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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, Foster, fostering, PUPPIES

Summer brings puppies and the urgent need for fosters

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Beth Pratt’s Irish Setter, Max, likes to spend time with the foster puppies she takes in for FOTAS.
12
Jul

This time of year, we take in litter after litter of puppies. We truly rely on our fosters to keep these puppies healthy and away from the stress of the shelter.

We often ask if people have an open horse stall that we can fill with puppies. This can cause some worry by those that don’t understand how fabulous a stall can be for puppies. A stall is much more spacious than a kennel, it is quieter than the shelter, and the puppies can play and relax.

Nick and Sabrina keep the puppies in a stall, and they get playtime with Allie in the paddocks. This is a much better environment for pups than a crowded kennel at the shelter.
Nick and Sabrina keep the puppies in a stall, and they get playtime with Allie in the paddocks. This is a much better environment for pups than a crowded kennel at the shelter.

Sabrina Byrum and her husband Nick foster so many litters! The couple recently adopted a dog from the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Her name is Allie, and she absolutely loves to be with the foster puppies. The pups are kept in the stall but get playtime with Allie in the paddocks. It’s perfect!

Sarah Berkowitz and John Pallasch are always busy, but they never hesitate to take a litter when time allows. Their foster pups get to play with their many big, fluffy Great Pyrenees, two of whom were adopted from our shelter. The puppies get to play in a stall and run around the farm, such a dream for puppies!

Sabrina Byrum with her foster pups and adopted dog, Allie, who helps keep the little ones entertained.
Sabrina Byrum with her foster pups and adopted dog, Allie, who helps keep the little ones entertained.

Beth Platt is another wonderful foster that takes litters into her home. She has a stunning Irish Setter named Max that helps socialize the puppies in her care. Beth has visitors to her farm that love to play with the puppies. Her foster pups come back to the shelter so social and happy!

Being a foster for FOTAS can be an extremely rewarding experience. When foster parents pick up puppies, we all celebrate. Once home or in the barn, the puppies instantly relax and start playing! FOTAS will provide the pet food, toys, crate…whatever is needed. You provide the love.

If you live in Aiken County and would like to foster for us, please send an email message to info@fotasaiken.org or call the County Animal Shelter, 803.642.1537.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2024, Adoption, Training

The importance of training and teaching pets good manners

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Badger is just one year old and very playful, but he’s learning to be a gentleman.
20
Jun

I have always taught my son that manners will get you everywhere in this world.

That is why we stress the importance of teaching your pet manners. So many dogs are surrendered to animal shelters for being too high energy or undisciplined.

If we don’t teach our children manners they are disliked, frustrated, angry… it just causes a lot of issues! A little ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ goes a long way!

So why is it different for your puppy or dog? Why is it ok to dump your dog off at a loud, crowded shelter because you didn’t invest the time, care and tools to help train your furry friend?

Okay, I do understand the power of frustration. I had a dog that had a taste for flip flops. Not all flip flops, just the right one from each pair. I had ten black left flip flops at one time. Now, I could have surrendered my dog, but I didn’t (at times I wanted to). Instead, I taught her what toys were appropriate by rewarding her, and got a little better at putting away my shoes. She is now my best friend and brings me more happiness than I can ever say.

Manners can be taught
When adopting a pet, you have to know there will be some bumps in the road. Once you get over those bumps it’s so rewarding and nothing beats coming home to a snuggly, well-trained pup.

Poor Badger was brought to us for having too much energy. But he just needed more exercise and training. He is so good now! He sits patiently in his kennel trying to be the best little gentleman; he just needs some love and attention. A one-year-old dog is still in the puppy stages.

Big Broski is one of the sweetest dogs at the Aiken County Animal Shelter.
Big Broski is one of the sweetest dogs at the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

Sweet Broski is a handsome mixed breed who was destined to be an only pet because he didn’t seem to like other dogs. But we discovered that although male dogs intimidate him, he plays well with most female canines. If he doesn’t follow gentle play etiquette, staff or the other dogs correct him. Broski is now not only great with people, but he’s on his best behavior with his female peers.

