The hardest dog to find a home for isn’t always the oldest, the biggest or the one with medical needs. Sometimes it’s the dog hiding in the back of the kennel.

Recently, the Aiken County Animal Shelter took in numerous dogs from neglect situations. These dogs arrived skinny, scared and unfamiliar with the kindness most of us take for granted.

The heartbreaking part? For many of them, the shelter is the best place they have ever lived.

They have regular meals, comfortable beds, toys and people who love them.

They have learned to trust our staff and volunteers, and they look forward to their daily routines.

But when strangers walk through the kennels looking for a new family member, these same dogs retreat to the back of their kennels. They turn away, hide or simply refuse to interact.

It’s almost as if they’re saying, “No, thank you. I’m happy here!”

But we know better. We know there’s something even better waiting for them. A real home.

Take Mia, for example.

Mia came to us terribly skinny, covered in scars and having been bred multiple times. When potential adopters approach her kennel, she hides in the back, hoping they will just move along.

But when volunteers like Malia come to see her, Mia dances!

She wiggles with excitement, gives kisses and practically drags her favorite people to the couch for some much-needed snuggle time.

This is the real Mia. A loving, affectionate dog who desperately wants to be close to someone she trusts.

Then there’s Champ.

Champ is a favorite among our volunteers. He’s quiet, calm, sweet and an absolute gentleman. He patiently waits for someone to take him outside, never has an accident in his kennel and wags his tail endlessly when his favorite people arrive.

But when potential adopters come to meet him, Champ turns away.

How do we explain to someone walking through the shelter that the dog who won’t even look at them might become the most devoted companion they’ve ever had?

That’s where we need your help.

We need adopters who are willing to look beyond that first impression. People who will sit quietly with a frightened dog, offer a treat, take a walk or simply give them a little time.

These dogs may not run to the front of their kennels begging for attention. They may not jump into your lap the first time you meet them. You might even need to visit more than once.

But imagine the moment that frightened dog finally trusts you. The first tail wag, the first kiss, the first time they curl up beside you because they know they’re safe.

Imagine being the person who shows them that life can be even better than the shelter.

Our staff and volunteers have worked hard to earn the trust of these dogs. Now we need families willing to do the same.

The next time you visit the shelter, please don’t walk past the dog hiding in the back of the kennel. Ask to meet them. Take them for a walk. Give them a chance.

You might just discover that the dog everyone else walked past is the one you’ve been looking for.
And for a dog like Mia or Champ, you could be the person who finally shows them what home really means.

Their Lives Are In Our Hands. 
By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator