Tag Archives: dogs

Good Samaritans rescue discarded, distressed puppies

On Friday, May 31, Lisa Brucchi walked out of her Windsor home into the blistering heat to check her mailbox. She was expecting an important letter from her mom and was eager to see if it had arrived. But as she walked up to her mailbox, she noticed a box on the ground. At first, […]

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 […]

To Love and Be Loved by a Shelter Dog

Maggie wakes me up every morning. First, she nudges me with a paw—poke, pause, poke, pause. I groan, pull the covers over my face. She is resolute. Poke, poke, pause. She stretches her long, muscular body next to mine, licks my hand, sniffs the sheet over my face, nibbles my hair. I wave her away. […]

Dog Cries Real Tears When Owner Leaves him at Shelter

A few weeks ago, I was finishing up some paperwork at the shelter and saw a handsome Labrador mix sitting quietly, looking up at his owner. She was surrendering him. The dog looked so sad and confused. His owner seemed upset as well. One of the veterinary assistants tried to soothe the dog, but he […]

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.”

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 […]

Please, Please, Spay or Neuter Your Pet!

Last month, 512 animals were taken in to the Aiken County Animal Shelter. More than 500 strays and surrendered pets in October! It never happens this time of year. We can’t explain it. To tell you the truth, it blows our minds and keeps us up at night. But there it is: after a summer […]