Author Archives: Shana Ryberg

2025, Foster, fostering, kitten season, PUPPIES

For the love of dogs, please foster

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Josh Daniels on the ride home with a foster puppy
03
Apr
Josh and Alicia, Foster Stars
Josh and Alicia, Foster Stars

 

We have many special foster families but this week we want to celebrate Alicia Brigode and Josh Daniels. This young couple has been fostering now for years, and they always say yes! We ask them to take a dog, a puppy or kittens and they always show up with huge smiles and they never, ever complain. They are warm, kind and incredible human beings.

They began fostering dogs for us, they have amazing and social pets at home that get along great with other pets. Then we threw in puppies. Now they help with a lot of medical cases. Recently they cared for a male pup with a broken leg that needed a place to heal, then they took on a puppy that needed long term care for skin issues. The typical answers I get when I ask Alicia to foster are, “We can! When do you want us to pick him up?” or “Absolutely!” or my favorite, “Ummmm…YES!!!”

We asked Alicia to write about what fostering means to them:

“When we tell people that we foster, typically the first question is “how….” When we were asked to write something about fostering, it was overwhelming. But we’re here to answer the “how” question. The love of giving an animal a better chance at life is something that Josh and I have had in common since we met. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve jumped out of our car trying to save turtles, snakes, loose dogs, horses, and birds. If you can relate, keep reading! The feeling you get from potentially saving an animal’s life is comparable to winning an award. Once you get back in your car from doing your “good deed” you feel amazing, and the animal goes back to where it belongs.

Alicia Brigode applies meds to foster puppy Hank
Alicia Brigode applies meds to foster puppy Hank

“Fostering gives us that feeling. We love and care for every animal like our own. When it’s time to give them back, it is a bittersweet goodbye (and a total tearjerker sometimes). We’ve had dogs that we wish we’d kept, but a lot of times we reach out to our community and try to find them the perfect home. Mostly, because we want to visit them in the future! I could go on and on. If you have a gift of loving and letting go, foster. If you have the time and resources, foster. If you have a knack for training dogs, foster. For the love of dogs, foster. If you ask us “how,” the feeling we get from being the bridge between a shelter and forever home is a bittersweet blessing.”

We would love to clone Alicia and Josh but instead we are hoping that their words inspire others to help. That their experiences convince citizens to say, “Yes” to helping a homeless animal find a happy resting spot on their way to their forever home.

FOTAS provides anything you need when you foster. The pets just need a safe place to receive love and care for a short time and even long-term medical needs.

Their lives are in our hands.
By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2025, Adoption

Whitney’s forever home is worth the long wait

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Whitney spends a lot of time with her new brother, Kade.
22
Mar

Whitney was the Aiken County Animal Shelter’s longest resident and running out of time. The pretty, four-year-old, 50-pound Retriever mix with a gorgeous brindle coat was abandoned in an empty house by her previous owners and was now on her fifth month of hoping to be selected by prospective adopters.

Whitney was a favorite of FOTAS volunteers because she was affectionate and walked wonderfully on a leash. The gentle dog was wonderful with children, and people of all ages. She was housebroken, had beautiful manners and was incredibly affectionate. But she had one big strike against her. She needed to be an only pet.

Whitney explores the goodies at Wags! in Hendersonville, NC.
Whitney explores the goodies at Wags! in Hendersonville, NC.

Being the longest resident at the shelter is never a good position to be in and Whitney needed a small miracle. She found one with the Bowdoin family.

Kyle and Nikki Bowdoin saw Whitney on Facebook and traveled with their young son, Kade, from Greenville, SC to visit her at the shelter. They spent a lot of time with her before making the decision to take her home. They didn’t have any pets or a lot of dogs around their property, so they were ideal candidates.

Whitney quickly bonded with the family, especially Kade. She trusted him immediately.

“Whitney is a sweetie pie and loves to cuddle,” Nikki said. “She loves to play with her stuffed animals and acts like a puppy with them! She loves us very much, and she is the happiest when we are all together. Kade is her favorite, of course!”

