Author Archives: Shana Ryberg

2022, Adoption, microchipping

Aiken County residents can get their pets microchipped for free this Saturday

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
30
Sep

You don’t want to be permanently separated from your beloved pets when they go missing, and neither do we.

That’s why FOTAS and the Aiken County Shelter are sponsoring a Free Community Pet Microchipping Event for Aiken County residents this Saturday, Oct. 8, from noon to 2 p.m. If you live in Aiken County, you can bring your dog or cat to the County Animal Shelter, 333 Wire Road and get them microchipped for free! Dogs just need to be leashed and cats must be secure in carriers.

A microchip is a permanent form of ID, registered to a recovery database that holds pet and owner information. It is the size of a grain of rice and inserted under the skin of your dog or cat. The RFID enables it to be read by a microchip scanner when the pet is found and brought to a shelter, rescue or veterinarian. It is the only permanent identification form that can reunite you with your beloved pet. Unlike collars and identification tags, which can break or become worn and illegible, a microchip should last for the life of your pet.

Great pets are lost forever every day

We see so many wonderful lost pets that we are all but certain come from good homes yet are never claimed by their owners – and we have no way of identifying or contacting them. A stray dog or cat can be well-groomed, have a nice collar and be healthy and fixed. But if the pet does not have tags or a microchip, we can only monitor the internet for local sites that post pictures of lost pets (such as Aiken Pets Reunited on Facebook). The pet’s only hope of getting back home is if its owner comes to the shelter and identifies them.

Otherwise, after five days in the shelter, the owner’s cherished pet becomes eligible for adoption.

A tiny chip can save your pet’s life

It is every pet owner’s fear that their dog or cat will unintentionally become separated from them, but it happens all the time. A dog escapes his fenced-in yard, a cat runs out the front door, a dog pops his collar while being leash walked and gets lost…there are so many scenarios.
So if you live in Aiken County, please come to the County Animal Shelter this Saturday and get your pet microchipped for free (normal fee is $25 at the shelter). The procedure takes seconds and no anesthetic is required. The chip is injected between the shoulder blades, and your pet won’t feel a thing. We will even register your information, give you an ID tag and take care of the paperwork. All you have to do is show up with your pet and their proof of rabies vaccination.

It could be the difference between losing your pet forever or getting them back home safe and sound.

For more information about the Oct. 8 Free Community Pet Microchipping Event, please call (803) 642-1537, option 3 or email info@FotasAiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2022, abandoned animals, Therapy Dogs, Volunteers

Unwanted strays blossom into certified therapy dogs

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
23
Sep

Their histories are similar. They were both picked up as strays and brought to the County Shelter hungry, terrified and covered in fleas. Unwanted and unwashed, their futures looked bleak.

Snowflake, an alarmingly thin, heartworm positive Great Pyrenees, hated his kennel and cowered in fear when he first arrived at the shelter in July of 2020. Clint, a black Retriever mix, arrived at the shelter in late Sept. 2021. He sat quietly in his kennel but was confused by his new environment and didn’t
understand why so many of the dogs around him kept barking in his direction.

However, both dogs saw their fortunes dramatically change when FOTAS volunteers fell in love with them and saw their potential for greatness. Biz and Eddie Mann adopted Snowflake on July 14, 2020, and Judi and John Sauer adopted Clint on Oct. 7, 2021.

“Snowflake was so loving, I knew he could become a therapy dog,” Biz said. “He just needed some love and care to help him gain more confidence.” Snowflake was 84 pounds and a matted mess when he arrived at the shelter. Now he is 102 pounds, well-groomed, heartworm negative (thanks to treatment funded by FOTAS) and the calmest, most self-assured dog you will come across. He became a certified therapy dog a little more than a year ago and has been visiting retirement homes, schools and hospice patients with Biz ever since.

“It’s wonderful,” Biz said. “The people smile and love petting Snowflake, who enjoys every minute of it. “I’ve had people lay their head down on his back because he’s so fluffy and soft, and children just want to hug him. Snowflake has a gift of making people happy and brightening their day.”

Clint is on a similar career path. Three months ago, the handsome Retriever passed all his tests to become a certified therapy dog, and he and Judi already have a full schedule of schools, long-term care facilities and hospices to visit.

Both Snowflake and Clint were certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs organization in Aiken.

“There are many venues where a therapy dog can be of benefit to both children and adults, Judi said. “I am not sure who gets more out of these sessions, the people or me. The response from people is truly magical and heartwarming.”

