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News & stories

Blog

News & stories

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

2019, Adoption, Bully Dogs, DOGGIE DATES, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, News, Pibbles, Training, Volunteers

Doggie Dates and Sleepovers Help Shelter Pets Relax, Find Forever Homes

Posted on by Bob Gordon
04
Jun

Did you know you can go on dates with dogs who are waiting to be adopted at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS)? You can! If you live in the County, FOTAS has a program that allows you to take homeless dogs out for an hour or two, on a day-long field trip or even overnight.

And the dogs love it. Getting out of the shelter for even a short car ride can work wonders to reduce their stress, build trust and boost their confidence.

“The biggest value of the Doggie Days Out and sleepovers is how they reduce the dogs’ anxiety,” said FOTAS volunteer Kelly Meyers, who often takes ACAS dogs home for the weekend. “Currently I’m working with Bastian, and he goes from amped up to chilled out as soon as he gets in my car. The experience gives them a break from the stress of shelter life and a chance to decompress. “

BASTIAN, a terrific 7-year-old Retriever mix currently available for adoption at the County Animal Shelter, enjoys some down time at Kelly Meyers’ house. The time away from the shelter helps make dogs more confident and ensures more successful adoptions.

The experience also provides staff and volunteers with critical information about the dog’s personality traits, strengths and weaknesses. Is the dog housebroken? Does he get along with cats? Is he friendly to strangers? Answers to such questions provide key data for successfully matching them with potential adopters.

“It’s good to give these dogs some quiet time, so I take them on walks downtown or bring them to a local horse farm,” said FOTAS Volunteer Donna Dring. “Sometimes I take them for a walk in the woods or bring them to my home for an hour just to unwind and get some sleep.”

Going on a doggie date or hosting a doggie sleepover can also give citizens greater insight about a dog they are interested in adopting. Marti Healy recently took black Lab mix Cooper home for a sleepover to see how he would mesh with her pets. Her dog, Quincy, became quick friends with Cooper but her cat, Tuppence, didn’t fare as well. The feline liked Cooper but he couldn’t help himself from chasing her around the house.

LADY, who has since been adopted to a great home, enjoys some cuddling with FOTAS Volunteer Donna Dring during a Doggie Day Out.

Although Healy was disappointed Cooper wasn’t the right match for her family, she was thankful for the experience.

“Getting the chance to see how Cooper got along with my animals in a relaxed setting was a huge help,” she said. “I would have felt bad if I had adopted him and then had to take him back.” Her experience also let the shelter know that Cooper bonds well with other dogs but needs to find a home without kitties.

In the summer, the need for doggie daters is at its greatest because thousands of animals are received during the hot months, the shelter is usually at capacity and we are short on volunteers as some go on vacation. When citizens take these homeless pets on walks or field trips, it’s greatly therapeutic for them, especially the dogs who are shy or scared.

If you would like to take an ACAS dog on a date, please come to the shelter, located at 333 Wire Road, and we’ll set you up. All you need is your driver’s license and a love for dogs.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

PETS OF THE WEEK

BOLT
Mixed breed, male, 3 years old, 42 pounds – $35

JADA
Domestic Longhair, female, 2 months old, 1.5 pounds – $10

2019, Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS, Military Veterans, News, Therapy Dogs, Veterans

Memorial Day: A Time to Reflect with an Adopted Pet at your Side

Posted on by Bob Gordon
27
May

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

Bonding closely with a pet can be a powerful and healing experience. It is with this in mind that each month, FOTAS proudly sponsors the adoption fees for five active military and veterans. Paying for these Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) adoptions is our small way of thanking the men and women who protect and serve our country.

“It’s awesome that you offer this program,” said Steven Vandiver, who adopted a kitten from the Aiken County Animal Shelter in January. “It’s important because having a pet is comforting and reassuring to the vets who come back from overseas, especially if they are suffering from anxiety or PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Having an animal to focus on tends to make things easier for them.”

Memorial Day can be an especially emotional time for veterans as they think about their peers who didn’t make it back safe, but instead made the ultimate sacrifice.

Each month, FOTAS pays for five adoptions of County Shelter animals to vets and active military personnel. The special program is in its third year.

“I look upon the day as a time to reflect on your friends who didn’t make it back,” said Stephen Guidry, who took advantage of the FOTAS sponsorship by adopting Duke, a skinny German Shepherd who’s since filled out into a hearty weight. Guidry served in the military from 2010 to 2018, which included tours in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Veterans often come to the County Animal Shelter to find a therapy pet or service animal. Dogs and even cats help them transition back into a normal day-to-day life. When a veteran connects with the right pet, it can change both their lives for the better. The pet gets a loving forever home and the veteran receives unconditional love and support, which reduces stress, depression, loneliness and anxiety.

Jim Santa Maria, who adopted two Retriever puppies from the ACAS through the FOTAS veterans sponsorship program, has been fortunate to have never sustained the scars of war, but during his two decades in the Air Force he’s seen a number of his peers suffer PTSD and other emotional problems. Santa Maria and his wife, Patti, live in Ohio but each month he works one week at the Air National Guard base in McEntire.

Steven Vandiver, a veteran who served 15 years in the U.S. Army, adopted Wesley as a kitten through the FOTAS Veterans and Military Adoption Program. Now a year old, the gray and black Tabby still likes to greet Steven and his daughter, Jade, by climbing on their shoulders

“I think for our men and women who serve in the desert and then come back to the States — some of them going on three or four deployments during their service — connecting to an animal can provide comfort and make them feel like they belong here,” he said. “Pets can help them make that difficult adjustment back into civilian life.”

If you, a family member or a friend are a veteran or currently serving in the military, be sure to visit the Aiken County Animal Shelter and find a furry companion. The shelter is located at 333 Wire Road in Aiken. Our new hours are 11:00 to 5:00 Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 11:00 to 7:00 on Tuesday and Thursday; and 11:00 to 4:30 on Saturday.

Their lives are in our hands.

BY THE NUMBERS

In April, the County Animal Shelter received 335 strays and surrendered pets. As of May 23, the shelter has already taken in 373 homeless animals this month.

PETS OF THE WEEK

FANCY
Boxer mix, female, 1 year old, 46 pounds – $35


ANNIKA
Domestic Longhair, female, 2 months old, black & gray Tabby, 1.5 pounds – $10

2019, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Cats, Dogs, fostering, FOTAS, Home-to-Home adoption program, News, surrendered pets

Home-to-Home Program Reduces Stress for Pets and Owners

Posted on by Bob Gordon
21
May

By Ellen Priest, FOTAS Board Member and Home-to-Home Coordinator

Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS) is constantly looking at best practices for the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Recently we discovered the Home-to-Home program and thought it would be a perfect way to reduce the number of animals being taken in by the shelter each year. By the way, that number was 5,000 in 2018. Mind-boggling, isn’t it, that 5,000 unwanted animals made their way to the Aiken County Animal Shelter last year?

The Home-to-Home program allows owners, who can no longer keep their pet, a way to rehome them to another family by creating a profile on a specially created website and uses FOTAS’ Facebook page to promote the animals. By using this tool, it reduces owner surrendered numbers, and stress for both the animal and the owner.

When animals come from a home to the shelter, they are often so confused and shaken, they shut down. Volunteers will find them shaking in their cages, confused by the noise and the unfamiliar surroundings. These highly adoptable animals cower in their cages, not interacting with prospective adopters and become unadoptable.

One of the many Home-to-Home postings on the FOTAS Facebook page.

Since we started the program the beginning of February, we have had 89 listings. Fifty pets have been adopted, seven were eventually surrendered to the shelter, and the rest are still looking for homes. That is 50 pets that didn’t come to the shelter in the last three months, freeing up space for strays and injured or abused animals. And we’re just getting started.

As we get word out, we hope to have more rehoming success stories, with a pet going from one loving home to another.

Carrolanne reached out to us recently. She had just lost her husband of 35 years suddenly. Richard stayed at home with their two beloved fur babies, while Carrolanne took care of her elderly mother, who had suffered a stroke. With Richard’s sudden passing, Carrolanne was faced with leaving her mother’s side to run home to take care of the dogs, and get back to her mother before the home health worker left. She could not bring the dogs to her mother, who would need wound care if a dog accidentally jumped on her. She was faced with the heartbreaking decision to rehome her beloved Penny and Ginger Snap.

The Ergles were thrilled to welcome Ginger Snap and Penny into their family through the new Home-to-Home adoption program FOTAS started incorporating this year.

Carrolanne contacted the shelter and we got her girls listed on Home-to-Home. The next day, I received a call from Carrolanne, who, choking back tears, said a nice family had come to see Penny and taken elderly Ginger Snap, too, when they saw how bonded the pair were. She said, “I truly don’t know what I would have done without your help and this program.”

Ginger Snap and Penny are now getting the love and attention of the Ergle family, and while Carrolanne is missing them terribly, she has our assurance that when the time is right, we’ll help her find a new pet to love. Visit fotas.home-home.org for more information, and to see available pets.

Their lives are in our hands.

Uncategorized

BeBe Goes to Woofstock

Posted on by Bob Gordon
13
May

By Joanna Dunn Samson, FOTAS Vice President

My name is BeBe, and I love humans. Oh sure, I’ve come across a few bad ones in my seven years, but at the Aiken County Animal Shelter, the humans are the best ever! Tops! See, I had been wandering around out in the country all by myself for a long time — tired, hungry, and more than a little bit worried about coyotes. And the fleas! Well, enough said about the fleas. The point being, when the nice animal control officers picked me up, I was relieved. At the shelter, I got fed, a safe place to sleep, a hot bath (goodbye, fleas!), and really great humans to take care of me.

Last Saturday, I knew something special was happening because all the humans were excited about a FOTAS benefit for the shelter called “Woofstock,” so when our best pal, Kathy Jacobs, the FOTAS Program Director, picked me, Otto, Lola, and Hatch to go to Woofstock, I got excited, too. We all piled into our crates on the van and Kathy clapped, smiled that super-bright Kathy-smile, pumped her fist, and said, “Okay, everyone! Next stop, Citizens Park and the Woofstock festival!”

Woofstock was a blast and all the proceeds went to the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

We all barked and pranced and yipped and wagged our tails, our way of saying “We’re in!” Then Otto froze, cocked his head and asked, “What’s a festival?” Oh, Otto. As it turns out, Woofstock was the happiest place I’ve ever been. There were dogs and people and kids (I love kids!) and doggie ice cream and burgers. There were funny races with those little wiener dogs and other dogs and everyone laughed and whopped and clapped. There were all sorts of contests for dogs and their humans, like the Best Costume, Best Trick, and Best Kisser (did I mention I’m a world-class kisser? If only I’d had a human . . . well, let’s just say that blue ribbon would have gone home in the FOTAS van.)

Everywhere you looked, there were big humans and little humans and their dog pals just hanging out and having a good time on a sunny day. I met a bunch of dogs who used to be at the shelter, who had all sorts of bad luck stories and now have families of their own. That gave me hope that maybe one day I’ll have a family, too—one with kids and other dogs, maybe. Or just a nice couple. Maybe even just one human I can make happy. I’m not picky. Not at all.

BeBe arrives at the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

It was a great day, so much fun. One of the volunteers said the day was a smashing success thanks to FOTAS volunteers Ellie Joos, Carol Stamm, and Jenny Spiro — they organized the whole shebang. Then Kathy said that the best thing about Woofstock was that it is a celebration of the great love between people and dogs. I couldn’t agree more — even if I don’t know what a celebration is, and even though I didn’t get adopted like my pals Otto and Lola.

That’s okay. My time will come. Soon, I hope. Next year, me and my favorite human might even win the Kissing Contest. For sure.

(BeBe is a very special, friendly dog—a lover of people and animals. She seriously needs a home. She needs you.)

Their lives are in our hands.

PETS OF THE WEEK

MEL
Retriever mix, male, 2 years old, 48 pounds – $35

ELIZA
Domestic Shorthair kitten, female, 2 months old, 1.2 pounds – $10

2019, Cats, Dogs, Events, FOTAS, News, Spay/Neuter, Training

Teaching Children Well about Training and Responsible Pet Care

Posted on by Bob Gordon
06
May

By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director

Educating our children is essential for promoting better pet care and reducing the number of homeless dogs and cats.

Last week, Dog Trainer Susi Cohen and I were invited to Oakwood Windsor Elementary School to share what we do to support the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS). Susi, a trainer with the Palmetto Dog Club who volunteers her services to FOTAS, brought Holly, a young Retriever mix, to demonstrate basic dog training to the children. She explained that just as teachers use positive reinforcement with students, dog owners need to do the same with their pets.

The students pet Holly, an Aiken County Animal Shelter Dog that was available for adoption.

When young Holly jumped up for attention, Susi explained that the best way to handle this overzealous behavior is to redirect her and praise her when she returns to standing on all fours. She stressed that you should never call your dog a “bad dog”. There are no bad dogs, just dogs that didn’t receive the training that they so desperately need.

One little boy had a great question. He said he understood it was not proper to call his dog bad but asked if it was okay to tell his dog, “No,” when it was misbehaving. Susi smiled and agreed that you must correct your dog, but it’s important to find a specific way to say it. Maybe tell your dog “Off” instead of “No”. She explained that yelling at your dog doesn’t help either; just simply praise your pet when she does what you want her to do. Dogs love attention and they love to please. Training provides both offerings for your pet.

So many of the dogs that come into the shelter are one to two years old. The behavioral reasons people give for surrendering them are typically because they are “too high energy”, “destructive” and/or “too much responsibility.” But if you train them properly, you can avoid these issues. Susi and Karen DeCamp, another wonderful trainer with Palmetto Dog Club, meet and work with people who are struggling with their pet’s conduct. Often, they can provide simple training tips to fix such unwanted behavior, which helps keep many dogs in their homes and out of the shelter.

During her visit to Oakwood Windsor Elementary School, Susi Cohen demonstrates some training techniques with shelter dog Holly.

I also brought a foster kitten to visit with the students. The students were surprised when I told them how many dogs and cats are taken in by the shelter each year. One boy said, “My dog just had 12 puppies, but three died.” Another little girl said her cat had kittens up in the attic and one had a lot of medical issues. I explained to them that Aiken County and FOTAS offer help in these situations. We have spay/neuter vouchers available at the shelter that greatly reduce the cost of this important surgery. It is a simple procedure that will ensure their dog or cat won’t have any more litters.

Going to the schools is always so rewarding. Not only do the shelter animals enjoy spending time with the students and vice versa, but teaching children about animal welfare and responsible pet ownership today paves the way for a better tomorrow.

Their lives are in our hands.

PETS OF THE WEEK

DREI
Hound mix, male, 1-1/2 years old, tan & white, 58 pounds, amputated left front leg – $35

Three-legged dog DREI

JACKSON
Domestic Medium Hair, male, 2 years old, black, 8.8 pounds – $10

JACKSON
2019, Children, Dogs, Donate, Events, FOTAS, Fundraisers, News, Woofstock

Calling all Basset Hounds, Come Race at Woofstock!

Posted on by Bob Gordon
29
Apr

By Denise Parmentier, FOTAS volunteer

This Saturday, plan to attend Woofstock Doggie Derby Day 2019, FOTAS’s annual family festival featuring the famous Doxie Derby.

Denise gives TUCKER a pep talk before his next big race.

This year’s event, scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Citizens Park, will offer many dog contests, including “Animal’s Got Talent,” a best trick competition being judged by Simon Growl and Heidi Groom; best kisser; best costume; and best dog/owner look alikes. There’s also going to be kids races, pet related business vendors, balloon creations, face painting, great food, music and other fun activities for the whole family.

TUCKER has surprising speed for a Basset Hound

The festival kicks off with a cavalcade of adoptable canines and a parade of dogs that have been adopted from the Aiken County Animal Shelter over the years.

But the event I’m most looking forward to is a dog race – more specifically, the Basset Hound competition. If you like to laugh, you’re going to love witnessing these adorable, short-legged Basset Hounds with marshmallow feet hilariously race each other down a grass track.

Basset Hound racing mania struck me in the early ‘80s. I was introduced to this “sport of kings” by Jerri Caswell at her Annual San Diego Basset Hound Picnic. The first event was the Basset-to-Owner race and it was about the funniest thing I’d ever seen. Bassets running to the right, Bassets to the left, Bassets going down the course in the wrong direction, and some just stopping to socialize or sniff in the middle of the field! We laughed till we cried, and I knew instantly that someday I would put on a Basset Hound Race.

TUCKER is a two-time winner of Woofstock’s large breed dog race, and this year he’s competing against other Bassets.

Enter Aiken, a perfect place for a Basset Hound race –it’s such a horse friendly, dog-loving town! I saw an ad in the Aiken Standard for Woofstock and the FOTAS Doxie Derby. I wanted to run my Basset Hound, Tucker, with them, but he was too big to race with those little wiener Dachshunds. The crowd watched and laughed as the funny little sausage dogs ran down the 75-foot course.

But I didn’t give up hope of racing Tucker and was pleased to discover the following year’s Woofstock featured a large breed dog race. Despite the fact that Tucker was only 12-inches tall with 5-inch legs, he went face to face with German Shepherds and Border Collies. With a look of determination, he ran his heart out and won the race by a nose!

The next year we entered the large dog race again, never expecting to repeat that performance, but Tucker won again! Then, year three drew a whole new assortment of large, athletic dogs. Tucker finished fourth … maybe.

But on May 4, Tucker will finally get to race dogs of his own breed. He will compete against ten of his best Basset Hound buddies. I can’t wait to see these dogs “sprint” to the finish line and watch the hilarity ensue.

If you have a Basset Hound and would like to race in this year’s “Hush Puppy Handicap” please come to Woofstock early and register your dog for the big contest. Tucker welcomes the competition!

PETS OF THE WEEK

HATCH
Retriever mix, male, 6 years old, black/blue, 50 pounds – $35

J. LO
Domestic Shorthair, female, 1 year old, brn & orange Manx, 6 pounds – $10

2019, animal care education, Chained dogs, County Animal Control, County animal laws, Dogs, FOTAS, Junior FOTAS, microchipping, News, Spay/Neuter, surrendered pets

Animal Control Officers: Friends, not Dog Catchers

Posted on by Bob Gordon
15
Apr

by Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director

I often go to area schools to talk to students about responsible pet ownership and proper animal care.

When we talk about how animals come into the Aiken County Animal Shelter, I tell the students that animal control officers as well as members of our community rescue and bring in stray dogs and cats. When asked by a show of hands how many believe animal control officers are mean, most will raise their hands. These young people have watched many animated movies and television shows that portray these community helpers as “dog catchers” – the cruel characters that drag Bolt and his friends into the dreaded animal shelter. What a misconception!

Officer Creel poses with Tall Pines STEM Academy students after talking to them about his job and giving them tips on how they can help homeless pets in their community.

Our community is very lucky to have officers that protect us and our pets from unvaccinated, sometimes aggressive animals. They look out for the neglected, abused and unloved pets in our area. They rescue dogs that have been left in the heat and cold without proper shelter, food and water. They bring in horses and pigs that have escaped their enclosures. These are the good guys.

Recently, Officer Brandon Creel attended our Junior FOTAS meeting at Tall Pines STEM Academy. He brought a catch pole, a scanner that reads microchips and demonstrated to the students how he and the other officers are trying to help. He explained that when officers use catch poles, it is as much for the dog’s protection as their own. Dogs can’t say “Stop,” but they can bite out of fear. If a dog bites an officer, not only will the officer be injured but the dog will have to go into quarantine. Therefore, the catch pole safely gets the dog into a kennel where they can decompress at the shelter. The scanner, he explained, helps officers identify and return dogs and cats to their homes without having to go to the shelter.

Officer Creel enjoys a light moment with students while teaching them about his job duties.

The officers also pick up scared strays, issue tickets to those who do not vaccinate, and educate the public about how to properly care for their pets. They save so many lives!

Officer Creel told the students that there are three things they can do to help: make sure their pets are vaccinated, ensure their animals are spayed and neutered, and speak up when they see an animal in need.

Aiken County is in good hands with this group of animal control officers. At the end of the work day, you will often see them visiting the dogs in their kennels, handing out pet treats and petting cats that need socializing. It’s their way of showing these animals that they do care about them and want them to be happy. Many of the officers have even adopted animals that they have rescued from the streets.

Their lives are in our hands.

BY THE NUMBERS
From April 1 to 10, the Aiken County Animal Shelter received 115 strays and surrendered pets. That’s more than 11 a day!

PETS OF THE WEEK
HUDSON: Terrier mix, male, 2 years old, 26 pounds – $35

SMOKEY: Domestic Medium Haired cat, female, 9 years old, 6 pounds – $10

2019, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, News, Pibbles, surrendered pets

The Struggles of Our Friend, Vegas the ‘Pittopotamus’

Posted on by Bob Gordon
08
Apr

by Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director

Some dogs at the shelter just can’t seem to catch a break.

Take our friend,Vegas. He was a shelter favorite, often referred to as a “pittopotamus” as he clearly had not missed many meals. He would lay quietly in his kennel, no wagging, looking solemn. Very little curb appeal to those looking to adopt. But once he got outside, he would run, play with toys and enjoy himself as much as any of the other dogs in play group.

Vegas gets ready for a snooze while staying with a foster volunteer.

Vegas was adopted and returned two times. We learned from both adoptions that Vegas needed to be an only pet. Like many children, he just couldn’t share his new owner’s attention with other pets. He longed for love.

Since the poor guy was so depressed after his second adoption wasn’t successful, a volunteer started taking him home at night. We learned that Vegas was even more awesome of a dog than we thought! Great in the house, a total couch potato.

After being overlooked for what seemed an eternity, a man came looking for a dog for his family. He fell in love with Vegas immediately! He took Vegas home to meet his wife and children. What a success! The family came to visit after a few weeks to show us how good Vegas looked. The kids just loved him! Vegas was now going to the dog park almost daily, sleeping in bed with them and having what appeared to be the best time!

Vegas is still looking for the right home.

It was perfect until the family had to move. They looked and looked for a home where Vegas could live with them, but all had lease restrictions. Poor Vegas has a label on him, and his breed is restricted.

The family tried to re-home him using our Home to Home program as they did not want to bring him back to the shelter. Unfortunately, they eventually did have to move and Vegas is now back on the adoption floor at 333 Wire Road. Do you want to see a sad dog? Come visit him.

It is very unfortunate that because of his breed, Vegas lost the best home he had ever known. Many of the dogs in shelters are those that have been labeled aggressive breeds — German Shepherds, Chow Chows, Akitas, and Bully mixes. But these are some of the most loving and intelligent dogs available! They are so loyal and most of our bully breeds just want to be close to people and touch them.

Vegas would make the perfect only pet for a young couple or a great companion for an older person. He’d also make a great family dog. He is just a wonderful dog who deserves better and we are all very sad to see him back and feeling so hopeless. Please spread the word and help us get him a good home.

Their lives are in our hands.

BY THE NUMBERS
On April 1, the Aiken County Animal Shelter launched extended adoption hours. The new hours are: Mon, Wed. and Fri. – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tues. and Thurs. – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sat. – 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

PETS OF THE WEEK

GIBBS
Mixed breed, male, 4 years old, blue gray, 70 pounds – $35

ZAC
Domestic Shorthair kitten, male, 2 months old, tan & black Tabby, 2 pounds – $10

2019, Adoption, animal abuse, Dogs, essay, FOTAS, injured animals, neglected pets, News, Shelter staff

Broken Beyond Repair? They Might Just Surprise You

Posted on by Bob Gordon
02
Apr

By Dr. Lisa Levy, ACAS Veterinarian

One of the greatest dangers to dogs running loose is being hit by a car. Unfortunately, injured animals being brought to the shelter is an all too common occurrence. Some of these injuries can be catastrophic and the animals can’t be saved. But some will defy the odds and recover.

Hiccup was in bad shape when he arrived at the Shelter.

Hiccup is a small terrier mix who came into the Aiken County Animal Shelter as a stray. He had difficulty standing and had very labored breathing. X-rays revealed that he had a ruptured diaphragm — the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. The impact from the car had caused his diaphragm to tear which allowed abdominal organs (in his case liver, stomach and intestines) to move into his chest, putting pressure on his lungs. Further x-rays revealed that he also had broken both his hips. Some hip fractures will heal on their own with restricted activity and time, while some require surgery.

The more serious problem was the diaphragm (we named him Hiccup because hiccups are caused by a spasm of the diaphragm). Surgical repair is possible but complicated and is most often done at a surgical referral practice or university. I have never done this surgery myself. I went home and talked to my husband, also a veterinarian, Dr. Michael Wells. He said he had done a few when clients couldn’t afford referral and he would be willing to try.

Hiccup on his freedom ride, heading to his forever home.

Surgery was challenging as the tear was in an area with little visibility. Since we don’t have ventilators, I had to manually bag him to breathe for him during the procedure. But Dr. Wells was successful in repairing the diaphragm and Hiccup recovered beautifully.

Hiccup soon went into foster care to see how his hips would heal. His foster parents fell in love with him and adopted him – and now this remarkable dog is running and climbing stairs without any need for further surgery.

Cadyn came into the shelter as a 5-month-old puppy after being hit by a car.

Cadyn at her forever home

My heart sank when I looked at her x-rays. She had a broken hip on one side and a dislocated hip on the other, plus both of her back legs were broken below the knee. She was trying to walk on just her two front legs! Most dogs would just give up, but Cadyn wagged her tail and gave kisses. I had my doubts but Betty, one of the vet assistants, talked me into trying to save her. Puppies do heal faster, so that was in her favor.

I splinted the more severely broken leg and hoped she would walk on the other one since it was much more stable. We kept her cage confined and slowly she started walking. The splinted leg healed but she still may need hip surgery on that side. Cadyn was adopted by Amanda, one of the shelter’s adoption counselors, and has become instant best friends with her other dog.

The resilience of the canine spirit never ceases to amaze me, and these are two shining examples.

Their lives were literally in my hands.

BY THE NUMBERS
From March 1- 27, the Aiken County Animal Shelter received 360 strays and surrendered pets

PETS OF THE WEEK

ZEUS
Mixed breed, male, 5 years old, white and black, 70 pounds – $35

PRECIOUS
Domestic Shorthair, female, 5 years old, white and black, 7 pounds – $10

2019, Cats, community cats, FOTAS, kittens, Spay/Neuter, TNR Program

Here’s What to Do if You Find a Litter of Kittens

Posted on by Bob Gordon
26
Mar

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

Spring is here and with the warmer weather comes lots of newborn kittens.

“We’re already seeing a number of pregnant cats arrive at the shelter and kitten season should be hitting any time now,” said Aiken County Animal Shelter Adoption Coordinator Hillary Clark-Kulis. “Once it does, we likely won’t see the flow of kittens slow down until at least November.”

But what do you do if you discover a litter of kittens or a single kitten seemingly abandoned by their mother? How do you best help their chances of survival?

A flyer to remind people that mama cats “know best”.

Well, like all babies, kittens do best when they’re with their mother. Moms instinctively know how to help their offspring grow up to be strong and healthy. Mother’s milk is also vital in providing the kittens powerful nutrients for their immune system.

If the kittens are underage (under 2 pounds or younger than eight weeks old), see if mom is around. If she is gone, wait two to four hours to see if she comes back. She could just be out getting food for her and her kittens.

If mom is there, leave the kittens where they are until they are two pounds or eight weeks old. To help the mom, you can provide shelter and put out food nearby (but not right next to the kittens because you don’t want to attract other cats or potential predators).

If mom is gone and has not returned, you should foster the kittens or find someone who is willing to foster, until they are at least two pounds. This is done through bottle-feeding the kittens until they are ready to eat on their own.

The mother cat gives her kittens their best chance for survival.

“If you feel the kittens are in danger and in need of rescue, you should be prepared to take care of them for a minimum of two weeks for the around-the-clock care they need,” Clark-Kulis said. “Don’t hesitate to contact the shelter for resources and supplies you might need. We can also answer any questions you may have and provide counsel.”

If the kittens you find are weaned or you’re unsure of their age or care needs, you can bring them to the shelter for assessment and we can help you decide on a plan for adoption or direct you to other options, such as our TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) or spay/neuter voucher program.

The kittens must be at least four pounds and be in a humane cat trap (you can sign one out from the shelter) if you bring them to the Aiken County Animal Shelter for our Community Cats free TNR program. After they are sterilized, you just return them to their outdoor home. This effectively works to reduce the cat population and prevents more cats from entering the area.

The annual flood of orphaned kittens is almost upon us. But you can help save lives by volunteering to foster orphaned, infant felines, supporting and taking advantage of our TNR program and spreading the word about how to best help kittens survive.

The Aiken County Animal Shelter is located at 333 Wire Road in Aiken. If you can help, please stop by or call the Shelter at (803) 642-1537 and speak to a staff member or volunteer for more information and assistance.

Their lives are in our hands.