Whitney went home with the Bowdoins three months ago and has been a wonderful pet. Nikki says she loves car rides, playing tug, and long walks on the lake. She absolutely loved playing in the snow. Whitney recently went on her first family trip and had a fantastic time.

2025, animal care education, Spay/Neuter

When it comes to pet care, our community could do better

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Little pup Dawby was found limping on the side of the road.
14
Mar
This unwanted litter of puppies was abandoned.
This unwanted litter of puppies was abandoned.

The Aiken County Animal Shelter is feeling the frustration of staggering intake numbers. During the first two months of 2025, the shelter received 843 dogs and cats.

Of those animals, 173 were owner surrendered for many reasons – unwanted litters, moving, too many animals in the home, etc. Some were even court ordered neglect and cruelty cases. There are too many amazing pets currently at the shelter through no fault of their own, and we desperately need homes for them.

I know, I know…we are always asking, but we cannot continue to save lives without our community’s help.

If you have an unaltered pet, keep them home. We understand that many people lost fences during the hurricane and that there are dogs roaming loose, but it is the owner’s responsibility to contain their pets. More than 230 puppies have been received at the shelter this year, which is a scary number.

Loose pets are getting injured and maimed
We are taking in too many injured pets due to improper care and neglect. Barely three months old, Little Dawby was found injured by someone passing by on the road. He is now healing in foster care. 

Poor Fred came to us after being attacked by other dogs. Luckily, he wandered into the right yard where someone reached out to Animal Code Enforcement for help. Fred is now healed, healthy and available for adoption.

Percival was also picked up from a local mobile home park where there were many stray dogs roaming. Poor Percy was severely injured and in need of urgent care. This sweet, quiet, loving dog is now healing at the shelter.

Bling, Cruise, Latte and Kenzi are all puppies that were dumped together, clearly an unwanted litter that needed saving. They are truly sweet, loving, wonderful puppies that are now available for adoption.

Two-year-old Tunder was found tied to a power pole. I mean, really?!  He is the cutest little guy full of love and wiggles, yet someone just abandoned him!

All I am saying is that we can do better….

The Junior FOTAS Club from Tall Pines STEM Academy is learning about proper pet care.
The Junior FOTAS Club from Tall Pines STEM Academy is learning about proper pet care.

Teaching children to respect animals
We recently had our Junior FOTAS Club from Tall Pines STEM Academy come for a tour. They met many pets, and they were like sponges! They didn’t understand why we had such nice dogs and cats that were abandoned or part of neglect and cruelty cases.

By educating our young people, we hope to change our community’s way of thinking. Pets are not disposable. Pets are family. Care for your pets like family, provide their basic needs of food, clean water, shelter and LOVE.

Their lives are in our hands.
By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2025, Adoption, kennel stress

Rule of threes helps adopters prepare for new pet

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Some dogs, like 2-year-old Dutchess, are scared in a shelter environment, but will become more social once they find a loving home. But new owners must be patient and give their new pets time to adjust to their new surroundings.
21
Feb

The “rule of threes” for adopted animals, often called the “3-3-3 rule,” advocates that it takes a new pet three days to decompress and feel relaxed in their new environment; three weeks to start learning your daily routine, and three months to feel completely settled in and part of your family.
Many adopters aren’t sure what to expect when they add a new pet, and it certainly varies based on the animal’s personality background and age. However, the rule of threes effectively provides a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption.

Three days to decompress
Adopters need to take it slow when they bring their adopted pet home for the first time. While some pets immediately feel relaxed and at home, most of the time pets need time to adjust and get their bearings. Once dogs are away from the shelter, they often crash and fall asleep when they first arrive at their new home. They finally are in a quiet setting and feel like they can relax. They may not eat much and hide under the furniture or in their crate. Be patient. It takes some dogs a little time to feel secure in a new home.

During these first few days, your adopted pet is a flight risk, so you have to make sure they don’t escape through an open door or bolt out of your yard because you left them unattended. However, it is also important to give them space, be supportive and stay positive. You don’t want to force them to interact with you and your family members. Instead, calmly show them where they will be eating and sleeping; feed them twice a day and take them out every couple of hours until you know their signal for wanting to go out and potty.

