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

Foster, FOTAS, News, Uncategorized, Volunteer, Volunteers

Fosters urgently needed to save lives of homeless animals

Posted on by Angel Hartline
25
Mar

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.
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.
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

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By the Numbers

March Adoption Special: Dogs/puppies $35, cats/kittens $10

dog_paw_print_heart_notepads-r22f45a827e9b4626b52cbabfd1c7f8b4_amb08_8byvr_512

Pets of the Week

KERI

Keri POTW for March 25Mixed breed, female, 2 years old, brown, 44 pounds – $35

saveapetlogo

ALVIN

alvin potw march 25Domestic Shorthair, male, 3 years old, orange & white Tabby, 10 pounds – $10

 

Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, essay

Hidden gems still waiting for forever homes at animal shelter

Posted on by Angel Hartline
19
Mar
Kane is smart and athletic.
Kane is smart and athletic.
(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.
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.

Their lives are in our hands.

 – by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

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Pets of the Week

ARTEMIS
potw artemis 031818Dachshund mix, male, 1 year old, tri-color, 20 pounds – $35

 

COREY
potw corey 0318Domestic Shorthair declawed cat, male, 1 year old, gray & white Tabby, 11 pounds – $10

Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS, Heartworms, News, senior pets

Old shelter dog teaches his senior adopter some new tricks

Posted on by Angel Hartline
12
Mar

Last July, I lost Jake, my 10-year-old black Labrador retriever. With the start of a new year, I felt ready to start seeking a new dog for our home. As I am in my 80th year, I didn’t feel comfortable adopting a very young dog. I wanted a dog that was more my speed, one that had experienced life and needed a place to enjoy his golden years.

I increased my dog walking activities at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) and enjoyed contributing more time to FOTAS. Then one day, my wife saw photos of available shelter dogs on the County web site. She noted an older, mid-sized, black dog named Arthur who caught her eye, and suggested I go look at him.

I drove to the shelter and asked the FOTAS volunteer who was walking Arthur if I could cut in and finish the job. After walking this calm, friendly dog for a bit, I sat down on the ground in the play area and asked Arthur if he was ready for a foolish old man to take him home. Arthur responded by wagging his tail and we bonded. I took Arthur home and, just as the shelter staff suggested, slowly introduced him to our other pets. Arthur, being a charmer, was promptly accepted by our 4-year-old Carolina dog and three cats – two of whom were adopted from the ACAS.

Arthur (left) at home with his new sibling, Jessie.
Arthur (left) at home with his new sibling, Jessie.

Since adding Arthur to our family, I’ve learned much about older, abandoned and abused animals. And I want to pass along what he’s taught me.

  • Firstly, bonding with an older dog happens very fast. This is important for us older folks who have unknown, but probably limited, time ahead.
  • A senior dog with heartworms can be cured and live a normal life. (FOTAS paid for Arthur’s treatment.)
  • A senior dog usually can do his potty business outside from day one.
  • An older dog is not hyper and prefers to snooze along with his older companion. He wants to stay close to home, rather than wander off.
  • A senior dog will be less inclined to chew on the furniture, sofa pillows, or available shoes.
  • Lastly, and this surprised me, even though Arthur is 9 years old, he still has the ability to change. He taught me that an older animal can unlearn memories of fear and relearn trust in a human companion.
Mike and Arthur: bonded seniors learning from each other.
Mike and Arthur: bonded seniors learning from each other.

Arthur and I are still learning from each other and walking down our shared road of life, proving that old dogs can learn new tricks!

If my experience with Arthur has sparked your interest in adopting a pet, please visit the County Shelter located at 333 Wire Road in Aiken. Check out the available animals and meet the wonderful volunteers and staff. You can also volunteer some of your time to the animals, participate in FOTAS programs, or make a financial pledge to keep the operation going and growing.

Just tell them Mike and Arthur sent you.

 – By Mike Hardwick, FOTAS Volunteer

 dog_paw_print_heart_notepads-r22f45a827e9b4626b52cbabfd1c7f8b4_amb08_8byvr_512

By the Numbers

March Adoption Special: Dogs/puppies $35, Cats/kittens $10

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Pets of the Week

KANE

KANE POTW 031118Mixed breed, male, 1-1/2 years old, brown & white, 51 pounds – $0 (adoption fee paid for by FOTAS donor)

SELENA

POTW SELENA 031118Domestic Shorthair, female, 2 years old, blue gray, 8 pounds – $0 (adoption fee paid for by FOTAS donor)

Cats, FOTAS, News, Uncategorized

Kitten overcomes hawk attack to win second chance at life

Posted on by Angel Hartline
04
Mar

A 2-month-old kitten vs. a hungry hawk or other raptor is hardly a fair fight and, barring a miracle, results in a quick, gruesome death for the feline.

A hawk attack couldn’t stop Feather, but she’s one of the lucky ones.
A hawk attack couldn’t stop Feather, but she’s one of the lucky ones.

Meet Feather, the Shelter’s miracle kitten, who somehow survived such an attack. She was brought to the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) with gashes to her neck and severe head trauma. The Good Samaritan who brought the injured kitten to the shelter said he thought a hawk had attacked Feather. Upon examination, it was confirmed the kitten’s wounds matched such a scenario and the Shelter’s medical team went into action to treat her.

“When Feather first got here, she was barely holding on,” said ACAS Veterinarian Assistant Betty Erikson. “She was in shock and very weak, and we weren’t sure she’d make it through the night. But the next morning, she really surprised us – she was bright, alert and greeted us with meows.”

Feather continued to improve and get stronger each day. Although her injuries left her with neurological damage, she could walk with a wobble. Sometimes she walked in circles and her head tilted to the left, but she was determined to reach her desired destination. Whether she needed to get to her food bowl or into the arms of the nearest human, nothing was going to stop this kitten from reaching her goal.  If she fell, she got right back up and kept going. The Shelter staff began to understand how Feather had managed to beat the odds and escape the hawk.

Although she continues to improve and was just added to the adoption floor, Feather may never be completely “normal”.  But she is as vocal, loving and energetic as any kitten you’ll meet. Plus, when she fearlessly leaps into your arms, begins purring and nuzzles your face, she will instantly win your heart.

Just try to stop her.

Feather was adopted to a good home shortly after becoming available.
Feather was adopted to a good home shortly after becoming available.

REMINDER: Every pet kitten should always stay indoors. They are helpless outdoors on their own and easy prey for not only hawks and owls, but also coyotes, foxes and raccoons. While adult cats are better equipped to protect themselves outside, they also can be attacked and killed by wild animals. In fact, on average, cats who are permitted to roam outdoors often don’t live to see age five, while cats who are always kept

indoors can live to be 18 to 20 years old. So, please keep all your pet felines inside with you, especially at night. If your cats must explore the outdoors, know the dangers and make sure they are spayed/neutered.

Their lives are in our hands.

 

By the Numbers

Last week, 25 dogs were surrendered to the County Shelter in just one day!

dog_paw_print_heart_notepads-r22f45a827e9b4626b52cbabfd1c7f8b4_amb08_8byvr_512Pets of the Week

BALOR

BALOR POTW March 4Chihuahua mix, male, 3 years old, tan & white, 10 pounds – $35

ADORA

POTW Adora March 4Domestic Shorthair, female, 6 months old, brown and black Tabby, 5.5 pounds – $10 (available at Aiken PetSmart store)

 

Uncategorized

Senior Beagle Benny enjoying ‘best retirement ever’ in new home

Posted on by Angel Hartline
25
Feb

Benny arrived at the Aiken Count Animal Shelter in poor shape. He was picked up as a stray and had all sorts of strikes against him. The small Beagle was over 10 years old, had a heart murmur, walked with a slight wobble, couldn’t hear very well and tested positive for heartworms. Not exactly a dog you expect to fly off the adoption floor.

Benny and Leo hang out in the back yard.
Benny and Leo hang out in the back yard.

