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News & stories

Keep up with all things FOTAS! Meet adoptable pets, hear from volunteers, and stay informed about events taking place in your community.

2023, Volunteer

Dogs Change our Perspective

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
At 73 pounds, Bam Bam is one of the shelter’s larger lap dogs available for adoption at the Aiken County Animal Shelter.
13
May

I am a lifelong movie hound who has been influenced at times by heroic narratives and timeless courtships. I learned about first dates and opening car doors from watching A Bronx Tale. The classroom in Dead Poets Society helped me discover a love for literature and teaching. Die Hard taught me about resilience and to pack proper footwear if invited to a Christmas party.

Movies can influence us in establishing cliches and stereotypes that often take time to unlearn. X really doesn’t mark the spot. Doctors aren’t inherently egotistical, nor are all lawyers stripped of a moral compass. The stereotype at the Aiken County Animal Shelter is that pit bulls automatically need to be feared. Not true.

And yet, by and large, we do fear them. We’ve been conditioned to see the breed as foaming, devastating creatures, more akin to furry Terminators than giant, red companions or athletically gifted retrievers. Instead, they are the unsavory character’s intimidating bodyguard. They are junkyard defenders, just a choke chain or spiked collar away from certain disaster. They are the reason cameras linger on Beware of Dog signs.

That would have been me too had it not been for the Aiken County Animal Shelter. I’ve always crossed to the other side of the street, or given a wide berth to these dogs, leashed or not. A pit bull as a pet? No way. I believed they were dangerous and uncontrollable. Why? Because I believed the cliches.

The shelter is at capacity now and over half of them have various amounts of pit bull mixed into them. They last longer in the kennels than other “gentler breeds.”

I volunteer for FOTAS and spend many days walking the dogs outside their kennels. I literally cannot avoid these pit bull mixes now and I am so happy I get to walk them. They are all begging for affection and exercise and can’t wait to see me when I show up.

I walk Suzie who is a medium-sized, black pitty mix with white paws, a contagious smile and soulful eyes. She likes most every dog she meets and is usually the first one to jump in the shelter’s kiddie pool during playgroup. Suzie also insists on getting a hug when you return her to her kennel.

I also look forward to spending time with Butler, a sleek black boy with a white highway divider between his eyes. He’s got those stereotypical bear trap jaws but I don’t hesitate to let him crawl up and nibble at my beard.

And I never leave without watching Bam Bam and his massive ivory head jiggle with anticipation as we enter the woods, the simple joy of life and love powering him, and me, into another hopeful day.

These three, along with the rest of the animals at the shelter, all exude this infectious sort of hope. Theirs, to find a loving, loyal family. Ours, that perceptions can be changed, that harmful cliches will be forgotten.

Like pit bulls and treasure maps, Hollywood often gets something else wrong. In life, not everyone gets a happy ending, but with your help, either walking, cuddling, or taking them home, maybe these incredible animals will.

By Drew Attana, FOTAS Volunteer

2023, Therapy Dogs

Sharing the Love of Dogs

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
FOTAS brings sweet, calm shelter dogs to Cumberland Hills Assisted Living Facility.
05
May

It is hard to get motivated some days, especially on a dreary, rainy Friday morning. However, when David and I volunteered for FOTAS by bringing two Aiken County Animal Shelter dogs into the Cumberland Hills Assisted Living Facility, we were greeted so warmly by the residents that we quickly forgot that the sun wasn’t shining.

This was not our first visit to the facility, and it was so wonderful seeing the faces of our friends who enjoy the pups each month.

There are so many dogs at the shelter, but we wanted to bring two that would not be too playful or overly affectionate for those we were visiting. We decided on a small shaggy, neglected little dog (he found a home later that day thanks to our small dog wait list) and Enzo, a three-month-old pitty puppy.

One of my favorite residents always greets us in a wheelchair. She comes to see us before the others, and we talk about the pets she has had over the years and her daughter’s love for dogs. I was sure she would prefer the small shaggy dog but nope, she said the pitty pup was more her type. It was so cool to watch her stroke this puppy and his little tail would not stop wagging!

The director, Sky, told us that some residents couldn’t make it down the hall to see us, yet they were the biggest animal lovers. She led us to their rooms.

The first woman we met was lovely and she had a room FULL, I mean FULL, of photographs of her past dogs and horses. She brightened up when she saw the pups. This graceful woman enjoyed petting the dogs and thanked us for the visit. She reminded me to not put my face directly into the face of a dog as it can make them uncomfortable, and I could get bitten. I wonder if she was a teacher. I will ask her during our next visit.

The woman we visited next really broke both of our hearts. She was so pretty in all coral, laying down in a chair. She warmly welcomed us in. She touched the dogs and began to cry. She said her pets were just taken the day before to her family in Pennsylvania, since residents cannot have pets. You could see the pain in her eyes and she choked up. She started to pet the puppy and told him that she loved him and asked us to visit again soon. I am so looking forward to seeing her in a couple of weeks with more dogs.

As pet lovers, we cannot imagine living without our furry companions. It must be lonely without them. The men and women we meet at Cumberland Hills understand that they cannot have animals where they live. The joy we see in their faces when they are able to connect with a shelter dog or puppy is pretty spectacular.

We meet so many kind people and it is always rewarding and yet always hard to leave. The shelter dogs love to visit and they appreciate the love, attention, and the kind words softly spoken from the residents.

I am counting the days until our next visit.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2023, Adoption

Ten reasons why you should adopt a black dog

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Smokey, a three-year-old black Lab mix, who is medium-sized and super affectionate.
29
Apr

Black is beautiful. Yet, black dogs statistically wait at least four times longer to be adopted from shelters than lighter coated and more colorful canines.

It’s known as “Black Dog Syndrome” and we are currently experiencing this unfortunate phenomenon at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Attractive, friendly and smart black dogs are languishing at 333 Wire Road because prospective adopters are not selecting them. Why? We’re not sure. Experts claim that superstitious people see black dogs as dangerous or evil. Others theorize that their facial expressions are harder to see, especially in the shadows of their kennel, so people don’t connect with them as easily. Still others speculate that black dogs don’t photograph as well, so when they are featured on social media pages, they don’t catch the eye of prospective adopters.

Frankly, the whole Black Dog Syndrome seems silly to us — but we can’t ignore it. Not when the shelter is filling up with dark-coated dogs who can’t find homes.

  1. Therefore, to counter these negative tropes, here are ten reasons why you should adopt a black dog:
  2. Black dogs are chic and always in fashion.
  3. Black dogs never look dirty.
  4. Black dogs make you look thinner.
  5. Black dog hair blends into your dark pants, dress or coat.
  6. Black dogs are just as loyal, playful, and loving as other canines. Maybe more so.
  7. Black dogs are always ready for a formal occasion.
  8. Black dogs are cute and smart. Breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Spaniels, Shepherds and Terriers are some of the smartest dogs and often have black fur.
  9. Black dogs are easy to accessorize. They look great in any color.
    Black dogs look tough even when they are sweet pushovers.
  10. Adopting saves lives. By adopting a black dog, you will not only be saving their life, but will open up a spot for another dog to be rescued.

Here are just some of the County Shelter’s terrific black dogs who need and deserve good homes:

  • Malone, a mini black Lab mix who is four years old, easygoing and enjoys the company of other dogs.
  • Dipsy Doodle, a cute, four-year-old cuddle bug who enjoys car rides.
  • Butler, an athletic, four-year-old Retriever mix who wants to be your one and only.
  • Suzie, an active and athletic three-year-old mixed breed who is a proven superstar in playgroup.
  • Smokey, a three-year-old black Lab mix, who is medium-sized and super affectionate.
  • Kenobi, an active, three-year-old mixed breed who can’t get enough human attention.
  • Arabell, an adorable, one-year-old mixed breed who plays well with other dogs.

Please stop by the shelter to meet these black beauties and cuties. The County Shelter is at full capacity and these dogs need to find loving homes soon.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

Photo caption:
Kenobi likes toys, car rides and cuddling with his favorite humans
Malone is easygoing and often sunbathes on his back in his kennel.
Dipsy Doodle is an active girl who wants to be your one and only pet.

Butler is athletic and loves to go on walks.
Suzie is a wiggle butt and enjoys wrestling dogs her size or larger.
Smokey loves tummy rubs.

2023, Volunteer, Woofstock

Woofstock Festival Rocks!

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
20
Apr

On Saturday, April 15th FOTAS held its 10th Annual Woofstock event at Citizens Park. It is a festive day, one designed to bring the community and its four-legged animals together with all kinds of activities—contests, races, and pet-owners showing off their dogs.

