Author Archives: Bob Gordon

2020, Demodex, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, kennel stress, neglected pets, News

Fostering Helps Save Dogs Rescued from Hoarding Situation

Posted on by Bob Gordon
26
Apr

In early February, the shelter received a large group of dogs from a hoarding situation. These poor canines were not only fearful, but also emaciated, covered in fleas — and many were bald from demodectic mange.

We were desperate to find help for these horrified, neglected animals, as shelter life is not the best for a stressed animal. That is when FOTAS supporters Steven and Doris Briggs offered their help.

SADIE needs a secure and loving home to help her bloom into a wonderful canine companion.

“Since we live on a horse farm and have the perfect set up for taking in more dogs, we started fostering shelter animals to help get them ready for their forever homes,” Doris explained. “We have had four rescue dogs, one of which was a well-known therapy dog. But we are committed to working with fosters.”

The Briggs’ property has an 8-acre paddock with wire fencing and an extra stall, so they agreed to take three of the hoarded dogs.

“I have never seen such pitiful, scared little things in my life,” Doris said. “There were a few challenges we had to work with. Initially, they lived in the barn but as you might guess, they ended up in the house. Six dogs in the bedroom at night was a new experience for us, but it helped socialize them.”

After two months, most of the dogs were ready to leave but one of them – 2-year-old Sadie – was still sad and motley-looking, so Doris thought she needed more time.

Doris Briggs walks her foster dogs.

“I said let me keep her till she’s presentable and somebody will want her,” Doris explained. “I understand the two that left have been happily adopted and Sadie is doing much better and her coat is filling in nicely.”

Having fosters during the coronavirus crisis has worked out well at the Briggs home and Doris encourages others to take in shelter dogs to help prepare them for their forever homes.

“The self-isolation that we are undergoing has been the perfect time to devote time to these darling little dogs,” she said.

Sadie will be available soon but she will need a secure and loving home so she can continue to bloom into a confident, healthy canine companion.

Times are changing and we don’t know what the future holds with this pandemic. Self-isolation is a very uncomfortable and lonely condition for all of us – not unlike the sad scenario that plays out for unwanted pets when they find themselves at a shelter.

Dogs from a hoarding home rarely receive the love and attention they need.

We are blessed to have so many people responding to our pleas to foster and adopt. Please continue to follow us on social media and fotasaiken.org to see what pets are available. Also, be sure to check out the FOTAS Home to Home website. There are many available pets posted on this site that need new homes and can be adopted for no charge directly from their owners: https://fotas.home-home.org/.

As Doris stated so eloquently, this is the perfect time to devote to these pets in need.

Their lives are in our hands.

Note: Due to COVID-19, the ACAS is closed to the public. If you are interested in adopting, please call the ACAS, (803) 642-1537 for an appointment. Adoption fees are waived until further notice.


— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2020, Adoption, bonded pets, Cats, Dogs, FOTAS, making care-giving arrangements for pets, News, SOCIAL MEDIA, surrendered pets

Bonded Dog and Cat Saved After Owner Goes into Assisted Living

Posted on by Bob Gordon
16
Apr

Everything fell apart for Fergus and George when their owner’s health deteriorated, forcing him to move into an assisted living facility. Broken-hearted, Robert Toole brought Fergus, a 2-year-old, tan Chihuahua, and George, an 11-year-old cream-colored cat, to the Aiken County Animal Shelter on Jan. 8 and tearfully said goodbye to his sweet pets.

Fergus snuggles with Mia, the Usrys’ Golden Retriever,

Since Robert was able to provide their medical records, the pair became available for adoption immediately. Terrified and wondering why they were at the shelter, Fergus and George huddled together and it quickly became clear to the shelter staff that these two pets needed to be adopted to the same home.

FOTAS friend Martha Anne Tudor posted pictures of Fergus and George on her Facebook page along with their sad story. The post was shared by thousands, including WRDW-TV News 12, which did an on-air feature about the bonded dog and cat.

On the morning of January 9, before the shelter had even opened its doors, Lynn Usry was waiting outside, ready to adopt Fergus and George.

