More than 65 million households own at least one dog, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA). Dogs are the most popular pet in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report. The APPA’s also reported that more and more Americans are getting pets.

In West Columbia, on a Dog-Day Afternoon, all one has to do is visit the West Columbia Riverwalk Park to see how popular dogs are. A section of the park that had been closed due to hurricane damage, opened back up last week. And dog walkers are pleased to see it reopened.

Brandon, who lives in the Brookland Development at the corner of State Street and Court avenue, was out Tuesday with his dog Brick.

“I’m glad to see part of Riverwalk open again,” he said. “I’m headed over there now with Brick.” Brandon said he walks Brick as much as four times a day,

“I work at home,” he said. “I need to get outside. It helps me to get out and it’s good for Brick to get outside. It relieves stress.”

Will and Lindsey Hoshkin were on the Riverwalk Monday afternoon walking their dog Newton, a Yorkshire Terrier. The two live in Tampa, Fla. They are considering a move to West Columbia.

“We’re looking to move to a less crowded place than Tampa,” Will said. “We’ve been in town over the weekend and we’ve visited several local places, including Savage Craft (Ale Works) in West Columbia.” 
Lindsey said they loved Riverwalk and the natural beauty of the trail by the Congaree River. She said Newton loved it, too.  

Across the street from Riverwalk, Cindy Oxford was walking her dog Bailey. Bailey is a Pug. Cindy said she is retired and she gets out at least once or twice-a-day to walk her dog.

“We walk at the West Columbia Riverwalk Park and we walk through the streets,” Cindy said. “We walk along State Street and Center Street, and all the other streets. Pug stops at some of the houses on our walking route because they give him treats.”

Wendy Shaw lives in 4West, part of the Brookland Complex. She was out on Tuesday afternoon with her dog Sophie, a mini dachshund.

“Sophie likes walking on the Riverwalk,” Wendy said. “She likes meeting all the other dogs out walking. 
Wendy comes out to walk Sophie at least once a day. She said she is very glad that part of Riverwalk has reopened and that’s where she was headed. 

The Riverwalk is not the only venue where you can see dogs out for their daily walk. Belinda Taylor was on Saluda River Drive, in Westover Acres, with her dog Norman on Monday. 

“This is a great neighborhood for dog-walking,” Belinda said. “Norman has other dog-friends that we pass when we’re walking. He looks forward to seeing them when we walk.” 

You can also become a member of Bark West, West Columbia’s unleashed park for members. It’s at 1940 Augusta Road, and has a designated area for small and large dogs. Bark West also has an activity course for your pet and seating areas for dog-owners.

The weather has been great lately to get outside and give your dog a breath of fresh air. The West Columbia Riverwalk is back open and filled with dog-walkers. Bark West is another option. You may want to stroll the serene neighborhoods of West Columbia and take in the natural beauty of the outdoors with your pet.