Paddle for PAALS fundraiser helps raise money for service dogs

MURRELS INLET S.C. (WPDE) — It's a great time to get out on the water—and this weekend, you can even bring your pet along while helping a good cause. Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services, or PAALS, is hosting its annual Paddle for PAALS fundraiser, inviting people to paddleboard, kayak or swim while raising money to train service dogs for people with disabilities. The event gives participants a chance to have fun on the water while supporting an organization that provides highly trained service dogs to people who need them. There will also be an online auction featuring jewelry, gift cards, gift baskets, vacation stays and more. Organization founder Jennifer Rogers everyone is invited to take part in the Paddle Parade, which will help the dogs to be trained to perform tasks that provide critical help in an emergency. Some of the things these dogs do literally can save their lives. They can be trained to hit lifeline buttons that go to 911 services. So it's a really important service that we provide but this event is just one of the many different ways that people can get involved and help us while also having fun. READ MORE: Busy sea turtle season continues along South Carolina coast The Paddle Parade is set for Sunday, Sept. 20, at 2 p.m. It will begin at the Murrells Inlet public boat ramp. An after-party will follow at Neal's Creekhouse in Murrells Inlet from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Organizers say the fundraiser is a chance to support PAALS while enjoying a day on the water with family, friends and pets. Page 2