“My friend forwarded me the Facebook post and their eyes just spoke to me,” Lynn said. “As soon as I saw the two of them in their kennel, I knew they would be perfect for our home.”

Lynn Usry hangs out with her Chihuahua crew — Bert, Fergus and Ernie.

Lynn brought them home to meet her husband, Mark, and their other pets – and the transition could not have gone smoother. George started hanging out with the couple’s other senior cat, Mojo, and after about a week, Fergus and Mia, their Golden Retriever, were inseparable. Fergus and George also get along with the Usrys’ other Chihuahuas, Bert and Ernie, and Marley, their male Golden Retriever.

“We all hang out together,” Lynn explained during a phone interview last week. “Right now, Bert and Ernie are sitting in one recliner and Fergus is on my lap underneath his favorite red blanket. He’s a spitfire and fits right into our group. He often curls up with Mia and uses her as a pillow.”

Lynn offered to bring Fergus and George for visits to their old owner, Mr. Toole. But when the shelter staff reached out to him on her behalf, he declined. He said the experience would be too painful for him.

Bonded pets Fergus (left) and George were devastated when their owner had to go into an assisted living facility — where they weren’t allowed to join him.

The Usrys have a small farm with goats and chickens and Lynn said she’s finding great comfort being with her pets during the COVID-19 crisis. She’s a retired OR nurse and Mark is currently the director of University Hospital’s biomedical department.

“The adoption process was wonderful,” Lynn said. “Everybody was very kind. I took the babies home and they didn’t have any issues. I think God just meant it to happen…to have everything fall into place.”

Their lives are in our hands.

Note: Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the ACAS is closed to the public. If you are interested in adopting a pet, please call the ACAS, (803) 642-1537 for an appointment. Adoption fees are waived until further notice.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2020, Adoption, coronavirus crisis, Dogs, FOTAS, News, SELECTING A PET

FOTAS: The Fate of a Dog During the Coronavirus Crisis

Posted on by Bob Gordon
12
Apr

My name is Buck, and although I’m just a dog, I know a thing or two about this coronavirus. First of all, I know I can’t get it or give it to a human – whew! That’s a relief. Also, because schools and businesses have closed, I know lots of people are staying at home and they’re trying to figure out what to do next. Many of them have decided it’s a grand time to adopt a dog. How smart is that?

Even though the shelter is closed to walk-ins, dogs like Baya are being adopted by appointment during the coronavirus crisis.

Turns out, it was fabulous news for Yours Truly. I’d been at the Aiken County Animal Shelter for a few weeks after my previous owner dumped me there – not sure why, but I was pretty worried, I tell you. Then a family of four made an appointment with the shelter to adopt a dog, and guess what? They chose me. Me! Can you believe it? My new family told the shelter staff how happy they were that all adoption fees are waived now. No clue what that means, but if they’re happy, I’m happy. Period.

The whole family is home now, and they spend non-stop time with me. I adore the attention. They feed me great food and take me outside to do my business. Look, I’m totally housebroken, so I know what I’m supposed to do, but when I do it, they get all excited and say things like “good boy, good boy” and give me a treat.

Whoa! Not a bad deal! I prance around and wag my tail all happy-like and pretend I made outside because they are such great trainers. Like I said: if they’re happy, I’m happy – that’s just the kind of pal I am.

Vinnie (left) gets adopted outside before heading home with his new sibling.

There’s only one tiny negative so far. I’m a world-class napper, and just when I’m about to nod off, they call me to go outside and chase a tennis ball. They throw the ball; I retrieve the ball – over and over and over again. But here’s the thing: they stand in one place and throw; but me, I run and retrieve, run and retrieve, all at full speed. It’s great fun, for sure. But I have to admit, before long, I start thinking about that soft spot on the couch and my nap.

When they finally take me back inside, I slurp up some fresh water and skedaddle for the sofa and a well-deserved snooze. Ahh. Heaven.

I get lots of hugs and rubs from my new family. They tell me what a nice boy I am and how happy they are I live with them. They have no idea how good their rubs and hugs feel or how ecstatic I am to have a home. It’s nice to be loved. I’ll do anything to please them, including chasing that dadgum tennis ball as much as they want.

