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News & stories

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

Adoption, Cats, Dogs, FOTAS, Volunteer

Surgically saved shelter cats bring joy to their new families

Posted on by Angel Hartline
22
Jun

by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

In last week’s column, Dr. Lisa Levy, the Aiken County Animal Shelter’s veterinarian, wrote about saving three cats that were brought in with chronic conditions. But after these special felines were saved through challenging surgeries, what happened to them? Here is how three cats – Rose, Stump and Aimee – beat the odds and found loving forever homes. These extraordinary animals are not only recovering from their dark, painful pasts, but are making a positive difference in their adopters’ lives.

Rose, who had to have emergency surgery to remove her infected uterus, is lucky to be alive. But now fully recovered, she is thriving in her new home with Annabel Bradham. The 3-year-old, long-haired, gray cat was shy and a bit skittish at first due to the trauma she’s been through, but is blooming into an outgoing, confident feline.

“Rose is doing wonderfully,” said Annabel. “I have absolutely fallen in love with her and she’s made herself at home…usually you can find her sleeping on the couch. She’s the perfect cat for me.”

Rose is currently staying with Annabel, her mom and two sisters, in their North Augusta home. But she will be Annabel’s roommate when she goes back to school at the College of Charleston.

Annabel Bradham adopted Rose – “She’s the perfect cat for me.”
Annabel Bradham adopted Rose – “She’s the perfect cat for me.”

Stump, the cat brought to the Shelter with his tail torn off, is also doing very well. Kristen Walker, who found the 7-month-old kitty badly injured and with a belt wrapped around his neck, ended up adopting him! Kristen said she’s not the kind of person that usually gets all warm and gooey inside when she sees a stray animal. But something about Stump (who she renamed Panda) touched her. Maybe it was the abuse he had suffered or the way he looked at her. But she knew her life had changed the instant she pulled the bleeding, maggot infested cat out of the bushes.

“I’ve never had an animal click with me like that,” Kristen said. “From the moment I picked him up and held him, I felt he should be part of our family.”

Panda is now a very happy cat and Kristen and her husband, Chris, are thrilled to have him in their Graniteville home. The big-eyed, white and black feline sleeps in their son’s bed and is best friends with the family dog, Kenway.

Aimee, the 1-year-old cat who arrived at the Shelter with her left, rear leg so deformed and mangled it had to be amputated, is now living the good life in her new Augusta home. Brad and Dana Harris adopted the special needs feline after seeing her photo and story posted on Facebook. They renamed the three-legged cat “Ilean” and she has already bonded with the Harris family’s other pets – Gilligan, a 26-pound Lynx hybrid cat; Skipper, a Siamese cat; and Bella, a German Shepherd/Boxer mix.

Brad Harris adopted Ilean, a three-legged cat who’s had a difficult past.
Brad Harris adopted Ilean, a three-legged cat who’s had a difficult past.

Ilean has also become fast friends with the children in the family – especially the Harris’s 8-year-old grandson.

“She’s been good for him and the first animal he’s really gotten close to,” Brad said. “And I’ve noticed he’s more interested in the other animals as well. Maybe it’s because he can tell she’s had a hard life and needs extra love.”

Their lives are in our hands.

 

PETS OF THE WEEK

 

FOXY Mountain Feist mix, female, 1-1/2 years old, brown -- 49 lbs $35.00
FOXY
Mountain Feist mix,
female, 1-1/2 years old,
brown — 49 lbs
$35.00
TAZ Domestic short hair cat Male -- 1 year old Orange & white tabby 6.7 lbs $10.00
TAZ
Domestic short hair cat
Male — 1 year old
Orange & white tabby — 6.7 lbs
$10.00

By the Numbers
From June 1-21, 2017,   360 dogs and cats were received by the County Shelter.

All cats are just $10 in June — Dogs are $35.00.

 

Adoption, Cats, FOTAS, Volunteer

Injured and abused cats get second chance after successful surgeries

Posted on by Angel Hartline
16
Jun

by Dr. Lisa Levy, ACAS Veterinarian

This month, we’ve already taken in more than 300 strays and surrendered animals at the County Animal Shelter. Last month, we took in more than 500. When you receive this many animals, some are certain to be injured or abused, and May was a rough month for kitties. We had several special needs cats come through our doors.

First was Rose. Rose came in just as I was leaving for the day. She was listless, weak and her back end was covered in pus. On examination, it was determined that she had a severe uterine infection, also known as pyometra. These animals get very sick as the uterus fills with pus and causes them to become toxic. The only treatment is surgery to remove the uterus. But obviously there is great risk to doing surgery on a patient that is so ill.

After I graduated from veterinary school, my first boss had a saying that has stuck with me. He said, “Never let the sun set on a pyometra.” What he meant is that surgery needs to be done immediately because they will be sicker in the morning. So, I put my scrubs back on and immediately did the surgery. She made it through anesthesia and we gave her fluid therapy and antibiotics, although I had little hope that she would make it through the night. But when we came in the next morning, she was sitting up in her cage! She got stronger each day and showed us a gentle, loving personality that wasn’t evident when she was so sick.

Stump is a kitty who was brought in by a couple who found him tied to a tree. His tail was gone (either cut off by someone or possibly ripped off by a dog) and he had exposed bone sticking out of a mound of raw, infected tissue about two inches in diameter. My first thought was, “I can’t fix this.” But amazingly, once the bad tissue and bone was trimmed away, there was enough skin left to close the wound. Now the big question was would there be nerve damage that might interfere with his ability to urinate and defecate? The next morning, there was no urine in his litter box and he was straining and not able to defecate. We put him on kitty laxatives and within two days he was going on his own.

Aimee came into the shelter with a rear leg that was severely deformed. It had been broken at some point and healed without being set properly. She was unable to bend at the knee and the lower part of the leg pointed in the wrong direction. Unfortunately, there was no way to fix the leg, so we amputated it. Aimee adjusted beautifully since she really couldn’t use the leg before the surgery, and is doing terrific!

It was a trying month but all three cats were adopted and are doing extremely well. Great outcomes like these are why we – the entire shelter staff and volunteers – do what we do.

Next Week: How these special needs cats are making a difference in their adopters’ lives.Caption: Stump arrived at the Shelter with his tail cut or ripped off, but he is doing great following surgery.

Pets of the Week

POTW JUNE 18 CHIANNAH
CHIANNAH: Retriever/Terrier mix, female, 2 years old, brown and white, 48 pounds – $35.00
TEASPOON POTW JUNE 18
TEASPOON: Domestic shorthair cat, male, 9 months old, black/gray Tabby, 7.5 pounds – $10.00

      

BY THE NUMBERS

May 1- 31:  580 dogs and cats were received by the County Shelter.

June Adoption Special:  Cats $10.00 and Dogs $35.00

Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS

Roxy: Another heartworm positive dog is adopted and saved

Posted on by Angel Hartline
12
Jun

by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

It is mid-May and Roxy is crying out from her kennel at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. The disappointment of being passed over by visitors while dogs around her get adopted is upsetting her. The 3-year-old, black Retriever mix needs to find a forever home before her frustration turns into complete despair.

While Roxy struggles with her situation at the shelter, Patty McDonagh is about 30 miles away in Martinez, GA, checking out her Facebook news feed. She scrolls to a photo of Roxy posted by Martha Anne Tudor, a FOTAS volunteer and animal advocate. The post reads, “Roxy loves all people and other dogs, too. She just wants to be loved back and to have a real home where she’s safe and wanted.”

The photo and description of Roxy calls out to Patty and she hops in the car to go see the remarkable dog. It has been eight years since her last dog crossed the rainbow bridge and she and her husband, Paul, are ready to welcome a new canine companion into their home.

“When I met Roxy in person, I knew I hit the lottery,” Patty said. “She was so lovable and walked right up to me and put her paws on my lap like she was asking for a hug.”

Like 16-20% of the dogs who arrive at the Aiken County Animal Shelter, Roxy is heartworm positive but otherwise very healthy. Heartworm disease is a mosquito-borne infection that can cause health problems and even kill a dog if left untreated (which is why it is so vital for all dog owners to give their pets a monthly heartworm preventative). But thanks to the advances of veterinary medicine and FOTAS funding treatment for heartworm positive dogs on the adoption floor, the disease is no longer a death sentence at the shelter. This year alone, 55 heartworm positive dogs have been successfully adopted from the County Shelter and all have been treated and are expected to live normal, healthy lives.

The fact that Roxy is heartworm positive doesn’t worry Patty since years earlier her daughter, Sarah, adopted a dog with heartworms from a shelter in Atlanta and her pet tested heartworm free following treatment.
Roxy’s FOTAS-funded heartworm treatment was completed at the County Shelter and she and Patty go on walks nearly every day. The Retriever’s favorite activity is to stretch out in her lovely, new fenced-in yard and watch the squirrels play in the trees.

“If you find a dog you like that happens to be heartworm positive, don’t let that be the determining factor,” Patty said. “Don’t let that stop you from adopting her. FOTAS pays for the treatment, which can be expensive, and you will be saving a dog that deserves a second chance. A dog like my sweet Roxy.”
For more information about heartworm treatment and donating to the FOTAS “Have a Heart, Save a Heart” fund – helping a heartworm positive dog in need – please go to FOTASAiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

 

Patty McDonagh and her new canine companion, Roxy, relax in their backyard.
Patty McDonagh and her new canine companion, Roxy, relax in their backyard.
FOTAS, Volunteer

Three abandoned horses and the compassion of the Aiken Community

Posted on by Angel Hartline
12
Jun

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS VP

Two emaciated mares and a skinny mini-horse were dumped at the home of a very kind soul in the County, and although he had the heart to care for them, he did not have the experience or the facilities to do so. He called several equine rescue organizations and pleaded for help, but no one was interested in the plight of three scraggly-looking equines of uncertain origins.

These stories rarely turn out well. Horses are eating machines; they need land and lots of food to thrive. It’s an expensive proposition, particularly for neglected animals who need medical attention as well. All in all, not a prescription for a happy ending.

Fortunately, in this case, all the planets and stars lined up. Richard Hall, our conscientious citizen-hero, called Bobby Arthurs, the County’s Chief Animal Control Officer and Shelter Manager. Animal Control is not readily equipped to deal with horse issues, but Bobby was determined to help Mr. Hall. He called on FOTAS, not because FOTAS is equipped to deal with equine emergencies either (our hands are full with the thousands of homeless dogs and cats that pass through the Shelter), but because he knows FOTAS can, and will, mobilize its resources to help Aiken County Animal Control with any animal in need.

FOTAS President Jennifer Miller called Gina Salatino, an experienced, expert horsewoman and a long-time, loyal FOTAS supporter in every way—Gina always responds, without fail, to a FOTAS plea for help. Gina and Bobby drove out to Mr. Hall’s immediately with ten bales of hay. The horses could not be moved to another location until they had been tested for equine infectious diseases, so in the meantime, Mr. Hall agreed to continue to care for the horses on his property with Bobby and Gina’s help. An anonymous woman (thank you!) donated 20 bales of hay, and Aiken County Farm Supply contributed more food.

Bobby and FOTAS arranged for Ridge Haven Equine Veterinary Services to worm and inoculate the horses and to perform a Coggins test to rule out Equine Infection Anemia, a non-curable, highly infection disease (the horses tested negative, after which they started gaining weight. Gina called Dr. Mike Brown to geld the mini-horse (which he did as a donation), and Gina found the little fellow a home with local equine dentist, Lou Heffner and his wife.

Placing the mares was more difficult. When Bobby had driven to Ridge Haven to make arrangements for inoculating and worming the horses, he had struck up a conversation with Natalie Hutto in the office (Bobby confessed later that he struck up the conversation because Natalie was dressed in western-like clothing, so he figured her for a horsewoman). Natalie had a farm but had never owned or cared for full-grown horses, but the plight of the two mares tugged at her heart-strings.

Long story short? Natalie agreed to give the two girls a home on her farm if Bobby, Gina and FOTAS would teach her how to care for them. They agreed, they did, and today the mares are flourishing on Natalie’s farm, with her children taking active roles in their care.

God bless them all. My faith in the goodness of humanity, miracles, and divine intervention is re-affirmed.

Their lives are in our hands.

 

Gina Salatino with the mini horse
Gina Salatino with the mini horse
Cats, Dogs, FOTAS, Volunteer

Touched by an angel at the Aiken County Animal Shelter

Posted on by Angel Hartline
12
Jun

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

It is May 24th as I write this article, only three weeks into the month of May, and a heart-breaking, record number of animals—480 to be exact—have been consigned to the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

You read that correctly; your eyes are not playing tricks on you—480 dogs, cats, puppies and kittens in the first three weeks of May.

