It was a "coming out" party of an entirely different sort when a 10-year-old mare named Charmer pranced through her pasture at the Coastal Animal Rescue and Educational Sanctuary, or SC-CARES, outside of Georgetown on March 15.

About 40 friends, supporters and volunteers of SC-CARES gathered on a beautiful day for a covered-dish lunch and the medical release of their graceful four-legged companion.

Charmer moved to part of the 24 acres held by SC-CARES late last year. She was suffering from navicular syndrome, a degenerative bone disease that causes abnormal growth in a horse's hooves. In January, Charmer underwent surgery performed by an equine veterinarian in Summerville to eliminate her pain. After a two-month recovery in her stall, Charmer was released to pasture to the delight of many who cared for her.

According to SC-CARES co-founder Cindy Hedrick, "Charmer is a big draw here at the sanctuary. She's one of the main reasons people come to visit us."

In addition to providing a compassionate no-kill/no-breed haven for abused, neglected and unwanted animals, SC-CARES offers educational opportunities to other nonprofit organizations and schools. "We have taken some of our animals and birds to daycare centers, school classrooms and the YMCA to help teachers bring their study programs to life," said Hedrick.

SC-CARES provides a safe, caring place for a wide variety of animals, including wolves, dogs, deer, rabbits, snakes, a wild pig and a fox. The sanctuary's bird collection boasts a rainbow of macaws, cockatoos, Quaker parrots and parakeets.

SC-CARES is open to the public for guided tours by appointment. Donations to support the care and feeding of sanctuary animals are appreciated. For more information or to schedule a visit, call 546-7893 or go to www.sc-cares.org.