Welcome! I can't really help for playdates since I'm on the opposite side of the country (Ontario), but I just wanted to send an extra special welcome because I lived in NC for 10 years (Thomasville/High Point, NC). I'm from Ontario, moved to NC, now back in Ontario :P I miss NC a lot, though. Would move back in a heartbeat if I had the chance.
Where in NC are you from?
Welcome! Hope you find some friends for your furbaby.