in 2016, Lowcountry Dog Magazine began a partnership with Magnolia Plantation and Gardens for a 2 month Adoption Promotion in August and September. The campaign has many local shelters and rescues participating and dog adopters receive a free family membership to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens which is a great dog friendly outing 365 days a year. In 2017, Lowcountry Dog Publisher, Brian Foster, decided to add an Adoption Event during the campaign at Magnolia and have all the participating groups in attendance with adoptable dogs. This event is the largest single location adoption event of its kind and has grown every year and 2019 celebrated its third year.

In 2019, 15 local groups participated including 3 shelters, Pet Helpers, Dorchester Paws and Berkeley Animal Center. The event was September 15th at the pavilion field at Magnolia. Over 40 dogs were adopted that day and hundreds of attendees got to meet the variety of rescues we have in the area.

Lowcountry Dog Magazine promoted the campaign in their August/September Issue as well as their social media and also a radio campaign with The Bridge at 105.5 and 98 Rock. At the end of the 2 month campaign, 900 dogs found their forever homes, with Berkeley Animal Center leading the 3 shelters with 292 adoptions. Eunoia Rescue led the group of 12 rescues with 63 adoptions during the campaign. New groups like Animal Lovers of Edisto (ALOE) were added to the campaign this year. Margaret Towe of ALOE says, “We are a small group and we had record adoption numbers during this campaign.” Another new addition was Carolina Boxer Rescue who adopted out over 40 dogs during the campaign.

“We are looking forward to what we can do in 2020,” says Brian Foster, Publisher of Lowcountry Dog Magazine. Hopefully the event and promotion can include more groups and help even more dogs find their forever home. Brian adds, “I have to thank Magnolia Plantation for giving us this opportunity to support local adoption as well as our amazing sponsors and advertisers that support our cause as well.”

Below are a few adoption stories that we wanted to share.

One adoption was Bunny from Bullies 2 the Rescue. Bunny, the English Bulldog, came in as an owner surrender. She was roughly 7 to 8 months old. Had demodex mange and her gait was off. She had kyphosis (an abnormal spine) that causes her to hop sometimes. Hence the name Bunny. She was adopted by Ashleigh and Zach. They were previous adopters of B2TR and have special needs experience. They were looking for a sister for Dede, their bulldog. It was a perfect match because they can help Bunny with physical therapy and are savvy on some holistic methods to help her long term. Bunny is loving and sweet. Zach and Ashleigh say Bunny 'hopped' straight into their hearts.

Bumkin’s adoption is hard to believe. Four years. One thousand four hundred and sixty days. That's how long Bumpkin has been searching for a forever home with Eunoia Rescue. Prior to coming to Eunoia Rescue, he was in a shelter. We don't know what Bumpkin's past consists of, but we can only imagine that it wasn't great. After waiting for 4 years, Bumpkin found his person .Bumpkin's person understands his limits and doesn't push him outside of these boundaries. Bumpkin now has toys to call his very own. He goes on a lot of walks and chases a lot of squirrels. Bumpkin is finally able to be a dog.

Betsy (the frenchie), renamed I'la. Betsy was a retired breeder from Alabama. Frank and Janie adopted Bobafett from Bullies 2 the Rescue , now Sully. They wanted to add a sister for Sully and were looking for a little French girl. I'la is learning what life outside of breeding is like. At first she wouldn't even touch grass. Now with their love and the help of her brother, Sully, she's making small steps. Janie actually brings them to her office, she's a therapist. She says they bring calmness to her patients and warm their hearts. Janie and Frank love attending various events in the Lowcountry. They bring the furkids out and it's so great to see I'la living the good life.