West Ashley resident Claire Boinest was a young girl when her Aunt Jo Fetzer showed up at Christmastime with a cobalt blue box. Inside, there was nothing, but on the outside, caricatures of her aunt’s three dogs were lovingly drawn.
The personalized gift remains one of Boinest’s all-time favorite gifts, and represents the start of a wish-come-true. “My Aunt Jo was an artist, and she loved animals,” says Boinest. “I saw that blue box, and said to myself, ‘I want to be like that, an animal lover like her.’” Today Boinest is known by members in the community as a woman dedicated to animals.
Boinest was born in Savannah, Ga. to George and Gloria Thomas. When she was 18 years old, she came to visit her Aunt Jo in Charleston. During her visit, Boinest went on a blind date and met the man of her dreams, Edward Boinest. They went to a disco and danced the night away. “Right away, I knew he was the one,” says Boinest. This month they celebrate their 32nd wedding anniversary. They raised two children, Chip and Haley, and have lived in West Ashley for 34 years.
Self-employed, Boinest retired from a 20-year career in the insurance industry. She underwent a surgery, and after a year-long recovery period, was chomping at the bit to get out and meet people. She walked into Animal Helpers ReTail Thrift Store on Savannah Highway and asked if they could use a volunteer. “’Sure, you can start today,’” she was told. So she did, and feels grateful because now she’s doing what she’s always wanted to do with her life.
“I’ve always been an animal person,” says Boinest. “Because their unconditional love is amazing.” Boinest appreciates it that the thrift store’s proceeds are split between Pet Helpers on James Island, and Charleston Animal Society. She’s also a kennel technician at Pet Helpers, where she assists with adoptions.
Boinest is pleased that every animal she’s ever owned has lived its entire life with her. She and Edward have three German Shorthaired Pointers at home. Recently, the Boinests said goodbye to their twenty-year-old cat, “Griffy,” nicknamed after Altlanta Braves baseball player Fred McGriff. In addition, they have two goldfish, Bert and Ernie, plus a Koi fish pond. Moreover, they are avid bird watchers. As evidenced, the whole family loves animals. Her father-in-law raised Great Danes, her mother is “ruled by her cats,” her aunt had a heart for stray dogs, and both children own dogs.
Jon Skelton is the manager and founder of Animal Helpers ReTail Thrift Store. “Claire is funny, smart, and gets along with everybody,” he says. During her interactions with customers and staff, there’s a playful banter typically going on, he says. “She’s superb,” agrees ReTail volunteer Judy Beall.
It was at ReTail where Christina Fifer, owner of the Wild Birds Unlimited nature shop in West Ashley, first met Boinest. Fifer was donating items to the thrift store and the two women quickly built a happy rapport. “Claire’s dedication to homeless animals is remarkable,” says Fifer, and “she donates so much of her time to helping them.” Wild Birds Unlimited may soon have a four-legged friend, a shop dog, thanks to Boinest’s help. She’s recommended a few breeds known for their friendly dispositions.
At Pet Helpers, when she’s not cleaning up after animals, Boinest helps people find the right pet. “Mainly I do cat adoptions, but I’m cross-trained and sometimes help with dogs,” she says. “I make sure people leave with the proper fit.” For instance, a mature couple came in looking for a Siamese, but Boinest understood the quiet-natured pair would probably do better with a quieter breed; Siamese are known for their loud meow. “There was a fluffy gray cat, Princess. They adopted her that day.” That thrilled Boinest.
James Island resident Mary Chrisanthis has served as a member of the Pet Helpers Board since ’96, and is currently the board’s secretary. The day she met Boinest at the ReTail Thrift Store, she was struck by her bubbly personality. “It’s nice to walk in and meet someone who is just immediately friendly and also volunteers at Pet Helpers,” says Chrisanthis.
Boinest estimates that in the year she’s been at Pet Helpers, she’s helped place 25 or more animals. “We work as a team there,” she says. “I wish all the animals would go out to good homes.”
 
Lisa Weatherwax is a local writer. She earned the Matrix Table Promise of Excellence Award. Reach her at weatherwaxwrites@aol.com
 

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