Tag Archives: Adoption

Abused and neglected dogs show true love and forgiveness

“I promise you will never regret taking the time to show kindness to one of these pets. There is a connection that takes place, and it will change you both forever.”

The Christmas Spirit of Gratitude and Charity

The Christmas season is upon us. It’s a time of festivity, bright lights, family, goodwill, and faith. It’s also a time to count our blessings. As we at FOTAS look back over the past nine years, it’s also a time to reflect upon our profound gratitude for our friends and supporters in the Aiken community. […]

Surrendered Pets Desperately Want to Be Home for Christmas

With more than 1,000 strays and surrendered pets arriving at the shelter over the last two and a half months, there are going to be adoptable animals who get lost in the crowd and take longer to find their forever homes. But here are three hidden gems who will make wonderful companions for you and […]

Reunited by a Microchip — Eight Years Later!

This is a story with a happy ending, one that spans eight years, six states, and a dog named Beanie. In 2010, the Wilson* family found a hungry and scared shepherd puppy on the side of the road. They took her home, fed her, and cleaned her up. They actively searched for her owners, but […]

Doggy Treadmill Works Wonders at the County Shelter

When someone suggested to FOTAS a few months ago that using a doggy treadmill at the Aiken County Animal Shelter would help our shy, scared dogs and overly-energetic dogs to adapt faster, I was skeptical. But when I spoke with Susi Cohen, an amazing dog trainer who helps us with behavioral issues, she was all […]

The Animals Just Keep Coming into the County Shelter

“A record number of animals surrendered to the Aiken County Animal Shelter this month.” We see this headline way too much. The story goes on and on. The shelter staff works tirelessly at warp speed to feed, care for, provide medical attention, and everything else necessary to keep the conveyor belt of overcrowding moving. The […]

Sweet Rosetta and Polo Deserve Loving Homes of their Own

Rosetta is on a couch, stretched out on her back with her eyes closed as FOTAS Volunteer John Berk simultaneously texts on his phone and rubs her chest. She opens her eyes briefly to gaze up at him, clearly appreciative of the special attention. “You’re a good girl,” Berk says quietly. Rosetta shuts her eyes […]

Feline FIV is a Virus, Not a Death Sentence

Each day as I finish my rounds at the shelter, I leave a list of things to be done for our team of veterinary assistants (three of the hardest workers on the planet!) that includes testing our newest cat residents for Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).  When I come in the next […]

Tips for Choosing the Purr-fect Shelter Feline

Adding a cat to your home can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences. They are terrific companions and easier to care for than dogs. Plus, most felines are great cuddlers, playmates and entertainers (there’s a reason cat videos dominate the Internet). Studies have even shown their purrs can improve your health and lower your […]

Mason Is Mostly a Gentleman, Partly a Rascal and All Love

Hi! I’m Mason, a resident at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Actually I’ve been here a very long time, and that’s a bad spot to be in, particularly now that summer’s here and the shelter is packed. Last month, 545 animals came in to the shelter. 545! That makes me mad, all those homeless dogs, […]