Archer gets some much-needed sleep during his short break from the shelter with a FOTAS foster.

I hope the virus goes away, but in the meantime, it’s an excellent time for folks to adopt my pals still at the shelter, like Archer, who’s sad and urgently needs a home.


Please don’t wait.


Their lives are in our hands.


— By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS VP, and Peter Miller

2020, Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS, neglected pets, News, Volunteer

A FOTAS Love Story: Fate and the Redemptive Power of Love

Posted on by Bob Gordon
07
Apr

This week’s story is one about serendipity—a series of coincidental and seemingly unrelated events and encounters that resulted in happy good fortune for a scared, abandoned dog and a man stricken by grief.

Bryce Lingo, a resident of Delaware, is a frequent winter visitor in Aiken. An accomplished equestrian, Bryce travels from his farm in Virginia with his horses to train with his friend, Snowden Clarke. The past year has been difficult for Bryce—he lost his dad, his older brother, and last October, he lost his 10-year-old German Shorthair Pointer to cancer. By the time he reached Aiken in January, he was looking forward to relaxing in Aiken in the company of his friends, but on Valentine’s Day, tragedy struck again. His other beloved German Shorthair Pointer, Hartley, was struck and killed by a car. Bryce was devastated.

Gill (renamed Aiken) on his new owner;s bed

Enter Sam Cato, a longtime FOTAS supporter, volunteer, adopter, and foster, with whom Bryce had become friendly with over the years. Sam, upon hearing about Bryce’s heartbreaking loss of Hartley, did one of those things Sam does best—which was to lobby Bryce to adopt a dog from the county shelter to ease his grief. Bryce was not opposed to rescuing a dog, but he and his family had a long history with, and singular allegiance to, German Shorthair Pointers. Since the shelter rarely takes in purebred animals (much less German Shorthair Pointers), Sam did not push the point.

Two weeks later, Sam made an impromptu decision to take a houseguest out to the county shelter for a tour. As they walked through the adoption pods to check out the canine residents, she stopped, stunned, in front of a kennel in Pod 2. There, cowering in terror in the back of the kennel, was a magnificent German Shorthair Pointer (called Gill by shelter staff) who had been picked up as a stray and only moments before been released from Intake and moved to the adoption floor. Sam wasted no time in snapping Gill’s photo and sending it to Bryce, who had returned to his farm in Virginia the week before. By mid-afternoon, Bryce had formally adopted Gill and made arrangements with a local man to pick him up and drive him to Bryce’s Farm in Virginia.

Today Aiken (Gill’s new name) is resting comfortably at Bryce’s home in Delaware, recovering from being neutered and on antibiotics for heartworm treatment. Says Bryce, “He’s so sweet and quiet, but he’s also very shy and traumatized. He gets better every day: he sleeps on my bed and thumps his tail when I speak to him. My nieces lavish him with attention and my female Siamese cat spends lots of time grooming his face and ears. I wish I knew what had happened to this guy. How could someone just dump him on some county road and drive away?”

Aiken is a sweet and quiet dog who’s learning to come out of his shell and trust people..

Ah ha. That’s the question—one we fret about all the time: how could someone be so callous and so irresponsible to leave a helpless animal to an unknown fate? But in this case, Aiken was lucky, and Bryce has been blessed. They found each other in their time of need.

Maybe—just maybe—that was their fate all along.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

2020, Cats, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, News, Spay/Neuter

County Shelter Emergency: Transfers Cancelled Due to COVID-19

Posted on by Bob Gordon
30
Mar

As the coronavirus spreads throughout the United States, the ways in which our daily lives are affected become more apparent with each passing day. Shortages in household goods, widespread closing of public places, self-quarantine, and social distancing are becoming the norm in a world stricken by the pandemic. Now is the time to focus on protecting the most vulnerable among us: the elderly, the immune-compromised, and, yes, homeless animals.

Now is the time to focus on protecting the most vulnerable among us: the elderly, the immune-compromised, and, yes, homeless animals.

