In 2008, more than 23,000 companion pets were in animal shelters in the Midlands.

More than 19,000 had to be put to sleep.

“Now there are less than 11,000, and we have about a 32% euthanasia rate,” Pawmetto Lifeline CEO Denise Wilkinson said.

“I expect this year it’s going to be less than 15% which is just amazing.”

Pawmetto Lifeline’s annual “Bark to the Park Walk for Homeless Pets” at Saluda Shoals Park last weekend raised donations to rescue dogs and cats that might be euthanized and place them in permanent homes.

Pawmetto Lifeline is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit animal rescue organization.

They want to end pet over-population through education, legislation, spay and neuter programs and responsible pet adoptions.

Pawmetto Lifeline was founded in 1999 to create a No-Kill community.

Many companion pets were euthanized due to overcrowding and homelessness, Wilkinson said.

“It was our mission to give these pets a future.”

In 2010, through the generosity of donors and a partnership with Lexington and Richland counties, they broke ground on a new shelter on Bower Parkway.

Since opening in 2012, they have saved more than 15,000 pets and found homes for them.

“No pet should die simply because they are homeless.”

To adopt or donate, Pawmetto Lifeline is at 1275 Bower Parkway in the Harbison area. They can be reached at https://pawmettolifeline.org/get-involved/donate or (803) 465-9150.