But I have to make a confession. I was nervous. What if only a small group of people come to support the event? Would the vendors and sponsors be disappointed? What if only a handful of folks show up for the races or contests? Would all the hard work by the teams of volunteers who helped plan and run the event be just a waste of their precious time?

I expressed my concerns at the Park on Saturday morning to Ellie Joos, the Secretary of FOTAS and designated emcee of the event. She immediately said, “Jennifer, look at the hundreds of people making their way to the event, and look at the number of entries in all of the contests.”

Ellie was right. The response was overwhelming. More than 500 people came—the most successful Woofstock ever!

Some highlights:

  • Kenny Ray, our DJ extraordinaire, volunteered his services and set the mood for the day with excellent music. Kenny says next year he will make it even better. (Hard to imagine it could be any better!),
  • All our sponsors and vendors appreciated the great exposure; many have already committed to participate next year. ‘
  • When Buzz Rich stood in line to buy a t-shirt, the person in front of him was short of cash. In keeping with the generosity and good feeling of the day, Buzz bought that person a t-shirt as well as his own.
  • There was a parade for past shelter dogs adopted and for shelter dogs currently available for adoption. The crowd gave them a standing ovation. Marnie Munger, a long time FOTAS supporter, texted, “It was a blast! Such a good turnout and positive vibe.” Amen to that, Marnie.
  • County Council members in attendance included Chairman Gary Bunker, assistant council chair, Andrew Siders (who sang the national anthem), assistant county administrator, Brian Sanders (who participated in the parade with his shelter adopted dog), assistant county administrator/chief development officer Joel Duke, and Paige Bayne, the director of code enforcement. Paige, who oversees the shelter, attended with her adopted shelter dog and her husband, Jason. Both Paige and Jason donated their time as EMTs.
  • Two new County Councilmen, Ron Felder and Mike Kellems, attended as well. Councilman Kellems sponsored an adoption fee for some lucky canine looking for a home.

The Aiken County Animal Shelter still receives way, way too many strays and surrendered animals every year. Although progress on reducing overpopulation has been painfully slow, no adoptable pet has been euthanized at the shelter for over five years. That’s a big deal, made possible only by the hard work of shelter staff, volunteers, county council, and the support from you, our supportive community.

Woofstock is a celebration of the effort, generosity, and commitment of everyone who works to save the County’s homeless and abandoned animals.

See you at Woofstock next year, I can’t wait!

Their lives are truly in our hands.

By Jennifer Miller FOTAS President

2023, Therapy Dogs, Volunteer

Bridge Building

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Drew and Kenobi enjoying each other's gifts.
06
Apr

First, there was Handsome. This combination of rippling muscles and tenderness, like the canine reincarnation of André the Giant, took me for a long hike around the grounds of the Aiken County Animal Shelter and introduced me to this new world.

Then, I met Kenobi, more of a base jumper than a Jedi, who leaps and pirouettes in his kennel like a furry tornado, yet when he gets to the wooded trails, ambles along with the calm contemplation of a country gentleman.

And finally, Suzie—the wiggling heartbreaker, who bears dozens of deep scars on her prancing legs and soft muzzle, the product of an unconscionable backstory, but in spite of this, radiates warmth and eyes that have chosen hope over sorrow. Since those first walks, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and playing with countless others. The shelter on Wire Road is often in flux, a revolving door of new additions and residents who’ve found forever homes, but there is one constant: the folks of FOTAS who dedicate themselves to improve the quality of life for these stray and surrendered animals. From square meals, to rollling in the play yard, to scratches behind the ears, many of the animals’ faces take on a peaceful glow, maybe for the first time in their lives.

Since I began volunteering, I’ve fallen in love with all of those faces, but I harbor
a secret. I wish they knew how selfish I am. I wish they could understand that whatever small measure of help I give them, what I receive in return is, conservatively, tenfold.

Long ago—funny how the older we get, the more we measure time in adages rather than round numbers—I was diagnosed with severe Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Most of the time, I’m able to manage symptoms through therapy, but I do have periods where my condition becomes nearly debilitating, especially with major life changes.

Recently, my wife accepted a position teaching English at Aiken Tech and we moved here from Costa Rica. As an English professor myself, I’m lucky enough to work fully online, but suddenly, I found myself in an unfamiliar town, without friends or any physical place I needed to be. Free time and an idle mind aren’t great bedfellows for someone with my mental proclivities, so I needed to find a sense of purpose. Fast.

