Lacy steps up the counter to help raise money for S.Q. Rescue animals. Lacy is up for adoption by S.Q. Rescue. Dogs will bark for charity from 6 pm to 9 pm Thursday, April 16, at a reception at Village Artists gallery in the Village at Sandhill. Ten percent of art sales during the reception will go to the dogs.

"In addition to pleading for homes (for dogs, not the artists), the dogs are asking for collars in dogs' sizes 12 to 16, treats and toys, or cash donations for S.Q. Rescue, a non- profit rescue organization that finds homes for stray and abandoned animals," according to Karen Langley with S.Q. Rescue. and Village Artists. S.Q. Rescue has been finding homes for dogs and cats for more than 20 years.

Raffle tickets for prizes and gifts will be sold for $5 during the reception, where wine and hors d'oeuves will be served. Winners do not have to be present at the drawing to win.

Anyone who wants to make a donation to S.Q. Rescue but can't make it to the reception can drop by the gallery at any time to bring collars or other donations, which are tax deductible.

The Gallery is located beside Panaras at 631- 8 Promenade Place in the Village at Sandhill. Village Artists is a co- op gallery featuring the work of 26 local artists who paint in a variety of media.

For more information on the reception and Village Artists, call 699-8886. For more information on S.Q. Rescue, email Karen Langley at SQRescue@- sc.rr.com or call (803) 788- 1889 for Mary Key Escue. To see more dogs and cats looking for homes or just to look at cute pictures, check www.sqrescue.petfinder.com.