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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.

2025, Adoption

Please adopt, don’t shop

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Poor Igby was abandoned, but now he’s healthy, happy and ready to be adopted.
07
Jun

Did you now that most of the dogs that the Aiken County Animal Shelter receives know basic commands?

They get picked up as stray dogs but when asked to sit, they get so excited! It’s like we are now speaking the same language. Most will sit and give us their paw! The majority of our adoptable dogs are house-trained as well.

Nine-month-old puppy Penelope was picked up as a stray. This cutie is available for adoption at the County Animal Shelter.
Nine-month-old puppy Penelope was picked up as a stray. This cutie is available for adoption at the County Animal Shelter.

We will never understand how someone can spend time teaching a dog commands and house-training them only to let them go and never look for them.

Recently, I was visiting a school and two children raised their hands to tell me that their parents were breeding bully breed dogs. They were so proud, but I felt so defeated.

We have taken in litter after litter this year and many have been left in boxes on the side of the road.

The Aiken County Animal Shelter has taken in litter after litter of puppies this year, and many have been left in boxes on the side of the road.
The Aiken County Animal Shelter has taken in litter after litter of puppies this year, and many have been left in boxes on the side of the road.

Just last month, eight little puppies, three to four weeks old, were left on the road in a box. When they arrived, we struggled to find foster homes to care for the babies. Luckily, we did but then more and more kept coming in. Some healthy, some with mange, some barely hanging on.

Sweet Igby was left in a crate outside the shelter while we were closed. I can only imagine how scared he was. He is the most gentle, squishy and sweet pup!

 

What has happened to empathy? We see dogs cry when we leave at the end of the day because they are so lonely. When we arrive in the morning, it is heartbreaking listening to all of the dogs barking to go outside to potty. They have been trained not to potty inside and are desperate to get out. Who do you pick first?

Today when I arrived to take a dog to the WRDW-TV News station for the Take Me Home segment, I was in tears. Ricky was pacing, Marty was circling, Reid was licking the kennel bars, Niles was crying for attention, and poor Ruby wanted a hug so badly that she was jumping in the air trying to get my attention. These dogs and so many others desperately want love and to have their basic needs met.

How can we help them?

Please stop buying puppies from breeders. Come to the shelter. We have so many adoptable puppies, we have foster to adopt programs for the little ones. Our adult dogs are home ready and will do anything to please their new family.

We worry all the time about slowing adoptions. How will we save all of these pets? Please share our social media posts, please tell your neighbors, please volunteer to foster a dog, a puppy, kittens. Please take a shelter dog on a Doggy Day Out to the park. Please help.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2025, kennel stress, senior pets

Beautiful dogs who deserve better: Amelia & McIlroy

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
McIlroy is a shy dog waiting to be treated to the life that he deserves.
24
May

Some dogs do better than others in an animal shelter environment. The older and neglected ones, like Amelia have the toughest time. But young dogs who are timid and need socialization, like McIlroy, are a close second. Both of these special dogs have been on difficult journeys and now find themselves at the Aiken County Animal Shelter needing to find loving homes as soon as possible.

Senior sweetheart Amelia
Pretty tan and white mixed breed Amelia is 5 years old, 50 pounds and has lived a hard knock life. She was left to fend for herself. While battling the elements as a hungry stray, insects ravaged her, leaving her with a bacterial infection that is treatable with antibiotics. We’ve already started Amelia’s treatment and will provide the remainder of her medicine to her new family. Despite all of this strife, Amelia has remained the sweetest, most gentle soul. She deserves so much better.

Amelia is easygoing and amazing on a leash.
Amelia is easygoing and amazing on a leash.

Amelia is a volunteer favorite, winning every heart she meets. She’s loving, quiet, and calm. She adores people and does great with other dogs. She’s even potty trained.

“Amelia’s so easygoing and amazing on the leash,” said FOTAS Volunteer Amy Gardner. “Spending time with her just gets my soul right. She is patient, happy and wants to be where you are. Come and get this perfect girl.”

