This week’s Blackbaud Nonprofit of the Match is Dorchester Paws, an 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 towns including Rosinville, Ridgeville, Oakbrook, St. George, Summerville and Grover, SC. Partnering with Dorchester Code Enforcement, we take in every lost, abandoned and abused animal and provide them with food, shelter and medical attention until they find their forever home.
The shelter was established in 1972 by Frances R. Willis with land donated by Kapstone. Dr. Brunson Westbury and Frances R. Willis worked to get the road built and land cleared to open the facility. Over the years, the shelter has been expanded, but continues to reach and exceed capacity because our community is growing and the pet overpopulation crisis is not abating.
Dorchester Paws is a partner in the “No Kill South Carolina Coalition.” They are determined to end unnecessary euthanasia in Dorchester County by 2019. Since the beginning of 2017, Dorchester Paws has made significant improvements to their shelter and quality of care they provide to the animals. Their euthanasia rate has been reduced by nearly half and they have not euthanized for time, space or money since January 2017. Dorchester Paws is committed to making their live release rate meet the national average.
Battery fans interested in helping Dorchester Paws achieve their goals can volunteer in the shelter, become a foster home, or donate. For more information, stop by the Dorchester Paws table located near the west gate.
