA Bringing Dog From Iraq in Honor of Fallen Soldier

SPCA International, in honor of U.S. Iraq and Vietnam war veteran Major Steven Hutchison, is bringing his team’s dog, Laia, from Iraq to the U.S.

Major Hutchison died earlier this month in Basra, Iraq of wounds from a roadside bomb. He is the oldest U.S. service member to die in Iraq or Afghanistan. The Major was 60.

Sgt. Andrew Hunt, a fellow team member of Maj. Hutchison’s, will adopt Laia. In an email to  SPCA International, Sgt. Hunt wrote, “Laia was Major Hutchison’s dog. Laia has brought so much joy and happiness into our lives, and we cannot express how much she has touched us all..As a final act for our brother, we want to send his dog home.”

A SPCA International program created to provide veterinary care, clearance and transport for animals U.S. service members have come to love during deployment in the Middle East, Operation Baghdad Pups, will handle the rescue. Operation Baghdad Pups’ manager, Terri Crisp, will escort Laia and four other U.S. soldiers’ dogs from Iraq to Virginia.

Once Laia is in the U.S., she will be cared for by Sgt. Hunt’s uncle until Hunt returns from Iraq. Laia is expected to arrive at Dulles International Airport on June 1st.