We provide training support to adopters
I do hope when you look for your next pet you will consider coming to the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Our dogs go through basic training with our volunteers, and they want so badly to please!

We are there to support our adopters and their new best friends. We even have the support of a local trainer, Karen DeCamp, who offers a free training session at the shelter with your newly adopted dog.

Recently surrendered dogs such as Leah, Bandit, Kodac and Jack are just some of the dogs that are wondering why they’re here and questioning what they did wrong. Moving, health of owner and unwanted are the reasons they were brought in. These surrenders sit in the corner of their kennels, they spin in circles, they don’t understand. Don’t you want to be a hero? Be theirs.

Their lives are in our hands.

JUNE SPECIAL: All dogs and cats over one year of age are free of charge at the Aiken County Animal Shelter this month!

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2024, Adoption, Purebred, surrendered pets

With so many top pets at the ACAS, now is the time to adopt and save a life

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Chocolate colored retriever mix Chip is ready to go home with you.
19
Jun

We have been seeing many signs around town recently, “German Shepherd Puppies for Sale,” “Labrador Retriever Puppies for Sale,” and from our perspective it’s just sad. We have so many AMAZING shepherds, huskies, labs, Chihuahuas, beagles and more at the shelter right now.

Do people purchase these dogs as puppies from breeders and surrender them once they realize too late that the breed isn’t right for their household? Probably.

So, let’s just look at the amazing dogs we have at the Aiken County Animal Shelter and what their breeds are known for:

Petite husky Nova is not only beautiful, but also loves playing with other dogs.
Petite husky Nova is not only beautiful, but also loves playing with other dogs.

Sierra and Nova are two of the many huskies we have received lately. We had four huskies brought in last week. These dogs are wonderful, smart and are known for being explorers. They are sweet and lovable dogs, but they are known to be working dogs. Now you don’t need a sled to pull, but they do need training, exercise and mental stimulation.

The shelter takes in countless Chihuahuas, and they make amazing companions! Many people needing service dogs want Chihuahuas because they bond so quickly and like to be close. They are very protective of their families and their home so not always best for an active home with children running around. But again, that depends on each dog.

Shepherd Chamoy is stunning, smart and playful, yet she arrived at the County Animal Shelter as a stray.
Shepherd Chamoy is stunning, smart and playful, yet she arrived at the County Animal Shelter as a stray.

Check out our shepherds; lately, they just keep pouring in! Chamoy is incredible! When she arrived, we noticed right away that she knew commands such as “sit,” “shake” and “stay.” She is super smart, stunning but was found as a stray. This is happening more and more. Record numbers of gorgeous young German Shepherds are coming to the shelter as stray dogs. If you want a German Shepherd, do your research on the breed before you get them – and please don’t purchase a puppy. Adopt from a shelter and save a life.

Recently there was a tent on Whiskey Road selling Labrador retriever pups. Seeing this is heartbreaking as we walk by sweet dogs like Chip. This chocolate-colored, housetrained, sweet boy is sitting waiting for a home. He is stellar with other dogs and home ready!

Puppies, Puppies, Puppies. If you want a puppy, you won’t get a better deal than ours. Thirty-five dollars for a puppy with a microchip, spayed/neutered and vaccinated. We have so many right now! Brown, black, white…big, small…all CUTE!

The bottom line is this: we are full and have just about every kind of dog to fit your needs and lifestyle. Please adopt, don’t shop. Do not encourage breeders when the County Shelter has more than 4,000 homeless animals coming through the shelter each year.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

By the Numbers: The Aiken County Animal Shelter took in 127 stray and surrendered animals from June 1 to 12. The shelter is over capacity and in desperate need of fosters and adopters.

