Contributed byThe Gillespie Agency for The Animal Mission Photos courtesy of The Gillespie Agency

The Paw Path in Rosewood Park Columbia pets and pet lovers now have a unique place to visit in Columbia-The Paw Path in Rosewood Park. A fountain, which includes a carved brick sculpture by Columbia artist Mike Bise, rests at the end of The Paw Path, a growing sidewalk of engraved bricks purchased from The Animal Mission to honor and memorialize beloved pets and friends of pets. The Paw Path project is a collaborative effort of The Animal Mission, The City of Columbia, Rosewood Community Council, and Carolina Ceramics Brick Company.

During a press conference last week to unveil and dedicate The Paw Path, a Congressional Certificate was presented by Congressman Joe Wilson to Molly, the City of Columbia Shelter mascot that has assisted in teaching school children about care of animals for more than 15 years.

"We hope The Paw Path will encourage more Columbians to honor or memorialize their pets and local pet owners by purchasing more Paw Path bricks," commented Anne Sinclair of Columbia City Council, District 3. "We're excited and encouraged by all of the local donations and interest in this project, which is truly unique to Columbia."

Molly received a Congressional Certificate from Congressman Joe Wilson. Without the generous involvement of the following people and organizations, The Paw Path project would not have been possible-

+ Carolina Ceramics

Brick Company

+ Daniel Rickenmann

and Anne Sinclair,

Columbia City Council

+ Columbia City

Council

+ The Animal Mission

+ City of Columbia

Parks and Recreation

Department

+Rosewood

Community Council

+ The Gillespie Agency

+ Michael Bise,

sculptor

+ Jerry Goodman, brick

mason

Thanks to Carolina Ceramics Brick Company's continued support, more than half of the proceeds from each engraved brick sold in the future will benefit The Animal Mission's efforts to provide humane education and free spay/neuter vouchers as well as enhanced programs and services for Shelter pets.

The Animal Mission was founded to provide refuge for lost, unwanted, or mistreated pets and animals, to promote pet adoptions at the City of Columbia Animal Shelter, to enhance conditions and outcomes for Shelter-bound animals and to educate people on pet issues and humane treatment of animals.

"To be a part of The Paw Path project has been very rewarding for Carolina Ceramics Brick Company because it offers us a chance to give back to the community in an out-of-the-ordinary way," commented Denise Whittington, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Carolina Ceramics Brick Company. "We look forward to seeing The Paw Path grow and become a landmark in Columbia!"

"The Animal Mission and the City of Columbia will continue to replace aging asphalt walkways in the park with additional engraved bricks," commented Jim "Soni" Sonefeld, president of The Animal Mission and drummer for Hootie & The Blowfish. "At the same time, brick sales will raise more proceeds to care for the Columbia Animal Shelter's pets."

To purchase an engraved brick or for more information, call the Shelter at 803-776-PETS or The Gillespie Agency at 803-779-2126.