Over the past two years, the Aiken County Animal Shelter was able to do something no one thought was possible: find a home for all adoptable animals and reserve euthanasia for only the fatally sick and the very dangerous. We were able to do that through innovative care and adoption programs as well as a robust transfer program.

Little Murphy goes home with foster Chenoa Shields during the COVID-19 crisis period.

The pandemic is seriously jeopardizing that success because our transfer partners are eliminating out-of-state transfers because of operational concerns, particularly staffing reductions caused by illness; the anticipation of greater intake caused by folks in the community unable to care for their animals; and even the possibility of shutting down public operations to reduce community spread. These are valid concerns and prudent actions for all shelters, including the county shelter, in light of this unprecedented emergency.

Without your help, the combination of these factors will spell “death sentence” to otherwise healthy animals as overcrowding at the shelter becomes unmanageable and unhealthy. That’s bad news at a time when bad news dominates our daily lives.

How can you help? There are several ways.

1. If you are able, please consider adopting another dog or cat. The shelter is waiving adoption fees until further notice.

2. If you can’t adopt permanently, but you have an empty stall, a fenced in yard, a suitable shelter, please consider fostering animals for some period of time. As always, FOTAS can help you with supplies, if necessary, as long as our supplies last.

3. Do you know someone who is ill and has a pet? Perhaps you can help them care for, feed, or walk their pet. Your assistance could mean the difference between a beloved pet staying home while their owner recovers or being surrendered to the shelter.

Archer needs a home where he can finally feel loved and be your one and only pet.

4. Please, please become an outspoken advocate for spay/neuter, particularly now in this crisis right in the middle of the breeding season. No one should be bringing more puppies and kittens into the world when so many homeless animals need homes.

The Center for Disease Control and the World Organization for Animal Health have issued advisories saying there is no evidence companion animals can spread the virus and “there is no justification for taking measures against companion animals which may compromise their welfare.”

Given the common-sense requirement for social distancing and self-quarantine, our pets may be our only protection against the devastating effects of social isolation. We will need our pets as much as they need us in the trying times to come.

Although the county has closed the shelter to regular public traffic for the safety of the community and shelter personnel, it will be open for adoptions/fosters by appointment, which will take place outside. Call the shelter (803-642-1537) between 9:00-4:30 (Mon.-Fri.) for adoption/foster appointments or email info@fotasaiken.org for more information.

Thank you and God bless.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

2020, animal abuse, Chained dogs, County animal laws, Dogs, fostering, FOTAS, injured animals, neglected pets, News

The Discarding of Countless Litters in Our Community Is Sad and Unacceptable

Posted on by Bob Gordon
24
Mar

“We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.”
— Immanuel Kant

Last month, a very kind couple arrived at the shelter with a litter of puppies. They explained that they had been caring for the five-week-old pups for a week or so. We were all saddened to hear that someone tied the pups in a garbage bag and left them on the side of the road, in front of the couple’s home. They would have ignored the bag, but thought they saw it moving. Carefully opening the plastic bag, the couple discovered sad, hungry, filthy puppies inside. The pups were hungry and terrified.

Who does that? Not only could the puppies have died an agonizing death but somewhere there is a mother dog mourning her missing puppies – a mama dog who likely will be having another unwanted litter in the future.

Celeste arrived at the shelter starving to death but somehow recovered completely and was adopted.

This litter was extremely lucky because the couple that found them cared. They stopped, they bathed them, and they fed them.

How often do we drive by a cardboard box or bag on the side of the road? Sadly, I now wonder how often there are puppies or kittens in that box.

As I am writing this, a nice couple walked into the shelter with a crate holding two puppies. They said they were driving and looked out their window and saw the crate with puppies in the woods. They turned their car around to investigate. Two small and social puppies sitting in a crate with a blanket looked up at them with relief in their eyes.

“I have two rescue dogs and two rescue cats…I felt bad when I saw them, they could’ve died there,” said Angela Franks.

Patty the kitten lost her eye to a bad infection because she was discarded like trash.

