Heart like a Lion

West Ashley resident Laura Deaton possesses a generous, honest spirit. Deaton is compelled to reach out to help, whether it’s a child who learns to swim, a dog in dire straits, or protecting native wildlife species. Her stellar record of service rises from the knowledge that life can change in an instant.
Deaton was born in Crowley, La., yet has lived most of her life in Charleston. She attended the College of Charleston, and earned a Bachelor’s in Art History. Faced with a traumatic medical condition in her 30s, Deaton decided to put her whole heart into living life, and truly believes laughter is the best medicine. Launching herself toward a full recovery, she became boldly adventurous, camping, kayaking, and exploring the mountains.
A health insurance broker and agent, Deaton is grateful for a flexible schedule that allows her to respond to the wider community. A former lifeguard in high school and college, Deaton volunteers with Charleston County Parks and Recreation, and loves kids. Jennifer Walker, a second-grade teacher at Murray-LaSaine Elementary School, took her group of school kids to a free two-week swim program in May. Thanks to Deaton, those children can now more safely enjoy the region’s abundant parks and beaches, says Walker. “Some of them were terrified at first, but ended up having fun,” Walker adds. “It was a wonderful experience for all the kids.”
Deaton has also served as the public service chair for Low Country Health Underwriters. Two non-profit organizations they’ve supported are LowCountry Food Bank, and Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy. So if your cupboard isn’t bare, or you’ve received pastoral care or counseling during a crisis, know that Deaton helped make it happen.
Deaton is also known in her neighborhood as the lady who helps dogs. “She’s a puppy’s best friend,” states West Ashley resident Marc Tannenbaum. He and his wife, Robin, met Deaton at an oyster roast in their neighborhood, where Deaton served on the homeowner’s association. She told them about a dog park where their boxer, Jersey, could let loose some of her boundless energy. They admire Deaton’s dedicated volunteerism. “She’s a neat person,” Robin adds.
Keegan Spera, Manager of Customer Experience at Pet Helpers, is grateful to have Deaton on board for the Stork Squad, which focuses on pups. “She’s sees the bigger picture. It’s not just about puppies; it’s about how it helps our whole community,” says Spera. Deaton always comes through wonderfully in a pinch, will take a dog for the weekend, and has an energizing spirit, Keegan adds. In addition to permanently adopting two dogs, Summer and Sydney, Deaton’s fostered at least ten puppies in the past three years.
She also helps other animal non-profits. In fact, the interview for this Neighbor’s column had to be rescheduled because a puppy named Mr. Smith was in peril. Mr. Smith was running a fever, and suffering from a skin infection. Deaton welcomed the snuggly German shepherd/Chow mix, and says less stress and the good baths she’s provided have helped heal his skin and spirits. And with the help of her dogs, Summer and Sydney, she’s socialized the laid-back little fellow. Low Country Animal Rescue typically brings their animals to Petco or PetsSmart for adoption, but usually, pups first go through a foster home, such as Deaton’s, which helps ensure their chances of survival.
West Ashley resident Robin Daisley believes everyone reaps the rewards of Deaton’s fun-loving energy. “Spend time in her company, and you will enjoy yourself. And she fosters furry friends to their fur-ever family,” quips Daisley.
A neighbor, Jamie Hider, credits Deaton for finding him just the right dog. He adores his black lab mix, Charlotte, who came from Sol Legare’s feral colony on James Island. Deaton taught Charlotte to trust humans, and not shy away from sounds, such as a vacuum. Hider enjoys taking his dog to work, so they can go to the beach afterward. He respects the way Deaton follows up on adoptions. She checked up on him, and Charlotte. “And lately, she also checked up on a beagle, and both the family and the beagle are doing great.”
Also, Loggerhead sea turtles benefit from a significant network of volunteers, including Deaton, who helped move their nests to higher ground at Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Hurricanes erode the beaches, and so moving the nests protects them from being washed over.
So whether you’re a kid who’s swimming with confidence, a dog in a happy home, or a Loggerhead turtle swimming the majestic ocean, Deaton’s wide open heart has played a part.
 
Lisa Weatherwax is a local writer. She earned the Matrix Table Promise of Excellence Award. Reach her at weatherwaxwrites@aol.com