Dorchester Paws and the Town of Sullivan’s Island have teamed up to raise awareness for the dogs who have been at Dorchester Paws the longest.

Today, at Sullivan's Island over seven adoptable dogs got out of the shelter, many of which got to experience water and the beach for the first time. Others got to experience hiking trails, feel the sand, and even meet dolphins for the first time. Faye, Fifi, Patrick Swayze, Duchess, Saban, Nora, and Beth had one of the best hours that they could ever remember! All dogs are up to date on their vaccinations, microchipped, on monthly preventatives and are fully vetted.

“The Town of Sullivan’s Island is grateful for the opportunity to participate in Dorchester Paws’ “Mutts for Miles Program,” says Andy Benke, Sullivan's Island Town Administrator. “While the pandemic has been extremely difficult for the residents of the tri-county area, its effect also impacts many animals in the region. For those living on or near Sullivan’s Island, the restorative and healing value of the beach is well known.  It is wonderful to share the beach and maritime forest to bring joy into the lives of a few animals that spend months at the shelter before finding a forever home.”

Through the shelter’s Mutts for Miles program, any resident or non-resident of Sullivan’s Island can walk or run dogs to give a much-needed shelter break to expel their energy and give them some normalcy to their day. Dorchester Paws will transport the animals to Sullivan’s Island and meet those that want to participate at Station 16. As more participants want to volunteer, the program frequency will increase. Right now, Mutts for Miles Sullivan’s Island is scheduled for Thursdays at Noon to comply with the current on-leash dog hours. Each walker/runner will be supplied a green bag to help clean up the beaches. They will also receive a leash/harness and waste bags for the walk/run. It’s encouraged to leave your owned animal at home.

"We are thrilled to be working with the Town of Sullivan’s Island to bring awareness to our residents who need it the most," said Dorchester Paws Lanea Wilson Rescue & Rehabilitation Manager. "As an open admission shelter, partnerships like this help bring exposure and help find homes for the nearly 4,000 animals we annually take in. Some of our longer-term residents stay at our shelter for 100+ days. We couldn’t think of a more beautiful place for our dogs to get out of their kennel, other than the two and a half-mile long barrier island and are very grateful for Sullivan’s Island’s support in making this happen."

To participate, sign up is required in advance. For more information, click here.

PHOTOS: Click here

ADOPTABLE DOGS (ready to go home today)

• Faye is a 2-year-old Terrier mix who is good with other dogs! She is a sweet girl who loves scratches and your attention. Faye rides well in a car and did fantastic on an overnight date. She is a friendly girl who would love to meet any future furry siblings to build their friendship!
• FiFi is a lovable 3-year-old Terrier mix. She rides in the car well and is a well-behaved lady! She is looking to find her forever home to show off her good behavior!
• Duchess is a sweet 3-year-old Terrier. She would love to be the only dog in the home to get all the love and attention she deserves! Duchess walks well on the leash and is a volunteer favorite! She is a kind girl that is patiently waiting to find her forever home!
• Saban is a 6-year-old Hound who has been with Dorchester Paws for 100+ days and is looking for his forever home! He is a social boy who loves to sniff around the yard. He would love to go on walks and spend his time exploring! If you have another dog at home, he would love to meet them to make sure they are the best of friends!
• Patrick Swayze is a 4-year-old Terrier mix. He is a sweet boy who loves to go on walks, get cuddles, and has skills such as sitting and lying down. He likes kids and loves butt scratches! Patrick Swayze is a superstar dog that is looking for his second chance.
• Nora is a 1-year-old Terrier. She loves going for our Mutts for Miles program with good reports from her handlers! She would love to be your only dog to get all love to herself! She is patiently waiting for her forever home!
• Beth is a 1-year-old Terrier who would love to find an active home! She is a very social and playful girl and would do best in a home where the other dog is just as playful as she is! 

About Dorchester Paws

Dorchester Paws, formerly known as Frances R. Willis SPCA, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals in Dorchester County, South Carolina. Dorchester Paws is the only open-admission shelter in Dorchester County, serving the towns of Rosinville, Ridgeville, Oakbrook, St. George, Summerville and Grover, South Carolina. Partnering with Dorchester Code Enforcement, the organization takes in every lost, abandoned, and abused animal and provides food, shelter and medical attention until a “forever home” can be found. Since 2017, Dorchester Paws has been a no kill shelter and is a partner in the “No Kill South Carolina Coalition.”

For press related inquiries, contact Danielle Zuck at dzuck@dorchesterpaws.org.

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