Author Archives: Bob Gordon

2021, abandoned animals, Dogs, FOTAS, News, senior pets, surrendered pets

Sweet Savannah Wants To Be Your One and Only Pet

Posted on by Bob Gordon
28
Apr

Have you ever known someone who is funny, clever and exceptional around their friends but turns into a stammering, nervous individual when meeting new people? They become a shell of their true personality and shut down in front of strangers?

Savannah

Well, that can be true of dogs, too.

Savannah, a stunning, smart dog at the Aiken County Animal Shelter, is fun, playful and affectionate with people she knows. But when she first meets people, she becomes fearful and unsure of herself. She gets nervous, paces back and forth and sometimes hides behind the staff member introducing her to potential adopters.
It’s so frustrating. Savannah has all the goods but doesn’t do well in her interviews. We think this is the main reason she’s been waiting for a home longer than any other dog on the adoption floor.

Poor Savannah arrived at the shelter because her owners surrendered her when they moved. She was shell-shocked to find herself in a kennel among so many other dogs. She is also 10 years old and doesn’t like to share her home with other pets.

But if you want just one great pet in your life to be your loyal companion, Savannah is the perfect dog for you. She walks wonderfully on a leash. She’s athletic, goofy — and cuddly once she knows she can trust you. When she feels safe with you, Savannah gives you all of her love.

But don’t take my word for it. Here are some testimonials from FOTAS volunteers:

“Savannah is a beauty inside and out,” says Jody Clark. “She is very loving and will richly reward her forever family with endless devotion and affection. We volunteers will so happy when Savannah is chosen by her lucky someone!”
“I walk Savannah every morning,” says Jackie Edel. “As soon as she sees me, her tail starts wagging. Right after she relieves herself, she is delighted to play and be petted.”

“Savannah is a gem,” exclaims Jennifer Jotblad. “Do not let her age fool you. She is a fun and energetic lady. She loves to be brushed, will flop over anytime for a good belly scratch, and chases tennis balls with gusto. She is super sweet and once she knows you, her true, fun-loving personality shines.”

Savannah gives Nicole Simons a kiss.

So, if you don’t have any pets but are looking for one dog to be your best buddy, come see Savannah. Take her on a Doggie Day Out or even have her sleep over. Once you spend some time with this special girl, it won’t be long before you see her true personality and fall in love with her.

To meet Savannah, please call the Aiken County Animal Shelter, 803.642.1537 (option # 5) or email info@fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2021, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, kitten season, kittens, News, Uncategorized

ACAS Is Your Chief Resource for Upcoming Kitten Season

Posted on by Bob Gordon
09
Apr

A flood of kittens is about to hit the area. It happens every year, starting in April, peaking in July and August, and sometimes continuing into November. Feline babies of every color, fur length and breed type will soon be popping up throughout the country – including Aiken County.

A kitten is bottle-fed by a foster volunteer.

Here is what you can do to help.

Remember that mama knows best
Before you pick up any kittens, determine if the kittens’ mother is around. Kittens do best when they are with their mother, who instinctively knows how to nurture and protect her young, ensuring they grow up strong and healthy. The mother’s milk is crucial to providing the kittens powerful nutrients for their immune systems. If the kittens are underage (less than 2 pounds or younger than eight weeks old) and mom is still around and taking care of them, leave the kittens where they are until they are weaned. To help the mama cat, you can provide shelter and put out food nearby.

If the kittens’ mom is not around, wait at least two hours to see if she comes back. If she doesn’t return, foster the kittens (or find someone who is willing to foster) until they are at least two pounds. This is done through bottle-feeding the kittens until they are ready to eat on their own.

Foster orphaned kittens until they are old enough to be adopted
FOTAS provides “kitten kits” containing supplies you need to take care of the kittens until they are old enough to come to the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS).

While kittens under four weeks old need to be bottle fed, older kittens just need a little of your time to nurture and socialize them, as well as make them feel loved.

“Even if you have just 20 minutes twice a day to be with your foster kittens, it is more than we have the capacity to do at the shelter,” explained ACAS Adoption Coordinator Hillary Clark-Kulis. “If you can help us by fostering, we will make sure they are adopted to loving homes.”.

Wisp, Willow, Breezy and Bubbles were found wild and dirty. But after a few weeks in a foster home, they were healthy, social and adoptable.

If you are unsure of the kittens’ age or care needs, you can bring them to the shelter for assessment and we can help you decide on a plan for adoption or direct you to other options, such as our TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return), which is free to Aiken County residents, or the spay/neuter voucher program. You can also call the shelter for counsel.

Fosters are needed for kittens in 2021
Because citizens are sometimes unable to bottle feed and socialize the kittens they find, we have a small team of FOTAS fosters who take in babies and give them the care they require. These amazing volunteers save many feline lives each year. To join this special team, please go to the FOTAS website (fotasaiken.org) or call the shelter at (803) 642-1537.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2021, abandoned animals, Bully Dogs, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, kennel stress, News

More Fosters Needed as County Animal Shelter Fills Up

Posted on by Bob Gordon
22
Mar

The need for foster homes is great. The Aiken County Animal Shelter is filling up as it does every spring. This causes us to run short on room but also increases the stress level in the kennels.

I have been fostering dogs and puppies for six years and absolutely love it! My dogs are more socialized because they have met and played with so many others. My son is more compassionate because he has met some of the greatest dogs that others abandoned.

I love how the Wagner family says it: “You get a new dog every week!! Free! How could you beat that?”

Breanne Maraman has been fostering dogs with us for years now and shared her view on our foster program:

Marlow plays with other pets in his foster home.

“I love being able to foster dogs through the FOTAS program. Getting them out of the shelter, if even for just a few days, is such an asset to their adoption journey. Once in a more relaxed environment out of the shelter you really get to see each dog’s personality blossom. This really helps us prepare their potential adoption family to what they’ll be like once in a new home.

“The FOTAS program is great because there are so many fostering options. You can choose short- or long-term placements based on your availability, work schedule, prior commitments, etc. There is never any pressure for me to take a foster if it’s not the right time for me personally. The staff also knows each of their foster families personally, what their homes are like, and what dogs will work best for them. It’s such a well-tailored and executed program that’s able to help countless animals find their forever homes.”

Not all of us foster dogs the same way. Some of our foster families have farms and use open stalls to house dogs as well as mother dogs and puppies. Their foster pups sleep in a stall and get regular walks/exercise throughout the day. The dogs are so grateful to be out of a kennel and in a safe place.

There is no expense to you. FOTAS will send food, toys and a crate, if needed. Anything you need we will provide. We just ask that you pick up a great dog, give them a safe place and some kindness. You will not regret it.

Marlow was fostered by Breanne Maraman.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2021, adopter feedback, Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS, News

Never Say Never: An Adoption Success Story

Posted on by Bob Gordon
18
Mar

Never say never. That’s something I’ve learned over the years, and it’s something that came into full realization when Hitch entered my orbit.

“I saw the cutest little Chihuahua mix at the animal shelter today,” is how my fiancé’ Hallie started the conversation.
Chihuahua? Cute? Wait a second. That’s a little dog, isn’t it?

Years ago, my wacky aunt would often – and unexpectedly – show up at my family’s suburban home with a teacup dog emerging from her shoulder purse. While the dogs would change every few years, her effusive attention to the latest canine couture always remained front and center… as were the impromptu fashion shows she presented to my parents’ fixed smiles and internal eyerolls.

HITCH on the ACAS adoption floor.

So, as much as I wanted a dog, my parents felt that my aunt’s visits adequately satisfied their desire to have one. My opportunities to bond with a dog of my own would have to wait until years later.

When I met Hallie later in life, I knew she was nearly-exclusively connected to large animals, and my life with her was woven with horses and giant-breed Scottish Deerhounds. So, when she surprised me with this new addition to our family, the rush of ancient memories of my aunt returned.