Do the math; I did. Every single day the Shelter was open this month (21 operating days), 22-23 animals were consigned to the Shelter. That’s hard to fathom—there is no way to find local homes for or transfer out that many animals on top of the ones that are already there. Supply far exceeds demand. It’s like sweeping back the ocean with a broom.

A shelter is a stressful place for an animal under any circumstances, but the stress level in a crowded shelter is even worse for these unfortunate animals who are there through no fault of their own. They need lots of help to manage their stress levels until we can find them a home.

That’s why volunteers like the indomitable Nanci Santos are so important.

Nanci has been a FOTAS volunteer for a long time. She has never wavered in her commitment. You can find her at the Shelter every day, seven days a week, without fail. Even a serious health condition some years back did not deter Nanci—unable to walk dogs, she organized and conducted orientations for new volunteers until she had the physical strength to pick up the leash again.

Today, she touches every dog, literally. After the morning walks, Nanci folds and arranges blankets in all the kennel beds so the dogs will be comfortable. She cleans up any messes.

She gives every dog an appropriate toy, making certain that, say, a determined chewer is given an indestructible rope toy and a dainty licker gets a nice squeak toy. That’s how good she is—she figures it out for every one of them.

Nanci’s compassion and intuition have made her invaluable in working with shy, anxious and fearful dogs whose contact with humans has been either non-existent or just plain bad.

“It’s not unusual for Nanci to sit for hours on the floor of a kennel working with a terrified dog, speaking softly, coaxing it to take a treat,” says Kathy Jacobs, the FOTAS Program Director. “Two days later, I’ll find her sitting on a bench in a quiet place, that very same dog curled up in her lap – it could be 15 pounds or 50 pounds—it doesn’t matter. In the end, every dog, no matter how scared, climbs into Nanci’s lap, so to speak. She transforms them.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote: “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” Thousands of canine lives have breathed easier because of Nanci Santos. Her success is immeasurable.

The Shelter needs your help all the time, but particularly in the summer months when intake skyrockets and folks go on vacation. Please volunteer, foster, or donate; call the FOTAS hotline (803-514-4313) or email info@angelhartlinedesigns.com and start making a difference today.

Their lives are in our hands.

 

Nanci Santos, FOTAS volunteer, with one of the dogs at the Aiken County Animal Shelter
Nanci Santos, FOTAS volunteer, with one of the dogs at the Aiken County Animal Shelter
Adoption, Dogs, Foster, FOTAS, Spay/Neuter, Volunteer

Honor National Pet Month by adopting a loving animal in need

Posted on by Angel Hartline
19
May

by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

 

This has been a tough month at the County Animal Shelter. In just the first 18 days of May, 376 homeless animals have been received by the facility at 333 Wire Road.

Yes, you read that right. We’re only slightly past the halfway point of the month and the shelter is already packed full of animals surrendered by owners or picked up as strays. If this pace keeps up, the Shelter will receive more than 700 homeless animals by month’s end.

The County Shelter urgently needs adopters, fosters and volunteers to help offset this flood of homeless animals. It is also vital for all County citizens to get their pets spayed/neutered to reduce such an overpopulation of dogs and cats. County vouchers for these surgeries are available at the Shelter, 333 Wire Road.

Ironically, May is National Pet Month, an annual celebration of the benefits that pets bring to our lives and a time to reflect on what we can do to make their lives better. While far from being in a celebratory mood due to the latest intake numbers, we can take the National Pet Month’s goals to heart by finding these unwanted animals loving forever homes.

Let’s start by shining a spotlight on three special dogs up for adoption – a trio of truly sweet souls who need a break in life. These animals, through no fault of their own, have suffered especially difficult pasts and yet remain full of joy and affection for people. Two of them come from cruelty cases.

These dogs – all housebroken – are looking for, and deserve, loving homes where they can be the only canine:

CLAUS: This handsome, brindle and white Terrier mix is a very calm boy who loves people but prefers his humans all to himself. He’s just two years old and is described by volunteers as a “cuddle bug” because he will make an ideal couch companion for anyone looking for a dog to snuggle with while reading or watching television.

LUCIE: High-energy Lucie is a super sweet, outgoing Terrier/Boxer mix who has so much love to give! She adores people – so much so, she tries to hug every friendly human she meets. She’s also a terrific athlete. Lucie was found as a stray shortly after having puppies that were never found. She’s only two years old and has expressive eyes that dominate her pretty face.

HAYDEN: Like Claus, this 5-year-old likes to relax and is extremely affectionate – but also enjoys long walks and is great on a leash. His looks stand out because he has one brown and one blue eye. As far as getting along with other dogs, Hayden is very selective. If you already own a dog, you’ll need to bring him/her to the shelter for a “meet and greet” to see how they get along with Hayden. However, this warmhearted Hound mix would be ideal as the only dog in your family.

Please come visit these three dogs in need and all the other terrific animals available for adoption at the County Shelter! Remember, all animals are half price this month – dogs $35, and cats $15.

Their lives are in our hands.

 

Claus enjoys some one-on-one time with FOTAS Volunteer and Canine Coach Darling Rios.
Claus enjoys some one-on-one time with FOTAS Volunteer and Canine Coach Darling Rios.
Hayden, wearing an e-collar so he doesn’t lick at his stitches, visits front desk volunteer Joyce Egge.
Hayden, wearing an e-collar so he doesn’t lick at his stitches, visits front desk volunteer Joyce Egge.
Cats, Foster, FOTAS

Fostering kittens more rewarding than volunteer ever imagined

Posted on by Angel Hartline
17
May

by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications
Debbie Snyder arrived at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) carrying cans of puppy formula. She’d read on the FOTAS Facebook page that the shelter was running low and needed donations. Being a dog lover and owner, she often did her part to drop off food, treats and other goodies for the canines waiting to be adopted.

But on this day, she would not leave empty-handed.

“When I got there, (FOTAS Programs Coordinator) Kathy Jacobs asked me if I’d ever fostered kittens,” Debbie said. “I told her I wasn’t really a cat person and I didn’t know much about them, but if it would save their lives, I’d give it a shot.”

The kittens in question had been found and brought to the shelter by a good Samaritan but their mother was nowhere in sight and they needed continuous bottle feeding and care. Debbie took the newborn foster kittens home and what started out as an act of kindness, gradually became a rewarding personal journey for the retired lawyer.

“From the moment I got home, I set up a warm spot for them and let my two yellow Labs smell them and they quickly got very comfortable with the kittens,” Debbie said. “Over the next seven weeks, the three little guys went from being completely helpless to very affectionate, and it’s been wonderful watching their personalities develop.”

In the beginning, taking care of the kittens was a bit challenging. They had to be bottle fed every few hours and needed help with elimination. Debbie would patiently massage their bottoms and tummies until they pooped and peed. But after about three weeks, they could eliminate on their own and at five weeks old, they started sleeping through the night and could be fed kitten food mixed with water in a bowl. It was about this time that Debbie named her three fosters: The fuzzy, black one became Edward and the two Tabbies were christened Ben and Keith.

Today, the three brothers are nearly two months old, healthy and happy, and running and playing in Debbie’s home. They love playing with her large Labs and are so comfortable around them, they’ll sometimes climb on top of them. In a typical fostering situation, the kittens would be ready to head back to the shelter for adoption. But Debbie became so smitten with the cuties, she adopted them herself. The ailing orphan kittens, who were fighting for survival, now have a forever home and an owner who is committed to giving them love and care throughout their lives.

“I’m so glad I decided to foster them,” she said. “If you have the time to do it and love animals, I think you should try it. FOTAS provides terrific guidance on what needs to be done and is always available if you need support or have any questions.”

Many kittens and puppies ,along with dogs and cats, are currently being received at the shelter, and FOTAS is in urgent need of foster homes. If you can help foster shelter animals at your home, or are interested in volunteering in other ways, please email info@angelhartlinedesigns.com.

Their lives are in our hands.

debbie snyder kittens

FOTAS Volunteer Debbie Snyder at home with her three foster kittens.
FOTAS Volunteer Debbie Snyder at home with her three foster kittens.
Adoption, Cats, Dogs, Foster, FOTAS, Volunteer

Katy finds home, becomes foster mama to other shelter dogs and kittens

Posted on by Angel Hartline
04
May

by Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President
“Heaven works on favor. If it worked on merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in”
Mark Twain

Why Katy had not been adopted was a puzzle to those of us who knew her. The pretty, 2-year-old, black and white short-haired Collie cross was a real lady—calm, self-possessed and dignified. She didn’t bark in her cage. She was sociable with people, children and other dogs. She was smart. She was house-broken; in fact, she waited patiently every morning until a volunteer came to take her for her walk, to rather than “do her business” in her kennel.

Katy was, in all respects, a darn-near perfect dog.

Yet somehow, by May of 2016, Katy held the unfortunate distinction of being the dog who had been on the adoption floor the longest. Those of us who loved her (FOTAS volunteers and Shelter staff) began to fret, not because she had been taking up precious space at the Shelter for too long, but because we could see that the stress of shelter life was taking its toll on her. You could see the sadness in her eyes, and who could blame her? No matter how polite and composed she was, potential adopters walked right by her, choosing silly, unruly cute dogs instead. It was discouraging.

When Katy became short-tempered and intolerant in the daily dog play-group, we shifted into FOTAS overdrive to get her out of the Shelter. Enter Chenoa Shields, an Augusta resident who fosters puppies and hard-to-place dogs in the greater CSRA. Chenoa had come to the Shelter to observe our newly enacted play-group program, and we took the opportunity to chat her up about our love of Katy and our concern for her well-being. Chenoa could see Katy’s many virtues, and even though she had witnessed Katy’s increasingly short temper in play-group, she agreed to take her as a private foster if Katy could get along with Chenoa’s two Pugs.

She could. Katy was the kind lady we knew she could be, treating the much smaller, affable, energetic little Pug Yasmeen with playful tenderness. Katy went home with Chenoa as a foster until we could find her a home.

She is still there today.

Why? Because everyone fell in love. Katy fell in love with Chenoa, Yasmeen, and even Chenoa’s dog-selective Pug, Layla – and they fell in love with her.

Moreover, Katy turns out to be the perfect mama dog for Chenoa’s fosters, and to date, Katy has fostered 22 puppies and underdogs and (are you ready for this?) four kittens.

Here’s the takeaway. When you find a dog you like at the Shelter, but you are not certain she is the right dog because she seems anxious, distant or timid, remember this: shelter life is stressful for even the calmest, most affectionate dogs. We’ve placed thousands over the years, and we can say with virtual certainty that a safe place, companionship and love turns every dog into a loyal friend and companion.

They just need someone, like you, to give them a chance.

Their lives are in our hands.

 

Katie & Yasmeen

Adoption, Children, Dogs, Events, FOTAS, Fundraisers, Woofstock

A Happy Day in Aiken: The FOTAS Woofstock Doxie Derby Festival Returns

Posted on by Angel Hartline
04
May

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President and Edie Hubler, FOTAS Board
Yikes! What is the world coming to? So many troubles in the world: terrorist attacks in France, nuclear bomb testing in North Korea, chemical attacks in Syria, political marches and protests, screaming “expert” panelists on the news — the list goes on and on.
Yet things in our neck of the woods are pretty amazing. Spring is in full bloom, and best of all? FOTAS’ 6th Annual Woofstock Doxie Derby Festival is being held this Saturday, May 6th, at Citizens Park in Aiken, to benefit the Aiken County Animal Shelter. That means hours of free fun for you and your family.
The popular Doxie Derby is back, and if the sight of all those little wiggly wittle wiener dogs wacing for the roses doesn’t make you laugh, well then, there’s no hope for you. No fast wiener dogs in your family? That’s okay, because there’s also a small dog, any breed contest.
Then there are the dog contests—Best Trick, Best Costume, Best Kisser, and our personal favorite, Best Look Alike—guaranteed to make even the crankiest scrooge smile.
Loyal fan and our favorite celebrity journalist, John Hart, from WJBF News Channel 6, will again be on hand to serve as the Master of Ceremonies. Brad and Jayne Williams will be playing the hits all day long on their super sound system.
So, leave the troubles of the world behind and come on over with your human and canine family. Grab a bite to eat from the Sugar Bear caterers or Marco’s Pizza and top it off with some Flanigans’ ice cream. Many exhibitors with pet related products and services will again be joining us this year — and of course, the Woofstock mascot Frank ‘en Bun will be on hand to help everyone have a good time!
Then there’s the raffle. For a $10 or more donation to FOTAS, you can get your raffle tickets on-line at fotasaiken.org/woofstock-doxie-derby-2017/, or you can purchase your tickets prior to the event at Downtown Dog and Herbal Solutions. The winner will be announced at the end of the day, but you don’t need to be present to win.
Participate in a silent auction by Doc Holly’s group (Veterinary Services of Aiken). Herbal Solutions will give you and/or your doggie a cupcake for a donation to FOTAS, so please be sure to visit their booth.
While you are there, let us introduce you to some of the Shelter’s adoptable pets who will also be at Woofstock—after all, isn’t that what it’s all about? If you happen to fall in love, guess what? Adoption prices will be slashed in half – $35 for dogs and $15 for cats.
A tightly-knit community of caring people and businesses—Auto Tech, Herbal Solutions, Hollow Creek Animal Hospital, The Willcox, Tyler Brothers, Veterinary Services of Aiken, the Aiken Animal Hospital, Atlantic Broadband, the Aiken Standard, Downtown Dog, Aiken Saddlery, the Aiken Veterinary Clinic, Carolina Real Estate Company, Chime Bell Fence, the Dog & Hound, and scores of volunteers and supporters—all come together on this happy, festive day to make life better for the thousands of homeless animals of Aiken County.
Now that makes our hearts sing.
Their lives are in our hands.