Every day, another homeless dog or cat arrives at the shelter “damaged”. By that, I mean they come in shot, hit by a motor vehicle, tossed out of a car, or abandoned in the woods or by the road.

Staff and volunteers are continually confused as to why people would hurt or abandon an animal when there are resources around such as the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) and FOTAS. We have an easy to use site where we can post your pet to rehome at no charge. The County also offers vouchers to help assist those who cannot afford to fix their pets and FOTAS helps through our Fix a Pet program. There is absolutely no reason for the countless litters we see discarded and neglected in our community.

The shelter takes in 300 to 500 dogs and cats each month. The struggle is finding homes for all these pets and yet it is so very easy to prevent these high numbers. Kitten season is quickly approaching and the staff is already preparing by stocking up on formula, baby bottles and supplies. Soon we will have kittens coming in around the clock and never enough foster homes to bottle feed them.

These two puppies, left in the woods to die, were saved by a local couple and brought to the ACAS.

We are desperate for foster homes for litters of puppies and kittens as well as foster homes for those recovering from medical procedures. If you are interested in fostering or becoming a volunteer, please contact FOTAS at info@FOTASaiken.org or stop by the ACAS.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2020, Bully Dogs, Chained dogs, Dogs, FOTAS, kennel stress, News, Pibbles

Affectionate Shelter Dog Baya Is One Marvelous Mutt

Posted on by Bob Gordon
09
Mar

Mutts are a tribute to the creativity of nature, each one unique—a mix of physical and behavioral characteristics divinely inspired and executed. As a rule, thanks to a broader, more diverse gene pool, mutts live longer, healthier lives than their purebred canine pals. According to DogTime.com, mutts are the ultimate family dog:

“. . . the mixed breed excels where the purebred lacks . . . his intensity is softer than his pedigreed cousins, his drives and compulsions mercifully muted. The mutt’s loyalty, warmth, and deep desire to please, however, remain as fiercely intact as any dog you could choose to create.”

Pretty BAYA dresses up for St. Paddy’s Day photo.

We love mutts at the Aiken County Animal Shelter; we see thousands of them every year. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors: small and large; short-haired and rough-coated; spotted; dappled, and plain; muscular and petite; dignified and cute; yappy and quiet; energetic and couch potatoes; friendly and reserved. Some dogs are unbearably cute, but they are by far the minority at the shelter. Most of our mutts are graduates of the school of hard knocks, and while they may not represent the classic ideal of canine beauty, we are strong believers in “pretty is as pretty does.”

Baya is a perfect example. She lies on her blanket patiently and sits quietly in her kennel. She is the picture of good manners. Thanks to our Can I Crash on Your Couch? program, we also know Baya is housebroken, loves her crate, and knows basic commands. She is affectionate and loves to cuddle.

Yet, despite all of these lovely attributes, Baya holds the unfortunate distinction of being the shelter’s longest resident on the adoption floor. People walk by her kennel without a second look, day after day for the past two months, thanks to a number of factors that are not her fault. Her coat is black, and there is documented adoption bias nationally against black-colored dogs. She is older — County Shelter Veterinarian Dr. Levy estimates her age at about seven years old.

Sweet, big-hearted BAYA has been waiting for a home longer than any other pet on the Aiken County Animal Shelter adoption floor.

Baya has a square head, and even though the shape of her head is an accident of random gene selection and not indicative of behavior, many people are wary of dogs that look like bully breeds. Finally, she is defensive with other dogs (most likely because she was chained and tethered for long periods of time) and needs to be the only dog in the home.

It’s a shame—truly. Baya is as affectionate and loyal as they come. She loves children. She likes nothing more than a good walk and a tummy rub—maybe an opportunity to announce her presence to the dogs in the yard and return to your side to sit on your feet.

We live in a society that favors beauty and youth, but we know from experience that beauty is only skin deep. What really matters, in people and in dogs, is what’s in their heart. By that measure, we know Baya is, quite simply, one beautiful dog.

