The Friends of the Animal Shelter – Aiken County (FOTAS) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), volunteer organization created in 2009 to supplement the resources of the Aiken County Animal Shelter in the care of over 4,000 homeless and abandoned animals consigned to its care each year. FOTAS is wholly funded by private donations.
The mission of FOTAS is to support the Aiken County Animal Shelter by promoting animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and the elimination of euthanasia of all adoptable animals.
Aiken Choice “Best of Aiken” Awards
Best Pet Rescue Organization and Best Pet Friendly Event: Woofstock Doggie Derby Day.
It started when a good neighbor needed to move. He left his feral cat colony, so my husband began feeding them. But years later, we found ourselves with more than 30 cats in two colonies. We knew we had to do something soon!
Last fall, a viral infection or inbreeding caused uncountable and horrible kitten deaths. We reached out to FOTAS for help and they informed us of the County’s Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program. It’s a free program supplemented by FOTAS that benefits homeless felines and the community. You can trap feral or community cats, get them fixed and their ear tipped (the universal sign of a sterilized cat), and then return them to their outdoor home. We borrowed four humane traps from FOTAS and friends, then got a purchase order number to start the TNR program with the veterinarians on FOTAS’s list.
The TNR program allows community cats to remain outside but reduces their population via spay/neutering.
Initially we took four to eight cats in to get spay/neutered each week by appointments with veterinarians and the Aiken County Animal Shelter, where two are allowed with no appointment. The goal was to get this done prior to spring mating time. We would trap on Monday and Wednesday from 3 p.m. to dusk (so we didn’t trap night wildlife), using several teaspoons of canned food in the trap.
We checked the traps every 15 minutes because the trapped cats are terrified until the trap is covered with a beach towel. We then moved the trapped cats to an enclosed building for the night. If two were caught, they would go to the veterinarian appointment in the morning; and if there were more, they would go to the Aiken County Animal Shelter between 8-9 a.m.
The vets did early surgery with same day return while the County had pick-up the next morning. The County Shelter offers their TNR spay/neutering on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Connie Jeffcoat of Wagener picks up two community cats she had spayed at the County Animal Shelter.
We captured most of the cats in 30 days, but then we had to get more creative to trap the smarter cats. We photographed them for easy identification and watched their afternoon habits for better trap placement. We also upgraded the food to sardines (heated slightly) and camouflaged the traps.
It worked, and now that all the cats are fixed, we can relax and just enjoy watching the barn and deck colonies. With no more additions to the group, there’s no fighting, yowling and spraying. We are so happy! Both colonies guard their territory, so no new cats are moving in and that means no kittens to take to the shelter.
Thank you to FOTAS and congratulations for getting the State Angel Award for non-profit organizations. Thanks also to all the volunteers, donors, the Aiken County Animal Shelter and Veterinary Services. Everyone we met during this adventure was very kind and helpful.
Whether you are feeding one community cat or many more, it is important to stop the population problem. Please help FOTAS meet their goal: no more homeless animals. Working together, we can do this!
If you live in Aiken County and want to participate in the TNR program, please call the County Shelter, (803) 642-1537.
— By Lynn Carty
By the Numbers
May 1-16: The County Shelter received more than 300 stray animals and owner-surrendered pets in just two weeks.
Pets of the Week
MIA: Mixed breed, female, 2 years old, black & white, 36 pounds – $35
AMANDA: Domestic Shorthair, female, 1 year old, tan & black Tabby, 7.5 pounds – $10
Olga Simons and her 17-year-old daughter, Nicole, come to the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) nearly every afternoon to walk and socialize homeless dogs. But after they exercise the homeless canines, the real fun begins.
Olga lays out props for the dogs — hats, tiaras, bow ties, scarfs and even a unicorn horn – while Nicole gets her camera ready to take glamor photos of each one. Nicole has a knack for capturing moments that highlight the personality of each pet.
UNICORN PUP: One of Nicole’s terrific, eye-catching photos.
Olga helps her by flashing a treat in front of the dogs’ eyes or squeezing a squeak toy, which perks their ears up. They take photos with and without props since the photos are needed for various audiences. However, a cute glamor shot can catch the attention of a potential adopter and give the shelter pet a second chance at a good life.
Olga gets the attention of Shelter dog Ginger so her daughter, Nicole, can capture some great photos of the cute Hound mix.
“Nicole and Olga make a great team and have taken some of the most amazing photos of the shelter’s dogs and cats, which have led to many adoptions,” said FOTAS Programs Coordinator Kathy Jacobs. “We post their terrific photos on Instagram and Facebook, and they’re often featured on the County and FOTAS web sites and in the local newspapers.”
Olga and Nicole have always shared a love for animals. Not only do they have three rescue dogs and a rescue cat at home, but they also foster shelter dogs and kittens. They specialize in helping shy, fearful dogs come out of their shell and become more confident canines.
“Helping the dogs and being part of the FOTAS team is fun,” Olga said. It gives us mom-daughter time. We talk while we’re working with the dogs, and it’s nice and relaxing for us.”
The Simons family came to Aiken when Olga’s husband, Scott, retired. It was Scott who discovered FOTAS’s web page and recommended the organization to his wife and daughter. Before moving here from California two years ago, Olga and Nicole volunteered and did similar great work for Fresno Bully Rescue.
Olga and Nicole with their latest photo shoot model, Ginger.
Nicole, who is thinking about pursuing a degree in nursing, has been socializing animals and taking their photos since she was a pre-teen, and says the best part is the happiness she feels when a shelter animal gets adopted.
Her mom agrees.
“We’ve done this for so long, it’s helped us bond,” Olga said. “I was taught by my parents to volunteer, and I wanted her to understand what it’s like to help out and give back to the community. And hopefully she’ll pass along her knowledge and carry on this tradition with her children.”
If you are interested in joining the FOTAS volunteer team, please call the FOTAS hotline at (803) 514-4313 or send an email to info@fotasaiken.org.
Their lives are in our hands.
— by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications
By the Numbers
May 1-10: The Shelter received more than 200 animals in ten days; that’s about 20 homeless pets per day!
Pets of the Week
ZORRO Shepherd mix, male, 11 years old, tan & black, 65 pounds – $35
CURLY Domestic Shorthair, male, 10 years old, brown & white Tabby, 17 pounds – $10 (available at Aiken PetSmart store)
Every Saturday afternoon, after the volunteers have gone home, after the animals have been fed and the kennels cleaned, as staff attends to the paperwork of another adoption week at the Aiken County Animal Shelter – that’s when Kelly Meyers comes to the shelter. He stops in the lobby and asks Bob Gordon at the front desk, “Who should I take this time?”
Shelter dog Garrett enjoys sleeping at Kelly’s house one April weekend. Since the photo was taken, Garrett has been adopted and is now living with a loving family.
The “who” Meyers is referring to is whichever dog in the shelter needs a little help, is a little stressed, and is feeling the effects of too-long at the shelter. Sometimes a dog has been identified; sometimes Kelly just walks through the kennels and picks a dog that looks sad or scared. Once the choice is made, Kelly loads the lucky dog in his car and off they go for a fun-filled weekend. On Monday morning, Kelly returns his canine visitor back to the shelter, happy and relaxed.
Last week the lucky dog was Garrett. “As I write this, says Meyers in his email, “Garrett is laying at my feet. At the shelter, he was barking non-stop for attention. A quick car ride later, some tennis ball tosses in the backyard, and a walk around the block, and he is chilled out!
Says Kathy Jacobs, the FOTAS Program Director: “At first I worried the dogs would be upset when they came back to the shelter, but it’s just the opposite! The break in routine, the chance for extended human attention, and the opportunity to socialize makes all the difference in the world to these dogs. They come back refreshed, a little worn out, and ultimately better adoption prospects.”
Most recently, Kelly took Hilde home to foster over the weekend.
Meyers treats his canine guest like his own. He takes them out into the community to give them public exposure. Recently Jacobs ran into Meyers on a Saturday night in the Alley downtown, lounging on a bench with a dog named Raven, showing her off to the public. Raven was basking in the glow of all the attention.
“It kind of choked me up,” says Jacobs, “seeing her so happy.”
The experience also provides staff and volunteers facts that are hard to sort out in a busy shelter: Is the dog housebroken? A barker? Friendly to strangers? All useful information for a potential adopter.
I’ve had dogs all my life,” says Meyers, “but it’s just not possible for me to have one these days because I live alone and travel all week for work. This is a great opportunity for me to get a canine-companion fix—there is something about the unconditional love of a dog that is unmatched in this world. Plus, the satisfaction of helping those dogs overcome the fear of the unknown, such as the inside of a house or a walk down the street, is so rewarding.
If you are a dog-lover but a full-time commitment isn’t possible, a Doggie Day Out or a Doggie Sleepover is a great way to scratch that itch (pardon the pun) and show some deserving dog a really good time. You’ll both be better for it.
Call us and we’ll set you up.
Their lives are in our hands.
— By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President
By the Numbers
May 1-2: The County Shelter received 45 strays and surrendered pets in the first two days of month.
This Saturday, FOTAS is hosting Woofstock, our biggest family event of the year. The celebration will take place at Citizens Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and once again feature many contests, including the Doxie Derby and other canine races and contests. Everyone is invited to join in the fun and pet dogs are welcome, too!
Bo is a senior but has the energy of a much younger dog.
In fact, there will be a variety of furry VIPs from the Aiken County Animal Shelter in attendance. These special dignitaries will be easy to spot with their designer “Adopt Me” scarfs and vests. You can visit with these canine celebrities and, since FOTAS volunteers will be doing adoptions on-site, even take them home with you.
Woofstock’s canine guests of honor can be yours for only $35 each. Although there will be many available, here are some of the top shelter celebrities who would love to walk the red carpet all the way to your front door:
OTIS: A two-year-old Corgi mix, Otis is playful and loves to play fetch. He’s 5 years old and acts like a pup. He arrived in bad shape, with a lot of fur missing from a skin infection, but now he’s got his rich red coat back and ready for a forever home.
Hilde is a special girl who needs to find a good home ASAP.
MASON & CHEVY: These two big, sweet guys arrived at the shelter together as strays and really should be adopted as a bonded pair. Mason is 4-1/2 years old, Chevy is 2 and each weigh about 70 pounds. The mixed breed bosom buddies need a home with lots of love and a fenced-in yard.
Bell is an alpha dog who’s both goofy and smart.
JACKSON: This shy but sweet Hound mix is 4 years old and will make a perfect addition to anyone’s home. Handsome and athletic, Jackson loves other dogs and is friendly, gentle and calm. His best friend at the shelter is Vinny. They met for the first time at 333 Wire Road and became instant BFFs.
BELL: One ear is always up and the other down, giving 2-year-old, mixed breed Bell a very cute look. Her personality is even better. She’s lovable, funny and very smart. Give her a belly rub and she’ll love you forever!
Otis is a happy, playful Corgi mix.
BO: Ten years old with the playful energy of a puppy, Bo is a staff and volunteer favorite. This wonderful black Beagle mix needs to find a home as soon as possible.
HILDE: An apricot-colored Retriever mix, Hilde is a true gem. She loves people and walks well on a leash. She’s one of the smartest dogs at the shelter but also has a goofy side. She’ll make some lucky adopter very happy.
So, come visit these canine celebrities at Woofstock on May 5 or – even better – visit them at the Shelter tomorrow! If you adopt one (or two) of these wonderful dogs, they can still attend the Woofstock festival as VIPs, but with you, their new friend and owner, at their side.
Their lives are in our hands.
— by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications
By the Numbers
April 1-28: 331 stray and owner surrendered pets were brought to the County Shelter
Surrendering your pet to a shelter might be the hardest decision you ever make. But before you make such a move, be aware how tough it can be on the dog or cat you’re relinquishing.
When owners surrender their animals to a shelter, the dog or cat can shut down almost completely. When this happens, they won’t let people pet them and even can show aggression toward staff members. They are often terrified. And angry. And really confused as to why their humans left without them.
Since being surrendered, Lizzie hides under her blanket until a human comes to pet her.
Sometimes people surrendering their pets share stories about how awesome their dog or cat is – but that’s when they are with their owners and feeling secure and safe at home. When the pet comes to a shelter and sees its owner walk out the door, it is a traumatic experience. In fact, the surrendered pet sees it as the worst day of its life. The animal suddenly finds itself in a strange kennel among numerous other animals, eating different food and sleeping in a new bed. It’s overwhelming. While some animals adjust quickly, others can pout and feel depressed for weeks before they start to show their positive qualities.
And this is a fact that folks need to understand. Before you surrender your pets to a shelter, know that the dramatic change of environment can be brutal to their psyche. Your pet loves and trusts you. Even though your decision might be for the best, your dog or cat sees it as the ultimate rejection. A prime example of a pet reacting badly to being surrendered is Lizzie, an 8-year-old Tabby who suddenly found herself at the shelter because someone in the family developed a cat allergy. Her owner said Lizzie was gregarious and a great lap cat. But ever since she arrived at the shelter, Lizzie hides under a blanket all day, every day. Staff members and volunteers work with her and give her affection, but as soon as they leave her, she scampers back under the blanket.
Beautiful Aubrey is a pet recently surrendered to the Shelter by her owner.
There are many reasons why people surrender their pets. Some of the more common ones are economic in nature – they can’t afford taking care of the animal’s food and medical needs anymore. Another reason is moving. A landlord may not allow certain pets or breeds, or a retirement home may not allow pets, period. Then there are behavior issues. A cat might be scratching up furniture or having problems finding the litter box, or a dog might be barking too much for the neighbors or chewing on the owner’s favorite shoes. Finally, there are family issues and emergencies that must be addressed, which can make it difficult to care for a pet. For example, the pet’s owner dies and there’s no one to care for it.
But before you make an appointment to surrender your pet, make sure there’s no other alternative. FOTAS and the shelter do their best to help people keep their pets in their homes. For example, if it is a behavioral issue, that can be improved with training assistance.
Because while FOTAS volunteers and the shelter staff do all they can to make surrendered pets happy, safe and comfortable, they can only spend so much time with them. There are so many other dogs and cats at 333 Wire Road that need the same care.
If you are interested in adopting Lizzie or another homeless pet, please come to the County Shelter or call (803) 642-1537.
Their lives are in our hands.
— by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications
By the Numbers
The County Shelter received 150 homeless dogs and cats during the first two weeks of April!
Hilde is a beautiful blonde with a big, goofy smile, and eyes as gold as her heart. She was always a favorite among FOTAS volunteers and the Aiken County Animal Shelter staff – everyone wanted to spend a little “me” time with Hilde. She is one of the sweetest, people-craving, kid-loving dogs we’ve ever known, and we’ve known a lot of dogs.
By January of 2017, Hilde held the unfortunate distinction of being the longest canine resident at the Shelter. We were baffled she’d not found a home, and shelter life was beginning to wear on her. She lost the pep in her step and her sweet, gold eyes were sad.
Hilde and her friendly tongue.
FOTAS sprang into action. We took her for car rides, organized “Doggie Day Outs,” paraded her up and down Laurens Street. We took photos, wrote articles, put our favorite social media star, Martha Anne Tudor, on the case.
Eventually the extra effort paid off. One Saturday morning in February of 2017, a young couple with two young children drove to the shelter to meet Hilde. It was love at first sight … for everyone.
We cried with joy when Hilde found her forever home. For some time afterwards, the family shared photos of Hilde sleeping on the couch with the baby, or Hilde sleeping on the bed between the two kids, happy and relaxed. We applauded her good fortune and thanked God for hearing our prayers.
Three weeks ago, Hilde was picked up as a stray by animal control in a neighboring county. She was painfully thin and covered with fleas. The officers read Hilde’s microchip and made repeated, unsuccessful attempts to contact her owners. She was close to being euthanized by the time they contacted the Aiken County Shelter. As soon as Randy, one of the shelter’s super staff, learned they were holding our beloved Hilde, he promptly hopped into the van to pick her up and bring her home.
How did this happen? The last we knew, Hilde was sprawled out with her peeps on a soft, warm bed, so why was she wandering the streets, hungry and scared, in a different county?
We don’t know. We may never know.
What we do know, however, is that our gal Hilde is the same adorable, people-craving, kid-loving, beauty she always was—a little thinner, more mature, in need of some extra TLC. She remembers her many friends at the shelter, plays with her favorite toys, wags her tail a lot—happy to be loved and back in a safe place.
Okay, maybe her head’s a little square and her tongue’s a little long, and maybe she’s picky about her dog friends—but still … we don’t get it.
I’m seriously adorable. Just ask anyone.
What we do get is that Hilde needs a new home. She needs humans to love, kids to protect. She’ll lounge by your side while you binge-watch every single episode of Breaking Bad. She’ll love you through bad-hair days; she’ll love you when you’re on top of your game. She’ll give back so much more than she gets—that’s just who she is.
All she needs is a chance. Please don’t wait, call the shelter the first thing tomorrow morning — (803) 642-1537—and tell the front desk you’d like to meet Hilde.
Her life is in our hands.
PS: Look, we get it. Sometimes life goes sideways, and good people are forced to make hard decisions about their canine family members. If that happens, please know this: we can help. Our animals can always come home to the Shelter—no judgments, no shame. We’ll find them another home. That’s what we do.
I recently faced my most challenging case since I started working at the shelter.
Biscuit was a “neighborhood dog.” The woman who brought him in said he showed up every few days and she would feed him. She had not seen him for three days when he showed up that Tuesday morning. She called the shelter in distress thinking he had been shot in the head. When she brought him in, I examined him and determined he had not been shot but had been attacked by another dog.
Volunteer Anne Morgan gives Biscuit some couch time.
His wounds were extensive. The damage to his right ear was so severe that the entire ear flap, as well as a large area of skin around the ear, had actually died. Infection had also set in giving off a terrible odor. I have been in practice for more than 30 years and very little can still gross me out. But this smell was so bad, we had to keep the doors to the clinic open to let in fresh air. Through all of this, Biscuit sat on the exam table wagging his tail. I wasn’t sure I could save him, but I was going to try.
Surgery was challenging. All the dead tissue needed to be removed, leaving a huge open area that was extremely difficult to suture closed. I was able to close most of it, but it remained to be seen how it would heal. We kept him on antibiotics to fight the infection, and over a period of about three weeks the wound did heal! It wasn’t pretty, but it healed.
Biscuit lost an ear when he was attacked by a dog.
Biscuit was adopted by an Aiken family and now has a canine brother named Bear.
During Biscuit’s recovery, we noticed that he held his right rear leg out to the side and limped a little. X-rays revealed that he had an old fracture of his femur just above the knee that had not been treated and therefore didn’t heal properly. There was also some degeneration of his hip joint. These injuries are consistent with being hit by a car. Unfortunately, he also tested positive for heartworms, an all too common occurrence for strays in our area.
One thing that stood out to me about Biscuit is that when he came into the shelter he was already neutered. That means he belonged to someone. At some point he was somebody’s dog. How did he end up like this? Was he lost? Was he abandoned? Did someone try to find him?
Through it all, Biscuit has shown an amazing spirit. He loves everyone, is ecstatic when we pet, or even better, scratch him, and his tail never stops wagging. He may not be the prettiest to look at, but he is truly one of my favorite dogs ever to come into the shelter. He deserves a great home, and we will do everything we can to find it for him.
Epilogue: Shortly after Dr. Levy submitted this column, Biscuit was adopted by an Aiken family. He is enjoying a fresh start at his new home with a small poodle mix named Bear. As with all adopted heartworm positive County Shelter dogs, FOTAS is paying for Biscuit’s treatment through its “Have a Heart, Save a Heart” program.
Dogs, cats, puppies and kittens are surrendered or abandoned to the shelter every day. These animals, through no fault of their own, are blindsided by a change of life that can have a dramatic impact on their emotional and physical well-being.
Birgit Derrick fosters a hound from the County Shelter.
FOTAS and the shelter immediately act to make sure these animals can not only cope with their new situation but ensure that they will have a fantastic future. Often that requires a foster home to provide a temporary, stable environment that prepares the pet for its future home. FOTAS provides these dedicated foster families with food, crates, and anything else they need to care for the animals.
For example, Max was surrendered missing most of his fur because of a non-contagious skin condition called Demodex. The condition is made worse from malnutrition and stress, but the pet is adoptable once it receives extra TLC and regains its coat. Peggy Babineau and her husband, their children, and five dogs have fostered many shelter canines. The Babineaus fostered Max for three weeks, and his black and white shiny coat grew back.
Happier and more confident, Max was immediately adopted and his new family sends continuous notes, thanking the shelter for their perfect pet. We currently have two dogs just like Max that need foster homes, so they can experience the same results he did.
John Dabney fosters a litter of puppies to prepare them for adoption.
Too often the shelter receives many unwanted or abandoned terrified puppy litters that are motherless and homeless. When four to six puppies are crammed into a shelter kennel before they are old enough for adoption, they can shut down or become fearful. Enter lifesaver John Dabney. He converted one of the stalls in his barn to house foster puppies. They play with John’s dogs and he gives the pups love. After two weeks with John, the puppies were returned to the shelter, where they were all adopted within one to three days.
Then there is Birgit Derrick, one of FOTAS’s original fosters. She often takes two adult dogs that play together. Many times these dogs are scheduled to be transported to a sister shelter where they have forever homes waiting for them. When Birgit fosters two dogs for 5 to 7 days, it opens two kennels, giving a safe place for new arrivals coming into the shelter.
“To give an animal a safe place is so rewarding”, says Birgit. “They look at you with such appreciation, they sleep so soundly and they will know that their next home is a safe one because you taught them that.”
Becca Babineau at home with foster dog, Max.
Max at the Shelter before his Demodex was cured.
“The difference that I have seen in animals that were fostered is incredible,” she adds. “They come to the shelter lost, confused, and afraid. But after being in a foster home, they return to the shelter without fear or anxiety, and they’re home ready.”
Huge thanks to all our fosters who have opened their hearts to the homeless pets of Aiken County. The shelter received 4,907 animals last year, so we urgently need more fosters to join our life-saving team. Call the FOTAS Hotline, (803) 514-4313, if you are interested in fostering to help save lives. You too can be a hero.
FOTAS urgently needs volunteers to foster shelter animals.
Spring has officially arrived, so a wave of homeless puppies and kittens is heading our way. We’ve already received some stray momma dogs and cats with their little ones, as well as orphaned pups and kittens found all alone. These babies need temporary homes where they can be loved and nurtured until they are ready to be adopted and find their forever homes.
A foster puppy gets bottle fed.
“Fosters make it possible to save the lives of these homeless puppies and kittens,” said Hillary Clark-Kulis, the Aiken County Animal Shelter’s (ACAS) Adoption Coordinator. “Without their dedication and help, too many of these animals wouldn’t make it to the adoption floor.”
As wonderful as the County Shelter is, it is no match for the comfort and special attention even a temporary home can provide. A home environment is less stressful and safer from potential illnesses that can compromise an infant animal’s developing immune system.
“If a puppy doesn’t get fostered, it is more likely to become ill from kennel cough or other illnesses,” explained FOTAS Programs Coordinator Kathy Jacobs. “If they don’t get the nurturing they need, they can become fearful and timid, and it affects them the rest of their lives.”
FOTAS Volunteer Wanda Johnson and one of her foster puppies.
In addition to the pups and kittens that need fostering, the shelter has adult dogs that require extra care from volunteers. These are animals recovering from injuries, skin conditions and psychological trauma. They aren’t yet ready to be adopted, but will recover much faster in a temporary home. For example, the shelter has several dogs recovering from Demodex, a non-contagious skin condition that is usually caused by stress. In a shelter, it typically takes about eight weeks for a dog to recover from Demodex. In a foster home, the recovery time is cut in half.
“The FOTAS Foster Care system not only ensures the animals are raised in a healthy environment, it frees up limited space in the shelter for other adoptable animals,” said FOTAS President Jennifer Miller. “If you can foster for even a week or two, please consider it. FOTAS will provide the food and other supplies you may need for the animals.”
To become a foster parent for dogs or cats, please call (803) 514-4313, send an email to info@angelhartlinedesigns.com. or come to the shelter at 333 Wire Road.
Their lives are in our hands.
— by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications
By the Numbers
March Adoption Special: Dogs/puppies $35, cats/kittens $10
(Note: Since this post was published, most of these dogs have been adopted. As of March 19, the only dogs still available are Callista and Kane.)
The Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) has five wonderful dogs – Bain, Callista, Kane, Marcelle and Rallie – who need loving homes as soon as possible.
These dogs are favorites of the staff and volunteers, yet they still wait to be adopted. They watch the animals around them get selected and wonder why no one has chosen them.
We wonder, too. After all, Kane is the most handsome dog on the adoption floor. Bain and Marcella are the sweetest. Rallie is a lovable, goofy guy and Callista shakes her whole butt when she wags her tail to greet visitors.
We consider these five dogs hidden gems – animals that are special and have loads of love to offer a person or family. Each of them is sponsored, which means their adoptions fees have already been paid by FOTAS donors. They are $0 if you can provide them with a loving home.
Bain loves people and is great with children, plus he’s housebroken. He also rides well in a car and is a great athlete. If you have no other pets, please consider adopting this 4-year-old Retriever mix.
Callista has a lot of energy and loves to play outside, but her favorite activity is laying her head on your lap while you stroke under her neck and chin. This mixed breed, brindle beauty is just 1 year old and weighs 44 pounds.
Kane is 1-1/2 years old and about 50 pounds of love and energy. He’s a Terrier/Boxer mix who’s housebroken, very athletic and extremely intelligent — but needs an owner who can spend time with him. He would love to be your jogging buddy or play fetch with you!
Marcelle looks like a puppy and is just as cuddly. But she is 1-1/2 years old and has good leash manners. She’s very playful and likes to get her belly rubbed.
Rallie snuggles, sits on command, and wants to be your pal. He arrived at the shelter with wounds on his back, but they’re healing fast. Rallie is 1 year old, 57 pounds and housebroken. He loves people but doesn’t like other dogs, so needs to be the only pet in your family.
Callista is sweet and has a lot of energy.
Come to 333 Wire Road in Aiken and go on a Doggie Day Out with one of these fantastic dogs. Get to know them by taking them to the park or downtown for an hour or two. They love the one-on-one interaction and the time away from being in a shelter, and you just might fall in love and give an extraordinary dog the home he/she deserves.
