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New South Carolina Lottery Scratcher Will Be A Four Legged Friend

I am unapologetically a dog fanatic.  So, I was very excited to see this announcement from lottery headquarters.  The New South Carolina Lottery scratcher will be a four legged friend. …

New South Carolina Lottery Scratcher Will Be A Four Legged Friend

Dog owners can submit pictures to the South Carolina Lottery contest to be featured on a new scratch off ticket

Debbie Nance

I am unapologetically a dog fanatic.  So, I was very excited to see this announcement from lottery headquarters.  The New South Carolina Lottery scratcher will be a four legged friend.  According to WYFF, the lottery's new $2 scratch-off ticket comes out in October.  And, it will feature a photo of some lucky pups.  The contest to choose a furry friend for the "Happy Pawlidays" game is already underway.

First, pet owners can submit a photo of their dog for consideration on the lottery website through May 12.  Next, lottery officials choose 25 nominees the public can vote on.  Finally, the top six vote getters will have their professional photoshoot  to grace the tickets.

And, we get to start buying the special ticket October 3 with a top prize of $30,000.  Oh, and by the way, five lucky dogs in the contest receive some pretty valuable gift cards.  No purchase is necessary to enter.

So, visit the site for all the rules and to submit your pet photo.  And, get ready for cuteness overload.  We can't wait to see the winning pups to be featured on the new South Carolina Lottery scratcher.  It's brilliant when you think about it.  Dogs and scratching pretty much go hand in hand.

And, look here to read the full story on WYFF, to find out what prizes are available for the pups and the dates of voting.  Good luck, and may the best pup win!

These Are The Five Best Cities To Retire In South Carolina

If you're looking for a great place to retire look no further than South Carolina. The Palmetto State offers affordable homes with mild winter temperatures. Additionally, easy access to the coast makes the state attractive to retirees. Retiring in South Carolina gives you the option of choosing a coastal area, historic city, or college town. There are The experts over at US News and World Report ranked the top 5 cities to retire in South Carolina. This has me asking the question, how can I be one of those people who retire in their 30s? #goals.

If your retirement dreams include moving to a quaint town full of relaxation, amenities, and activities then you’re in luck. There are some fantastic places to retire in South Carolina. Whether you want to golf, relax on the beach, revel in small-town living, or be closer to the city you won’t be bored in these cities and towns! Some offer a wide variety of activities perfect for the retiree who wants an active lifestyle. Others are ideal for those looking to fully kick back and relax.

Read the full US News article here or keep reading to see where the top 5 cities to retire in South Carolina are.

5. Columbia

Columbia, SC

Columbia, South Carolina, USA downtown city skyline from Finlay Park at dusk.

Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,246
Median monthly rent: $955

Columbia has all the benefits of a capital city and all the charm of a southern college town.

4. Charleston

South Carolina city hotelDerek Leung/Getty Images

Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,567
Median monthly rent: $1,197

Who wouldn't want to retire in Charleston? You'd be surrounded by all that history, southern charm, and incredible restaurants.

3. Spartanburg

Spartanburg

Main Street in Downtown Spartanburg South Carolina SC.

Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,136
Median monthly rent: $825

A low cost of living and proximity to both Columbia and Charlotte makes Spartanburg a great place to retire.

2. Greenville

Greensville South Carolina City Park

Once a dilapidated section of Greenville, South Carolina, Falls Park on the Reedy is now a beautiful urban park space with walking trails, and falling water, surrounded by art galleries and restaurants.

Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,223
Median monthly rent: $882

Greenville has gotten a lot of wonderful publicity over the last several years, for the city's revitalized downtown. And with a location halfway between Charlotte and Atlanta, it's convenient.

1. Myrtle Beach

South Carolina

Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,296
Median monthly rent: $976

With its coastal location, numerous golf courses, and tons of restaurants and attractions Myrtle Beach is the perfect retirement spot for those who are go-getters.

Debbie Nance is the afternoon co-host along with her husband on "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for 18 years. Debbie is a CMA Award winner for Radio Personality of the Year. And, she has worked in radio for 40 years. Before her current afternoon position, Debbie spent more than a decade as co-host on morning shows in several markets across the Southeast. As a content creator for Country 1037, Debbie writes articles about food, new restaurants in the Carolinas and travel experiences.