I think Hallie knew that I needed a little guy. Then Hitch began to pour his own magic into our home.
Practically hairless from flea allergies, Hitch had wild tufts sprouting from his chin and eyebrows. But this little guy was also soulful and confident. A mix between a Chihuahua and Yoda with some Terrier in there, and a little bit of Mr. Miyagi from “The Karate Kid” as well. I could tell that life on the street had taken its toll. But it had also made him a very observant and patient little fellow. I doubted he had experienced many dress-up days with humans in the past.

As he checked out his new digs and weaved his way between the long-legged Deerhounds in the house, he often stopped in his tracks to try to make eye contact with me. I did not dare return his long gazes. Who does this little guy think he is, anyway? He may have won over Hallie with that stuff, but I was never going to be a little dog pushover.
Well, that didn’t last long. Before I knew it, he was finding his openings to jump in my lap and curl up with his eyes tightly closed before I could react. Clearly, he knew I was overdue for some little dog love. So, I surrendered the fight.

But I won the game.

HITCH at home with Hallie Glennie

Hitch has become the absolute heart of the family. His coat has grown full and shiny, and his disposition is one of enthusiasm and joie de vie. When the Deerhounds run in the Hitchcock Woods at breakneck speed, he sprints around them, like a referee at an NBA basketball game. He constantly checks on me, making sure that I know he’s there for that special little dog heart connection.

Remember when I said never say never? I have one exception to that rule. I never want Hitch to leave my side.

— by Rip Russell

2021, Demodex, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, News, PUPPIES, Transfer, Volunteer

The Joys of Fostering from an Expert

Posted on by Bob Gordon
05
Mar

We began fostering puppies with FOTAS and Aiken County Animal Shelter shortly after seeing the conditions in the old shelter on Wire Road. In the almost 10 years since then, we have fostered more than 600 puppies, and our incredible new shelter was built. The only thing that hasn’t changed is that our shelter remains full.

Joy, Noel and Holly before fostering.

We set a rule when we began, that if we kept a puppy we were fostering, we would have to stop fostering. So far, so good. Each litter has had its own unique quality. When we first lost some medically compromised puppies, we decided as a family that while we could not save every puppy that came into our house, every one of them would know that they were named and loved.

Right before this past Christmas, we got a call from the shelter about three puppies that were found in horrid conditions. They were sick with a condition called Demodex. It is a condition where the puppies’ immune systems are compromised and they lose their hair, get covered in scabs from bites from a type of mite, and are swollen all over.

We brought these three young puppies into our house and named them Joy, Noel and Holly. It felt weird to hold them because their skin was so rough and was literally peeling off them. Two of the puppies’ eyes were swollen shut. They were miserable. Our black Lab (Diego) normally plays with all the puppies that come into our house, and he was afraid to go near them at first.

The pups after fostering and treatment.

Over the next few weeks, the puppies’ skin began to heal, their fur began to grow back and they started to play and cuddle. They continued to improve and started playing with Diego and by the time they were ready for adoption, they were completely healthy puppies that no one would know had been so sick.

I can tell you that most foster experiences are much easier than what we dealt with having these three puppies, but every one of them is filled with some of the best parts of fostering. With each litter, we get to enjoy puppy breath, great cuddles and laughter. We have described it as “better than HBO.” I invite you to consider short-term fostering. Each animal that we have in a home rather than the shelter helps not only our county shelter, which is often full; but it also helps prepare the dogs and cats, so they are ready for their forever homes.

Father Grant Wiseman brings foster puppies to the county shelter, so the medical staff can treat them and measure their progress.

Our new shelter is fantastic and unfortunately full pretty much every day. If you can’t foster, consider volunteering to walk dogs or play with the cats in the feline facility. Anything we can do to help them be more comfortable makes them even more adoptable.

— By Fr. Grant Wiseman, FOTAS Foster

2021, Can I Crash on Your Couch? Program, DOGGIE DATES, Doggie Day Out, Dogs, FOTAS, kennel stress, News, Volunteer, Volunteers

Doggie Days Out: Win-Win Program for Four-Legged and Two-Legged!

Posted on by Bob Gordon
03
Mar

When FOTAS and the Aiken County Animal Shelter launched our Doggie Days Out Program, we had no idea just how beneficial it would be for the dogs. Turns out to be great for the volunteers as well!

