Category Archives: Events

Good News for the County Shelter

The world out there is a crazy place right now—Covid-19, crazy politics, massive hurricanes on the Gulf coast, wildfires in the west—so I’m all about finding those good news stories to report, the ones that make me feel good, that affirm my faith in people, government, and humanity in general. When Jennifer Miller, the president […]

Coco & Mia’s Owners Moved Away Without Them

Coco would not eat or even groom herself. The 6-year-old, long-haired, gray and white beauty just slept or watched visitors with a suspicious eye when they approached her cat condo at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS). But then we moved Mia, the 2-year-old gray Tabby Coco was surrendered with, into Coco’s condo and everything […]

Educating Local Students Is Key to Helping Homeless Pets

I am constantly blown away by the kindness of young people in our community, especially during the holiday season. Local students care deeply about the homeless animals at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) and are eager to learn all they can to help them. South Aiken Baptist students bring toys at Christmas South Aiken […]

The Christmas Season of Kindness and Hope

The good doctor was on his way to work in Augusta when he spotted two large bully dogs on the Aiken-Augusta Highway. Concerned about their safety on the busy, four-lane road, he pulled over and coaxed the dogs—who were healthy, well-behaved, and in good shape—into his car. Figuring they had to be someone’s pets, the […]

It’s a Party! FOTAS Celebrates Ten Years of Saving Lives

On Saturday, November 2nd, FOTAS will host a party at the Aiken County Animal Shelter to celebrate its tenth anniversary partnering with the county and the shelter to save lives. What a ride it’s been. In 2009, a few dedicated and concerned citizens banded together to form FOTAS in response to the dismal conditions at […]

Playing Fore the Pets Golf Tourney Develops into Biggest FOTAS Fundraiser

We are looking forward to our Sixth Annual Playing Fore the Pets golf tournament at The Reserve Club at Woodside Plantation tomorrow, Monday September 23. More than 200 players are expected to participate, and we are grateful to them and our event sponsors for helping us to raise funds for the Aiken County Animal Shelter […]

Clear the Shelter Event Results in Heartwarming Adoptions

Last Saturday’s Clear the Shelter event at the Aiken County Animal Shelter was a success, with 40 unwanted pets finding loving homes in four hours. Part of an annual national effort, the shelter’s standard adoption fees were waived on this day to encourage folks to visit the animals and give them homes, thereby “clearing the […]

Teaching Children Well about Training and Responsible Pet Care

By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director Educating our children is essential for promoting better pet care and reducing the number of homeless dogs and cats. Last week, Dog Trainer Susi Cohen and I were invited to Oakwood Windsor Elementary School to share what we do to support the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS). Susi, a […]

Calling all Basset Hounds, Come Race at Woofstock!

By Denise Parmentier, FOTAS volunteer This Saturday, plan to attend Woofstock Doggie Derby Day 2019, FOTAS’s annual family festival featuring the famous Doxie Derby. This year’s event, scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Citizens Park, will offer many dog contests, including “Animal’s Got Talent,” a best trick competition being judged […]