Tag Archives: Aiken County Animal Shelter

Home to Shelter: A Traumatic Transition for Pets

Surrendering your pet to a shelter might be the hardest decision you ever make. But before you make such a move, be aware how tough it can be on the dog or cat you’re relinquishing. When owners surrender their animals to a shelter, the dog or cat can shut down almost completely. When this happens, […]

The Mystery of Hilde

Hilde is a beautiful blonde with a big, goofy smile, and eyes as gold as her heart. She was always a favorite among FOTAS volunteers and the Aiken County Animal Shelter staff – everyone wanted to spend a little “me” time with Hilde. She is one of the sweetest, people-craving, kid-loving dogs we’ve ever known, […]

Hidden gems still waiting for forever homes at animal shelter

(Note: Since this post was published, most of these dogs have been adopted. As of March 19, the only dogs still available are Callista and Kane.) The Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) has five wonderful dogs – Bain, Callista, Kane, Marcelle and Rallie – who need loving homes as soon as possible. These dogs are […]

Bobby Arthurs — a shelter manager with a big heart

A lot of things have changed at the Aiken County Animal Shelter over the past ten years since Bobby Arthurs became the County’s Chief Enforcement Officer and Shelter Manager, and he has been witness to it all. When he started in 2007, intake at the Shelter was 5,000-6,000 animals a year and 10% or fewer […]

Resolving to do better by our animals

It’s that time again—the end of one year and the promise of a new one. Most of us (myself included) resolve to be better—to exercise more, lose weight, spend less time on our cell phones—and although our resolve is genuine, our willpower and attention span are, shall we say, less than perfect. My own New […]

FOTAS: Christmas spirit, gratitude and saving animals

Every Sunday, the ‘Aiken Standard’ allows us this space to tell you about the Aiken County Animal Shelter, FOTAS and the plight of the 5000 homeless animals consigned to the Shelter every year, and we are deeply appreciative for that opportunity. Over the years, we have used this column to tell you about initiatives designed […]

FOTAS volunteers get back as much as they give to shelter animals

With Christmas just a week away, FOTAS Volunteer John Berk reflects on what he will be doing on the holiday. His children are coming to visit and he and his wife, Sally, have plans to celebrate with them. But he also plans to make another stop. “I’m sure I’ll be at the shelter on Christmas […]

FOTAS needs your Christmas spirit

“Every charitable act is a stepping stone towards heaven.” Henry Ward Beecher It’s the time of year when the spirit of Christmas thrives. It’s a time for gratitude, for family and friends. It’s a time to rejoice our faith. It’s a time for love. It is also a time for charitable giving, and if your […]

Feral kittens and the Good Samaritan

By Joanna Dunn Samson, FOTAS Vice President One morning, you come downstairs to the kitchen, turn on the coffee maker, and open the back door to check the weather. Then you hear it: faint, pitiful mewing sounds coming from the crawl space under the porch. You grab a flashlight and go out to investigate. What […]

Surgeries at the County Shelter Give Two Dogs a New Lease on Life

By Dr. Lisa Levy, ACAS Veterinarian To paraphrase Forrest Gump, working at the shelter is like a box of chocolates. Every morning when I make my rounds, I never know what new problem attached to a wagging tail I’m going to get. A couple of weeks ago, two dogs with severe medical problems needing immediate […]