 

But Benny had one thing going for him: Nancy Wagner. As soon as the Aiken resident and FOTAS volunteer read Benny’s story and saw his photo on Facebook, she drove to the shelter to adopt him.

“Benny’s so stinking cute, it should be illegal,” Nancy said. “When I saw and met him at the shelter, I knew he was the right dog for me.” Nancy and little Benny became instant companions and even her 14-year-old cat, Leo, took a shine to the happy Beagle.

Benny has fit in well at his forever home.
Benny is becoming a popular dog in his new neighborhood.

Before adopting Benny, Nancy was struggling with the decision to get a dog. Lily, her 14-year-old white English Setter, died suddenly in October of last year. She’d had Lily since rescuing her from a Pennsylvania shelter in 2006, so the loss was difficult for her to accept.  But she said she got tired of being depressed about Lily’s death and when she made a connection with Benny, it felt like the right time to have a dog in her home again.

“I decided to give Benny the best retirement ever,” she said. “That’s my goal. Whether he’s here on this earth for two weeks or for many more years, I’m going to do all I can to make him happy and feel safe. We are just enjoying living in the now and having fun together.”

Benny takes long walks two or three times a day and he’s already become a pretty big deal in the neighborhood. People enjoy greeting him when he’s outside and the neighbors wave to him when he’s sitting at his favorite spot in the house, watching squirrels through the front window.

Nancy Wagner and Benny, relaxing at home.
Nancy Wagner and Benny, relaxing at home.

“His needs are few and far between,” Nancy said. “He just wants to love and be loved. And being an older dog, he doesn’t need any training, doesn’t require a great deal of exercise and doesn’t get into trouble.  He’s easy. That’s the thing about older dogs…they’ve been around the block a few times, and they fit in at your home almost immediately.”

Once Benny is more settled into his new home, Nancy is hoping to take him to work with her at Aiken’s First Baptist Church, where she serves as financial secretary. Meanwhile, the 17-pound Beagle is receiving treatment to eliminate the heartworms, compliments of FOTAS.

“I love Benny and I think from now on, I’m going to adopt older dogs,” Nancy said. “A senior dog is as good as any younger dog but they’re quieter, calmer and much less work. They also are sweet and deserve all we can do for them. Because that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?

Their lives are in our hands.

— by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

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By the Numbers

February adoption special: Dogs & puppies $35, cats & kittens $10

 

Pets of the Week

LIZA
liza 1Retriever mix, female, 4 months old, black, 19.5 pounds – $35

 

APRIL
APRIL POTW FEB 25Domestic Shorthair, female, 1 year old, gray and black Tabby, 5.2 pounds – $10

 

Dogs, essay, Foster, FOTAS, News, Transfer, Volunteers

My pack does much of the fostering work

Posted on by Angel Hartline
18
Feb

I foster because I love dogs, all dogs. The Aiken County Animal Shelter has a big need for short term fosters for dogs being transferred to a sister agency in the north. Fortunately, I can foster often because my own pack of dogs helps with all the work.

There are five dogs in my pack, all rescues themselves. They range in age from one to 16 years old and in size from 15 to 85 pounds. The pack includes Max, a German Shepard; Annie and Scout, my terrible terriers; Foxy, my sweet, gentle large Chihuahua mix; and Bitsy, my fabulous 16-year-old Jack Russell terrier.

The pack is the natural social order for dogs, which is why they are so good at helping these frightened, dislocated dogs. They have never let me down. Here’s how it works. Once a dog has been selected for transfer to a sister agency in the north, I pick up my foster dog at the Shelter and do a quick assessment of their temperament on the ride home—the dog is typically anxious and frightened (what, another change?). I let them out of the car into the fenced driveway and give them a few minutes to look around and sniff the scent of my other dogs. Then, I let the pack out of the house. Intimidated at first by the rush of dogs, the foster often hides under the car. Once the original hoopla has calmed down, the newcomer comes out to meet the pack. One by one, my dogs introduce themselves with a friendly sniff and then go about their normal routine.

The foster dog learns the pecking order quickly, first making friends with big Max and sweet Foxy. When the foster is ready for a little fun, it romps with Scout, the youngest and roughest player of the pack. Annie takes her time making up her mind about the new arrival. Bitzy, on the other hand, is the mother of the group; she licks the new arrival clean and teaches it to behave while being groomed.

Sam Cato's German Shepherd, Max, cuddles a foster dog.
Sam Cato’s German Shepherd, Max, cuddles a foster dog.

I keep a very large crate in my kitchen for all newcomers until I am certain they are housebroken. I feed the foster dog in the crate during the twice-a-day feeding times to avoid any issues over food, and I always crate a new dog at night. Other than that, the foster dog moves in and out of the house all day with the pack; it never takes long to fall into the routine. There are occasional mishaps from time to time, like mistaking a chair leg for a chew toy, but those incidents are few and far between.

Is it hard to give them up? It is, but I know I am helping the foster dog become calmer and more sociable for the trip north and for their new family. Sometimes I am lucky enough to get a photo of one of my fosters with their new family.

That makes it all worthwhile.

Here’s the takeaway: don’t be afraid to foster because you already have dogs. Your canine pals will do most of the work and give a foster dog the greatest gift of all — to be part of the pack.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Sam Cato, FOTAS volunteer and foster

 

By the Numbers

February Adoption Special: dogs & puppies $35, cats & kittens $10

 

Pets of the Week

RALLIE

POTW RALLIE FEB 18
Mixed breed, male, 1 year old, brown with white, 57 pounds – $35

 

PANDORA

PANDORA POTW FEB 18
Domestic Shorthair, female, 6 months old, brown and gray Tabby, 2.2 pounds – $10

 

 

Adoption, Children, Donate, donations, essay, Heartworms

Nine-year-old Aiken boy raises more than $400 for shelter’s heartworm positive dogs

Posted on by Angel Hartline
12
Feb

Alex Mastromonico is on a mission to help the homeless animals at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS). The nine-year-old heard about FOTAS’s “Have a Heart, Save a Heart” program, a fund which supplements the treatment of heartworm positive dogs at the shelter, and decided he wanted to pitch in to this life-saving effort.

With his birthday on the horizon, Alex asked his mom, Lori, if instead of getting presents this year, could he ask for money to go to the shelter dogs? And could he have a birthday party, where his friends could be asked to donate to FOTAS instead of bringing traditional party gifts? Oh, and could he personally deliver the donation to the shelter, so they could visit the animals?

“Of course, I said, ‘Yes,’” Lori said. “I was incredibly proud of him. Alex has never been materialistic, so this was the perfect way for him to celebrate his birthday.”

But for Alex, it was not enough. He told his aunt about what he was doing, and she helped him to take the mission to another level by setting up a temporary fundraising page on Facebook. In just weeks, Alex’s Facebook page and birthday party combined to raised $425 for FOTAS and the shelter dogs.

Nine-year-old Alex Mastromonico with his adopted dog, Bailee.
Nine-year-old Alex Mastromonico with his adopted dog, Bailee.

Alex has always loved animals “because they’re great company, unpredictable and fun,” and his family has three pets adopted from the ACAS – Bailee, a one-year-old Chihuahua mix, and kitten siblings Melania and Mingus. But what sparked his interest in animal advocacy was overhearing his mom talk about FOTAS.

Lori teaches fifth grade at Tall Pines STEM Academy and the school started a Junior FOTAS club this year with the assistance of FOTAS Programs Coordinator Kathy Jacobs. The students in Junior FOTAS meet after school to learn about different aspects of the ACAS and FOTAS. For their first meeting, Kathy brought a heartworm positive dog who was up for adoption and explained how heartworms are treated and how the “Have a Heart, Save a Heart” program saved about 200 dogs last year.

“Alex overheard me talking about the Junior FOTAS meetings, and his idea snowballed from there,” Lori said.

But what really motivates a boy to work so hard to make that idea come to fruition and miss the chance to be showered with gifts on his birthday? Is it the joy of giving? Is it to impress his family and friends?

“Well, I do feel very good about doing it,” Alex said. “But you can’t donate for any of those reasons. You have to do it with your whole heart. Not because someone tells you…it has to because you want to do it.”

Their lives are in our hands

by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

 

 

By the Numbers

Feb. 7 to 14: Find “the One” Valentine’s Special: Dogs & puppies $14, cats & kittens $0

paw_print_heart_stickers-r368b69be3802466f8feff0ba57adc012_v9w0n_8byvr_512Pets of the Week

PRINCESS
Princess valentine picMixed breed, female, 5 years old, brown and white, 55 pounds – $14 (through Feb. 14)

 

BARTON
barton potw feb 11Domestic Shorthair, male, 2 months old, dark gray, 1.6 pounds – $0 (through Feb. 14)

Adoption, barn cats, Cats, essay, FOTAS

Adopting a barn cat eliminates mice, saves unwanted felines

Posted on by Angel Hartline
04
Feb

Most of the cats at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) are sweet, laidback and cuddly. They do best inside – playing with their cat toys on the floor, sleeping on your bed or purring on your lap as you watch TV.

But occasionally the shelter receives barn cats. These felines are more aggressive and often unsocialized. They haven’t had much contact with humans and, as a result, don’t like to be held or pampered. They are extremely independent and usually have a bit of an attitude.  However, it’s this brashness that makes barn cats such good hunters and ideal for getting rid of mice and other pests.

“Callie is perpetual energy,” said Diane Mansur, referring to the 1-year-old, medium hair Calico cat she and her husband, Raymond, adopted from the ACAS. “She’s inquisitive and always chasing and hunting mice on our property. We’re really pleased with how well she’s fitting in he

Adopted barn cat Callie gets comfy in her new digs, always ready to pounce on any mice that dare to wander onto her new owners' farm.
Adopted barn cat Callie gets comfy in her new digs, always ready to pounce on any mice that dare to wander onto her new owners’ farm.

The Mansurs adopted Callie after they spotted mice around their horse farm in Windsor. So far, she has hunted down at least six mice. Sometimes she eats them but usually she proudly drops the “gifts” at her adopters’ feet. During the day, Callie roams the farm and often hangs with the horses, but at night she’s safe inside a large equipment shed.

“We have dogs and other animals, so we didn’t want to put poison out and we’ve tried mouse traps, which sometimes work but can get messy,” Raymond said. “Frankly, we’ve always found cats to be the best way to control mice and protect our feed, so we’re very happy with Callie.”

As instructed by the shelter staff, the Mansurs kept Callie confined for three weeks before letting her roam the property. The barn cat must first learn that the farm is her home and source of food and care, or she is likely to run away.

Diane Mansur with her adopted barn cat and super mouser, Callie.
Diane Mansur with her adopted barn cat and super mouser, Callie.
Elwood likes to do his own thing, so he's the perfect barn cat.
Elwood likes to do his own thing, so he’s the perfect barn cat.

Another recent barn cat adoption was Elwood, a large, 2-year-old, black feline with a penchant for being mischievous. He sometimes plays a little rough with his human caregivers.

“My sister and I brought in food, treats and blankets to donate to the shelter and he was there in the lobby,” explained Elwood’s adopter, Suzy Lee of Wagener. “We have five acres and once he gets the lay of the land, he should make a good barn cat for us.”

Elwood has only been at his new home for a week, so he hasn’t explored the property yet. But he seems to like his new digs.

“I think adopting these barn cats is a good thing to do,” Suzy said. “It’s well worth the effort to give an unwanted cat a home.”

Barn cats at the ACAS are free to good homes. If you are interested in adopting one or more, please call the shelter at (803) 642-1537.

Their lives are in our hands.

by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

paw_print_heart_stickers-r368b69be3802466f8feff0ba57adc012_v9w0n_8byvr_512

 By the Numbers

Feb. 7 to 14: Give Love Valentine’s Special: Dogs & puppies $14, cats & kittens $7

Pets of the Week

callista with susi (3)CALLISTA
Mixed breed, female, 1 year old, brindle and white, 44 pounds – $35

POTW KATLA AND CORDELIA

KATLA & CORDELIA
Domestic Shorthair, females, 9 months old, Calico, each is 7 pounds – $0 (bonded sisters are barn cats)

Adoption, Cats, essay, FOTAS, News, Volunteer, Volunteers

FOTAS volunteer Leah Holt gives unwanted cats a second chance at health and happiness

Posted on by Angel Hartline
28
Jan

Over the last 16 months, FOTAS Volunteer Leah Holt has given three unwanted cats the happiness and security that comes with having a forever home. She adopted all three from the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS), including Boots, a young, scrawny black cat; Footie, an 11-year-old, chunky Tuxedo cat; and Nutmeg, a six-month-old, blind Siamese kitten.

“When I retired and moved to Aiken, I made the decision to take care of animals and devote my time to making their lives better,” she said.

Boots and Nutmeg were strays, and Footie was surrendered by his owner because taking care of the large feline was “too much responsibility.” Holt gave Boots to her great granddaughter, who immediately changed his name to “Black Tiger”, and Footie and Nutmeg live with Holt and her two toy Poodles, BJ and Chrissie.

The quartet of furry friends sleeps on Holt’s bed. Footie dozes by her head, Nutmeg curls up between her stomach and knees, and the dogs are on either side of her, snoring under the covers. “I have to be careful when I roll over,” she jokes.

Leah Holt at home with her adopted County Shelter cats Footie and Nutmeg, and dogs Chrissie and BJ.
Leah Holt at home with her adopted County Shelter cats Footie and Nutmeg, and dogs Chrissie and BJ.

Before retiring, Holt managed a drug store, co-owned a wholesale food franchise with her husband and, during the last 15 years of her working life, took care of hospice patients.

Holt has been around animals and owned pets since she was a child. But when her dog, BJ, was nearly killed by a motorcycle in 2014 and she committed months toward nurturing him back to good health, she came to a new realization.

“That’s when I understood how I could have a positive impact and make a difference by helping animals, “she said. “That’s what we’re put here for –to help those in need.”

Now Holt volunteers at the shelter by walking the dogs and spending time with the felines in the cat facility, and every Saturday evening she takes care of the ACAS cats being showcased at the Aiken PetSmart Store on Whiskey Road.

Her reward for volunteering? Seeing unwanted and discarded animals placed in good homes. Plus, when she returns to her house at the end of the day, she gets a boisterous welcome from her growing gang of adopted pets.

“I think shelter animals truly appreciate their home more,” she said. “In the shelter they’re scared and confused. But when they come out, they don’t have to worry so much, and they’re very thankful for another chance at a joyful life.”

Their lives are in our hands.

by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

By the Numbers

In 2017, 198 Heartworm Positive dogs received at the shelter were saved and successfully adopted with incurred treatment costs paid by FOTAS. Please remember to give your dogs monthly heartworm preventative.

Pets of the Week

bain high energy dogBAIN: Retriever mix, male, 4 years old, tan and white, 51 pounds – $0 (adoption fee has been paid for by FOTAS donor)

Sapphire POTW JAN 24SAPPHIRE: Domestic Shorthair, female, 9 months old, gray/black Tabby, 1.8 pounds – $10 (available at PetSmart Store in Aiken)


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LOCAL AUTHOR WRITES ABOUT HER ADOPTION OF COUNTY SHELTER DOG

Posted on by Angel Hartline
27
Jan
Local writer Marti Healy wrote a column for the Aiken Standard that discussed her adoption of Dasher, an 8-year-old Shepherd mix desperate for a forever home. Ms. Healy renamed him “Quincy” and he quickly won her heart. From her column: ““As I write this, Quincy has now snuggled and hugged me into the far corner of the couch. Tuppence the cat has stretched herself out across the top of us both. Our three hearts seem to be in sync. Together in mutual appreciation. Together, in tempo, in tune.” Read the full column here. It’s well worth your time.