Adopting a shelter dog like 3-year-old Sparrow is a rewarding experience that can be enhanced by following the 3-3-3 rule.
Adopting a shelter dog like 3-year-old Sparrow is a rewarding experience that can be enhanced by following the 3-3-3 rule.

Three weeks to learn the routine
At this point, your adopted pet is settling in and getting used to your routine. They’ve caught up on their sleep and are feeling more confident. Their personality is starting to bloom. With added confidence, some dogs may begin to test boundaries, so you’ll want to give your pet clear directions and reward good behavior. Remember, consistency and patience are crucial during this period. It’s a learning process for both of you, and it takes time to get to know each other.

Three months to feel at home
Now your dog is fully settled into their new home and feels like part of the family. They understand and follow your routines. They’ve developed a deep bond with you and are comfortable being themselves. No longer do they wonder if this is just a temporary place to stay. They know they are truly home.

If you are looking to adopt a pet, call the Aiken County Animal Shelter, (803) 642-1537, ext. 3765, or email info@fotasaiken.org and make an appointment with an adoption expert. They will give you personalized customer service and have pets ready to show when you arrive. Walk-ins are also welcome. We’re open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and located at 333 Wire Rd., Aiken, SC.

Their lives are in our hands.
By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2025, abandoned animals, Adoption, Foster, kennel stress

Welcoming 2025

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
In the first 12 days of 2025, the Aiken County Shelter has received 150 unwanted dogs and cats.
20
Jan
Bindi, found alone and freezing in our donation bin.
Bindi, found alone and freezing in our donation bin.

Well, we were hoping to turn over a new leaf, to have a fresh start to 2025 but in the past twelve days we received 150 dogs and cats, 60 of those being puppies, five of those being puppies that require bottle feeding, five so scared we can’t touch them.

One puppy was found in our donation bin. Poor Bindi, now in foster, was left on one of the coldest nights in a donation bin without warmth or protection.

We are encountering new challenges and doing our best to adapt.

Every kennel is full and we are getting more and more emails from people needing help.

How do we help?
For those who are financially struggling and needing help to feed their pets, we hold a monthly Community Pet Food Drive Thru. The need is greater than ever and we make sure each vehicle, household, gets a bag of dog or cat food that FOTAS purchases. This program allows people to keep their pets and not surrender due to financial difficulties.

Home to Home. Our Home to Home program gives people options for rehoming their pets – dogs, cats, guinea pigs, birds, etc., – free of charge. Pet owners can upload pictures of their pets with details on personality and why they can no longer keep them. We in turn post these pets on our Facebook page and website. This helps pets by keeping them out of the shelter and finding new homes.

Aiken County offers residents spay and neuter vouchers. If you qualify (based on income) you can apply for a spay and neuter voucher at the Aiken County Government Center. This voucher assists with the cost of spay and neuter surgeries at local veterinary establishments on the voucher list of which the County needs more. As a community we have to cut down on the unwanted litters of puppies and kittens.

The point is, we are full! We cannot possibly find homes for all these pets without the help of our community.

Spay and Neuter your pets!
Adopt – You do not need to go to a breeder, there are far too many wonderful pets that need you!
Foster – Give a dog, puppy, cat or kitten a safe place to thrive until we can find them a home.

Their lives are in our hands.

by Kathy Cagle FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2024, Foster, fostering, Volunteer

Giving Tuesday: supporting Aiken County’s homeless animals

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Aiken County Shelter dog smiling up
25
Nov

This Tuesday, December 3rdh, is Giving Tuesday, which kicks off the annual Christmas-giving season with a world-wide celebration of selfless generosity. There are so many worthy charities in the Aiken community, so how do you choose a charity for your donation?

If you’re an animal lover and you want your hard-earned dollars to make a difference, then FOTAS, the private partner of the Aiken County Animal Shelter, is the choice for your charitable generosity. Here’s why.

