Dogs and cats arrive at the shelter every day. They cannot tell us their stories—their fears, or what makes them happy. Sometimes that may be a blessing, because we don’t have to know everything they have been through.

Gus was a dog who touched everyone at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. He was very scared when he first arrived. Gus had been surrendered by his owner due to animal control issues related to dogs not being properly contained. Gus had no idea what he had done wrong, and he was clearly devastated.

Once staff and volunteers began working with him, they quickly fell in love. This big boy turned out to be a marshmallow! Gus learned to trust people and began showing off his sweet personality. He would happily sit and give his paw, lounge in office chairs just to be close to staff, and he was walked by volunteers more than any other dog in the shelter.

Volunteer Susan said, “I love walking Gus! He is so happy to be out and about, and then he loves to sit on the couch for some snuggles.”

Gus had one big strike against him—he was a large brindle male dog. Sadly, those are some of the hardest dogs to find homes for. That seems ridiculous to those of us who know and love big brindle boys, because they are often the most lovable dogs around.

We wanted desperately to help him, so we shared videos of Gus wearing sweaters, giving kisses, and showing just how wonderful he really was. Still, he waited a long time for the right people to come along.

And thankfully, they did.

The update from his new family brings us pure joy:

“Gus is a diamond in the rough. I’m so glad we adopted him.”

Gus now lives in a home with both dogs and cats. He is getting the love, patience, and training he deserves. His new owners say he showed signs of past abuse and neglect, but today he is living his very best life.

Thank you to Gus’s new family—and to everyone willing to take a chance on the underdog. Those are the dogs who often teach us the most about love, patience, and the power of giving a second chance.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

One of my favorite treats in Easter baskets over the years has always been chocolate bunnies. There is just something special about that beautiful chocolate treat!

For some reason chocolate isn’t quite as special as it used to be. I guess with age comes the ability to buy sweet treats whenever we want them. But what if you could get an even better chocolate treat? Like a chocolate doggy?

Right now we have three gorgeous chocolate dogs at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Each one has lovely manners, and each is sweeter than any chocolate bunny you could find in a basket.

Take Bodhi, for example. This sweet boy is incredibly friendly and clearly wants to be your best friend. He sits and gazes up at you, hoping for a cuddle or a kiss. Bodhi has been wonderful with the children who visit the shelter, he’s house trained, and he truly is just as sweet as can be.

Then there is Bruno, who is absolutely dreamy. He is quiet, gentle, and happiest sitting beside you on the sofa for a nap. Bruno clearly was once someone’s beloved pet, even though he arrived at the shelter as a stray. He is house trained and already knows commands like “sit” and “down.” Our volunteers adore this handsome “bunny.”

And finally there is Captain, the oldest of all the chocolate bunnies. Caspian is another well-mannered dog with excellent cuddling skills. He is clean, knows commands, and loves spending time with people. Captain is nine years old and grateful for love and rope toys, they are his favorite! See a trend here? These dogs are good dogs—wonderful, loving pets who are simply waiting for a home.

So maybe this year, instead of only indulging in chocolate and jelly beans, consider adopting a chocolate “bunny” of your own. One that will fill your heart for years, not just your belly for an hour.

Their Lives Are In Our Hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator