The dog days of August are upon us.

West Columbia is a great place for dog-owners with its many public parks and some businesses that welcome the four-legged family members.

Stephen Carter moved from Columbia to the Brookland Development at State and Meeting streets about two years ago.

“We walk on Riverwalk a lot, morning and evening,” said Carter. “I like it very much.” Tuesday, he was on the West Columbia Riverwalk with his dog Polo. He sometimes brings his other dog, Margo.

Carter said pets abound on Riverwalk. “There are so many other dogs here,” he said. Since Polo likes solitude, Carter said he comes early in the morning when there are fewer dogs for Polo to engage with. He also said Riverwalk is one of the greatest assets in the Midlands and “in  the morning we have it to ourselves.”

Sammye Locklair and Linda Pagett were also on the Riverwalk Tuesday. The two women are regulars.

“We come out here for fellowship,” said Padgett. Locklair brings Peppa, her dog. Peppa has the Pet Friendly Restaurant Review on Facebook Click here to see it. 

“Peppa loves the Riverwalk,” said Locklair. She said Peppa even got to meet University of South Carolina Women’s Basketball Coach Dawn Staley, and her dog, Champ on the Riverwalk.  

Locklair also said dogs are glad to be back on Riverwalk after missing time there because of COVID.

“When we were not able to come because of COVID, and the dogs missed each other,” Locklair said. “We know because Peppa was so glad to see the other dogs that come here when we were able to come back.” 

If you want to have dinner and a beverage and bring your dog along, Savage Craft Ale Works, at 430 Center St., is an option.

Gary Olson and his wife, Michelle, were in the courtyard at Savage Craft with their dogs Marty McFly and Otis Redding. Gary walked the dogs while Michelle enjoyed a drink after a long day.

The Olsons live on B Avenue and it is a very convenient location for them.
“We moved here from Seattle and we love it here,” said Gary. “This is a great place to bring the dogs.” His wife likes it, too.

“It’s a perfect place to come for dinner and a drink, and we can bring the dogs,” said Michelle.

WECO Bottle and Biergarten at 626 Meeting St., is another local venue where you may see a patron and their pet.
“We have customers who come in with dogs,” said Lee Snelgrove, who works behind the bar at WECO with Phil Crouch.

“The dogs that come in are on a leash and they stay at their table with their owner.
Other restaurants with outdoor patios, like Cafe Strudel at 300 State St., allow dogs. So call and check if you want to go out, and bring your dog with you. 

Many West Columbia shops allow pets. Here’s a list, but check before you take your dog:

• West Columbia shops
• State Street Trading Co. – 134 State Street – (803) 550-9048
• Old Mill Antique Mall – 310 State St – (803) 796-4229
• Three Rivers Antiques – 615 Meeting St
• (803) 814-2102 – 763 Meeting Street Antiques
• Antique furniture store – 763 Meeting St – (803) 796-1516
• Meeting Street Interiors – 614 Meeting St – (803) 791-0008
• Attic Fanatic- 251 Charleston Hwy – (803) 828-4036
• ADD VINTAGE – 1217 Augusta Rd – (803) 821-8208
• Parks Furniture Antiques Ltd – 3131 Sunset Blvd – (803) 791-4071
• The Elephant Trunk – 2931 Platt Springs Rd – (803) 791-8765
• The Warehouse SC – 312 State St – (803) 834-7557

Take your dog to the park. Here is a list of West Columbia Parks:

• B Avenue Ball Park – 815 B Avenue (Baseball, Football, Batting Cages, Press Box, Restrooms)
• Carraway Park at the Riverwalk – A Place for All Children to Play Together – 212 Hudson Street (Restrooms, Covered Picnic Tables (First Come, First Serve), All-Inclusive Playground)
• Douglas Reeves Community Park – 761 Augusta Street (Tennis, Playground, Restrooms, Bicycle Repair Station, FREE Public Wi-Fi)
• Rosamunda Percell-Butler Community Park – 1100 Raleigh Street (Basketball, Playground, Picnic Shelter, FREE Public Wi-Fi)
• Fowler Community Park – 1800 C Avenue (Playground, Picnic Shelter)
• Howard Sports Complex – Behind Northside Middle School
• Interactive Art Park – 425 Meeting Street (Interactive Art Sculptures, FREE Public Wi-Fi, Parking, Electric Car Charging Stations)
• Moffatt Street Entrance to the Riverwalk – 100 Riverside Drive, West Columbia (Bicycle Repair Station, FREE Public Wi-Fi)
• West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater – 109 Alexander Road, (Bicycle Repair Station, Restrooms)