SUMMERVILLE, S.C. –  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 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 of the dogs were up to date on their vaccinations, microchipped, on monthly preventatives and were 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."