  • FOTAS, working with the County Shelter, saves more animals than any other 501(c)(3) organization in the CSRA. Period. Full stop. For the past SIX years, every adoptable animal at the shelter was saved, and thanks to the extraordinary efforts of FOTAS, this year will be no exception.
  • FOTAS AND AIKEN COUNTY fund more spay/neuter pet surgeries for folks in financial need than any other charitable organization in the CSRA.
  • FOTAS AND AIKEN COUNTY fund more TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) surgeries for community cats than any other charitable organization in the CSRA.
  • FOTAS saves more heartworm positive (HWP) dogs than any other charitable organization in the CSRA.
  • FOTAS supplements adoption fees for active military personnel and veterans.
  • FOTAS helps county animal control take dogs off the chain by funding humane runners for distribution to county residents.
  • FOTAS gives out more pet food to Aiken County pet owners in need than any other charitable organization in the CRSA. This critical assistance makes it possible for folks to feed (and, thus, keep) their animals in hard times.
  • FOTAS also funds the costs of flea medication, toys, leashes, and pet food supplements, as well as subsidizing equipment and extraordinary medical needs at the shelter.
  • FOTAS is 100% supported by private donations, and we need your help now more than ever. The shelter, like all public shelters post-Covid, is overwhelmed with shockingly high intake. More people are abandoning their animals than adopting new ones.

Here in Aiken County, the problem is compounded by an explosion in population growth in the county, as well as a severe shortage of veterinarians and low-cost spay/neuter services. This means more and more animals are joining the ranks of the unwanted and the homeless—a tragedy after so many years of progress.

Have all those private donations to FOTAS made a difference?

You bet! An incredible difference! In 2009 (the year that FOTAS was created) over 90% of the animals consigned to the shelter were euthanized. Today that number has been turned on its head. From 2018 through this year, 2024, every adoptable animal at the shelter was (and will be) saved. That’s over a 90% save rate.

Our success is your success: FOTAS’ ability to save so those thousands and thousands of shelter animals is the direct result of your generosity. From our hearts to yours, thank you and God bless.

Please send your much-appreciated donations to FOTAS, PO Box 2207, Aiken SC 29802, or go to fotasaiken.org to make your donation online. By the way, when you donate to FOTAS, you can be certain your monies go to our life-saving programs because our administrative expenses are so low: FOTAS is a volunteer-based nonprofit with no brick and mortar.

Their lives are in our hands.
By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice-President

Adoption, bonded pets, group dog play, kennel stress

Parker & Skye: arrived as strangers, left together as family

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Parker (left) and Skye met at the shelter, became friends and were adopted together.
15
Nov

When Skye arrived at the Aiken County Animal Shelter as a stray, she instantly became a staff and volunteer favorite. With her winning smile and huge personality, nothing seemed to bother this stout, six-year-old mixed breed. She loved everyone, and everyone loved her.

During her first playgroup session, Skye was a standout. She was friendly with the other dogs and firmly corrected the overly pushy pups. She quickly established herself as a greeter dog in group play and mentored newbies and her more timid peers. Skye was just as comfortable with the playgroup staff, often rolling on her back in the middle of play to beg for a tummy rub.

Parker, a two-year-old mixed breed who arrived at the shelter about a week before Skye, was progressing slowly in playgroup but still painfully shy, especially with people. He was wary when potential adopters visited his kennel and sometimes cowered when dogs barked loudly in his direction.

As vastly different as these two dogs were – Skye the fearless social butterfly and Parker the nervous wallflower – they began to pair up in playgroup. Parker felt safe around Skye, and she enjoyed his attention. In a short time, they became close friends.

The Perfect Pair
FOTAS Dog Walking Volunteer Sue Payne got to know Skye and Parker pretty well, and suggested her daughter, Haley, visit each of them. Haley and her boyfriend, Jonathan, were looking to add a dog to their new home and wanted to adopt from the shelter.

The two dogs love to ride in the car and go on long walks downtown and in local parks.
The two dogs love to ride in the car and go on long walks downtown and in local parks.

When Haley and Jonathan met Skye, they fell in love with her. But Parker pulled on their heartstrings as well. During their discussion with the adoption counselor, it came up that the two dogs got along well with each other during playgroup. Both dogs had been at the shelter for weeks and desperately needed a chance for a better life. That’s all Haley needed to hear. She said it “just felt right” to adopt both dogs, and the couple took Skye and Parker home.