Please don’t wait. Baya needs a home. We are certain she will bring joy and love to the lucky family who claims her as their own.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

2020, Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS, News, senior pets, SOCIAL MEDIA, surrendered pets, Volunteers

Power of Social Media Saves Bonded Senior Shelter Dogs

Posted on by Bob Gordon
03
Mar

A woman from Ohio saw two bonded, senior Beagle mix siblings, Benson and Aggie, posted on Facebook and, with a little help from some FOTAS friends, adopted them and had them in her home in less than 24 hours.

That’s the power of social media and a great example of how it saves homeless pets’ lives every day. When you share a FOTAS Facebook post or create your own post about a dog or cat available at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS), that pet’s face and description reaches more people than any advertisement or print media – and often results in a successful adoption.

Benson and Aggie make themselves at home.

For Benson and Aggie, their journey to a new home began when Martinez, GA resident Steve Wall saw Martha Anne Tudor’s Facebook post about the two dogs in need and decided to share it on one of his favorite Facebook community pages, called “I love my Beagle.” Cindy Lejeune of Cleveland, Ohio saw Steve’s post and commented that she missed her two late Beagles who had recently died from cancer less than two months apart. From there, Cindy contacted Steve on Facebook messenger and a dialogue began.

After communicating with Steve, Cindy wanted to learn more about the dogs, so she called the ACAS and talked to FOTAS volunteer Joanne Goble. Joanne answered all of Cindy’s questions and told her that the Benson and Aggie had been on the adoption floor for a long time. Joanne also explained that their previous owner had passed away and that’s how the poor senior dogs had ended up in the shelter.

Aggie & Benson were staff and volunteer favorites but they kept being overlooked by potential adopters until a woman in Ohio saw their picture and story on Facebook.

“Everyone was so helpful and friendly,” Cindy said. “But I wasn’t sure how I was going to get them here. To be honest, I was a little afraid of driving all the way to Aiken and back by myself.”

Then Steve Wall made a very generous offer. He said he could transport Benson and Aggie part of the way. If they met at Beckley, WV – the halfway point between Aiken and Cleveland – it would cut her trip in half.

Steve Wall and ACAS shelter dogs Benson & Aggie meet Cindy Lejeune in West Virginia.

“I told her we shouldn’t let 675 miles stop these dogs from finding a good home,” he said.

Cindy agreed and on Saturday, Feb. 22, Steve picked up Benson and Aggie for their ride to a forever home. Shelter staff members and FOTAS Program Coordinator Kathy Jacobs processed the dogs and got them ready, so Steve could pick them up first thing in the morning.

At 3:30 in the afternoon, Steve and the dogs met Cindy at a BP gas station in Beckley. Steve also passed along their paperwork, medical records and toys. By 8:30 p.m., Benson and Aggie were safe and sound in their new home.

“They’re such sweet dogs,” Cindy said. “Benson jumped up on the bed right away and made it clear he was sleeping there and Aggie, who’s a real sweetheart, slept with her head on my shoulder.”

–By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2020, Adoption, Cats, Dogs, FOTAS, Home-to-Home adoption program, kennel stress, News, SELECTING A PET

Successful Home to Home Program Marks Its One-Year Anniversary

Posted on by Bob Gordon
03
Mar

FOTAS’ Home to Home program celebrated its one-year anniversary this month. In that first year, we’ve had 177 animals successfully rehomed using the program. That is 177 dogs and cats who were not surrendered to the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS), but instead were able to go directly from one home to another.

Lab mix Chevelle was adopted through the FOTAS Home to Home Program.

There are many advantages to the program: it is much easier on a pet to go directly to another loving home, rather than being surrendered to the Shelter, which can be incredibly stressful to an animal; owners can choose the right new owners for their pet using this method; and these direct Home to Home adoptions mean more resources are available for strays brought into the shelter.

There are a number of reasons why a dog or cat needs to be rehomed. Owners may face financial problems, forcing them to move into apartments that will not allow pets. Elderly owners may need to move to assisted living or nursing homes and be unable to keep their pets. Owners active in the military may be facing upcoming deployment leaving the country and need to find a home for their pet.

One thing all these owners have in common is wanting a better life for their pet. They realize that they are no longer able to provide the loving home that their pet deserves.

Home to Home leverages the power of social media and the FOTAS Facebook page.

So, what can you expect if you place your pet on Home to Home? You go to Fotas.Home-Home.org, and click on “Rehome your pet,” upload a photo and enter some information regarding your pet, including age and breed, and what makes your pet special. I will take that information to create a profile on Home to Home, and post to FOTAS’ Facebook page with over 11,000 followers. You will receive an email verifying your pet has been placed and to watch your email for prospective owners who may be interested. I also include some tips for finding the right new home.

If you are looking for a new pet, in addition to visiting the ACAS, take a look at the pets available on this site. Home to Home is free to use and free to adopt.

In the last ten years, FOTAS has been instrumental in taking the ACAS from a 10% save rate to an over 90% save rate, where we achieved our goal in saving every adoptable animal the past two years and are working hard this year to achieve it again.

The Home to Home Program allows County citizens to adopt out their pets without surrendering them to the Animal Shelter.

There are many tools we use to do this: adoptions to loving homes; transfers to shelter rescue partners in other states with great spay and neuter programs and adopters for homeless pets; spay and neuter Fido Fixer events; Trap Neuter Release (TNR) programs for community cats; Dogs off the Chain programs; and now Home to Home.

We’ll continue to look for ways to save our County’s pets because their lives are in our hands.

–By Ellen Priest, FOTAS Board Member and Home-to-Home Coordinator

PETS OF THE WEEK

FREDDY: Mixed breed, male, 8 years old, black w/white, 40 pounds – $35

RIKER: Domestic shorthair, male, 1 year old, Tabby, 10 pounds – $10

2020, animal care education, Cats, Dogs, FOTAS, kennel stress, News, Proper Pet Care, SELECTING A PET, Training

Three Tips to Make Your Pet Adoption a Success

Posted on by Bob Gordon
18
Feb

Adopting a pet from a shelter is one of the most rewarding experiences life has to offer. They bring you unconditional love, companionship and joy.

Of course, adoption is a long-term commitment – so you want to be sure you are prepared and organized before making such a life-changing decision. Here are some tips that will help make your adoption a happy and successful experience:

Pick a pet that you not only bond with but also fits your lifestyle and home accommodations.

1. Select a pet that fits your lifestyle. Puppies are great for young couples or families with kids. But if you are working all day or collecting Social Security, you’re better off going with an adult dog (or cat) that’s already formed her personality and doesn’t have so much energy. If you have a big house and a fenced-in yard, a big dog is a perfect match. But if your place is small and you’re going to be walking your dog, a smaller or medium-sized version is probably your better choice.

2. Don’t surprise significant others (or your landlord). Make sure everyone in your home is on board with adopting a pet. Getting a pet is a terrific way to celebrate a birthday or special holiday – just not as a surprise gift. What if the person receiving the pet doesn’t like her? Then that pet has to come back to the shelter, which is tough on both the animal and the gift recipient. You’re much better off bringing everybody to the shelter and finding a pet everyone likes and who bonds with everyone. Also, if you live with your parents or have a landlord, make sure they are aware of your plans to bring home a new pet.

Adopted pets can take months to settle into a new home and feel part of the family.

3. Take it slow and be patient with your new pet. Shelter life is hard on animals. They’ve gone through a lot and need time to decompress and get their bearings. Always follow the 3-3-3 rule when you adopt. For the first three days, your pet may be overwhelmed and stressed by a new home and family. Pay special attention to her, keep her separate from your other pets when you’re not home and don’t let her outside without supervision. After three weeks, your pet realizes she’s living with you for awhile and becomes more relaxed. As a result, her daily behavior becomes more routine. She is now responsive to training and showing her true personality (everyone who adopts from the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) receives a free training session with one of our dog experts). At the three-month mark, your pet is confident that you love and cherish her. She knows she’s part of the family!

In the first 14 days of this month, the ACAS took in 182 strays and surrendered pets. We are overwhelmed and the shelter is full. If you’re ready to find your furry soulmate, please stop in and see our wonderful animals. We’re located at 333 Wire Road and open for adoptions every day except Sunday.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director