Pawmetto Lifeline throws an annual event, Bark to the Park, to raise funds to get homeless pets off the streets of Columbia. Vendors come from all over the state and there are family-friendly activities and contests. In addition, there are pet vaccine vehicles and adoption opportunities. This year, the wall starts at Finlay Park and goes through downtown Columbia.

Teams that raise $1,000 or more receive free tee shirts and participants who raise $2,500 or more are entered to win a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic courtesy of Herndon Chevrolet! Students can register online at barktothepark.com. 

Bark to the Park is a great service opportunity for anyone looking for hours and it’s a wonderful way to help animals that just want to be loved. For the college student who doesn’t have the time to own a pet, walking in Bark to the Park shows love and support for the pets of the Midlands. Or if you’re looking for an addition to your family, the festival provides many options for adoption! 

Pawmetto Lifeline is a nonprofit animal rescue organization with a plan to end pet overpopulation in the Midlands through education, legislation, spay/neuter programs and responsible pet adoptions. Each year more than 21,000 dogs and cats enter municipal shelters in Lexington and Richland Counties and more than 18,000 of those same pets are routinely euthanized in those systems. Formed in 1999, Pawmetto Lifeline has rescued more than 9,000 cats and dogs from local shelters in Lexington and Richland Counties. For volunteer and donation information, please visit www.pawmettolifeline.org.