Author Archives: Angel Hartline

2018, Bully Dogs, Dogs, Events, FOTAS, Fundraisers, News, Pibbles, Woofstock

Introducing Woofstock’s Awesome, Adoptable VIPs

Posted on by Angel Hartline
29
Apr

This Saturday, FOTAS is hosting Woofstock, our biggest family event of the year. The celebration will take place at Citizens Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and once again feature many contests, including the Doxie Derby and other canine races and contests. Everyone is invited to join in the fun and pet dogs are welcome, too!

Bo is a senior but has the energy of a much younger dog.
Bo is a senior but has the energy of a much younger dog.

In fact, there will be a variety of furry VIPs from the Aiken County Animal Shelter in attendance. These special dignitaries will be easy to spot with their designer “Adopt Me” scarfs and vests. You can visit with these canine celebrities and, since FOTAS volunteers will be doing adoptions on-site, even take them home with you.

Woofstock’s canine guests of honor can be yours for only $35 each. Although there will be many available, here are some of the top shelter celebrities who would love to walk the red carpet all the way to your front door:

OTIS: A two-year-old Corgi mix, Otis is playful and loves to play fetch. He’s 5 years old and acts like a pup. He arrived in bad shape, with a lot of fur missing from a skin infection, but now he’s got his rich red coat back and ready for a forever home.

Hilde is a special girl who needs to find a good home ASAP.
Hilde is a special girl who needs to find a good home ASAP.

MASON & CHEVY: These two big, sweet guys arrived at the shelter together as strays and really should be adopted as a bonded pair. Mason is 4-1/2 years old, Chevy is 2 and each weigh about 70 pounds. The mixed breed bosom buddies need a home with lots of love and a fenced-in yard.

Bell is an alpha dog who's both goofy and smart.
Bell is an alpha dog who’s both goofy and smart.

JACKSON: This shy but sweet Hound mix is 4 years old and will make a perfect addition to anyone’s home. Handsome and athletic, Jackson loves other dogs and is friendly, gentle and calm. His best friend at the shelter is Vinny. They met for the first time at 333 Wire Road and became instant BFFs.

BELL: One ear is always up and the other down, giving 2-year-old, mixed breed Bell a very cute look. Her personality is even better. She’s lovable, funny and very smart. Give her a belly rub and she’ll love you forever!

Otis is a happy, playful Corgi mix.
Otis is a happy, playful Corgi mix.

BO: Ten years old with the playful energy of a puppy, Bo is a staff and volunteer favorite. This wonderful black Beagle mix needs to find a home as soon as possible. 

HILDE: An apricot-colored Retriever mix, Hilde is a true gem. She loves people and walks well on a leash. She’s one of the smartest dogs at the shelter but also has a goofy side. She’ll make some lucky adopter very happy.

So, come visit these canine celebrities at Woofstock on May 5 or – even better – visit them at the Shelter tomorrow! If you adopt one (or two) of these wonderful dogs, they can still attend the Woofstock festival as VIPs, but with you, their new friend and owner, at their side.

Their lives are in our hands.

— by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

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By the Numbers

April 1-28: 331 stray and owner surrendered pets were brought to the County Shelter

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Pets of the Week

malissa looking upMALISSA: Wire-haired Terrier mix, female, 3 years old, light brown, 62 pounds – $35

 

lizzie POTWLIZZIE: Domestic Shorthair, 8 years old, tan & black Tabby, 9 pounds – $10

 

2018, essay, FOTAS, News, surrendered pets

Home to Shelter: A Traumatic Transition for Pets

Posted on by Angel Hartline
22
Apr

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, they won’t let people pet them and even can show aggression toward staff members. They are often terrified. And angry.  And really confused as to why their humans left without them.

Since being surrendered, Lizzie hides under her blanket until a human comes to pet her.
Since being surrendered, Lizzie hides under her blanket until a human comes to pet her.

Sometimes people surrendering their pets share stories about how awesome their dog or cat is – but that’s when they are with their owners and feeling secure and safe at home. When the pet comes to a shelter and sees its owner walk out the door, it is a traumatic experience. In fact, the surrendered pet sees it as the worst day of its life. The animal suddenly finds itself in a strange kennel among numerous other animals, eating different food and sleeping in a new bed. It’s overwhelming. While some animals adjust quickly, others can pout and feel depressed for weeks before they start to show their positive qualities.