Shelter dogs can shut down due to kennel stress. Some will cower in a corner, some will spin in circles, others will bark and jump. It is hard to watch a pet suffer in this way. This is why Doggie Days Out, away from the shelter are so important.

Promotional flyer/ad for Doggie Day Out.

We have a growing number of Aiken County residents who are taking advantage of this program. They take a dog for an hour or two, or even overnight. Many are former dog owners; others just enjoy the company during this pandemic.

“When I started volunteering at FOTAS, I came over weekly to walk your sweet doggies. Then I read your article about taking one home for the afternoon and I have loved this. I have noticed such a difference since I have started taking one home with me for a few hours. Our time together is invaluable for both of us. I get my personal doggie fix and they get undivided attention from us versus sharing us with other dogs.

“Also, having a chance to walk and play outside of their typical environment relaxes them and allows them to unwind. Many times, after walking them, I will let them run freely through my house and they seem to love this new freedom, away from their cage. I really have noticed such a difference in each of the sweet doggies after we have shared an afternoon. Their constant licks tell me that they have enjoyed the afternoon as much as I have and yet when we get back, they are always happy to see shelter staff. I have had my special doggie fix for the week and look forward to next week.” – Frère Miller

Laura Nearhoof returns to the shelter with Uki, who has since been adopted. The Doggie Days Out program is vital to reducing kennel stress and socializing dogs, making them better prepared for their forever homes.

“The best part about a Doggie Day Out is watching the dog and its behavior. We always start with a walk around the pond and then go back to our house, take their leash off and watch them run around in our fenced yard. From the time we pick them up to the time we bring them back, we get to see the dogs come out of their shell and enjoy just being a dog. We have had a couple that started off timid but by the time we took them back they couldn’t give us enough hugs and licks. We had to put our 17-year-old dachshund down in May of 2020 and, for now, are just not ready to commit fulltime to another dog. Doggie Days Out is helping us and we take joy in knowing we are helping the dogs socialize, feel loved, and find their forever home. If anyone asks if taking a dog for a walk or for an overnight is worth it, I would say it’s 1,000% worth it.” –Michael and Laura Nearhoof

We would love to see our dogs get more time away from the shelter. If you are interested, please call FOTAS, (803) 514-4313 or email us at info@fotasaiken.org. It is very easy to set up a pickup and drop off time. We will select a dog that fits with the activity you choose.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2021, adopter feedback, Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS, News, Therapy dog certification, Therapy Dogs

Shelter Dog Replaces Dog of a Lifetime

Posted on by Bob Gordon
23
Feb

FOTAS Programs Coordinator Kathy Jacobs knew Scott Albrecht and Harvey were meant to be together. When she first saw Harvey arrive at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS), she somehow divined that this handsome, black and brown, longhaired dog was the perfect match for him.

Harvey was found as a hungry stray at a Shell gas station in Williston and was brought to the shelter by a Good Samaritan. After mourning the death of his last dog, Shimmie, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever he adopted as a pup, Scott thought he was finally ready to find a new canine companion. Shimmie suffered a massive stroke when she was about 15 years old and Scott was having trouble getting over her.

Harvey shortly after arriving at the Aiken County Animal Shelter as a stray.

“I had been without a dog for some time and when I met Harvey at the shelter, he immediately got on his back and wanted me to rub his tummy, so we hit it off right away,” Scott said. “Harvey helped me bring closure to Shimmie’s passing.”

Scott’s mother, Joan Irvine, also fell in love with Harvey. She says she and her husband, Rich, enjoy babysitting the affectionate dog when Scott has to work 12-hour shifts as a production operator at Owens Corning in Aiken.

Joan has worked directly with rescues and shelters for more than 20 years, most recently as a FOTAS volunteer. Before the pandemic raised its ugly head, she brought adoptable ACAS dogs to the Aiken Petco nearly every Friday to showcase them and find them homes. She has been an animal advocate all her life and has had dogs since she was a little girl. Her first dog was a stray Fox Terrier puppy that her mom rescued when they stopped for fuel at a gas station. “My mother scooped her up and took her to the vet and she became part of the family,” she said.

Although Joan and Rich have two dogs of their own, they love having Harvey around and treat him kind of like a grandkid.

Scott Albrecht with Harvey, Feb. 2021

“Dogs are meant to be spoiled, in my opinion,” Joan said. “Since I don’t get to go out like I used to because of COVID-19, it’s really wonderful having him around.”

Because Harvey is such a calm, well-behaved, smart boy, Scott plans to get him certified as a therapy dog. Scott said Harvey has a strong nurturing instinct and seems know whether a stranger needs a hug or if he needs to give the person some space. When Harvey sees children, he is careful not to overwhelm them if they are scared.

COVID-19 has made it a challenge for Harvey to begin his path toward visiting and being a therapeutic presence in VA hospitals, homes for abused children and retirement homes. But Scott plans to enroll him in classes soon.

Harvey’s incredible,” Joan said. There is something about him. He makes you happy!”

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2021, donations, FOTAS, News, Where your donations go

The Real Story Behind the Numbers

Posted on by Bob Gordon
22
Feb

“Figures don’t lie, and liars don’t figure.”

Little Ricky gets adopted from the ACAS.

That old expression is important when we quantify the accomplishments over the years at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. This success story is a result of the continuous dedication of the shelter staff, FOTAS cherished volunteers, our county government, and a change in attitude throughout Aiken County.

FOTAS was formed in 2009 when the intake and euthanasia rates at the shelter were, putting it mildly, horrible. In 2014, because of the tremendous private/public relationship in the county, the much-needed new shelter was built.

Let’s take a look at some comparisons between 2013 (the year before the new shelter) and 2020:



As you can see, too many animals still end up at the shelter as strays or surrenders, but the trend is (finally!) downward. Three specific reasons account for this downward trend.

1. TNR/RTF (Trap, Neuter, Return/Return-To-Field). Homeless, outdoor, community cats are trapped and brought to the shelter by a citizen. The cats are fixed at the shelter through the sponsorship of FOTAS and the County, and then returned to their natural habitat. Spaying or neutering just one male and one female cat can prevent more than 2,000 unwanted births in just four years. The County began its TNR/RTF program in 2016. In 2020, 1,410 cats participated in this program.

A County Vet Tech prepares a TNR cat for surgery


2. Home-To-Home. FOTAS began its Home-to-Home program in 2019, where animal owners who can no longer keep their pet can go to the FOTAS website and promote their pet for re-homing free of charge. This program allows the pet to be adopted directly from the original owner to the new one, eliminating the trauma and stress (both owner and pet) of having to surrender a beloved friend to a public shelter.

3. Spay/Neuter. More pet owners are fixing their pets. The County and FOTAS make it easier for citizens with financial need to fix their pets through their spay/neuter voucher and Fido-Fix-A-Pet programs.

While the number of animals adopted, transferred to no-kill partner shelters, and returned to their owners have steadily increased, the changes in the number of animals saved or euthanized tells the most important story:

• In 2020, the number of animals saved increased by 2,481, an increase of 149%.
• In 2020, the number of animals euthanized decreased by 3,483, a decrease of 96%. Only 144 animals were euthanized in 2020 because they were too sick to treat or too dangerous/aggressive.

Berrie and her adopter, Katelyn Logan.

These two statistics speak for volumes about the dedicated support of the volunteers, fosters, donors, adopters, and shelter staff, as well County Council’s commitment to the betterment of the County Shelter and the animals in need in our community. All the lifesaving programs, all the cooperation, and all the love is working. On behalf of the homeless animals of Aiken County, THANK YOU!

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Jennifer Miller, FOTAS President

2021, Doggie Day Out, Dogs, FOTAS, News, Pibbles

Shelter Dog Seaver Will Dance His Way Into Your Heart

Posted on by Bob Gordon
04
Feb

Seaver is a dancing machine. No, really! When this handsome dog gets excited, his front two feet become a blur as he gracefully taps his paws on the ground like a canine Fred Astaire. When he anticipates going for a walk, receiving a treat or meeting a new person, his eyes light up, his tail slaps the floor and his white paws jump and glide while he smiles and prances in place.

