THE PAWMETTO PROMISE
The Pawmetto Promise is the commitment that every closing counts — for families and for dogs. The Pawmetto Homes Team partners with local rescue organizations to fund one adoption per transaction, with a focus on senior dogs and those who need the most help finding their people. This is not a one-time initiative. It is how we do business. One dog per closing, every closing, for as long as we are in this business.
Where This Started
I've loved dogs my whole life. That's not a real estate thing. That's just who I am.
Back in 2019, I came across the LA Dog Cafe, a coffee shop in Los Angeles where you could hang out with rescue dogs while you had your morning coffee. Help the dogs socialize and also ensure they really are a good fit for your family. The idea was simple. Get people in the door. Let them fall in love. Save some dogs.
I wanted to bring something like that to the Columbia and Lexington area. I even had a name for it. Pup of Joe Cafe. A nod to my Papa Joe and my two great loves...dogs and coffee.
I had the plan. I had the energy, the support, about to sign a lease... And then 2020 happened.
COVID shut everything down and my plans went with it.
But I never stopped thinking about it.
Over the last five years in real estate, I've been watching for a real way to show up for rescue dogs. Not just when my schedule allowed. Not just an occasional donation. Consistently. Every single closing. No exceptions.
The Pawmetto Promise is that way.
My Kids
Jon and I couldn't have skin babies, so we got furbabies. And honestly, these four keep us plenty busy.
If you've spent five minutes with me, you know they are not pets. They are our kids. They are a huge part of why this program exists.
STORM
MEG
CHLOE
ZEUS
My 12 y/o Silver Lab. His Registered name was CJ Spring Storm since he was a spring baby, SC thunder storms and all. His nicknames include, Stormin Norman, Norman Bates, and most used... Grumbles. He has more nicknames than most people I know and he's earned every single one. When you love on him, he grumbles back. Not mean, just like a happy old man muttering to himself. He's my swimming buddy. Loves the water the way only a lab can. And if you stand still long enough, he will walk straight between your legs looking for a booty rub.
 Our 10 y/o and technically a Whippet/Lab mix. I say "technically" because we genuinely believe there is no canine in her. Our working theory is Ninja, Opossum, and Kangaroo. Her full name is Nutmeg, but she acts more like Meg from family guy, so we just call her Meg. She can scale our 6-foot privacy fence to check on the neighbors. She goes from full sloth to Speedy Gonzalez in 0.2 seconds flat. Meg came to us from the Lexington Animal Shelter (her second return). We originally thought she'd be perfect for Jon's mom. That didn't was not the case because she is totally in love with Jon. So, we took her in and she found her pack.Â
She is 9, turning 10 this October. Nicknames include Chloe-moley, Chlo Chlo, and most used...Chlo Mo. She is a true Rat Terrier, burrowing under any blanket no matter what time of year it is. She is the prissy diva of the group and still owns everyone....but Meg. She does not do wet grass. She will find a stranger within 30 seconds of meeting them, perform her best "I am so neglected" face to get all the attention. Every time. She has it down to a science.Â
Our 8, Pit/Beagle mix. Nicknames include, Zueby Doobs, Juicy Juice, and most famously called Doobers. His official title in this house is "the worst assistant ever" and he has done nothing to lose that title. He loves to come to the office, mine upstairs, and the brokerage office, and act like he's there to help. He is not there to help. Smart, gentle, and fully committed to being spoiled. Classic pittie energy, zoomies and all.
Here's how Zeus got his name. A friend called me and said she'd found a puppy, two weeks old, alone in the middle of the road. I picked him up a few days later from her. The next day we all found out there were 23 other puppies discovered in a ditch on the side of the road in the same area. Zeus was the one who made it out. He earned that name. We were fostering him to give to my parents. Then Jon couldn't let go. And just like that, he was ours.
How It Works
Every closing I have, I reach out to one of my two rescue partners, Animal Protection League (APL) and Final Victory Animal Rescue (FVAR), and designate a dog. I prioritize the ones who've been there the longest. The seniors. The harder-to-place dogs who just need someone to see them.
I cover their adoption fees.
Then I post that dog everywhere. My newsletter, Instagram, Facebook, Here (Website), name, photo, their story, and a direct link to the rescue so more people find them.
When they get adopted, their new family gets a personalized $100 Chewy gift card with their new dog's photo on it.Â
The closings rotate equally between both rescues so every partner gets consistent attention, not just an occasional mention.
WANT TO HELP?
Every closing moves that number. Every referral you send my way is a closing that saves a dog.
That's the whole thing. That's the deal.
You don't have to buy or sell a house to be part of this.
Follow along on Instagram and Facebook. Share the dog posts when they come up. Tag someone who might be thinking about adding a new family member, or looking to buy or sell. The more people who know about this program, the more dogs we help.
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And if you want to adopt one of these babies... you came to the right place. All of the Resues' information is below with direct links to their Website and Socials.Â
And if you're ready to talk about a move yourself, or you know someone who is...reach out. I'll take great care of them. And a dog is waiting on the other side.
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My sincerest gratitudes,Â
Courtney McCullough
Pawmetto Homes Team @ Tzedi Co Realty
Greater Columbia, Lexington, & Lake Murray, SC
Final Victory Animal Rescue
Animal Protection League of SC
3377 Emanuel Church Road
Lexington, SC 29073
aplpets@aplsc.org
Call (803) 783-2119