Amelia has seen her puppies get adopted to new homes but now it’s her turn to find a loving family. She would love to be with children and other dog companions. Please give this dog a new lease on life and show her there are good people in the world.

Young, magnificent McIlroy
He’s a stunning dog. Mixed breed McIlroy has a gorgeous blond and white coat, Bambi eyes and a natural smile. He loves to play and walks on a leash like a dream.

McIlroy is 2 years old, 63 pounds and desperately wants to be someone’s companion. He’s not used to human affection and shies away from being petted, but he wants to be near you – about one step behind. We think he will be a lot happier and feel more secure once he is out of the shelter.

McIlroy needs to be adopted to a home that has other dogs. One or more canine mentors will help him gain confidence and learn the ropes of being a socially confident pet. This boy would do well on a farm, where he can run and play. Or at a house with a fenced-in yard and doggy door.

“McIlroy is a sweetie waiting to be treated to the life that he deserves,” said FOTAS Volunteer Jody Clark. “Such a handsome boy – definitely a grand slam winner of personality, good looks, manners and love.”

If you would like to adopt Amelia, McIlroy or another homeless pet in need from the Aiken County Animal Shelter, please send an email to info@fotasaiken.org or call 803-642-1537, option 3. Or just stop by. We are located at 333 Wire Road in Aiken, SC.

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

2025, Adoption, barn cats

Got mice? Let us find a barn cat for you!

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Handsome Midnight lounges in the hay room. The County Animal Shelter’s barn cats are fixed, vaccinated and free to good homes.
16
May

Most cats are sweet and cuddly. They belong inside – playing with their cat toys, sleeping on your bed or purring on your lap.

But there are exceptions.

Some felines are more “spicy” or wild, and less socialized. These felines haven’t had much contact with humans and, as a result, don’t like to be held or pampered. They are extremely independent and have a bit of an attitude. However, it’s this assertiveness that makes barn cats such good hunters and ideal for getting rid of mice and other pests.

Matching adopters with barn cats
The Aiken County Animal Shelter has access to barn cats throughout the area. Our goal is to help these stray/outdoor, adult cats who are alone to find homes on farms, in barns, warehouses or other safe locations. We look for situations where they will be well cared for and appreciated. These hard working, pest reducing cats can help control the rodent population while enjoying the freedom of outdoor sheltered life with as little or as much human contact as they want.

Thanks to the TNR (Trap, Neuter & Return) program we’ve offered since 2014, many of our community cats are already fixed and in colonies. However, there are some that are single and looking for an outdoor home.

Barn cats are not lovey-dovey, but they’re good hunters. This makes them ideal for adopters looking to rid their property of rodents and other pests.
Barn cats are not lovey-dovey, but they’re good hunters. This makes them ideal for adopters looking to rid their property of rodents and other pests.

Prior to adoption, all potential barn cats at the County Shelter are:

  • Spayed/neutered (altered)
  • Vaccinated for rabies
  • Ear tipped (the universal sign for an altered feral cat)

Spicy mousers need love, too
While barn cats are feistier than their more domesticated counterparts, it is still important that they are properly cared for and loved. Before you decide to bring a barn cat home, make certain you are able to care for them by providing the following:

  • Fresh food and water, daily
  • Shelter from outdoor elements
  • A safe place to hide from predators.

Barn cats also need to be confined for three weeks before letting them roam the property. They must first learn that the farm is their home and source of food and care, or they are likely to run away.

Barn cats at the County Shelter are free to good homes. If you would like to adopt a barn cat or two (or more) from the Aiken County Animal Shelter, please send an email to info@fotasaiken.org or call (803) 642-1537, option 3.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2025, Adoption, Volunteer

Adopting Kali was Kismet

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Malia and Kali: it was meant to be
12
May

Some adoptions are just meant to happen.

The most recent example of destiny stepping in to match a dog with an adopter involves a terrified tan and white mama dog and a long-time FOTAS volunteer.

Kali arrived at the Aiken County Animal Shelter as a stray who was found feeding her puppies under a shed. The pretty mixed breed was so skittish, she had to be caught in a trap along with one of her pups. Gaunt and weak when she arrived at the shelter, Kali showed signs of being sweet but was too scared to bond with any of the staff.

When Kali graduated to the adoption floor, she was immediately noticed by volunteer Malia Koelker.
“She was trembling in the corner of her kennel” Malia said. “So, I sat with her for an hour or so and did the same thing the next day. She started feeling more confident when I walked her and was so grateful for the attention.”

From then on, Kali became attached to Malia. Whenever the shy 5-year-old, 42-pound dog saw Malia, she would perk up and beg to be petted. Other volunteers and staff members began to teasingly ask Malia what she did that made Kali fall in love with her. Even when Kali was in playgroup, she would get distracted if she spotted Malia walking other dogs or chatting with volunteers.

But Malia kept resisting the urge to adopt Kali. She’d been a FOTAS volunteer for seven years and never adopted a dog. She and her husband, Robert, like to travel and the timing never felt right. Besides, they were still mourning their 18-year-old dog, who passed away a year ago. Why do it now?

Kali feeling safe and secure in her new home.
Kali feeling safe and secure in her new home.

“I’ve been tempted so many times to adopt a dog, but Kali broke my heart,” Malia said. “Whenever she saw me, she’d whine and bark. When I walked her, she’d jump up on the couch and curl right up next to me.”

As days kept going by without Kali finding a home, Malia decided to take Kali home for one night to see how she would do away from the shelter, in a quiet home. Robert was skeptical, but agreed to Kali’s visit.

“She was perfect,” Malia said. “She slept in our bed and won over our cat, Darwin. She took over one of our chairs and fit right in.”

Malia adopted Kali the next day and the timid dog who trembled and shook in her kennel is now happy and living her best life.

“She’s warming up to Robert now,” Malia said. “When we walk Kali together in the morning, she stops and waits for him if he’s lagging behind.”

Malia smiles. “I think she’s won Robert’s heart, too.”

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2025, Adoption, Training

Crate training can make life easier for both you and your dog

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Crating can be a tool for helping with separation anxiety.
05
May

While a crate might seem too confining for your dog, it can actually be a great source of comfort for him, especially if he is insecure.

A dog crate is a plastic or collapsible metal enclosed pen that is large enough for a dog to stand up and turn around in. It is a place for the dog to be when no one is around to supervise him. If introduced correctly it can become your dog’s sanctuary – a place where he feels safe and secure. It can be a tool for helping with separation anxiety.

Dogs are extremely social and enjoy being included in family activities. Using a crate allows your dog to be inside even when you’re not home or are sleeping. Crating along with scheduled opportunities to go outside can aid in house-training because dogs don’t like to soil their sleeping areas. During the puppy stage, this confinement keeps him safe when you cannot monitor him. Crating keeps your pup away from dangers like electrical cords and choking hazards.

Some dogs at the animal shelter get panicky in their kennels with all the noise and activity around them. But they become calmer and much happier when we put them in a crate in the front lobby. These dogs, likely trained before coming to the shelter, feel safer in a crate containing a comfy dog bed and their durable toys.

Nitro, a dog that felt more secure in a crate then his shelter kennel, was adopted and now roams free in his new house, but still sees the crate as his “den” and safe place.
Nitro, a dog that felt more secure in a crate then his shelter kennel, was adopted and now roams free in his new house, but still sees the crate as his “den” and safe place.

One dog on the adoption floor, Nitro, was so anxious in his kennel, he would run all around, pace the floor, put his paws on the kennel door and bark in fear. But when we put him a crate in the lobby, he calmed down and became a different dog. He felt more secure in the crate, which helped him to relax and get some much-needed rest.

However, crates can be misused. No dog should spend most of his day, every day, in a crate. Crating an adult dog for more than 10 hours in a day can be considered inhumane even if he is given bathroom breaks. If your schedule requires you to be away from your dog for long days consider alternatives such as doggy daycare, a walking service or a pet sitter. 