2024, fostering, kitten season, kittens

The Joy of Fostering Kittens and Cats

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
FOTAS volunteer Miranda Paton holds a “bouquet” of foster kittens.
19
Jun

If you love animals and want a joyful way to do some good, the FOTAS Foster Program at the Aiken County Animal Shelter is tailor-made for you. With the 2024 Kitten and Puppy Season in full swing, let’s take a deep dive into the foster experience.

It’s saying hello, not goodbye
I have been fostering shelter cats for 10 years; some 120 kittens and cats have come through my home on their way to their permanent families. When I tell people that I foster kittens, I see their eyes light up at the prospect of having a bounding litter of kittens in their home to love. But they say “Oh, I couldn’t foster because I couldn’t give them up at the end.”

I see fostering from another angle — I am showing these babies that they can find love and trust in being a pet. One untamed kitten or scared cat at a time, I make a good little “kitty-zen” who will charm their way into a wonderful, lifetime home. By raising up nice babies and allowing them to go on to their forever homes, I can multiply the difference I make for cats. There’s nothing else like it!

What is involved in fostering?
Fostering kittens and cats means keeping them in a home environment while they grow up or recover from an injury and can return to the shelter for adoption. What cats and kittens need differs a bit. Kittens arrive at the shelter with various levels of need and maturity. The easiest foster case is actually a full “cat family” — an attentive mother cat and her newborn kittens. Just feed her, give her a safe, quiet place to raise her babies, and momma cat will do the rest. Other foster families take in litters that have been found outside alone, but are old enough to eat and use the litter box on their own. Those fosters who can do the intensive neonatal care for unweaned kittens, the so-called “bottle babies,” are worth their weight in gold. These dedicated cat carers nurse these neediest, nugget-sized kitties along, providing intensive care for them. My personal favorites are the scared adult cats who find their way to the shelter. I give them some good, old-fashioned R and R — a little respite from the busy shelter environment– with the hopes that they can regain their faith in people and find their next special person.

Foster Support
The shelter provides all needed supplies, food and veterinary care for fosters during business hours. Feline foster coordinator Hillary Clark-Kulis does a superb job of supporting fosters with troubleshooting; educating them about how to keep a kitten healthy; and helping them identifying and treating any potential medical issues. I have learned so much in the FOTAS Foster Program, and I have been able to do a better job evaluating the health of kittens as well as my own adult cats.

Cats are rewarding, easy-keeping pets and there is a style of fostering for everyone who wants to experience the joy of putting a kitten or cat on the road to a loving, permanent home. I invite anyone who is at all interested to give fostering a try this summer. The shelter has so many kittens in need.

Their lives are in our hands.

by Miranda Paton, FOTAS Volunteer

Adoption

Brindle is the new black in adoption barriers

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Miracle has a gorgeous brindle coat and desperately needs to find an adopter.
30
May

Each day our volunteers and foster families ask, “Why?” “Why are the brindle dogs ignored?”

It used to be that black dogs were ignored on the adoption floor. It’s a simple shopping principle, really. Your eyes are attracted to the brightest dog in the kennels. Therefore, yellow dogs, red dogs, and even white dogs get adopted more quickly than black dogs.

But recently we have found that people walk by the gorgeous brindle dogs. Brindle is a specific coat pattern that only occurs in a small number of dogs. The best way to describe the pattern is like “tiger stripes.” Usually, a brindle dog will have a base coloring with darker stripes. These dogs with metallic undertones are truly spectacular and often the nicest of our dogs.

Volunteer favorite Patrick is going to make a terrific pet.
Volunteer favorite Patrick is going to make a terrific pet.

Take for example, Patrick. This adorable boy has puppy eyes and looks like a stuffed animal. Patrick is five years old and was brought to us months ago, after being abandoned with other dogs. He never has an accident in his kennel and sits so patiently waiting for his walk. The volunteers just rave about how sweet and loving Patrick is and how easy he is to walk! Dogs his age are past the puppy stage and perfect companions. He is so good!

Miracle is six years old and a great size. She was abandoned in a home. Imagine that? The poor girl was petrified when she came to the shelter. Now she is in playgroups with other dogs, loves her walks, and looks at everyone as if saying, “Pick me!” But no one looks her way. We are all noticing her giving up hope, which is heartbreaking.

Red brindle Rick is ready for his forever home.
Red brindle Rick is ready for his forever home.

Rick is a stunning red brindle. He is a young dog and really likes to play, especially with other dogs. He was quiet and soft when he came in, and now he barks desperately trying to get attention. This poor boy is growing up in a kennel, which is not okay. He is the sweetest!

Why discriminate against a dog by its color? Some people think that brindles are associated with aggression. That is incredibly sad and untrue. Just come meet these doggos to see for yourself!

Did you know that brindle coat patterns are like fingerprints? They are unique to each dog. They are gorgeous, special and one of a kind!

We are taught at a young age not to judge a book by its cover. These sweet dogs are overlooked due to theirs. I believe we are better than that and hope that someone out there will read this and come adopt one of our friends. All of our brindle buddies are fee waived in hopes that someone will adopt one of these rare beauties sooner than later.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

Adoption, kennel stress, surrendered pets

German Shepherd Jaxx settles in nicely to new home

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Lisa says Jaxx “could not be doing better” in his forever home.
16
May

When 3-year-old, Jaxx was surrendered to the Aiken County Animal Shelter, the skinny, black German Shepherd with tan legs was heartbroken. Jaxx’s owners said he was “a perfect dog” but they didn’t want him anymore because they were undergoing a lifestyle change.

Jaxx was understandably anxious and sad when he first found himself in a shelter kennel, surrounded by other homeless dogs and separated from his owners. He was far from ready to meet potential new suitors. However, each successive day he got more used to his new routine of playing with other dogs during morning playgroup sessions and going on walks with volunteers and staff members throughout the day. He became more relaxed and even cuddled a little with some of the kennel staff.

Once Jaxx became more open to trying to bond with new people, the staff began showing him to potential adopters. At first, he didn’t do too well during his meet and greet appointments. He was oversensitive, timid and barked in fear at his visitors. But then Trenton resident Lisa Whitaker arrived with her three dogs for a meet and greet with Jaxx, and he immediately bonded with her and accepted her pack.

“My friend sent me a screenshot from the FOTAS Facebook page, and I saw his photo and story,” Lisa said. “My dogs all got along well with him, and I knew he was a winner.”

When she took Jaxx home, the first step was to introduce him to her husband, David. Despite being more fearful of men than women since being surrendered to the shelter, Jaxx accepted David right from the start.

“He has settled in like he belongs here,” Lisa said. “Last night, he slept in our bed with his front paws wrapped around my arm. He loves his long walks. When I turn on the kitchen faucet, he runs to the sink to drink from the faucet. He’s funny, loving, attentive and so wonderful. My heart needed this boy.”

Lisa said Jaxx is one of the best dogs she’s ever had, and she’s had a lot of them in her 68 years, including two German Shepherds who passed away from old age. She said she’s been around dogs since she was born.

“Jaxx is well behaved, listens so well, and he loves his hot pink nubby ball. He gets three to four long walks down in the pasture and then I train him off leash in the back. He has seven acres to explore, and his boundless energy can handle it. Every night at bedtime, he bounds up the stairs hops in our bed and has his cuddle and snuggle time. Then he hops down onto his bed and goes to sleep.”

“Jaxx went on his first vet visit, and they loved him and admired how well behaved he is,” Lisa added. “He has gained 11 pounds and is the picture of health. He is a joy and lifesaver. I feel safe and loved by this beautiful creature sent from God. Thank you to your wonderful team! We could not be happier.”

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

2024, Dog Ears Reading Program, Doggie Day Out, Foster, SOCIAL MEDIA, Volunteer

A Little One-on-One Time Goes a Long Way

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Sweet Retriever mix Marigold enjoys hearing a story read by a Gloverville Elementary student.
16
May

The shelter is as always, busy! So many dogs and puppies are coming in and it’s a constant battle to keep up.

