As we head into the holidays at Freshfields Village, we’re sharing the stories behind two businesses you probably see every time you visit: Dolittle’s and Village Dentistry. Taking care of your pets and keeping smiles bright, they both have people behind them who genuinely love what they do.
These are the stories of a lifelong animal lover who bet on his passion and a dentist who kept coming back to Charleston until he could call this place home.
Village Dentistry: Vacation Turned Dream Practice
Village Dentistry opened its doors 20 years ago, right alongside Freshfields Village. “We were established to serve the local communities of Kiawah, Seabrook, and Johns Islands, areas that previously had very limited access to dental care without a long commute,” says Dr. Plunkett, owner and Doctor of Dental Surgery.
Dr. Plunkett grew up in Skaneateles, New York, where winters meant skiing and lacrosse and family escapes to South Carolina to enjoy the warmer weather. Over the years, Charleston and Seabrook Island became recurring destinations, and once his parents retired to Seabrook full-time, it truly became his second home.
After finishing his residency at Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C., Dr. Plunkett knew exactly where he wanted to settle. “Every time I visited Seabrook, I’d stop by the local practice in Freshfields to see if there was ever an opportunity to join. Eventually, I got the call, made the move full-time, and took over the practice.”
That was six years ago. Since then, the practice has tripled in size, now with two doctors and three hygienists. “We’re currently undergoing another expansion to keep up with increasing demand,” says Dr. Plunkett.
More Than Just a Dentist’s Office
When visitors walk into Village Dentistry, they’ll notice it doesn’t feel like your typical dental office. “We’ve created a space that feels more like a welcoming retreat than a traditional dental office; calm, comfortable, and friendly,” Dr. Plunkett explains.
The practice is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and offers comprehensive care, from routine cleanings to advanced surgical procedures like extractions, bone grafts, and dental implants, plus cosmetic enhancements including veneers, whitening, and Botox.
But what really makes them different? The personal connection. “Many of our patients have my personal cell phone number,” Dr. Plunkett shares. “Over the years, I’ve come into the office on Thanksgiving, during Christmas break, even on New Year’s Eve to care for patients in need. As long as I’m in town, I’m just a few minutes away.”
When he’s not at the office, Dr. Plunkett enjoys what Freshfields has to offer. “Whether it’s fresh sushi from Fuji, a cozy Friday night at Hege’s, or a quick coffee run to Java Java, there’s always a great spot to enjoy good food and even better company.”
Dolittle’s: Where Every Pet is Family
Just a short stroll through The Village, you’ll find Dolittle’s, a haven for pet lovers and their furry companions. For owner Ric Sommons, the path to opening Dolittle’s was paved with a lifetime of love for animals.
Ric’s family moved to Charleston in 1986. “I had just enough time to graduate high school and experience Hugo before heading to college,” he recalls. After college, he and his future wife moved back to Charleston to start Dolittle’s and to raise a family.
Growing up, Ric’s home was never without animals. “This will be a surprise, but I love dogs AND cats,” he says with a laugh. “I was brought up with no less than five pets at a time. Cats, dogs, birds, fish, lizards, and I would always have a critter in my life.” Today, he and his wife share their home with three cats and Greta, a six-year-old Vizsla.
Thirty Years of Tail Wags & Purs
Dolittle’s began in the Charleston City Market in 1994, with the first store opening in 1999 at South Windermere Center. Today, Dolittle’s has four locations across Charleston, plus a website.
With over 30 years of helping customers improve their pets’ health, Dolittle’s has earned the trust of local veterinarians who refer clients to them. “While food and diet are our primary focus, we don’t lose sight of the fun and frivolous things. If you have a dog or a cat, then Dolittle’s has everything you need to keep them healthy, happy, and wagging or purring.”
What makes Dolittle’s special is how welcoming it is for both pets and their people. “Pets are always welcome. We have free treats to sample, fresh water flowing, and all the sniffs they can handle,” says Ric. There’s also a self-service dog wash for post-beach cleanings with toys or treats offered afterwards.
Ric’s favorite Village spot? “Salt Marsh Animal Hospital next door, Dr. Christie and her team love pets as much as we do.” When the Dolittles’ team has time to stroll around, they often head to Indigo Books to check out the latest books available.
Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a beachside stay, take a stroll through Freshfields Village and stop by to meet the people behind these local favorites.
When you stop by, don’t forget to share your adventures and tag us @freshfieldsvillage!