I’d avoided shelters before. As a man who blames errant eyelashes for tears during a Sarah McLachlan commercial, I assumed I’d be broken by the longing stares of pitifully lost dogs. The first few steps with Handsome, Kenobi, and Suzie changed everything. They aren’t lost, but in transition. FOTAS is a bridge, and I’m thankful to now count myself as one of the many girders that support these animals as they move from a closed chapter to the new, loving family waiting on the other side.

I urge you to experience this yourself. Come meet the FOTAS folks and tumble
with their fuzzy friends. Consider adopting or volunteering. Their lives are in our hands.

And remember: whatever comfort you give them, they just might provide you the same, if not more, in return.

By Drew Attana, FOTAS Volunteer

2023, Be Their Voice

Be Their Voice program teaches local students how to help homeless pets

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Graniteville Elementary students play with puppies from the Aiken County Animal Shelter.
30
Mar

One thing that we truly love is the opportunity to visit schools and speak to young people about the work that is done at the Aiken County Animal Shelter and with FOTAS. We want to teach them how they can help.

In January, second grade teacher Jordan Barrett invited me to bring a dog to Graniteville Elementary to meet second grade students who were given the assignment of writing a persuasive essay to try and encourage people to adopt the pets from the shelter. This is reflective of our FOTAS Be Their Voice program that we have introduced as an opportunity for older students to earn service hours.

These second graders were incredibly respectful, eager to learn and truly special kids! The Aiken Standard met us there along with Channel 12 reporter Will Volk.

I brought an adoptable dog named Nova with me and pictures of all the adoptable pets from the shelter to pass along to the students.

The following week I returned to the school, this time with puppies! The students were so patient the week before and didn’t get much hands-on time with the dog I brought, so as a reward all the students were able to meet and love on two little puppies. They had their writing assignments ready for pick up and they blew my mind! These second graders wrote better than some middle schoolers! They were so kind, loving and encouraging in their descriptions of why each pet was special in their own way and why they should get adopted. They were beautiful!

These fabulous second grade educators are doing something really important with their students. They open their eyes as to how they can help others, those without voices.

Miss Barrett reached out to me again and asked if I could bring puppies to their school as an incentive for students to reach their goals. I told her that I would LOVE to!

Last week I brought two female puppies to meet the students and the puppies were in absolute heaven! The children were gentle. They not only wanted to pet the pups, but they wanted to show them their reading books as they giggled and socialized with them.

The funniest part was when Miss Barrett fell for the one puppy. The sweet little black and white baby crawled onto her lap and wouldn’t leave. The pup was in love! Another teacher came to visit and had the same experience with the other puppy.

Later that day, both teachers contacted me that they chose to adopt. Both puppies are now truly the teacher’s pets!

Thank you to educators that bring us into their schools and let us partner with them. We want students in Aiken County to grow up knowing us. Young people need to recognize us as community helpers and understand the work we do.

If we ever want a solution for animal overpopulation and the countless stray animals wandering our roads, it is vital for this generation to learn about pet responsibility and caring for those that need help

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

2023, Foster, kitten season, kittens

Kitten season is coming! Here’s what you need to know

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
23
Mar

Kitten season is just around the corner. In fact, baby felines are already starting to trickle in. Last Friday, the Aiken County Animal Shelter received a litter of two-week-old kittens after a car hit and killed their mama. Soon, Good Samaritans will be discovering newborn and toddler felines all around the County.

Kitten season is an annual phenomenon, starting in April, peaking in July and August, and usually concluding by late October. The most important fact to remember about the season is that a kitten’s best chance for a long and healthy life is with their mother. If you are walking outside and stumble upon a lone kitten or an entire litter, look for any sign of their mother. Before you pick up any kittens, determine if she is around. The mama cat instinctively knows how to nurture and protect her young, and her milk provides the kittens with powerful nutrients vital to their immune systems.

Mother cat w kittens

If the kittens are underage (less than two pounds or younger than eight weeks old) and mom is still around and taking care of them, leave the kittens where they are until they are weaned. To help the mama cat, you can provide shelter and put out food nearby.

If the kittens’ mom is not around, wait at least two hours to see if she comes back. If she doesn’t return, please consider fostering the kittens (or find someone who is willing to foster) until they are at least two pounds.

We have kitten kits to help you foster
Since the shelter does not have the capacity to properly nurture and socialize underage kittens, we need community members who find feline babes to step up and foster them. Once they are old enough to be spayed/neutered (two months old), the shelter staff will ensure they are adopted to good homes.

FOTAS provides “kitten kits” containing instructions and the supplies you need to take care of found kittens until they are old enough to come to the Aiken County Animal Shelter. The shelter has kits customized for infant kittens as well as older kittens.

While kittens under four weeks old must be bottle fed, older kittens just need a little of your time to nurture and socialize them. If you are unsure of their age or care needs, you can bring kittens to the shelter for assessment. We can help you decide on a plan for adoption or direct you to other options, including our TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) program, which is free to Aiken County residents, or the spay/neuter voucher program.

Foster volunteers needed for kittens
Citizens are sometimes unable to bottle feed and socialize the kittens they find, so we have a small team of FOTAS fosters who take in babies and give them the care they require. These volunteers save many felines every year. To join this special team, please go to fotasaiken.org or call the shelter at (803) 642-1537, option 3.

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

2023, Adoption, Dogs

Help change the luck of some deserving County Shelter dogs today

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Rosemary is a sweet girl who is hoping her luck improves today.
17
Mar

FOTAS and the Aiken County Animal Shelter are having a St. Patrick’s “Change Their Luck” adoption event today, Saturday, March 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Today only, FOTAS sponsors will be paying for all pet adoptions.

Stop by 333 Wire Road in Aiken, SC, enjoy some complimentary St. Paddy treats, and let the shelter’s adoption counselors help you find your furry lucky charm!

The shelter kennels are doubled up and we are housing many wonderful pets who just need a lucky break. These homeless animals deserve love and security.

Here is just a sampling of the County Shelter’s adoptable dogs:

Caprice: Sweet Caprice is a wonderful dog who is somehow being overlooked by potential adopters. She is a lovely black Lab mix who is six years old, 57 pounds and easy to walk.

Elle gets along with most dogs and is a cuddle bug.

Elle: Brindle and white Sweetie-pie Elle is wonderful with most dogs, walks wonderfully on a leash and is in urgent need of a good home. This mixed breed is three years old, 57 pounds and well behaved.

Handsome: Three years old, 81 pounds and extremely playful, Handsome is not a dog you can miss seeing on our adoption floor. This blue and white guy loves other large dogs. He’s like a big puppy!

Janna has a gorgeous white coat and likes other dogs.

Janna: Pretty, white Janna is three years old, 50 pounds and extremely sweet. She is a little shy but quickly bonds with people she knows. This girl gets along with most dogs and deserves the best home. 

Rosemary: Poor Rosemary arrived at the County Animal Shelter covered in bite marks and some of her teeth filed down. She likely was used as a bait dog by a dog fighting operation. But despite her past abuse, this three-year-old, 54-pound stray is a cuddly sweetheart. (tongue out picture above)

Merry: She’s been here longer than any other dog in the adoption wing. She’s one of the friendliest dogs you’ll ever meet and gets so excited when prospective

Pretty Merry is wonderful but has been at the County Shelter longer than any other dog.

adopters visit her. Blue and white Merry is three years old, 52 pounds and playful. She would do best as an only pet.

 

Sosa is loving, playful and likes playing with other big dogs.

Sosa: Two-year-old, 56-pound mixed breed Sosa is a playful, active and goofy dog. He insists on giving you a hug when you greet him. He likes running in the play yard and enjoys rolling around on his back and chasing tennis balls. Sosa has a rich, red coat and likes big dogs who enjoy playing rough & rowdy style.

For more information about Saturday’s “Change Their Luck” adoption event, please go to fotasaiken.org, where you can view photos and details about all the animals available for adoption. Or contact the Aiken County Animal Shelter, (803) 642-1537 (option #3).

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2023, adopter feedback, Adoption, Pibbles

Shelter Adoptions are Great

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
23
Feb

My son Wesley, after grieving over the loss of his chocolate Labrador Retriever, decided it was time for another dog. Instead of looking for a registered breed and being advocates and supporters of FOTAS/Aiken Country Animal Shelter we decided to pay the Aiken Country Animal Shelter a visit.

We made an appointment and on arrival Kathy took us on an adoption tour. It was immediately obvious that Kathy’s passion for these animals is surmount to just a job. Kathy patiently showed us the huge number of dogs ready to be adopted. The shelter was overflowing from the recent large intake of surrenders.

Although so overcrowded, we were very impressed with the cleanliness and how well maintained the entire facility was kept. Even more impressive was the care these animals were receiving no matter their physical condition, size, shape or breed. Each kennel has a detailed list of the animal’s condition, the treatment needed and thus far provided. Also, another post contained behavioral notes detailing any issues, a schedule for volunteers of when the dog had last been walked and details like leash trained, pulls when walks, jumper, etc.

After a lot of going back forth we finally picked out a medium size 2 year old Pibble (Pit Bull mix), Jelly Bean. Kathy got her out of the kennel. Wes got on the floor with Jelly Bean who quickly convinced Wes she was his dog.

Now three weeks later things could not be better. Jelly Bean came housebroken, out retrieves our yellow Lab mix (also an adopted stray) and loves the country life. No registered breed needed. Save those big bucks. For a modest adoption fee you can get a neutered/spayed, microchipped, smart, forever special and loving family companion.

Although already impressed with the entire adoption process at the shelter, we received this email:

“Good morning Ms Tyler! I am emailing you as you recently adopted Jelly Bean and we just wanted to see how everything was going. Behaving?? Eating well?/ Playing well with everyone?? Adapting well?? If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reply to this email or give as a call. We would love to see any pics you have to share! Thank you so much and we look forward to hearing from you!”

I’m not sure you would receive this level of care and concern from anyone else. It will always be the shelter for our next dog. PLEASE consider a PIBBLE. They are great dogs!

Our family sincerely thanks and appreciates all the FOTAS volunteers and staff that work at the shelter on a daily basis. Your efforts to help teach socialization skills to get these animals to their forever homes speaks volumes about your character and compassion.

Their lives are in our hands.

by Allison, Rhonda and Wesley Tyler, Aiken County Shelter Adopters

2023, County Animal Control, microchipping

County staff & Good Samaritan team up to return pet home

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
County Animal Code Enforcement Officer Dave Byerly (pictured with adoptable dog Desert) picked up a lost Husky from Good Samaritan James English’s home and delivered her back to her owner. Thanks to these two men, as well as support from other County staff, the Husky never had to go through the stress of being put into a shelter.
17
Feb

When James English crossed paths with a stray Siberian Husky mix while on his way to work, he wasn’t sure what to do.

“I was driving down the road I live on and suddenly this dog ran in front of me, so I slammed on the brakes,” he said. “When I opened the door to get out of my truck, she hopped right up into the front seat.”

The clean, well-groomed Husky had a collar and English thought the dog must be owned by someone in the neighborhood. So, he knocked on doors and asked people in the community if they had ever seen the dog before or knew where the dog lived. But no one recognized the pretty canine.

English was aware that Aiken County Animal Shelter was full, so he didn’t want to surrender the lost dog there except as a last resort. After days of searching for the Husky’s owner, he brought her to the shelter, where the staff scanned the dog and discovered she had a microchip. Her name was Fiona, and she lived four miles from where English found her. They contacted the owners and County Animal Code Enforcement Officer Dave Byerly arranged to pick up Fiona from English’s residence and deliver her back to her home the next morning. English said his girlfriend and her daughters appreciated being able to take care of Fiona for one more night before saying good-bye. The shelter staff, likewise, was thankful that English took good care of the lost Husky, helping to keep her out of the shelter while they tracked down her owner.

Use FOTAS & the Shelter as a resource

Most people only think of the Aiken County Animal Shelter as a place to bring lost or unwanted pets for rehoming. But it is most importantly a resource to help residents with their pet ownership and rescue efforts. Through its partnership with FOTAS, the shelter provides community outreach programs that not only benefit people and their pets, but also help to prevent dogs and cats from ever having to be surrendered and put in its kennels.

We now hold monthly pet food assistance drive-thru events. During these events, local residents in need of food for their dogs and cats can drive up to the shelter, where FOTAS volunteers place bags and cans of pet food in the trunks of their vehicles.

FOTAS also offers Fido Off-the-Chain to the community. This program provides humane runners and tethering for people who don’t have fenced-in yards. The County’s animal code enforcement officers usually deliver these tools to residents on a needed basis.

FOTAS’s Home to Home program is another resource that helps county residents keep their pets out of the shelter’s kennels. It is provided for people to use, free of charge, a marketing tool designed for pet owners who need to rehome their pet but do not want their dog or cat to endure the stress of being surrendered to the shelter.

We’ll continue to develop community outreach programs that further establish the County Shelter as a helpful resource rather than just a destination for unwanted pets.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director