Recently, Snowflake and Clint visited Cumberland Village together, sharing their love with the senior residents. With his big smile and gentle demeanor, Clint brought a lot of joy to the people. Following closely behind, gentle giant Snowflake and his soft, white fur delighted the group.

Recently certified therapy dog, Clint, was a stray adopted from the County Shelter.

“It’s important for people to realize how terrific so many shelter dogs are,” Biz said. “They’re loving and trainable…they just need some love and direction.”

The County Shelter is full of wonderful dogs who desperately need homes. Please consider adopting your next pet from us. We are located at 333 Wire Road in Aiken. See all of our adoptable pets at fotasaiken.org. This month, dogs and puppies are $35; cats and kittens are only $10.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2022, Adoption, Volunteer, Volunteers

County Animal Shelter is an excellent example of doing things right

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
16
Sep

My friend, Linda, and I recently visited the Aiken County Animal Shelter to drop off some donations We were there right at opening time and received a very warm welcome. I asked Kathy, a representative of FOTAS, if we could walk through and look at the dogs and pups, to which she graciously agreed.

It has been many years since I visited the Aiken County Animal Services facility, and I was genuinely impressed! Even at this early hour, the facility was clean and odor free. The animals seemed well-nourished and even given treats, toys and blankets (except for one little guy who eats his blankets!) Caring for this many animals is no small feat but is obviously very well done here. The shelter employees have always had my admiration for their dedication to the animals and to the public.

I was also delighted to see the new addition in progress that will be used for multiple purposes. The Aiken community seems to be more supportive of the shelter, and I truly believe FOTAS deserves much of the credit. In addition to significantly lowering the euthanasia rate, their network with the public – such as Kathy was with me – makes a good impression that can only be a positive reflection on the shelter.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any dog or pup that I can help with at this time. But I will be back in touch from time to time in hopes that when I can assist, I will surely and gladly do so. In the meantime, I made a donation (wish it were more) to help in any small way possible.

Thank you all for the amazing job you are doing. I wish the need for animal shelters would disappear, but that is highly unlikely. It does give me assurance, though, that Aiken County Animal Services is an excellent example of doing it right!

Shelter in crisis mode

Due to a recent drop in adoptions and no end to its high animal intake numbers, the County Animal Shelter is in crisis. Please consider adopting a homeless dog or cat from our facility located at 333 Wire Road in Aiken, SC. To see all the pets available, stop by the shelter or go to fotasaiken.org. We have so many wonderful pets in need, now is the best time to adopt and give a shelter animal another chance for a good life!

Their lives are in our hands.

By Jean Strein

2022, Adoption, Volunteer

Distressed shelter dog is the best surprise of my life

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
01
Sep

I took a break from my work and read Martha Anne Tudor’s compelling descriptions of animals waiting to be adopted at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. “Lonely hearts are waiting for you,” she always wrote at the end of her Facebook posts. One of those lonely hearts kept appearing on her posts – a German Shepherd/Carolina Dog/Heeler mix rolled into a striking chocolate-colored dog with antennas for ears, appropriately named Surprise.

I thought she’d be adopted quickly, but the posts kept coming. In Surprise, I saw something extraordinarily special, but nobody was coming forward. She had been in the shelter for over four months, and it was wearing on her.

This year has been especially hard on dogs and cats. So many animals were left in shelters or abandoned when families went back to work and school post-COVID 19. In addition, as prices rise, more and more families are giving up their pets. It is heartbreaking. I already had many animals, but I couldn’t sit on the sidelines waiting for someone else to step up.

I live in Columbia, but I go to Aiken every week. I stopped at the shelter to meet Surprise. She was frustrated in her kennel and exhibiting real signs of shelter stress. She spun in circles, chewed down her toenails, and had a hard time connecting with people. Questions about her adoptability hung in the air. And yet I could see that she was a great dog in a terrible situation. I decided to test my hypothesis.

I became certified as a FOTAS volunteer so that I could walk Surprise. I took her on 40-minute walks, letting her take her time. I expected absolutely nothing in return from her, and yet, each time, we would have a moment of connection. I started going to Aiken more to work with her, and she recognized me and wagged her tail. I’d cry all the way back to Columbia after I put her back in her kennel.

I began going to Aiken more just to see Surprise. She’d jump up and gently place her paws on me. It was deeply moving. I volunteered to be her trainer in the canine citizen class they offer to shelter dogs. For a second, I got her to focus on me and not on all the shelter stress. It was an amazing moment. For three weeks, I went to the shelter and worked with Surprise, and we got comfortable with each other. Then one day, I took her home. I cried all the way home, but this time the tears were of happiness and relief.

Surprise is one of the kindest, most responsive, cuddly dogs I have ever met. She is in the top one percent of dogs I have known. My partner and I work with her to build her confidence and help her adjust, and Surprise has responded faster than I could have imagined. She is the best surprise of my life!

By Gabi Kuenzli, FOTAS Volunteer and Pet Adopter

2022, Adoption, Events, Volunteers

It Doesn’t Get Better Than This

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
26
Aug

I can say, without reservation, that FOTAS volunteers are simply the best—maybe the greatest volunteers ever.

Case in point: their perfect execution of a multi-pronged game plan at the Aiken County Animal Shelter on Saturday, August 20th for the annual “Clear the Shelter Day.” Our goal for that day was to re-home as many shelter residents as possible and it required lots of coordination and teamwork to make that happen.

The publicity crew had done its advance work in promoting stories on Channel 6 and Channel 12, articles in the Aiken Standard, and many shared posts featuring the adoptable dogs and cats on FOTAS’s Facebook page.

The volunteers were prepared early on the day of the event. We have learned that it is important to present the dogs outside of their kennels where they are more relaxed and show their true personalities on such a busy day. So, an army of FOTAS volunteers arrived early at 7:30 a.m. to walk the dogs before the arrival of the first potential adopters. After their walk, each dog was taken to its assigned outside station where they were attended by two volunteers. Accordingly, every potential adopter spent quality time with each dog (or cat in the lobby) and their volunteers.

The adoption part of the day was to start at 9 a.m. but potential adopters began arriving an hour early. The volunteers were ready, helping people park and showing them where to go.

Finally, it was time for the dogs and cats to get adopted. First one, then another. The 50 volunteers who came that day clapped in unison whenever an animal was adopted. Adoptions represent the fruits of their labor and make it all worthwhile.

Another group of volunteers was assigned to a table to work with the dedicated shelter staff to make the adoption paperwork quick and easy.

Two other volunteers supplied each adopter with a gift to help the pet and pet-owner get off to a good start.

FOTAS’s volunteers come from all walks of lives with diverse political and social opinions. But all of those personal issues are put aside at the shelter, and they all come together recognizing the greater good of helping the animals. Their purpose is shared and the camaraderie is genuine.

At the end o the day, 25 dogs and cats were adopted. That meant there was room for 25 of the many animals received at the shelter already this month and, even though the shelter is still overcrowded, no adoptable animal would have to be euthanized due to lack of space.

The great family of FOTAS volunteers clapped in unison 25 times that Saturday.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Jennifer Miller FOTAS President

2022, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, Pibbles

A Dog Named Jolene

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
19
Aug

She arrived at the County Animal Shelter terrified and hungry. Her beige coat was filthy, and fleas covered her body. But even as she was brought into the shelter’s vet clinic for examination and medical care, Jolene managed to briefly show everyone a heartwarming smile. Despite her difficult past, this pretty Pibble was full of love.

A little over four years old and only 40 pounds, Jolene paled in looks compared to some of the other, more colorful shepherds, retrievers and terrier mixes at the shelter. But her sweet eyes and gregarious personality made her a gem waiting to be discovered. 

Enter Hayden Craft from Grovetown, GA. He visited Jolene at the shelter and both their lives changed forever.

“It all started when I moved to Georgia,” he explained. “I had gotten my own place, but something was missing. It always seemed empty. My brother had adopted a dog from the Aiken County Shelter, and it got me looking on the FOTAS website for a dog of my own, and I immediately became interested in Jolene.

“I took my lunch break and went up to the shelter to see her and it was love at first sight for both of us. The sweetest dog you could have ever asked for. They told me she had a heart murmur, but I couldn’t let that stop me. She deserved the best rest of her life, a forever home, with me.”

Since adopting Jolene, Hayden has seen her bloom into an amazing pet.

“She loves all other animals,” he said. “But there’s nothing she loves more than rubbing her back all over the ground and playing with stuffed toys at the same time. And for such a small dog, she takes up more of the bed than I do. I couldn’t train her to sleep on the floor If I tried!

“I thank FOTAS and Aiken County Animal Shelter every day for giving this girl a chance and giving me a chance to love her. Jolene is my first dog as an adult, and she’s so good, she makes me want another one.”

If you are ready to find your own furry BFF, please come to the County Shelter, 333 Wire Road in Aiken. There are so many more dogs and cats in need who need loving homes. To see all of our adoptable pets, check out our website: fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2022, Children, Dog Ears Reading Program, Volunteers

Barks and Books

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
The FOTAS Dog Ears Reading program helps children hone their reading skills and reduces the kennel stress of the County Animal Shelter’s dogs and cats.
11
Aug

How do you calm a barking, excited dog who is confined to a kennel at the Aiken County Animal Shelter? The solution is really simple. Ask a group of children to come and read to them. FOTAS (Friends of the Animal Shelter) had this idea a few years ago in conjunction with the Aiken County Library to create the Dog Ears Reading Program. This program is also part of our Junior FOTAS outreach program, which teaches pet responsibility. It is a Win-Win for both the four-legged and two-legged participants.

Do you want to know how this is done? Walk with me into the pod of ten kennels of very excited dogs. They all watch as I lay down blankets for their guests to sit on when they arrive. The dogs are all extremely curious as to what I am doing. Soon, ten very eager boys and girls arrive with their book bags full of reading material. As the children and their parents enter the pod, there is much barking and excitement as everyone takes a spot in front of a dog. The children pull out their books and start to read to the dogs while the volunteers and the parents keep a watchful eye over the scene unfolding before their eyes. All of a sudden there is a quietness that occurs, and we all realize that the dogs are actually listening to the children reading to them. Jasmine, the cute black lab mix, leans against the kennel door so she can get as close as possible to Susie who is reading to her a book titled Sit, Stay, Love, and Paco, the handsome black and white terrier mix, lays on his blanket covered pallet with his bone and appears to drift off to sleep as Kevin is reading a book called Saving Sadie. The connection between the children and the dogs is truly magical. There is no other way to explain this phenomenon.

This reading program is just one of the ways that FOTAS works with The Aiken County Animal Shelter to promote the well-being of the dogs who find themselves in a shelter atmosphere through no fault of their own. Efforts like this help to lessen the stress of shelter life for these animals. By offering programs like this, it is our goal to place all of the adoptable animals that we can through exposure to the community.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Judi Sauer, FOTAS Volunteer

2022, abandoned animals, Adoption, Foster

Story of Zeus: Another wonderful dog who just wants a home

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Zeus is house trained, loving, smart and available for adoption at the Aiken County Animal Shelter
30
Jul

I was wandering around my home when I came across a scent. It was so intriguing! I just kept following it and then I realized, “Oh no! I don’t know where I am!”

Luckily, a nice person stopped and picked me up. I was really nervous, especially when we pulled up to a building with all this barking. There were other dogs around me and I knew they were scared; I could feel it. They were shaking…none of us knew what was happening.

I was put into an area where other dogs were next to me. They seemed to be barking all the time.

I really needed to go out and do my business, but I waited. My owner taught me to sit, be patient and wait to go outside. People walked by me and spoke nicely to me; they brought me a blanket and a toy, and even brought me a big bowl of food.

When was my owner coming to get me? I didn’t mean to wander off.

I went into a room with people that looked at me, poked me and waved something over my back that went “beep.” They said I was really lucky because I had a microchip with my owner’s information, and they could call him. They also learned my name, Zeus. Everyone was petting me and smiling. What a relief!
But after two weeks, my owner never showed up. It was a really long two weeks. Everyone was nice but the noise really bothered me. I learned from the other dogs there that my good behavior didn’t really work to get me attention. When I sat quietly and patiently, people didn’t notice me. I learned that if I bark and jump, I get more attention.
They moved me to another part of the shelter with other dogs that were even more frustrated than me. We just want to be home. What did we do wrong?

Now I jump and bark and people just walk by me. I don’t know what to do next to get someone to adopt me. I want them to look in my eyes and see what a good boy I am.

The meaning of Zeus

Zeus is just one of the many wonderful dogs at the shelter who was found wandering our community. These dogs need to be spayed/neutered or their noses will lead them off their property in search of a mate.

Please help us. Besides the dogs and cats that become lost and separated from their owners, we are seeing an uptick in pet surrenders. This is an incredibly stressful time, and owners are leaving their pets with us every day with explanations like, “I just don’t have time for him” or “We are going out of state and can’t take her with us” or “I don’t have time to train him.” It’s so disheartening.

Because of the crushing influx of homeless pets at the shelter, we need adopters, fosters and volunteers. Like Zeus, the majority of the pets at the shelter are house trained, loving and smart. They did nothing wrong; they just ended up homeless. Now, they need a second chance to have a wonderful life.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle
FOTAS Programs Coordinator