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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, Foster, News, Volunteer

The art of fostering and letting go

Posted on by Angel Hartline
25
Nov

By Joanna Dunn Samson, FOTAS Vice President

Oddly enough, when I ask dog-loving folks with the means and opportunity to be a short-term foster for the Aiken County Animal Shelter and they refuse, it’s generally not because of the inconvenience of babysitting a canine guest, or the costs (there are none – FOTAS pays if necessary), or the uncertainty of introducing an unknown dog into the family.

What worries them the most about being a foster is how they will feel about letting them go when the time comes. How can I, the thinking goes, care for this dog in my home and then send him back into the shelter system – it breaks my heart!

Okay. I understand, but here’s the flaw in that thinking: it’s not about you – it’s about the dog, and for that dog, the couple of days he spends with your family means the world.

And here’s the other thing: you have to let them go! They are already spoken for! A foster’s job is to simply help that dog transition from the hectic pace of a public shelter to their ultimate forever homes.

“When we clear a dog for transfer,” says Jennifer Miller, President of FOTAS, “we move it as quickly as possible to a foster home where they can de-compress from shelter life with lots of attention, exercise and rest. In addition, that frees up space for another dog to be moved to the adoption floor. So you see, fostering helps two dogs find their home.”

Hunter and Albert were surrendered to the Shelter by their owner. The dogs were so bonded we believe they must have been together for most of their lives. Despite their unfortunate circumstances – having a home one day and being abandoned the next at a crowded public shelter with a chance of being euthanized – they were well mannered and quiet. Still, no one adopted them locally.

So FOTAS networked Hunter and Albert to one of its terrific transfer partners in New Hampshire, who were delighted to take them. In the meantime, FOTAS arranged for the two dogs to leave the Shelter and stay with one of its experienced foster families, the Urbens.

“Hunter and Albert were true gentlemen,” says Toni, “affectionate, willing and attentive – the perfect guests. They are poster children for forgiveness, hope and the dream of a grand future. I prayed some kind soul would spare them the pain of separation and adopt them both.”

Someone did. Four days ago, a big-hearted family in Rhode Island adopted them both, describing them as “big loves” and the “sun and moon” of their lives. We can all breath a sigh of relief. Hunter and Albert are finally home.

There you have it – that’s how you let them go . . . right into the arms of the people who will love them forever, freeing you up to foster one more hopeful canine soul on their way to dog bliss.

Be a foster. They need you. We need you. Call the shelter today (803) 642-1537 or call the FOTAS Hotline (803-514-4313) and join the FOTAS foster team.

Their lives are in our hands.

Hunter and Albert – home at last. This is why you foster.

 

 

Adoption, Cats, Fundraisers

Wonderful Weekend Launch: Fifty Felines Adoptable for Free

Posted on by Angel Hartline
19
Nov

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director and Volunteer

Wow, what a wonderful weekend for the animals at the County Shelter! Yesterday, FOTAS held its Pre-Holiday Yard Sale, with all proceeds going to the orphaned animals, and launched an amazing adoption special that allows the shelter to waive the adoption fees for 50 spayed/neutered cats.

With the shelter taking in so many orphaned cats and kittens this fall, FOTAS is very thankful to the organizations and individuals who collectively sponsored and paid the adoption fees for 50 fixed felines. The generous donors are: Best Friends Animal Society, Jane Ellenberg, Hollister Houghton, Joanna Samson, My Aiken Body and Kelly Paint & Body.

Thanks to them, these cats will be available to adopters for free instead of the standard $35 fee. That means there has never been a better time to visit the shelter and adopt a feline companion. Whether you are looking for a lap cat, a frisky kitten or an aggressive mouser – now is the time to add a furry, purring friend to your home.

Here is a small sampling of the fantastic felines waiting for you at the County shelter:

Scrunchy – Big, orange and confident, this handsome guy has it all. The three-year-old Tabby would make a terrific family kitty but also has all the tools to be a fine barn cat.

Lucille – Only seven months old, this orange and white girl is the ultimate cuddle mate. She mothers the other kittens in the Cat Adoption Facility, sometimes grooming them or letting them nuzzle her as they sleep.

Hobbs and Brownie – This brother and sister duo are inseparable. Always grooming each other or wrestling, the two gorgeous, three-month-old, gray Tabbies are ideal family pets.

Oscar – Big and loveable, Oscar has been at the shelter far too long and needs a home. Very sweet and affectionate, this two-year-old is a fantastic companion and lap cat.

Avalon – This small, 8-month-old brown Tabby is a social butterfly that loves to play. Inquisitive and bold, Avalon is a great choice for any family or individual.

Donald –Strong and tough, this sleek, black coated, young adult was born to be a barn cat. Sometimes aggressive with other cats, “the Don” is affectionate with people but rodents and other small critters best beware when he’s around.

Ailin – Cute and cuddly, this little lad likes to climb and has been known to jump on staff members’ backs when they lean down to clean his kitten condo. Black with white markings, the three-month-old Ailin is a striking looking feline.

Diva – A staff favorite, this three-month-old kitten is shiny black and has a big personality. Always ready to play or be held, Diva (who is not at all a diva) will make someone a wonderful companion.

For more information about the 50 cat adoptions special and to view photos and descriptions of cats and kittens available at the County shelter, please visit the FOTAS website at www.fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands…

Adoption, Dogs

Shelter dogs and veterans face life together

Posted on by Angel Hartline
11
Nov

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

Luci is a golden boxer/pit mix with a white chest and soft brown eyes. Olivia is a rangy, muscular brindle pit mix with a white chest, white socks and golden eyes. Buddy is a shepherd/lab mix with a white chest, a black nose and a great big dog smile.

What do these dogs have in common? They were all unwanted, abandoned dogs that wound up in the Aiken County Animal Shelter through no fault of their own. Luci was surrendered by a bereft young man who was being deployed overseas. She was bewildered and very, very pregnant. Olivia was found roaming the streets and starving, her dull coat stretched dangerously over her rib cage. She was anxious and hyper. Buddy was abandoned by his owner in a remote part of the County. He was confused, and who can blame him? One day he had a home and the next day he finds himself in a crowded public shelter with a 40% chance of being euthanized.

In each case, FOTAS volunteers recognized that there was something special about these dogs, and they reached out for Jerry Lyda, the founder of Veterans K9 Solutions in Augusta. Now these unwanted dogs have something else in common – they share a noble purpose. They are companions and service dogs for veterans suffering from the stress and horrors of war.

“Each year,” says Lyda, “300,000-400,000 veterans are diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. The military estimates that 22 veterans a day commit suicide – 22!”

We know that a dog can greatly improve the quality of life for these veterans – we see it happen all the time. Our love for dogs and gratitude towards those who served makes our goal at K9 Solutions simple – give back to those in need by saving two lives at once: a traumatized veteran and a homeless dog.”

Jerry selects dogs for the program by assessing their temperament and their trainability. The dogs must be intelligent, confident and people-oriented. Once selected, the dog and their veteran handler participate in a rigorous training program with escalating stages of accomplishment. The process itself instills confidence and an abiding sense of achievement in both dog and veteran.

It is an elegant solution to a heartbreaking problem: paired together, the traumatized patriots and forgotten dogs help each other find a safe place in an uncertain world and are restored to a full life through love and commitment.

But here’s the thing: Luci, Olivia and Buddy aren’t the only shelter residents special enough to serve as service dogs – at any one time, the shelter is full of lovable animals capable of bringing life and love to any home. They just need the chance. They need you.

Plus, starting in November, in honor of the men and women who have served our country, FOTAS will pay half the adoption fee for any veteran who adopts a dog or cat. $35 for a dog and $17.50 for a cat – a very small price to pay for a fully inoculated, spayed and neutered companion.

Their lives are in our hands.

Dogs, Volunteer

Babysit our orphans this holiday season

Posted on by Angel Hartline
11
Nov

By Joanna Dunn Samson, FOTAS Vice President

The Thanksgiving Day holiday is just around the corner, and no matter how much we might complain about large family gatherings and way too much food, the alternative – being alone on that day – is, for most of us, unbearable.

The animals at the Aiken County Animal Shelter have a particularly hard time over the holidays. In addition to being homeless, bewildered and confined to a kennel, the shelter is closed from Thursday through Sunday with minimal staff to feed and water and maybe a brief walk in the morning one or two days – weather, schedules and available volunteers permitting. That means that for four days, there are no afternoon walks, no opportunity to escape the monotony of their kennels, play, blow off a little steam and bask in the attention and love of a human.

It doesn’t have to be that way. FOTAS and the County Shelter are launching their annual “Take Them All Home for the Holidays” program, in which qualified families volunteer to babysit adoptable, orphan dogs over the Thanksgiving Day (and Christmas Day) weekends. Here’s how it works.

First, contact the County Shelter and fill out a foster application, or download the application on www.fotasaiken.org and fax it back to the Shelter. Shelter staff will review your application to make certain you have a home with a safe area for your weekend guests and the time and ability to give the animals attention and exercise during their stay. It is not necessary to keep your canine guests in your home: a warm outside shelter or a garage will suffice – they won’t mind. Plus, it won’t cost you a thing but time. FOTAS will provide you with food and a crate and blankets, if necessary.

Then FOTAS and shelter staff will match a dog to your accommodations and wishes (you might consider babysitting two if you plan to keep them in a shelter outside of the house so they will keep each other company). You would pick them up at the shelter on Wednesday afternoon (November 25th) by 5 and bring them back on Monday morning (November 30th).

There are so many reasons to babysit one of our orphans for the holidays. The dogs get a break from the stress of shelter life. They get lots of human contact and affection. Your experience with your ward in a home situation helps us better understand them. All of these things make the dogs calmer and more adoptable so they can find their forever homes.

Or, maybe you have been considering a first dog or adding an additional dog to your home, so this would be a perfect opportunity to assess how a new canine family member will mesh with your family life and schedule without any obligation past the holidays.

Sure, it might be hard to take your holiday guest back to the shelter on Monday morning, but the short-term and long term-advantages for the dog are huge. You can make a difference in that dog’s life.

Don’t let them sit alone this holiday season. Call us at 803-513-4313 or the Shelter at 803-642-1537 and get the process started. You won’t be sorry.

Their lives are in our hands.

 

Adoption, Dogs, News

Ginger Snaps back with proper care and a little love

Posted on by Angel Hartline
30
Oct

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President 

Ginger Snap sprawls across a fleece bed in the spacious, climate-controlled kennel that also serves as a canine nursery. Close by is a blue blanket she totes around to a resting place of her choosing. At her feet is a coveted rope toy, which she carries outside through the dog door when she does her business.

She keeps a watchful eye on her two 4-week-old puppies, Chocolate Chip and Biscotti. Chocolate Chip teeters across the soft, uneven terrain of fleece on shaky legs towards her mom, squeaking urgently for attention. Biscotti nuzzles against her body looking for a meal. She quiets the first puppy with a few gentle licks around the ears. She shifts her weight to allow the other puppy access to a well-worn nipple. Ginger is a good mother.

Sound like the picture of canine domestic bliss? Yes, it does, but here’s the thing: until she came to us less than 5 weeks ago, two-year-old Ginger Snap had spent her entire short life staked to a chain. This is the first time in that short life she has had medical care, regular meals, a proper shelter, a fleece bed, a blue blanket and a rope toy. It is the first time she has experienced human affection.

It is not the first time she has had puppies. Unspayed and at the mercy of other dogs, it appears from her condition that she had at least one other litter while chained to a stake. It is unlikely any of those puppies survived under the grim conditions of her previous existence, and perhaps that is, sadly, for the best.

Ginger was surrendered to the Aiken County Animal Shelter by her owner in the last days of her pregnancy. Despite her swollen belly, she was painfully thin and malnourished. Her striking white and red coat was scruffy. She was scarred around the neck from a lifetime on a chain. She was frightened, sick and weak.

Ginger touched our hearts, so County staff and FOTAS rallied in an effort to save her. Shelter veterinarian Lisa Levy addressed her immediate medical issues. FOTAS called upon one of its most experienced birthing foster families – the Conger-Wolcotts – to take her in. Within days, Ginger delivered 10 puppies, eight of which were too sickly to survive and died within the week. When she developed a raging infection in her nipples, FOTAS provided additional medical support.

By all rights, Ginger should be a troubled, suspicious and distrustful dog, yet nothing could be further from the truth. She has blossomed under the tender care of her foster family. She has gained weight and gets stronger by the day. She is a true “pibble” – a friendly, playful and affectionate pit bull mix possessing the good nature and a steadfast eagerness to please the humans around her in spite of the poor treatment she received in the past.

When her puppies are weaned in three weeks, Ginger will need a home. She is a special dog and will make someone an extraordinary companion. Will it be you?

Please don’t wait. Their lives are in our hands.

Adoption, Cats, Volunteer

Partnership with Happy Tales Gives County Shelter Cats Fresh Venue to Strut their Stuff

Posted on by Angel Hartline
30
Oct

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director and Volunteer

The Aiken County Animal Shelter and FOTAS are partnering with Happy Tales, a not-for-profit organization that shares their mission to find forever homes for rescued cats and kittens. The partnership includes showcasing County shelter cats at PetSmart in Aiken – and the kitties couldn’t be happier about their new showcase venue.

Last week, five cats were transported from the shelter to PetSmart, where Happy Tales Founder Joanne Dansby-Brosz welcomed them with open arms. Morris, Neo, Nicole, Kovu and Caleb were a bit scared and nervous during the trip and when they first arrived. But shortly after they were placed in their PetSmart “apartments,” they began to get comfortable – and even content – in their new digs. Joanne decorates the apartments with colorful bowls, blankets and toys to create a vivid, warm setting that makes the cats look their best.

Happy Tales has eight cat apartments at the Aiken PetSmart and Joanne is planning to transfer in new County shelter cats each week in partnership with FOTAS.

“We get a lot of traffic coming through here and that extra exposure results in a lot of adoptions,” Joanne said. “We are really excited to be part of saving the lives of County animals and can’t wait to accept more of the shelter’s cats and get them seen.”

FOTAS and the shelter are thrilled with the partnership as well. The more exposure the cats get, the better their chances of finding a forever home.

“This arrangement gives the cats an opportunity to shine at the PetSmart store,” said Martha Chadwick, Manager of the Aiken County Animal Shelter. “Our goal is to get every healthy cat adopted – and being in a different venue can make a difference.”

Joanne currently has 11 volunteers, each of whom works in two-hour shifts at the Aiken PetSmart location. Some have been with her organization for close to two decades. Happy Tales has partnered with the Aiken PetSmart store for 10 years and Joanne said that Store Manager Butch Hampton and his employees have been extremely supportive of her and her team.

Joanne only takes cats that are fully vaccinated and vetted, spay/neutered and parasite-free. She is strict about maintaining her strong reputation of providing only clean and healthy felines. In addition, before any adoption is approved, she visits the prospect’s home to ensure they are good, responsible pet owners.

With the shelter now at full capacity in the cat adoption facility and with its cat condos filled with kittens, the partnership with Happy Tales could not have come at a better time.

“We are doing this to save feline lives,” Joanne said. I know the County can be overwhelmed with the huge number of homeless cats coming in, so we need to get them good homes as fast as possible.”

The County shelter, located at 333 Wire Road, currently has some great black cats and kittens available for adoption, including: Muffit, Layth, Corey, Collette, Draco, Keifer, Jamison and Jet. At the shelter, they are $35 (half the price of a dog adoption), which includes all vaccinations, spay/neuter and microchip.

For more information about our new partnership with Happy Tales, please go to www.fotasaiken.org and www.happytalesadoptions.com.

Their lives are in our hands…

Photo Caption: 

FOTAS Volunteer Bob Gordon and Happy Tales’ Joanne Dansby-Brosz help Morris the cat get situated in his new Pet Smart “apartment”.

Cats, Dogs, Events, Fundraisers

‘Polo Under the Stars’ Raises Thousands for Shelter Animal Needs

Posted on by Angel Hartline
30
Oct

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director and Volunteer

It was a perfect night for combining fun, excitement, camaraderie and giving to a good cause. On the evening of Friday, October 9, Dennis Freeland and his wife, Janice, hosted “Polo Under the Stars” at their picturesque FireStar Arena, with all of the event’s proceeds going to FOTAS and the orphaned animals at the County shelter.

About 550 people attended Polo Under the Stars, which was as much a party as it was a sporting event. Besides the main attraction of the arena polo match, the event featured music, great food and an open bar. FOTAS set up an information tent along with the main corporate sponsors: Wagener Polo Club, Aiken Housing Center Superstore and The Aiken Horse newspaper. Former 5-goaler Billy Raab, director of Wagener Polo Club, served as the match announcer and provided his unique polo perspective.

Admission was a $20 donation per car, but folks were feeling extra generous this special evening. “We had a lot of people pay more than the $20,” Dennis said. “At the gate, a number of attendees pulled out a $50 bill and said, ‘Keep the change.”

That generosity resulted in a total of $5,000 being donated to FOTAS.

“We are so pleased and honored to be chosen as the beneficiary of this charitable event,” said FOTAS President Jennifer Miller. “FOTAS will put this money toward our spay/neuter programs as well as our exercise yard improvement project at the shelter.” The ground in the fenced dog exercise yards has eroded due to flooding and needs to be re-seeded and properly graded with new drain systems to prevent standing water.

It is fitting that this event was held in Wagener, the community where FOTAS first piloted its spay/neuter assistance programs. Since focusing on this hot spot, FOTAS has funded hundreds of spay/neuter surgeries for community cats and pets owned by citizens in need of financial assistance. County Councilwoman Kathy Rawls, a Wagener resident and early proponent for FOTAS and its programs, was in attendance at Polo Under the Stars, once again showing her strong support for the shelter.

This was the first of many night polo events the Freelands plan to host in coming months.

“Our goal is to promote and help local charities and also provide more exposure for polo in the area, since it is a sport near and dear to our hearts,” Dennis said.

FOTAS thanks everyone who came out and supported us for this event, and hopes this seamless blend of philanthropy and festivity becomes an annual occasion.

To learn more about FOTAS and its activities, including our spay/neuter programs, go to www.fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands…

Photo Caption:

A check for $5,000 is presented to FOTAS. Pictured from left: Billy Raab, Shana Ryberg Pearsons, Janice Freeland, FOTAS President Jennifer Miller, FOTAS Vice President Mary Lou Welch and Ellie Joos.

 

Adoption, Cats, News, Volunteer

Partnership with Happy Tales Gives County Shelter Cats Fresh Venue to Strut their Stuff

Posted on by Angel Hartline
15
Oct

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director and Volunteer

The Aiken County Animal Shelter and FOTAS are partnering with Happy Tales, a not-for-profit organization that shares their mission to find forever homes for rescued cats and kittens. The partnership includes showcasing County shelter cats at PetSmart in Aiken – and the kitties couldn’t be happier about their new showcase venue.

Last week, five cats were transported from the shelter to PetSmart, where Happy Tales Founder Joanne Dansby-Brosz welcomed them with open arms. Morris, Neo, Nicole, Kovu and Caleb were a bit scared and nervous during the trip and when they first arrived. But shortly after they were placed in their PetSmart “apartments,” they began to get comfortable – and even content – in their new digs. Joanne decorates the apartments with colorful bowls, blankets and toys to create a vivid, warm setting that makes the cats look their best.

Happy Tales has eight cat apartments at the Aiken PetSmart and Joanne is planning to transfer in new County shelter cats each week in partnership with FOTAS.

“We get a lot of traffic coming through here and that extra exposure results in a lot of adoptions,” Joanne said. “We are really excited to be part of saving the lives of County animals and can’t wait to accept more of the shelter’s cats and get them seen.”

FOTAS and the shelter are thrilled with the partnership as well. The more exposure the cats get, the better their chances of finding a forever home.

“This arrangement gives the cats an opportunity to shine at the PetSmart store,” said Martha Chadwick, Manager of the Aiken County Animal Shelter. “Our goal is to get every healthy cat adopted – and being in a different venue can make a difference.”

Joanne currently has 11 volunteers, each of whom works in two-hour shifts at the Aiken PetSmart location. Some have been with her organization for close to two decades. Happy Tales has partnered with the Aiken PetSmart store for 10 years and Joanne said that Store Manager Butch Hampton and his employees have been extremely supportive of her and her team.

Joanne only takes cats that are fully vaccinated and vetted, spay/neutered and parasite-free. She is strict about maintaining her strong reputation of providing only clean and healthy felines. In addition, before any adoption is approved, she visits the prospect’s home to ensure they are good, responsible pet owners.

With the shelter now at full capacity in the cat adoption facility and with its cat condos filled with kittens, the partnership with Happy Tales could not have come at a better time.

“We are doing this to save feline lives,” Joanne said. I know the County can be overwhelmed with the huge number of homeless cats coming in, so we need to get them good homes as fast as possible.”

The County shelter, located at 333 Wire Road, currently has some great black cats and kittens available for adoption, including: Muffit, Layth, Corey, Collette, Draco, Keifer, Jamison and Jet. At the shelter, they are $35 (half the price of a dog adoption), which includes all vaccinations, spay/neuter and microchip.

For more information about our new partnership with Happy Tales, please go to www.fotasaiken.org and www.happytalesadoptions.com.

Their lives are in our hands…

Adoption, Dogs, Training, Volunteers

Trainer Helps Prepare Shelter Dogs for their Forever Homes

Posted on by Angel Hartline
12
Oct

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director and Volunteer

Everyone who adopts a dog or puppy from the Aiken County Animal Shelter receives a voucher for a free dog training session with canine expert Susi Cohen.

Susi is the president of the Palmetto Dog Club in Aiken and has worked with and trained animals for more than 30 years. She volunteers at the shelter twice a week, helping other volunteers and County staff with basic dog training skills and working one-on-one with dogs that need special attention.

We interviewed Susi to learn more about the FOTAS training program at the shelter and why it is so vital to both the dogs and their new owners.

Q. What are the keys to effective dog training and why should I take the time to do it?

A. Training takes patience and consistent repetition with a lot of praise and rewards. It gives the dog good manners, more confidence, and makes him a well-adjusted dog – and a well-adjusted dog is a happy and well-behaved dog.

Q. When I use my free voucher, what training will I receive for my adopted dog?

A. I work with the dog and adopter for about one hour at the shelter. Every owner will have different issues with their dogs. And that’s the beauty of the program – we tailor the training for each individual dog. So if they have a particular issue, we can help them eliminate it.

Q. If I’ve adopted a dog from the County Shelter, can I call you with questions?

A. Absolutely. If you have any issues, I am available to answer your questions and discuss them with you. Every adopter is given my contact information as part of the FOTAS “Ask the Trainer” program. I’m always taking calls. People need to understand that dogs love to be trained. They love to be told to what to do. They love parameters and being praised for behaving well.

Q. How much training do most dogs need?

A. Every dog is different. Some dogs have bad experiences that they have to overcome. Some of these dogs have been mistreated and need to learn to trust again. But the norm is not mistreatment; it’s lack of treatment altogether. They haven’t been given any attention and don’t know when they are acting improperly. Still, despite these challenges, we’ve had great success with adopted dogs.

Q. Can you give us an example?

A. Last season I had Annie, an older German shepherd mix that was insecure and had no confidence whatsoever. We worked closely with Annie and she made a turnaround you wouldn’t believe. She went from a cowering, overly defensive dog to a happy dog that trotted with her tail straight up and exuded confidence. The metamorphosis was incredible.

Q. Has the on-site dog training made a difference at the shelter?

A. Yes, it’s worked well because FOTAS and the volunteers are so dedicated. Like me, they can’t stand seeing good dogs come back after being adopted just because they need some training. The adoption return rate has gone down and I like to think that drop in returns is because the dogs leave with better manners and are more prepared for their new homes.

For more about the FOTAS Dog Training Program and Susi’s contact information, please go to www.fotasaiken.org.

 

Their lives are in our hands…

 

Pets of the Week

GRACE — Border Collie and Hound mix, female, 1 year old, 50 lbs.  — $70

CINDER— gray tabby, female, 7 months old, 6 lbs. — $35

 

By the Numbers

January 2013 – August 2015

FOTAS organized and paid for the spay/neuter surgeries of 699 citizen’s pets and 628 community cats, totaling 1,327 dogs and cats fixed!

Events, Fundraisers

Playing Fore the Pets Golf Tourney Results in Key Funding for Shelter

Posted on by Angel Hartline
01
Oct

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director and Volunteer

One thousand yellow golf balls fell from the sky onto a green at Houndslake Country Club late Monday afternoon at the Second Annual Play Fore the Pets Golf Tournament. Wave after wave of dimpled spheres, each numbered to match a ticket issued for a $10 donation, poured out of a helicopter high above a crowd watching with anticipation. Some landed with a soft thud, while others bounced high into the air before finally resting on the manicured grass, but only one ball, #753, dropped into the hole, making Bill Haynsworth a lucky winner and one grand richer.

The helicopter ball drop, sponsored by Prime Steakhouse, Chesterfield Court, Chesterfield Design and in Memory of Latham C. Burns, was the climactic conclusion to FOTAS’s benefit golf tournament, which also included a four-person Captain’s Choice team golf match, an exploding golf ball challenge, individual skill competitions and numerous raffles for prizes.

Other winners included:

1st place team: Peter Miller, Lito Salatino, Andy Grim and Antonio Galvan

2nd place team: Chuck Easters, Jeff Hennen, Dan Sheehan and Rick Donaldson

Closest to the flag: Eric Holmes (won a two-night stay at the Houndslake Inn)

Longest drive: Chas Masters (won a Yeti Cooler donated by Milton Ruben Toyota)

Playing Fore the Pets was a great success thanks to the co-chairpersons of the event, Sandy and Ross Staiger. They—along with their committee of Sharon Johnson, Karen Loughran and Jim Johnson—started working in March to organize and manage the day-long affair. In addition, a legion of FOTAS volunteers worked together on Monday to ensure all the activities ran smoothly.