“They’ve made the perfect addition to our family,” Haley said. “They sleep in the same bed and Parker is learning a great deal from Skye. He follows her lead. I don’t think he would have progressed as quickly if he didn’t have her, and Skye would not have done as well without him because she needs constant attention to be happy.”

The pair of dogs enjoy going on long walks, car rides, going to downtown restaurants, and taking trips to Chick-fil-A on Fridays to split an ice cream.

“I cannot put into words how thankful I am that we got both of them together,” Haley said.

The shelter is full and there are many more wonderful pets who need loving homes. Please go to fotasaiken.org to see them or stop by and visit the dogs and cats at 333 Wire Road. Dogs and puppies are $35; cats and kittens are $10. All of our adoptable pets are vaccinated, microchipped & fixed.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2024, abandoned animals, Adoption, animal abuse, neglected pets, senior pets

Sad Eyes No More

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
No More Sad Eyes
09
Nov

His eyes tell a story. A sad story of abuse, neglect, and desolation. An innocent soul who never asked for too much – food, water, and love. An animal’s ability to endure their entire lives with none of these is a testament to their spirit and will to live. How they have endured cruelty and neglect, yet still have love to give, and hope to feel, is unfathomable.

Each passing day, that hope may diminish slightly, but he perseveres. Each time someone walks by his kennel, he desperately yearns that they will pick him. He doesn’t know that his face is crooked from being hit by a car. Or that his tongue falls out of the side of his mouth because he has no teeth. Or that the combination of his skeletal appearance, stitches under his eye, and bandaged leg gives the impression that his days are numbered. And maybe they are. But all he hopes for is that one day, he too can feel what it is like to want for nothing. To not be hungry, thirsty, shivering, or discarded on the road like garbage. He has never felt these things before – but he deserves better.

Unfortunately, animals cannot advocate for themselves. So, who is there to advocate for them besides us? When you adopt a senior pet, you are single handedly changing a life for the better. You are giving a living breathing being the life they always deserved, and something to live for. The resilience and forgiving of dogs are unmatched. This senior dog we adopted, who lived a life of abuse and neglect, only has love to give. His tail wags nonstop. He yearns for constant pets and affection. And while his body remembers the pain, and his brain carries past trauma, there is now life in his step.

Dogs do not comprehend the future. They understand the past, and they understand the present. How many tomorrows he has left may be something that you will ponder, but it hasn’t crossed his mind once. What he cares about now is that he has food, a cozy bed, and most importantly, love. His eyes are sad no more. They look at you with love. With gratefulness. Sometimes they are tired from going on a long walk around the farm, with a body that has endured more bad than good. But these eyes are no longer sad, and they will never be again.

So many people pass over the seniors because they do not know what the future holds, or how many tomorrows they have left. But adopting a senior is a selfless act that fulfills the faraway dream when the only thing left is a little bit of hope.

Their lives are in our hands.
by Sarah Berkowitz, FOTAS Board Member

2024, Adoption

The Plight of the Only Pet

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Whitney loves children and is easy to walk
01
Nov

The adoption staff at the Aiken County Animal Shelter does an amazing job of matching pets for new owners by analyzing their play styles and behavior.

There is one group of pets that has become a challenge to get adopted. This group is made up of wonderful animals who, for different reasons, want to be the only pet in the home. They don’t want to share their new home with another pet. This does not make them bad pets with behavioral issues. Instead, they are great pets who want to please their owners and want 100% of their owner’s love.

This week’s column introduces three fabulous available “only pet dogs” named Whitney, Jax, and Remi and one “only pet cat” named Cane. All are smart, well trained and family friendly that just can’t live in a home with other furry friends.

This really hurts their adoption chances.

WhitneyWhitney is terrific with children, she knows her commands and she is house-trained. She is easy to walk and absolutely devoted to anyone that shows her love and attention. She has gone on school trips and visited seniors. Whitney does not like cats or other dogs and just doesn’t want to share her home with them.

Jax is a fluffy, happy and very intelligent dog! He is a dog park dog, so good in playgroups. But in a home, he is jealous. He doesn’t want to share his toys or his person with other dogs and is not a fan of cats, which does not make him unique. Jax can fetch tennis balls (he will even seek out the squeaky ones if they are mixed in, total smarty!). Jax loves swimming in the pools at the shelter and has never had an accident!

Remi
Remi

Remi is a stunning black lab. He appears to be purebred. He is the BEST ever at fetch and carries his favorite ball around like a pacifier. He came to us after being attacked by another dog needing a lot of stitches and medical attention. Naturally he is now defensive around other dogs, who wouldn’t be? Remi will return each ball thrown and then will lay at your feet, falling over to cuddle with you. Dreamy!

These dogs will make the absolute best companions! They love to cuddle, they love belly rubs, they are fabulous pets. Finding a home in Aiken, what a challenge!

We get cats periodically that also don’t enjoy homes with other cats. Cane is one of these kitties. He originally came to us as a stray and was adopted. He was later picked up as a stray and returned to the owner. Then three years later was returned for not meeting the owner’s expectations. The poor kitty is an only pet. He is so frightened being back at the shelter which doesn’t help him find a home. He needs a person to adopt him and build that trust and love, he will be such a good friend!

Surely there are people that like one pet? Where are you?!

Don’t let these pets linger in kennels waiting for homes, they are truly the best of the best and deserve the most. Holidays are coming up, don’t spend them alone. Adopt a friend such as Whitney, Jax, Remi or Cane.

Their adoption fees are sponsored and waived.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2024, Adoption, Foster, PUPPIES

Puppies, puppies, puppies!

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
One of the litters arrived, stuffed in a hot, dirty kennel.
27
Sep

A dozen puppies at the Aiken County Animal Shelter are looking for good homes, another 15 desperately need fostering, and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight as more stray pups keep pouring into the shelter.

Why are we getting so many puppies? Well, there are a number of factors, including people overbreeding and dumping puppies on the side of the road or on other people’s property. In addition, adult dogs are increasingly being abandoned on the street, often by people facing financial hardships who can no longer afford to feed or house them. These wandering strays are breeding and producing pups. Also, Aiken County is growing and our veterinarian offices are not able to keep up with appointments. This means citizens sometimes find that spay and neuter surgeries are booked up and an appointment for surgery may not be available for months, resulting in many accidental litters.

Adopters needed for cute puppies
Because of this puppy explosion we’re experiencing, we have adorable canine babes available for adoption. Dilly, a chunky four-month-old, is squishy, lazy and loves snuggle time! Delilah is a more petite, super fun pup that loves to play.

The Hound/Shepherd litter is amazing! These pups, which include Bandit, Carrie, Rex, Rocky, Tina, Spicy, Zyla and Zeek, came to us shoved in a hot and filthy crate. They are so grateful for love, baths and no more fleas! This crew adores toys and any attention given.

The Labby litter, which includes Nigel, Niko, Nathan and Nolan, breaks our hearts. We couldn’t find a foster home for them so by the time we could get them fixed and ready for adoption, they were a little more shy than we would prefer. However, these cuties will be fine; they just need homes soon, so they can build confidence and gain more trust in people.

Short-term fosters needed now more than ever
Every kennel in our puppy section is full of litters. This is so hard to see. These babies need love and care. Are they safe and cared for? Of course. We have an amazing staff. But the shelter is full, and no one has enough time to work with puppies.

We need short-term foster homes now. What does that mean exactly? We have litters that need safe places to stay healthy and receive love until we can get the proper vaccinations for them. Every pup gets vaccinated when they arrive at the shelter. But they need a series of vaccinations, so they don’t get parvo or other awful things. FOTAS provides food, crates, toys… anything you need.

Foster homes are extremely important because they help puppies get proper socialization. If you have a farm, we would love to fill an open stall with a cute, grateful litter of puppies! A stall gives them so much room to play and sleep and the quiet of a farm is so much healthier than the noisy shelter.

We talk about our need for foster homes often because they are so vital to the health and happiness of our homeless pups. It is also one of the most rewarding experiences you can have as a volunteer.

If you can help, please contact us at info@fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.
By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator