Author Archives: Shana Ryberg

2022, Adoption, making care-giving arrangements for pets

DeeDee: one special dog who needs a home.

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
28
Oct

In late September of 2019, I wrote an article for FOTAS about a young dog who was picked up by animal control in the sizzling heat of July and brought to the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Her condition was shocking. Aside from being terrified, starving, and dangerously dehydrated, she was completely hairless and bleeding from the sores covering her body. As I said at the time, DeeDee (as we subsequently named her) was hard to look at without grimacing with heartbreak and outrage—someone cared so little for this sweet little dog that they failed to provide medical care when she needed it, and when her condition became critical, they dumped her on a county road in the dead of summer to die.

The thing was, as angry as I was, DeeDee wasn’t mad and disappointed at all. She was grateful and forgiving, cheerful and kind. She never stopped wagging her tail. She loved people, children, and other dogs. She was a volunteer favorite.

FOTAS was determined to fix her ailments and find her a good home. We treated her for Demodex mange, which is not contagious, and found a kind foster to help her recover in a less stressful environment. We successfully treated her for allergies. She recovered beautifully, and not long after we published the article about her, she was adopted by a wonderful gentleman who loved and adored her and renamed her Steely. It was one of those success stories that brought tears to our eyes. I was humbled by Steely’s courage and willingness to love and be loved, as well as her adopter’s depth of care and concern.

Sadly, life has thrown the lovely Steely (ne DeeDee) an unfortunate fast ball. Several weeks ago, the gentleman who adopted Steely died, leaving Steely and three other household dogs without a home. All four dogs were brought to the County Shelter, and in short order, three of those dogs found new homes. But not Steely.

That breaks our heart. Not only is Steely grieving the loss of her beloved human, she is doing so in a strange place without her canine buddies, and the stress of it all has caused her allergies to flare up—she began to scratch herself to distraction. The shelter vet, Dr. Rodriquez, is watching her closely and monitoring her care.

Bottom line? Steely needs a home, fast. She is as sweet and affectionate as she always was. She adores people, children, and other dogs. She is now 4 years-old, weighs 48 pounds, is heartworm negative, housebroken, and easy to walk.

Steely is, quite literally, the perfect dog, and we want her to find an owner who will shower her with the same love she showers on all humans. Will it be you?

Please don’t wait. Call the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS vice president

animal care education, Proper Pet Care, veterinarian

Amazing medical magic at the County Shelter

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
21
Oct

Why has the Aiken County Animal Shelter been so successful in saving so many adoptable animals? The credit goes to Aiken County Council, dedicated shelter management and staff, an army of FOTAS volunteers, and the generosity of the Aiken community.

But the bedrock of that success depends on one important factor—that shelter residents are healthy enough to make good pets when their time comes. That’s why the quality of medical staff at the County Shelter is so critical, and in that regard, the homeless animals of Aiken County are singularly lucky. For eight years, shelter residents have been evaluated, vaccinated, spayed, neutered, treated for mange, fretted over, and patched-up from injuries large and small by the shelter’s full-time veterinarian, Dr. Lisa Levy, whose outstanding expertise and big heart have made the difference between life and death for so many animals.

Recently Dr. Levy passed the full-time baton for the shelter’s medical program to an equally exceptional veterinarian, Dr. Nancy Rodriguez. Nancy is no stranger to the high-paced, high-stakes practice of shelter medicine; she has practiced at other public facilities in the CSRA for most of her career. She is also no stranger to empathy; for years she was one of two consulting veterinarians with Lap of Love, which provides in-home pet euthanasia, consultation, veterinary hospice, and pet loss support services. There’s a special place in heaven for people like Nancy, who help the rest of us cope with the seemingly unbearable loss and heartbreak of our pets. (She continues to be particularly attuned to the needs of senior dogs at the shelter, who are often overlooked by adopters.)

Dr. Rodriguez brings all that expertise and big love to the shelter, where every day brings different medical issues calling for quick solutions. Many of the animals picked up by animal control or surrendered to the shelter are in various states of physical distress, from routine neglect to heart-stopping abuse or injury. They may be covered with fleas, ticks, or mange. They may be desperately hungry—so thin you can see their skeletal structure. They may have broken bones from abuse or circumstance (like being hit by a car). They may be heartworm positive. The large percentage have most likely never had basic health care like vaccinations or flea, tick, and heartworm prevention meds. “I enjoy the element of surprise,” Nancy says, “the challenge of working through medical emergencies of all sorts.”

Nancy is impressed at the quality of the medical program at the shelter. “It’s wonderful,” she says, “to see all the good that can be done when there are sufficient resources to truly care for the animals.” Amen. FOTAS takes great pride in working with the county to make certain the appropriate medical equipment and services are available for every animal—everything from laboratory analysis, to x-ray machines, to heartworm prevention, to specialized care when needed, to medical foster services for recovering animals.

It takes passion, patience, expertise, and resources to care for Aiken County’s homeless animals, and the County Shelter has all that in spades. The shelter’s remarkable success rate is possible thanks to the accomplished medical care provided by Dr. Levy and now by Dr. Rodriguez. We thank them for their incredible service.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

2022, Adoption, SOCIAL MEDIA

Young people’s compassion portends positive future for FOTAS

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
14
Oct

What a FUN week! So many young people flooded the Aiken County Animal Shelter this past week to learn more about our adoptable animals.

On Thursday, we had the Senior English Class from Horse Creek Academy visit with their arms full of donations! They sat with our longest resident dogs and then wrote about each and why they think they should be adopted.

“Do you want a calm and loving dog?” wrote student Weslyn Bernard. “Boone just might be what you’re looking for. He is a beautiful black and white boy…Boone absolutely loves scratches and cuddles. Boone loves to give hugs. He’s been here over 3 months and would really love a home.”

On Friday, we had over thirty students from Tall Pines Stem Academy come to the shelter for community service hours. Each student was required to serve our community for two hours. Those who chose our shelter were in different groups reading to dogs, cleaning and organizing the shelter, making toys, dog walking and some even took dogs to the park. We had so much fun!

Each student spent an hour at the shelter and then had the opportunity to earn an extra hour by writing about a shelter dog they met that day. We paired each student with a dog needing some attention. This program is called, “Be Their Voice.” We ask students to spend a few minutes talking with a dog, petting the dog, looking into their eyes and then write a little about why someone should adopt them. We got some great responses!

Student Gabby Whisnant was partnered with Tink. She took a pic with her phone and wrote the following about this wonderful dog: “Hi, my name is Tink. I am 51 pounds and great with kids. I need lots of attention because I get lonely. I have soft fur and love hugs and kisses. Please adopt me!”

Check out what Jimmie Baynham wrote, combining a selfie with the followig text: “I got assigned to Scotch, a newer dog at the shelter found as a stray. People see him as a big, obnoxious dog but he really is just a calm little puppy and gets excited to see people like a normal puppy would. Even if you got a puppy from a breeder, they would act the same way. Scotch is a tannish color and a very calm dog. I know some people don’t like big dogs, but he would be a perfect bigger dog…he is very aware of his size and overall is a great puppy. I know he hasn’t been at the shelter the longest, but he deserves a good home. He really is a great puppy so please someone adopt my bud, Scotch.”

We are so grateful for our educators in Aiken County that encourage young people to make a difference in our community.

During a period when our adoptions are slower than ever, the time these teens spent with the pets showed love, compassion and encouraged all of us that things will get better.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2022, adopter feedback, Adoption

We love success stories but many pets still need homes

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
07
Oct

After pets are adopted from the Aiken County Animal Shelter, staff members follow up to see how they are doing in their new homes. Here is some recent feedback from our adopters.

Batman adoption goes smoothly

Batman is doing terrific. He has made himself right at home. I appreciate you making the (adoption) process so smooth when my son and I visited, and thank you for checking in on our sweet dog. Claudia Wiseman

Kenna has a new name and new siblings

Hazel (Kenna’s new name) is doing wonderfully and is such a happy girl. She’s fitting in perfectly. Everyone gets along and she’s behaving really well. We love her! Kelly Galvarino

Riff is 42 percent Coon Hound, 100 percent loved

Coon Hound Riff now lives in Pennsylvania.


Riff is now named Rusty Rhoades. He lives with my niece in Pottsville, PA. I adopted him for her. According to his DNA, he is 42% Tree Walking Coon Hound along with two other strains of Coon Hound. He is a very welcome addition to our family. Dave Zimmerman

Jack has his own Facebook page

Little Tug, who is now officially named Jackson “Jack” Tug Danko, is a delight and a wonderful, much-loved addition to our family. He’s absolutely perfect for us. In fact, he’s quite a little celebrity and even has his own Facebook page. You are invited to like and follow his “You Don’t Know Jack” page to keep up with all of his antics and adventures. Lance Danko

Mikey the cat is in perfect shape

Gary & his new kitten Mikey have bonded.


Mikey, Stinker (2-year-old male tuxedo cat), Virginia and I are all doing great. I isolated Mikey in my home office for 10 days with me, so he had only brief exposure to Stinker. They played paws under the door during that time. Mikey follows me around the house like a dog and is already my lap cat. The two cats sleep together in the cat tree in the hallway. Mikey saw the vet last week and is in perfect shape. He has gained 1-1/2 pounds in the last month. All is well and life is good. Gary Ikens

It’s great to know these adopted pets are doing well in their new homes. But there are so many more wonderful dogs and cats at the County Shelter who need a second chance for a good life. Please go to fotasaiken.org to see our available pets or just stop by and visit them at 333 Wire Road. Dogs and puppies are $35, and cats and kittens are only $10.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

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