AVAILABLE
Kira
This sweet, playful hound mix is dog- and people-friendly, loves puppy play bows and snuggles, and is ready to keep building her confidence with a loving family.
Sailing & Saving LivesShelter Dogs SailA SOUTH CAROLINA 501(c)(3) RESCUE
Every shelter dog deserves a safe harbor.
We take adoptable dogs out on the water, tell their stories, and help them sail toward the loving homes they deserve.
âś“ Veteran owned and operatedâś“ Foster-based rescueâś“ Columbia, SCâś“ Volunteer powered
RESCUEPull dogs from at-risk shelters
RESTOREProvide medical care and safe foster homes
REHOMEShare their stories and find forever families
MEET YOUR NEW FIRST MATE
All available dogs
Meet every dog currently available through Sailing and Saving Lives. Each one is cared for in a foster home, where we learn what makes them special.
FOSTER OR ADOPTER NEEDED
Mona Lisa
This gorgeous terrier mix looks like she is always smiling and is as sweet as can be. Rescued from a local shelter with her siblings, Mona Lisa is looking for a foster or forever best friend while she waits for her next chapter.
AVAILABLE
Dottie
A confident, gentle Labrador Retriever/terrier mix with a playful spirit and plenty of affection to give. Dottie is housetrained, good with kids and dogs, fully vetted, and always ready for playtime followed by snuggles.
AVAILABLE
Indy
A sweet, quiet Labrador Retriever/terrier mix with a gentle and curious nature. Indy is housetrained, good with kids and dogs, fully vetted, and would love a patient family who will help this resilient girl keep building her confidence.
AVAILABLE
Tali
A gentle, affectionate Labrador Retriever/terrier mix who has healed after surgery for a broken leg. Tali loves snuggles, cute accessories, and time with her people. Good with kids, cats, and dogs, she is ready to find her forever crew.
AVAILABLE
Pearl
An affectionate, curious Catahoula Leopard Dog mix with a playful spirit and plenty of resilience. Pearl is good with kids and dogs, housetrained, and ready to sail into family life.
AVAILABLE
Wabi Sabi
This fluffy, gentle Australian Shepherd mix was rescued with his sister Winnie after a rough start. Wabi Sabi is sweet, playful, good with kids, cats, and dogs, and never lets his congenital eye difference slow him down.
AVAILABLE
Joe
A gentle, goofy Labrador Retriever mix who loves playing in the water—perfect first-mate material! Joe is curious, snuggly, good with kids, cats, and dogs, and ready to leave his shelter days behind.
FOSTER OR ADOPTER NEEDED
Lottie
This pocket-sized terrier mix was saved from a shelter euthanasia list and needs a foster or adopter. Lottie is affectionate, playful, housetrained, good with kids and dogs, and happiest curled up with her person.
AVAILABLE
Gracie
A tiny, affectionate terrier pup who is all snuggles, cuddles, and playful curiosity. Gracie is learning crate and potty skills in foster care and is being socialized with kids, cats, and dogs while she waits for her forever crew.
AVAILABLE
Shadow
A sweet, goofy American Staffordshire Terrier pup who loves cuddles and playtime. Shadow is learning crate and potty skills in foster care and is being socialized with kids, cats, and dogs while he searches for a safe harbor.
FOSTER OR ADOPTER NEEDED
Sailor
An adventurous, curious, and goofy Labrador Retriever puppy who loves to play. Sailor is good with dogs and kids, housetrained, fully vetted, and needs a foster or adopter to help him explore life with a loving crew.
AVAILABLE
Skipper
A gentle, affectionate, and snuggly Labrador Retriever puppy with a playful, goofy side. Skipper is good with dogs and kids, housetrained, fully vetted, and looking for his safe harbor.
AVAILABLE
Simon
A snuggly hound/terrier puppy who also loves toys and playtime with his friends. Simon is crate trained, rides well in the car, and is doing great with potty training.
AVAILABLE
Alvin
Alvin is a fun hound/terrier puppy who loves toys and playing with his friends. He is crate trained, travels well, and is making wonderful progress with potty training.
AVAILABLE
Theodore
This sweet hound/terrier pup loves toys and playing with his friends. He rides wonderfully in the car, is crate trained, and is making great progress with potty training.
OPEN YOUR HOME. SAVE A LIFE.
You provide the couch.
We provide the rest.
Fostering gives a shelter dog the time and security they need to decompress, learn, and become adoption-ready.
- Medical care and rescue support
- Supplies provided as available
- Short- and long-term opportunities
- A community cheering you on
OUR STORY
Changing the view from the shelter kennel
Sailing and Saving Lives is a veteran owned and operated, foster-based companion-animal rescue serving South Carolina. Through our signature project, Shelter Dogs Sail, we give shelter dogs joyful boating adventures that show potential adopters who they really are outside the kennel.
We partner with shelters, volunteers, foster families, and supporters to bring dogs to safety and guide them home.
Our mission
“To give overlooked shelter dogs a second chance, a bigger audience, and a clear course home.”
ALL HANDS ON DECK
Choose how you’ll help
Adopt
Welcome a rescue dog into your family and gain a loyal first mate.
Apply to adopt →Foster
Give a dog a temporary harbor while we find their forever destination.
Get started →Donate
Help cover veterinary care, supplies, transport, and lifesaving shelter pulls.
Support the mission →LET’S SAVE LIVES TOGETHER
Help us chart their course home.
Whether you adopt, foster, donate, or share a story, you can be part of a shelter dog’s second chance.