Frank 'en Bun -- Woofstock mascot

The FOTAS Woofstock Doxie Derby Festival is Saturday, May 6th

Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS

Old dogs, like old people, make great companions

Posted on by Angel Hartline
21
Apr

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

“Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be . . .”
Robert Browning

It happens all the time.

Someone surrenders a senior dog to the Aiken County Animal Shelter, or worse, someone dumps their old dog far from home and Animal Control finds him wandering aimlessly around the County, hungry and disoriented. They arrive at the Shelter bewildered and scared. Who can blame them?

They have spent their lives with a family, who they loved, protected, and comforted. Perhaps they walked and hiked with their beloved humans, or maybe they just hung out on the couch and watched TV. Sure, as the years progressed, they slowed down, got gray around the muzzle, maybe had trouble jumping in and out of the car, but their blind devotion to their humans never wavered. They never suspected they had become inconvenient.

Then one day, through no fault of their own, they end up in a strange place with strangers. Shelter life can be exceptionally stressful for an older dog—they know what it’s like to have a home, and it looks nothing like their stainless steel kennel at the Shelter. They get discouraged when potential adopters walk by their cages without a glance looking for cute puppies and handsome young energetic dogs. It is heartbreaking to watch the hope fade from their eyes.

Senior dogs need a strong advocate, and that’s when FOTAS volunteers and the network of FOTAS friends and supporters rise to the challenge. Take Chatez, a 13-year-old lab mix who was surrendered to the Shelter because his owners no longer wanted him. Chatez was depressed and timid, so FOTAS volunteers and Shelter staff gave him lots of extra attention to help him adapt. FOTAS posted his plight on social media, and FOTAS friend and supporter extraordinaire, Martha Anne Tudor, reposted on her Facebook page. His plea was shared more than 1,000 times coast to coast and across the pond to England. Kindness prevailed: the Huffman family came to his rescue. Today Chatez is resting peacefully in the sun on a pontoon boat.

Then there’s Elmer, an eight-year-old black chow mix that was dumped by his owners and picked up by Animal Control. His black coat was matted and dirty. He was covered with fleas and heartworm positive. He was hungry.

Elmer was eager and willing to please. Dr. Levy, the Shelter vet, attended to his medical needs. FOTAS volunteers bathed him with special soap and fussed over him, but his overall appearance and tragically-matted coat needed special attention. At FOTAS’ request, Carla Beatty from the Hair of the Dog gave Elmer a proper grooming for no charge. The next day, the sleek, handsome Elmer was adopted by Barbara Snider of Windsor and whisked off to their farm to begin his new life.

So when the time comes to open your home and your heart to a new canine friend, why not consider one of our senior citizens, like the exceptionally sweet, three-legged Pet of the Week, Pete (photo below)? Pete won’t make a mistake on your rug, chew up your slippers, or require a lot of exercise.

Your love and a warm place to sleep is all he needs.

Their lives are in our hands.

Chatez & Renee and Glenn Huffman, ready to go home
Chatez & Renee and Glenn Huffman, ready to go home