Monthly Archives: April 2019

2019, Children, Dogs, Donate, Events, FOTAS, Fundraisers, News, Woofstock

Calling all Basset Hounds, Come Race at Woofstock!

Posted on by Bob Gordon
29
Apr

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.

Denise gives TUCKER a pep talk before his next big race.

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 by Simon Growl and Heidi Groom; best kisser; best costume; and best dog/owner look alikes. There’s also going to be kids races, pet related business vendors, balloon creations, face painting, great food, music and other fun activities for the whole family.

TUCKER has surprising speed for a Basset Hound

The festival kicks off with a cavalcade of adoptable canines and a parade of dogs that have been adopted from the Aiken County Animal Shelter over the years.

But the event I’m most looking forward to is a dog race – more specifically, the Basset Hound competition. If you like to laugh, you’re going to love witnessing these adorable, short-legged Basset Hounds with marshmallow feet hilariously race each other down a grass track.

Basset Hound racing mania struck me in the early ‘80s. I was introduced to this “sport of kings” by Jerri Caswell at her Annual San Diego Basset Hound Picnic. The first event was the Basset-to-Owner race and it was about the funniest thing I’d ever seen. Bassets running to the right, Bassets to the left, Bassets going down the course in the wrong direction, and some just stopping to socialize or sniff in the middle of the field! We laughed till we cried, and I knew instantly that someday I would put on a Basset Hound Race.

TUCKER is a two-time winner of Woofstock’s large breed dog race, and this year he’s competing against other Bassets.

Enter Aiken, a perfect place for a Basset Hound race –it’s such a horse friendly, dog-loving town! I saw an ad in the Aiken Standard for Woofstock and the FOTAS Doxie Derby. I wanted to run my Basset Hound, Tucker, with them, but he was too big to race with those little wiener Dachshunds. The crowd watched and laughed as the funny little sausage dogs ran down the 75-foot course.

But I didn’t give up hope of racing Tucker and was pleased to discover the following year’s Woofstock featured a large breed dog race. Despite the fact that Tucker was only 12-inches tall with 5-inch legs, he went face to face with German Shepherds and Border Collies. With a look of determination, he ran his heart out and won the race by a nose!

The next year we entered the large dog race again, never expecting to repeat that performance, but Tucker won again! Then, year three drew a whole new assortment of large, athletic dogs. Tucker finished fourth … maybe.

But on May 4, Tucker will finally get to race dogs of his own breed. He will compete against ten of his best Basset Hound buddies. I can’t wait to see these dogs “sprint” to the finish line and watch the hilarity ensue.

If you have a Basset Hound and would like to race in this year’s “Hush Puppy Handicap” please come to Woofstock early and register your dog for the big contest. Tucker welcomes the competition!

PETS OF THE WEEK

HATCH
Retriever mix, male, 6 years old, black/blue, 50 pounds – $35

J. LO
Domestic Shorthair, female, 1 year old, brn & orange Manx, 6 pounds – $10

2019, animal care education, Chained dogs, County Animal Control, County animal laws, Dogs, FOTAS, Junior FOTAS, microchipping, News, Spay/Neuter, surrendered pets

Animal Control Officers: Friends, not Dog Catchers

Posted on by Bob Gordon
15
Apr

by Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director

I often go to area schools to talk to students about responsible pet ownership and proper animal care.

When we talk about how animals come into the Aiken County Animal Shelter, I tell the students that animal control officers as well as members of our community rescue and bring in stray dogs and cats. When asked by a show of hands how many believe animal control officers are mean, most will raise their hands. These young people have watched many animated movies and television shows that portray these community helpers as “dog catchers” – the cruel characters that drag Bolt and his friends into the dreaded animal shelter. What a misconception!

Officer Creel poses with Tall Pines STEM Academy students after talking to them about his job and giving them tips on how they can help homeless pets in their community.

Our community is very lucky to have officers that protect us and our pets from unvaccinated, sometimes aggressive animals. They look out for the neglected, abused and unloved pets in our area. They rescue dogs that have been left in the heat and cold without proper shelter, food and water. They bring in horses and pigs that have escaped their enclosures. These are the good guys.

Recently, Officer Brandon Creel attended our Junior FOTAS meeting at Tall Pines STEM Academy. He brought a catch pole, a scanner that reads microchips and demonstrated to the students how he and the other officers are trying to help. He explained that when officers use catch poles, it is as much for the dog’s protection as their own. Dogs can’t say “Stop,” but they can bite out of fear. If a dog bites an officer, not only will the officer be injured but the dog will have to go into quarantine. Therefore, the catch pole safely gets the dog into a kennel where they can decompress at the shelter. The scanner, he explained, helps officers identify and return dogs and cats to their homes without having to go to the shelter.

Officer Creel enjoys a light moment with students while teaching them about his job duties.

The officers also pick up scared strays, issue tickets to those who do not vaccinate, and educate the public about how to properly care for their pets. They save so many lives!

Officer Creel told the students that there are three things they can do to help: make sure their pets are vaccinated, ensure their animals are spayed and neutered, and speak up when they see an animal in need.

Aiken County is in good hands with this group of animal control officers. At the end of the work day, you will often see them visiting the dogs in their kennels, handing out pet treats and petting cats that need socializing. It’s their way of showing these animals that they do care about them and want them to be happy. Many of the officers have even adopted animals that they have rescued from the streets.

Their lives are in our hands.

BY THE NUMBERS
From April 1 to 10, the Aiken County Animal Shelter received 115 strays and surrendered pets. That’s more than 11 a day!

PETS OF THE WEEK
HUDSON: Terrier mix, male, 2 years old, 26 pounds – $35

SMOKEY: Domestic Medium Haired cat, female, 9 years old, 6 pounds – $10

2019, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, News, Pibbles, surrendered pets

The Struggles of Our Friend, Vegas the ‘Pittopotamus’

Posted on by Bob Gordon
08
Apr

by Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director

Some dogs at the shelter just can’t seem to catch a break.

Take our friend,Vegas. He was a shelter favorite, often referred to as a “pittopotamus” as he clearly had not missed many meals. He would lay quietly in his kennel, no wagging, looking solemn. Very little curb appeal to those looking to adopt. But once he got outside, he would run, play with toys and enjoy himself as much as any of the other dogs in play group.

Vegas gets ready for a snooze while staying with a foster volunteer.

Vegas was adopted and returned two times. We learned from both adoptions that Vegas needed to be an only pet. Like many children, he just couldn’t share his new owner’s attention with other pets. He longed for love.

Since the poor guy was so depressed after his second adoption wasn’t successful, a volunteer started taking him home at night. We learned that Vegas was even more awesome of a dog than we thought! Great in the house, a total couch potato.

After being overlooked for what seemed an eternity, a man came looking for a dog for his family. He fell in love with Vegas immediately! He took Vegas home to meet his wife and children. What a success! The family came to visit after a few weeks to show us how good Vegas looked. The kids just loved him! Vegas was now going to the dog park almost daily, sleeping in bed with them and having what appeared to be the best time!

Vegas is still looking for the right home.

It was perfect until the family had to move. They looked and looked for a home where Vegas could live with them, but all had lease restrictions. Poor Vegas has a label on him, and his breed is restricted.

The family tried to re-home him using our Home to Home program as they did not want to bring him back to the shelter. Unfortunately, they eventually did have to move and Vegas is now back on the adoption floor at 333 Wire Road. Do you want to see a sad dog? Come visit him.

It is very unfortunate that because of his breed, Vegas lost the best home he had ever known. Many of the dogs in shelters are those that have been labeled aggressive breeds — German Shepherds, Chow Chows, Akitas, and Bully mixes. But these are some of the most loving and intelligent dogs available! They are so loyal and most of our bully breeds just want to be close to people and touch them.

Vegas would make the perfect only pet for a young couple or a great companion for an older person. He’d also make a great family dog. He is just a wonderful dog who deserves better and we are all very sad to see him back and feeling so hopeless. Please spread the word and help us get him a good home.

Their lives are in our hands.

BY THE NUMBERS
On April 1, the Aiken County Animal Shelter launched extended adoption hours. The new hours are: Mon, Wed. and Fri. – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tues. and Thurs. – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sat. – 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

PETS OF THE WEEK

GIBBS
Mixed breed, male, 4 years old, blue gray, 70 pounds – $35

ZAC
Domestic Shorthair kitten, male, 2 months old, tan & black Tabby, 2 pounds – $10

2019, Adoption, animal abuse, Dogs, essay, FOTAS, injured animals, neglected pets, News, Shelter staff

Broken Beyond Repair? They Might Just Surprise You

Posted on by Bob Gordon
02
Apr

By Dr. Lisa Levy, ACAS Veterinarian

One of the greatest dangers to dogs running loose is being hit by a car. Unfortunately, injured animals being brought to the shelter is an all too common occurrence. Some of these injuries can be catastrophic and the animals can’t be saved. But some will defy the odds and recover.

Hiccup was in bad shape when he arrived at the Shelter.

Hiccup is a small terrier mix who came into the Aiken County Animal Shelter as a stray. He had difficulty standing and had very labored breathing. X-rays revealed that he had a ruptured diaphragm — the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. The impact from the car had caused his diaphragm to tear which allowed abdominal organs (in his case liver, stomach and intestines) to move into his chest, putting pressure on his lungs. Further x-rays revealed that he also had broken both his hips. Some hip fractures will heal on their own with restricted activity and time, while some require surgery.

The more serious problem was the diaphragm (we named him Hiccup because hiccups are caused by a spasm of the diaphragm). Surgical repair is possible but complicated and is most often done at a surgical referral practice or university. I have never done this surgery myself. I went home and talked to my husband, also a veterinarian, Dr. Michael Wells. He said he had done a few when clients couldn’t afford referral and he would be willing to try.

Hiccup on his freedom ride, heading to his forever home.

Surgery was challenging as the tear was in an area with little visibility. Since we don’t have ventilators, I had to manually bag him to breathe for him during the procedure. But Dr. Wells was successful in repairing the diaphragm and Hiccup recovered beautifully.

Hiccup soon went into foster care to see how his hips would heal. His foster parents fell in love with him and adopted him – and now this remarkable dog is running and climbing stairs without any need for further surgery.

Cadyn came into the shelter as a 5-month-old puppy after being hit by a car.

Cadyn at her forever home

My heart sank when I looked at her x-rays. She had a broken hip on one side and a dislocated hip on the other, plus both of her back legs were broken below the knee. She was trying to walk on just her two front legs! Most dogs would just give up, but Cadyn wagged her tail and gave kisses. I had my doubts but Betty, one of the vet assistants, talked me into trying to save her. Puppies do heal faster, so that was in her favor.

I splinted the more severely broken leg and hoped she would walk on the other one since it was much more stable. We kept her cage confined and slowly she started walking. The splinted leg healed but she still may need hip surgery on that side. Cadyn was adopted by Amanda, one of the shelter’s adoption counselors, and has become instant best friends with her other dog.

The resilience of the canine spirit never ceases to amaze me, and these are two shining examples.

Their lives were literally in my hands.

BY THE NUMBERS
From March 1- 27, the Aiken County Animal Shelter received 360 strays and surrendered pets

PETS OF THE WEEK

ZEUS
Mixed breed, male, 5 years old, white and black, 70 pounds – $35

PRECIOUS
Domestic Shorthair, female, 5 years old, white and black, 7 pounds – $10