Sweet Seaver arrived at the Aiken County Animal Shelter more than 6 weeks ago and is still looking for a forever home. If you would like to adopt this wonderful dog, please call the shelter, (803) 642-1537, option 5 or send an email to info@fotasaiken.org.

It is adorable to see 4-year-old, 64-pound Seaver express his joy this way and we thought posting a video of him in action would catch the attention of potential adopters. But despite getting thousands of views and many shares on social media, Seaver is still looking for a forever home.

Besides his great moves, Seaver is also an extremely good-looking dog. His black coat with white markings on his feet, face and chest combined with his soulful eyes make him a stunner. He’s also housebroken and walks well on a leash. And did I mention he loves children? He does and he instinctively knows to be gentle around little ones.

Seaver on a Doggie Day Out.

Yet, still this amazing dog sits in his shelter kennel, waiting for a home.
Seaver also loves to go on car rides. He’s been on numerous Doggie Days Out with volunteers and behaves himself, enjoying the scenery and human company. Nearly every time he returns from his Doggie Day Out adventures, the folks comment on what a terrific boy he is.

Seaver dances in place when he gets excited.

But despite these rave reviews, he’s on his second month of watching other dogs get chosen instead of him. So, what’s going on here?

We’re not sure but we think it is because Seaver does best being an only pet. He is not generally aggressive towards other pets and can be seen at the shelter giving kisses to dogs that walk by his kennel. But he doesn’t want to share his home with other animals and this limits his adoption opportunities.

However, if you are looking for just one awesome dog to be your best friend for life, Seaver is ready to dance his way into your heart. If you would like to adopt Seaver and can give him a loving home or know someone who would be a good match for this cutie, please call the Aiken County Animal Shelter, 803.642.1537 (option # 5) or email info@fotasaiken.org and make an appointment to visit him.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2021, abandoned animals, ANIMAL CRUELTY, Cats, FOTAS, neglected pets, News, senior pets

Abandoned Senior Cat Snowball Deserves So Much Better

Posted on by Bob Gordon
03
Feb

She was devastated when they didn’t return home. Beautiful, 7-year-old house cat Snowball was abandoned and left outside to fend for herself when her owners moved away.

For six months, this senior white cat was on her own, braving the elements and foraging for food. Luckily, a kind neighbor eventually noticed her wandering outside and fed the hungry feline. But the neighbor was allergic to cats and couldn’t keep her; so when the temperatures started dropping in mid-November, they brought Snowball to the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

Snowball was saved by a neighbor of the owners who abandoned her.

When Snowball first arrived, she was scared and did not want any attention. She was clearly confused, upset and not ready to trust again. We put her in a cat condo located in the front lobby, where she remained quiet and glued to her bed. Staff and volunteers periodically visited her and pet her. She allowed people to stroke her fur briefly but then, in a moment of uncertainty, she gently swatted their hand away. It was heartbreaking to see her so sad and distressed.

We moved Snowball to our cat facility – a building that features two big rooms, where cats can run around, play and perch on tall cat trees. When temperatures are milder, the facility also allows the cats to relax in an enclosed, outdoor “catio”. The combination of Snowball enjoying more living space and receiving consistent human affection broke her out of her despair. She now loves it when people visit her and purrs happily when petted. She’s ready to find her forever home.

So, if you are looking for a wonderful kitty to keep you company, make an appointment to visit Snowball. Despite having so much love to give, senior cats like her are often the last to get adopted. However, they make great pets because they understand what it means to be rescued and are most thankful for a second chance at a good life. Senior cats also are already litter box trained and less likely to misbehave. They love to relax as much as you do and make great couch companions! Snowball is happiest when she is napping with you or perched by the window, watching what’s going on outside.

Snowball is a senior housecat who became depressed when she was brought to the shelter. But once she got her bearings, she began to trust again and once again became a loving, affectionate feline.

If you would like to adopt Snowball for only $10, please make an appointment to see her by calling the Aiken County Animal Shelter, 803.642.1537 and choose option #5. Or send a short email to info@FOTASAiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director