And this is a fact that folks need to understand. Before you surrender your pets to a shelter, know that the dramatic change of environment can be brutal to their psyche. Your pet loves and trusts you. Even though your decision might be for the best, your dog or cat sees it as the ultimate rejection. A prime example of a pet reacting badly to being surrendered is Lizzie, an 8-year-old Tabby who suddenly found herself at the shelter because someone in the family developed a cat allergy.  Her owner said Lizzie was gregarious and a great lap cat. But ever since she arrived at the shelter, Lizzie hides under a blanket all day, every day. Staff members and volunteers work with her and give her affection, but as soon as they leave her, she scampers back under the blanket.

Beautiful Aubrey is a pet recently surrendered to the Shelter by her owner.
Beautiful Aubrey is a pet recently surrendered to the Shelter by her owner.

There are many reasons why people surrender their pets. Some of the more common ones are economic in nature – they can’t afford taking care of the animal’s food and medical needs anymore. Another reason is moving. A landlord may not allow certain pets or breeds, or a retirement home may not allow pets, period. Then there are behavior issues. A cat might be scratching up furniture or having problems finding the litter box, or a dog might be barking too much for the neighbors or chewing on the owner’s favorite shoes. Finally, there are family issues and emergencies that must be addressed, which can make it difficult to care for a pet. For example, the pet’s owner dies and there’s no one to care for it.

But before you make an appointment to surrender your pet, make sure there’s no other alternative.  FOTAS and the shelter do their best to help people keep their pets in their homes. For example, if it is a behavioral issue, that can be improved with training assistance.

Because while FOTAS volunteers and the shelter staff do all they can to make surrendered pets happy, safe and comfortable, they can only spend so much time with them. There are so many other dogs and cats at 333 Wire Road that need the same care.

If you are interested in adopting Lizzie or another homeless pet, please come to the County Shelter or call (803) 642-1537.

Their lives are in our hands.

 — by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

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By the Numbers

The County Shelter received 150 homeless dogs and cats during the first two weeks of April!

 

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Pets of the Week

OTIS POTWOTIS: Bassett hound mix, male, 5 years old, 34 pounds – $35

 

lila POTWLILA: Domestic Mediumhair declawed (front) cat, 1-1/2 years old, gray, 8 pounds – $10

2018, Bully Dogs, Dogs, FOTAS, Heartworms, News, Pibbles

The Mystery of Hilde

Posted on by Angel Hartline
15
Apr

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, and we’ve known a lot of dogs.

By January of 2017, Hilde held the unfortunate distinction of being the longest canine resident at the Shelter. We were baffled she’d not found a home, and shelter life was beginning to wear on her. She lost the pep in her step and her sweet, gold eyes were sad.

Hilde and her friendly tongue.
Hilde and her friendly tongue.

FOTAS sprang into action. We took her for car rides, organized “Doggie Day Outs,” paraded her up and down Laurens Street. We took photos, wrote articles, put our favorite social media star, Martha Anne Tudor, on the case.

Eventually the extra effort paid off. One Saturday morning in February of 2017, a young couple with two young children drove to the shelter to meet Hilde. It was love at first sight … for everyone.

We cried with joy when Hilde found her forever home. For some time afterwards, the family shared photos of Hilde sleeping on the couch with the baby, or Hilde sleeping on the bed between the two kids, happy and relaxed. We applauded her good fortune and thanked God for hearing our prayers.

Three weeks ago, Hilde was picked up as a stray by animal control in a neighboring county. She was painfully thin and covered with fleas. The officers read Hilde’s microchip and made repeated, unsuccessful attempts to contact her owners. She was close to being euthanized by the time they contacted the Aiken County Shelter. As soon as Randy, one of the shelter’s super staff, learned they were holding our beloved Hilde, he promptly hopped into the van to pick her up and bring her home.

How did this happen? The last we knew, Hilde was sprawled out with her peeps on a soft, warm bed, so why was she wandering the streets, hungry and scared, in a different county?

We don’t know. We may never know.

What we do know, however, is that our gal Hilde is the same adorable, people-craving, kid-loving, beauty she always was—a little thinner, more mature, in need of some extra TLC. She remembers her many friends at the shelter, plays with her favorite toys, wags her tail a lot—happy to be loved and back in a safe place.

Okay, maybe her head’s a little square and her tongue’s a little long, and maybe she’s picky about her dog friends—but still … we don’t get it.

I'm seriously adorable. Just ask anyone.
I’m seriously adorable. Just ask anyone.

What we do get is that Hilde needs a new home. She needs humans to love, kids to protect. She’ll lounge by your side while you binge-watch every single episode of Breaking Bad. She’ll love you through bad-hair days; she’ll love you when you’re on top of your game. She’ll give back so much more than she gets—that’s just who she is.

All she needs is a chance. Please don’t wait, call the shelter the first thing tomorrow morning — (803) 642-1537—and tell the front desk you’d like to meet Hilde.

Her life is in our hands.

PS: Look, we get it. Sometimes life goes sideways, and good people are forced to make hard decisions about their canine family members. If that happens, please know this: we can help. Our animals can always come home to the Shelter—no judgments, no shame. We’ll find them another home. That’s what we do.

— Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

 

 

animal abuse, Bully Dogs, Dogs, essay, FOTAS, injured animals, News, Pibbles, Uncategorized

A Challenge Named Biscuit

Posted on by Angel Hartline
09
Apr

I recently faced my most challenging case since I started working at the shelter.

Biscuit was a “neighborhood dog.” The woman who brought him in said he showed up every few days and she would feed him. She had not seen him for three days when he showed up that Tuesday morning. She called the shelter in distress thinking he had been shot in the head. When she brought him in, I examined him and determined he had not been shot but had been attacked by another dog.

Volunteer Anne Morgan gives Biscuit some couch time.
Volunteer Anne Morgan gives Biscuit some couch time.

His wounds were extensive. The damage to his right ear was so severe that the entire ear flap, as well as a large area of skin around the ear, had actually died. Infection had also set in giving off a terrible odor. I have been in practice for more than 30 years and very little can still gross me out. But this smell was so bad, we had to keep the doors to the clinic open to let in fresh air. Through all of this, Biscuit sat on the exam table wagging his tail. I wasn’t sure I could save him, but I was going to try.

Surgery was challenging. All the dead tissue needed to be removed, leaving a huge open area that was extremely difficult to suture closed. I was able to close most of it, but it remained to be seen how it would heal. We kept him on antibiotics to fight the infection, and over a period of about three weeks the wound did heal! It wasn’t pretty, but it healed.

Biscuit lost an ear when he was attacked by a dog.
Biscuit lost an ear when he was attacked by a dog.
Biscuit was adopted by an Aiken family and now has a canine brother named Bear.
Biscuit was adopted by an Aiken family and now has a canine brother named Bear.

During Biscuit’s recovery, we noticed that he held his right rear leg out to the side and limped a little. X-rays revealed that he had an old fracture of his femur just above the knee that had not been treated and therefore didn’t heal properly. There was also some degeneration of his hip joint. These injuries are consistent with being hit by a car. Unfortunately, he also tested positive for heartworms, an all too common occurrence for strays in our area.

One thing that stood out to me about Biscuit is that when he came into the shelter he was already neutered. That means he belonged to someone. At some point he was somebody’s dog. How did he end up like this? Was he lost? Was he abandoned? Did someone try to find him?

Through it all, Biscuit has shown an amazing spirit. He loves everyone, is ecstatic when we pet, or even better, scratch him, and his tail never stops wagging. He may not be the prettiest to look at, but he is truly one of my favorite dogs ever to come into the shelter. He deserves a great home, and we will do everything we can to find it for him.

Epilogue: Shortly after Dr. Levy submitted this column, Biscuit was adopted by an Aiken family. He is enjoying a fresh start at his new home with a small poodle mix named Bear. As with all adopted heartworm positive County Shelter dogs, FOTAS is paying for Biscuit’s treatment through its “Have a Heart, Save a Heart” program.

 – By Dr. Lisa Levy, ACAS Veterinarian

paw_print_heart_stickers-r368b69be3802466f8feff0ba57adc012_v9w0n_8byvr_512Pets of the Week

RavenRAVEN: Terrier mix, female, 1 year old, 21 pounds – $35

 

OREO POTW APRIL 8OREO: Domestic Shorthair, declawed, female, 9 years old, 8 pounds – $10

Demodex, Dogs, essay, Foster, News, Volunteer, Volunteers

You too can be a hero

Posted on by Angel Hartline
01
Apr

Dogs, cats, puppies and kittens are surrendered or abandoned to the shelter every day. These animals, through no fault of their own, are blindsided by a change of life that can have a dramatic impact on their emotional and physical well-being.

Birgit Derrick fosters a hound from the County Shelter.
Birgit Derrick fosters a hound from the County Shelter.

FOTAS and the shelter immediately act to make sure these animals can not only cope with their new situation but ensure that they will have a fantastic future. Often that requires a foster home to provide a temporary, stable environment that prepares the pet for its future home. FOTAS provides these dedicated foster families with food, crates, and anything else they need to care for the animals.

For example, Max was surrendered missing most of his fur because of a non-contagious skin condition called Demodex. The condition is made worse from malnutrition and stress, but the pet is adoptable once it receives extra TLC and regains its coat. Peggy Babineau and her husband, their children, and five dogs have fostered many shelter canines. The Babineaus fostered Max for three weeks, and his black and white shiny coat grew back.

Happier and more confident, Max was immediately adopted and his new family sends continuous notes, thanking the shelter for their perfect pet. We currently have two dogs just like Max that need foster homes, so they can experience the same results he did.

John Dabney fosters a litter of puppies to prepare them for adoption.
John Dabney fosters a litter of puppies to prepare them for adoption.

Too often the shelter receives many unwanted or abandoned terrified puppy litters that are motherless and homeless. When four to six puppies are crammed into a shelter kennel before they are old enough for adoption, they can shut down or become fearful. Enter lifesaver John Dabney. He converted one of the stalls in his barn to house foster puppies. They play with John’s dogs and he gives the pups love. After two weeks with John, the puppies were returned to the shelter, where they were all adopted within one to three days.

Then there is Birgit Derrick, one of FOTAS’s original fosters.  She often takes two adult dogs that play together.  Many times these dogs are scheduled to be transported to a sister shelter where they have forever homes waiting for them. When Birgit fosters two dogs for 5 to 7 days, it opens two kennels, giving a safe place for new arrivals coming into the shelter.

“To give an animal a safe place is so rewarding”, says Birgit. “They look at you with such appreciation, they sleep so soundly and they will know that their next home is a safe one because you taught them that.”

Becca Babineau at home with foster dog, Max.
Becca Babineau at home with foster dog, Max.
Max at the Shelter before his Demodex was cured.
Max at the Shelter before his Demodex was cured.

“The difference that I have seen in animals that were fostered is incredible,” she adds. “They come to the shelter lost, confused, and afraid. But after being in a foster home, they return to the shelter without fear or anxiety, and they’re home ready.”

Huge thanks to all our fosters who have opened their hearts to the homeless pets of Aiken County. The shelter received 4,907 animals last year, so we urgently need more fosters to join our life-saving team. Call the FOTAS Hotline, (803) 514-4313, if you are interested in fostering to help save lives. You too can be a hero.

Their lives are in our hands.

– By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

Foster, FOTAS, News, Uncategorized, Volunteer, Volunteers

Fosters urgently needed to save lives of homeless animals

Posted on by Angel Hartline
25
Mar

FOTAS urgently needs volunteers to foster shelter animals.

Spring has officially arrived, so a wave of homeless puppies and kittens is heading our way. We’ve already received some stray momma dogs and cats with their little ones, as well as orphaned pups and kittens found all alone. These babies need temporary homes where they can be loved and nurtured until they are ready to be adopted and find their forever homes.

A foster puppy gets bottle fed.
A foster puppy gets bottle fed.

“Fosters make it possible to save the lives of these homeless puppies and kittens,” said Hillary Clark-Kulis, the Aiken County Animal Shelter’s (ACAS) Adoption Coordinator. “Without their dedication and help, too many of these animals wouldn’t make it to the adoption floor.”

As wonderful as the County Shelter is, it is no match for the comfort and special attention even a temporary home can provide. A home environment is less stressful and safer from potential illnesses that can compromise an infant animal’s developing immune system.

“If a puppy doesn’t get fostered, it is more likely to become ill from kennel cough or other illnesses,” explained FOTAS Programs Coordinator Kathy Jacobs. “If they don’t get the nurturing they need, they can become fearful and timid, and it affects them the rest of their lives.”

FOTAS Volunteer Wanda Johnson and one of her foster puppies.
FOTAS Volunteer Wanda Johnson and one of her foster puppies.