Training experts also stress that a crate should never be used as punishment tool in training your dog.

“You want your dog to associate his crate with positive behavior,” said Karen DeCamp, Aiken County Animal Shelter Dog Trainer. “It is okay to use a crate to separate your dog from a household activity for short time-outs or naps. A safe chew toy or perhaps a Kong stuffed with peanut butter, then frozen, will provide your dog mental activity while crated.”

Finally, if you do crate your dog when you’re not home, it is important that you offset his time in the crate with needed exercise. He needs to expend his pent-up energy, so be sure to take him for a long walk or play fetch with him when you get home.

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

2025, abandoned animals, animal abuse

Archer, the sweetest boy

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Archer was shot numerous times after being abandoned. His right front leg was so damaged, it had to be amputated.
05
May

On January 29, we received the most grateful and lovely dog, Archer.

He was brought in by an Animal Control Officer after being called by a citizen regarding a neighborhood dog that was severely injured and seeking comfort in his yard.

When the officer arrived at the scene, Archer was in the backyard laying down on blankets. He had several gunshot wounds in his chest and behind his ear. He also appeared to have older wounds that were infected. The citizen who called said that the dog had belonged to a neighbor that moved and abandoned the dog. Poor Archer was staying around the house in the neighborhood. The neighbor said this was not the first time Archer had been shot.

Dr. Nancy Rodriguez and the Aiken County Animal Shelter’s caring veterinary team immediately helped Archer. His front right leg was fractured, riddled with gunshot pellets and needed to be amputated. His other front leg was also full of gunshot pellets which made it weak. We were so worried that he wouldn’t be able to walk.

In Archer’s new home, he has feline and canine step siblings.
In Archer’s new home, he has feline and canine step siblings.

But slowly he learned to hop and made it to the adoption floor. Although Archer was still recovering from his injuries, we shared his story on social media. We wanted this loving dog that never barked or complained, never had an accident, and was always grateful for a hug and a kiss, to have a soft place to land. A home where he could be safe and loved. A family that would not abandon him again.

Archer now has a family and is getting that love he deserves! His new family recently gave us a happy pup-date:

“Archer is the cutest thing ever; he gets so excited, and I swear he smiles! He is great with the cats and dogs. He is a sweetheart. He follows us everywhere. He is potty trained and plays with his toys. We love him so much!”

If you are looking to adopt a pet, call the Aiken County Animal Shelter, (803) 642-1537, ext. 3765, or email info@fotasaiken.org and make an appointment with an adoption expert. They will give you personalized customer service and have pets ready to show when you arrive. Walk-ins are also welcome. We’re open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and located at 333 Wire Rd., Aiken, SC.

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

2025, Foster, fostering, kitten season, PUPPIES

For the love of dogs, please foster

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Josh Daniels on the ride home with a foster puppy
03
Apr
Josh and Alicia, Foster Stars
Josh and Alicia, Foster Stars

 

We have many special foster families but this week we want to celebrate Alicia Brigode and Josh Daniels. This young couple has been fostering now for years, and they always say yes! We ask them to take a dog, a puppy or kittens and they always show up with huge smiles and they never, ever complain. They are warm, kind and incredible human beings.

They began fostering dogs for us, they have amazing and social pets at home that get along great with other pets. Then we threw in puppies. Now they help with a lot of medical cases. Recently they cared for a male pup with a broken leg that needed a place to heal, then they took on a puppy that needed long term care for skin issues. The typical answers I get when I ask Alicia to foster are, “We can! When do you want us to pick him up?” or “Absolutely!” or my favorite, “Ummmm…YES!!!”

We asked Alicia to write about what fostering means to them:

“When we tell people that we foster, typically the first question is “how….” When we were asked to write something about fostering, it was overwhelming. But we’re here to answer the “how” question. The love of giving an animal a better chance at life is something that Josh and I have had in common since we met. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve jumped out of our car trying to save turtles, snakes, loose dogs, horses, and birds. If you can relate, keep reading! The feeling you get from potentially saving an animal’s life is comparable to winning an award. Once you get back in your car from doing your “good deed” you feel amazing, and the animal goes back to where it belongs.

Alicia Brigode applies meds to foster puppy Hank
Alicia Brigode applies meds to foster puppy Hank

“Fostering gives us that feeling. We love and care for every animal like our own. When it’s time to give them back, it is a bittersweet goodbye (and a total tearjerker sometimes). We’ve had dogs that we wish we’d kept, but a lot of times we reach out to our community and try to find them the perfect home. Mostly, because we want to visit them in the future! I could go on and on. If you have a gift of loving and letting go, foster. If you have the time and resources, foster. If you have a knack for training dogs, foster. For the love of dogs, foster. If you ask us “how,” the feeling we get from being the bridge between a shelter and forever home is a bittersweet blessing.”

We would love to clone Alicia and Josh but instead we are hoping that their words inspire others to help. That their experiences convince citizens to say, “Yes” to helping a homeless animal find a happy resting spot on their way to their forever home.

FOTAS provides anything you need when you foster. The pets just need a safe place to receive love and care for a short time and even long-term medical needs.

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

2025, Adoption

Whitney’s forever home is worth the long wait

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Whitney spends a lot of time with her new brother, Kade.
22
Mar

Whitney was the Aiken County Animal Shelter’s longest resident and running out of time. The pretty, four-year-old, 50-pound Retriever mix with a gorgeous brindle coat was abandoned in an empty house by her previous owners and was now on her fifth month of hoping to be selected by prospective adopters.

Whitney was a favorite of FOTAS volunteers because she was affectionate and walked wonderfully on a leash. The gentle dog was wonderful with children, and people of all ages. She was housebroken, had beautiful manners and was incredibly affectionate. But she had one big strike against her. She needed to be an only pet.

Whitney explores the goodies at Wags! in Hendersonville, NC.
Whitney explores the goodies at Wags! in Hendersonville, NC.

Being the longest resident at the shelter is never a good position to be in and Whitney needed a small miracle. She found one with the Bowdoin family.

Kyle and Nikki Bowdoin saw Whitney on Facebook and traveled with their young son, Kade, from Greenville, SC to visit her at the shelter. They spent a lot of time with her before making the decision to take her home. They didn’t have any pets or a lot of dogs around their property, so they were ideal candidates.

Whitney quickly bonded with the family, especially Kade. She trusted him immediately.

“Whitney is a sweetie pie and loves to cuddle,” Nikki said. “She loves to play with her stuffed animals and acts like a puppy with them! She loves us very much, and she is the happiest when we are all together. Kade is her favorite, of course!”

Whitney went home with the Bowdoins three months ago and has been a wonderful pet. Nikki says she loves car rides, playing tug, and long walks on the lake. She absolutely loved playing in the snow. Whitney recently went on her first family trip and had a fantastic time.

2025, animal care education, Spay/Neuter

When it comes to pet care, our community could do better

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Little pup Dawby was found limping on the side of the road.
14
Mar
This unwanted litter of puppies was abandoned.
This unwanted litter of puppies was abandoned.

The Aiken County Animal Shelter is feeling the frustration of staggering intake numbers. During the first two months of 2025, the shelter received 843 dogs and cats.

Of those animals, 173 were owner surrendered for many reasons – unwanted litters, moving, too many animals in the home, etc. Some were even court ordered neglect and cruelty cases. There are too many amazing pets currently at the shelter through no fault of their own, and we desperately need homes for them.

I know, I know…we are always asking, but we cannot continue to save lives without our community’s help.

If you have an unaltered pet, keep them home. We understand that many people lost fences during the hurricane and that there are dogs roaming loose, but it is the owner’s responsibility to contain their pets. More than 230 puppies have been received at the shelter this year, which is a scary number.

Loose pets are getting injured and maimed
We are taking in too many injured pets due to improper care and neglect. Barely three months old, Little Dawby was found injured by someone passing by on the road. He is now healing in foster care. 

Poor Fred came to us after being attacked by other dogs. Luckily, he wandered into the right yard where someone reached out to Animal Code Enforcement for help. Fred is now healed, healthy and available for adoption.

Percival was also picked up from a local mobile home park where there were many stray dogs roaming. Poor Percy was severely injured and in need of urgent care. This sweet, quiet, loving dog is now healing at the shelter.

Bling, Cruise, Latte and Kenzi are all puppies that were dumped together, clearly an unwanted litter that needed saving. They are truly sweet, loving, wonderful puppies that are now available for adoption.

Two-year-old Tunder was found tied to a power pole. I mean, really?!  He is the cutest little guy full of love and wiggles, yet someone just abandoned him!

All I am saying is that we can do better….

The Junior FOTAS Club from Tall Pines STEM Academy is learning about proper pet care.
The Junior FOTAS Club from Tall Pines STEM Academy is learning about proper pet care.

Teaching children to respect animals
We recently had our Junior FOTAS Club from Tall Pines STEM Academy come for a tour. They met many pets, and they were like sponges! They didn’t understand why we had such nice dogs and cats that were abandoned or part of neglect and cruelty cases.

By educating our young people, we hope to change our community’s way of thinking. Pets are not disposable. Pets are family. Care for your pets like family, provide their basic needs of food, clean water, shelter and LOVE.

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

2025, Adoption, kennel stress

Rule of threes helps adopters prepare for new pet

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Some dogs, like 2-year-old Dutchess, are scared in a shelter environment, but will become more social once they find a loving home. But new owners must be patient and give their new pets time to adjust to their new surroundings.
21
Feb

The “rule of threes” for adopted animals, often called the “3-3-3 rule,” advocates that it takes a new pet three days to decompress and feel relaxed in their new environment; three weeks to start learning your daily routine, and three months to feel completely settled in and part of your family.
Many adopters aren’t sure what to expect when they add a new pet, and it certainly varies based on the animal’s personality background and age. However, the rule of threes effectively provides a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption.

Three days to decompress
Adopters need to take it slow when they bring their adopted pet home for the first time. While some pets immediately feel relaxed and at home, most of the time pets need time to adjust and get their bearings. Once dogs are away from the shelter, they often crash and fall asleep when they first arrive at their new home. They finally are in a quiet setting and feel like they can relax. They may not eat much and hide under the furniture or in their crate. Be patient. It takes some dogs a little time to feel secure in a new home.

During these first few days, your adopted pet is a flight risk, so you have to make sure they don’t escape through an open door or bolt out of your yard because you left them unattended. However, it is also important to give them space, be supportive and stay positive. You don’t want to force them to interact with you and your family members. Instead, calmly show them where they will be eating and sleeping; feed them twice a day and take them out every couple of hours until you know their signal for wanting to go out and potty.

Adopting a shelter dog like 3-year-old Sparrow is a rewarding experience that can be enhanced by following the 3-3-3 rule.
Adopting a shelter dog like 3-year-old Sparrow is a rewarding experience that can be enhanced by following the 3-3-3 rule.

Three weeks to learn the routine
At this point, your adopted pet is settling in and getting used to your routine. They’ve caught up on their sleep and are feeling more confident. Their personality is starting to bloom. With added confidence, some dogs may begin to test boundaries, so you’ll want to give your pet clear directions and reward good behavior. Remember, consistency and patience are crucial during this period. It’s a learning process for both of you, and it takes time to get to know each other.

Three months to feel at home
Now your dog is fully settled into their new home and feels like part of the family. They understand and follow your routines. They’ve developed a deep bond with you and are comfortable being themselves. No longer do they wonder if this is just a temporary place to stay. They know they are truly home.

If you are looking to adopt a pet, call the Aiken County Animal Shelter, (803) 642-1537, ext. 3765, or email info@fotasaiken.org and make an appointment with an adoption expert. They will give you personalized customer service and have pets ready to show when you arrive. Walk-ins are also welcome. We’re open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and located at 333 Wire Rd., Aiken, SC.

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