In addition to the pups and kittens that need fostering, the shelter has adult dogs that require extra care from volunteers. These are animals recovering from injuries, skin conditions and psychological trauma. They aren’t yet ready to be adopted, but will recover much faster in a temporary home. For example, the shelter has several dogs recovering from Demodex, a non-contagious skin condition that is usually caused by stress. In a shelter, it typically takes about eight weeks for a dog to recover from Demodex. In a foster home, the recovery time is cut in half.

“The FOTAS Foster Care system not only ensures the animals are raised in a healthy environment, it frees up limited space in the shelter for other adoptable animals,” said FOTAS President Jennifer Miller. “If you can foster for even a week or two, please consider it. FOTAS will provide the food and other supplies you may need for the animals.”

To become a foster parent for dogs or cats, please call (803) 514-4313, send an email to info@angelhartlinedesigns.com. or come to the shelter at 333 Wire Road.

Their lives are in our hands.

— by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

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By the Numbers

March Adoption Special: Dogs/puppies $35, cats/kittens $10

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Pets of the Week

KERI

Keri POTW for March 25Mixed breed, female, 2 years old, brown, 44 pounds – $35

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ALVIN

alvin potw march 25Domestic Shorthair, male, 3 years old, orange & white Tabby, 10 pounds – $10

 

Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, essay

Hidden gems still waiting for forever homes at animal shelter

Posted on by Angel Hartline
19
Mar
Kane is smart and athletic.
Kane is smart and athletic.
(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 favorites of the staff and volunteers, yet they still wait to be adopted. They watch the animals around them get selected and wonder why no one has chosen them.

We wonder, too.  After all, Kane is the most handsome dog on the adoption floor. Bain and Marcella are the sweetest. Rallie is a lovable, goofy guy and Callista shakes her whole butt when she wags her tail to greet visitors.

We consider these five dogs hidden gems – animals that are special and have loads of love to offer a person or family. Each of them is sponsored, which means their adoptions fees have already been paid by FOTAS donors. They are $0 if you can provide them with a loving home.

  • Bain loves people and is great with children, plus he’s housebroken. He also rides well in a car and is a great athlete. If you have no other pets, please consider adopting this 4-year-old Retriever mix.
  • Callista has a lot of energy and loves to play outside, but her favorite activity is laying her head on your lap while you stroke under her neck and chin. This mixed breed, brindle beauty is just 1 year old and weighs 44 pounds.
  • Kane is 1-1/2 years old and about 50 pounds of love and energy. He’s a Terrier/Boxer mix who’s housebroken, very athletic and extremely intelligent — but needs an owner who can spend time with him. He would love to be your jogging buddy or play fetch with you!
  • Marcelle looks like a puppy and is just as cuddly. But she is 1-1/2 years old and has good leash manners. She’s very playful and likes to get her belly rubbed.
  • Rallie snuggles, sits on command, and wants to be your pal. He arrived at the shelter with wounds on his back, but they’re healing fast. Rallie is 1 year old, 57 pounds and housebroken. He loves people but doesn’t like other dogs, so needs to be the only pet in your family.
Callista is sweet and has a lot of energy.
Callista is sweet and has a lot of energy.

Come to 333 Wire Road in Aiken and go on a Doggie Day Out with one of these fantastic dogs. Get to know them by taking them to the park or downtown for an hour or two. They love the one-on-one interaction and the time away from being in a shelter, and you just might fall in love and give an extraordinary dog the home he/she deserves.

Their lives are in our hands.

 – by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

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Pets of the Week

ARTEMIS
potw artemis 031818Dachshund mix, male, 1 year old, tri-color, 20 pounds – $35

 

COREY
potw corey 0318Domestic Shorthair declawed cat, male, 1 year old, gray & white Tabby, 11 pounds – $10

Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS, Heartworms, News, senior pets

Old shelter dog teaches his senior adopter some new tricks

Posted on by Angel Hartline
12
Mar

Last July, I lost Jake, my 10-year-old black Labrador retriever. With the start of a new year, I felt ready to start seeking a new dog for our home. As I am in my 80th year, I didn’t feel comfortable adopting a very young dog. I wanted a dog that was more my speed, one that had experienced life and needed a place to enjoy his golden years.

I increased my dog walking activities at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) and enjoyed contributing more time to FOTAS. Then one day, my wife saw photos of available shelter dogs on the County web site. She noted an older, mid-sized, black dog named Arthur who caught her eye, and suggested I go look at him.

I drove to the shelter and asked the FOTAS volunteer who was walking Arthur if I could cut in and finish the job. After walking this calm, friendly dog for a bit, I sat down on the ground in the play area and asked Arthur if he was ready for a foolish old man to take him home. Arthur responded by wagging his tail and we bonded. I took Arthur home and, just as the shelter staff suggested, slowly introduced him to our other pets. Arthur, being a charmer, was promptly accepted by our 4-year-old Carolina dog and three cats – two of whom were adopted from the ACAS.

Arthur (left) at home with his new sibling, Jessie.
Arthur (left) at home with his new sibling, Jessie.

Since adding Arthur to our family, I’ve learned much about older, abandoned and abused animals. And I want to pass along what he’s taught me.

  • Firstly, bonding with an older dog happens very fast. This is important for us older folks who have unknown, but probably limited, time ahead.
  • A senior dog with heartworms can be cured and live a normal life. (FOTAS paid for Arthur’s treatment.)
  • A senior dog usually can do his potty business outside from day one.
  • An older dog is not hyper and prefers to snooze along with his older companion. He wants to stay close to home, rather than wander off.
  • A senior dog will be less inclined to chew on the furniture, sofa pillows, or available shoes.
  • Lastly, and this surprised me, even though Arthur is 9 years old, he still has the ability to change. He taught me that an older animal can unlearn memories of fear and relearn trust in a human companion.
Mike and Arthur: bonded seniors learning from each other.
Mike and Arthur: bonded seniors learning from each other.

Arthur and I are still learning from each other and walking down our shared road of life, proving that old dogs can learn new tricks!

If my experience with Arthur has sparked your interest in adopting a pet, please visit the County Shelter located at 333 Wire Road in Aiken. Check out the available animals and meet the wonderful volunteers and staff. You can also volunteer some of your time to the animals, participate in FOTAS programs, or make a financial pledge to keep the operation going and growing.

Just tell them Mike and Arthur sent you.

 – By Mike Hardwick, FOTAS Volunteer

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By the Numbers

March Adoption Special: Dogs/puppies $35, Cats/kittens $10

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Pets of the Week

KANE

KANE POTW 031118Mixed breed, male, 1-1/2 years old, brown & white, 51 pounds – $0 (adoption fee paid for by FOTAS donor)

SELENA

POTW SELENA 031118Domestic Shorthair, female, 2 years old, blue gray, 8 pounds – $0 (adoption fee paid for by FOTAS donor)

Cats, FOTAS, News, Uncategorized

Kitten overcomes hawk attack to win second chance at life

Posted on by Angel Hartline
04
Mar

A 2-month-old kitten vs. a hungry hawk or other raptor is hardly a fair fight and, barring a miracle, results in a quick, gruesome death for the feline.

A hawk attack couldn’t stop Feather, but she’s one of the lucky ones.
A hawk attack couldn’t stop Feather, but she’s one of the lucky ones.

Meet Feather, the Shelter’s miracle kitten, who somehow survived such an attack. She was brought to the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) with gashes to her neck and severe head trauma. The Good Samaritan who brought the injured kitten to the shelter said he thought a hawk had attacked Feather. Upon examination, it was confirmed the kitten’s wounds matched such a scenario and the Shelter’s medical team went into action to treat her.

“When Feather first got here, she was barely holding on,” said ACAS Veterinarian Assistant Betty Erikson. “She was in shock and very weak, and we weren’t sure she’d make it through the night. But the next morning, she really surprised us – she was bright, alert and greeted us with meows.”

Feather continued to improve and get stronger each day. Although her injuries left her with neurological damage, she could walk with a wobble. Sometimes she walked in circles and her head tilted to the left, but she was determined to reach her desired destination. Whether she needed to get to her food bowl or into the arms of the nearest human, nothing was going to stop this kitten from reaching her goal.  If she fell, she got right back up and kept going. The Shelter staff began to understand how Feather had managed to beat the odds and escape the hawk.

Although she continues to improve and was just added to the adoption floor, Feather may never be completely “normal”.  But she is as vocal, loving and energetic as any kitten you’ll meet. Plus, when she fearlessly leaps into your arms, begins purring and nuzzles your face, she will instantly win your heart.

Just try to stop her.

Feather was adopted to a good home shortly after becoming available.
Feather was adopted to a good home shortly after becoming available.

REMINDER: Every pet kitten should always stay indoors. They are helpless outdoors on their own and easy prey for not only hawks and owls, but also coyotes, foxes and raccoons. While adult cats are better equipped to protect themselves outside, they also can be attacked and killed by wild animals. In fact, on average, cats who are permitted to roam outdoors often don’t live to see age five, while cats who are always kept

indoors can live to be 18 to 20 years old. So, please keep all your pet felines inside with you, especially at night. If your cats must explore the outdoors, know the dangers and make sure they are spayed/neutered.

Their lives are in our hands.

 

By the Numbers

Last week, 25 dogs were surrendered to the County Shelter in just one day!

dog_paw_print_heart_notepads-r22f45a827e9b4626b52cbabfd1c7f8b4_amb08_8byvr_512Pets of the Week

BALOR

BALOR POTW March 4Chihuahua mix, male, 3 years old, tan & white, 10 pounds – $35

ADORA

POTW Adora March 4Domestic Shorthair, female, 6 months old, brown and black Tabby, 5.5 pounds – $10 (available at Aiken PetSmart store)

 

Uncategorized

Senior Beagle Benny enjoying ‘best retirement ever’ in new home

Posted on by Angel Hartline
25
Feb

Benny arrived at the Aiken Count Animal Shelter in poor shape. He was picked up as a stray and had all sorts of strikes against him. The small Beagle was over 10 years old, had a heart murmur, walked with a slight wobble, couldn’t hear very well and tested positive for heartworms. Not exactly a dog you expect to fly off the adoption floor.

Benny and Leo hang out in the back yard.
Benny and Leo hang out in the back yard.

 

But Benny had one thing going for him: Nancy Wagner. As soon as the Aiken resident and FOTAS volunteer read Benny’s story and saw his photo on Facebook, she drove to the shelter to adopt him.

“Benny’s so stinking cute, it should be illegal,” Nancy said. “When I saw and met him at the shelter, I knew he was the right dog for me.” Nancy and little Benny became instant companions and even her 14-year-old cat, Leo, took a shine to the happy Beagle.

Benny has fit in well at his forever home.
Benny is becoming a popular dog in his new neighborhood.

Before adopting Benny, Nancy was struggling with the decision to get a dog. Lily, her 14-year-old white English Setter, died suddenly in October of last year. She’d had Lily since rescuing her from a Pennsylvania shelter in 2006, so the loss was difficult for her to accept.  But she said she got tired of being depressed about Lily’s death and when she made a connection with Benny, it felt like the right time to have a dog in her home again.

“I decided to give Benny the best retirement ever,” she said. “That’s my goal. Whether he’s here on this earth for two weeks or for many more years, I’m going to do all I can to make him happy and feel safe. We are just enjoying living in the now and having fun together.”

Benny takes long walks two or three times a day and he’s already become a pretty big deal in the neighborhood. People enjoy greeting him when he’s outside and the neighbors wave to him when he’s sitting at his favorite spot in the house, watching squirrels through the front window.

Nancy Wagner and Benny, relaxing at home.
Nancy Wagner and Benny, relaxing at home.

“His needs are few and far between,” Nancy said. “He just wants to love and be loved. And being an older dog, he doesn’t need any training, doesn’t require a great deal of exercise and doesn’t get into trouble.  He’s easy. That’s the thing about older dogs…they’ve been around the block a few times, and they fit in at your home almost immediately.”

Once Benny is more settled into his new home, Nancy is hoping to take him to work with her at Aiken’s First Baptist Church, where she serves as financial secretary. Meanwhile, the 17-pound Beagle is receiving treatment to eliminate the heartworms, compliments of FOTAS.

“I love Benny and I think from now on, I’m going to adopt older dogs,” Nancy said. “A senior dog is as good as any younger dog but they’re quieter, calmer and much less work. They also are sweet and deserve all we can do for them. Because that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?

Their lives are in our hands.

— by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

paw_print_heart_stickers-r368b69be3802466f8feff0ba57adc012_v9w0n_8byvr_512

By the Numbers

February adoption special: Dogs & puppies $35, cats & kittens $10

 

Pets of the Week

LIZA
liza 1Retriever mix, female, 4 months old, black, 19.5 pounds – $35

 

APRIL
APRIL POTW FEB 25Domestic Shorthair, female, 1 year old, gray and black Tabby, 5.2 pounds – $10