The noise level is high from barking, kennel doors closing, metal food bowls clanging, and the constant cleaning.

Recently, at one of our Dog Ears sessions we had one of those “goosebump moments.” Dog Ears is a reading program that we offer once a month to young people who want to read to a shelter dog.

Our last session was with the Gloverville Elementary Beta Club. These students hold a donation drive every year for the shelter. We go to the school to meet the kids and thank them. This is always followed by the group visiting the shelter to read to the dogs.

This particular Saturday was extremely loud and the dogs were very excitable. In all honesty, I was really worried that it was going to be too overwhelming for the students.

Within minutes of the students sitting down and reading, the most amazing thing happened. The kennels went completely quiet. The dogs began laying down, looking at the children and by the time the session was over, almost all were fast asleep. I think all the leaders had tears in our eyes, it was the most special experience.

Watching the peace that came over these poor dogs trapped in kennels, homeless, tired and stressed, was really emotional. These kids gave the dogs a gift. The gift of love and attention.

The shelter has many programs that can give dogs this type of peace.

Each month, FOTAS hosts Dog Ears Reading events. Please email us if your child would like to read to the pets. It is a quick half-hour reading session followed by hands on time and a short lesson about the shelter. Our next session is Saturday, June 15. Space is limited, so please email to reserve your spot (info@fotasaiken.org).

We also offer Doggy Days Out. This can be as simple as calling the shelter and taking a dog to the park for an hour or downtown for an afternoon. Watching a shelter dog decompress in the backseat of your car is pretty rewarding. It’s like a vacation for them to go for a car ride and see/smell new things. When they return, they are happier, more relaxed and more adoptable.

If you would like to come and spend time with pets at the shelter, all you have to do is email us and we will set you up with a training session so you can come and go as you please.

It doesn’t take a lot of time to help a homeless pet. Even just an hour of one-on-one time can be life changing for a shelter dog or cat. If you have no free time and you want to help, please share our posts on Facebook and Instagram. The majority of our adoptions come from social media. All you have to do is share.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2024, abandoned animals, Adoption, animal abuse, ANIMAL CRUELTY, County Animal Control

Abused and neglected pets deserve so much better

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
When Fergie arrived at the shelter, her right hind leg had severe nerve damage and her back had what looked like chemical burns.
02
May

The Aiken County Animal Shelter continues to see too many cases of animal abandonment, neglect and abuse. It is heartbreaking to see innocent dogs and cats suffer because their owners didn’t protect them or became their tormentors. Surprisingly, most of these pets still love and cherish humans, despite the harm done to them.

In fact, a petite, 5-year-old German Shepherd found on the side of a road, locked in an old beat-up crate, just got adopted to a loving home. This beautiful dog was starved nearly to death, yet she is already bonding with her new owner and looking forward to a wonderful life.

Here are some more sweet animals at the shelter ready to give unconditional love to their adopters:

Fergie is a large, 3-year-old Staffordshire Terrier mix who was rescued by a County Animal Code Enforcement officer and brought in as a stray. She had a severe limp due to nerve damage from an old injury that was never given medical treatment. Due to the extensive damage and pain Fergie was in, her rear right leg had to be amputated. Fergie has what looks like chemical burns on her back and sides, and is suffering from demodectic mange. She’s getting used to walking without the leg and her fur is starting to grow back in. Fergie is sweet and has been extremely patient under the circumstances. We think she will make a fantastic pet, ready to give lots of love.

Little Girl’s rear left leg was rotting when she was seized from her owner.
Little Girl’s rear left leg was rotting when she was seized from her owner.

Little Girl is a 3-year-old, gray and white Tabby whose hind left leg was rotting from gangrene when she was seized from her owner. Her leg was wrapped in tape but she was never seen by a veterinarian or given proper medical care. The County Animal Code Enforcement officer noted that the necrotic leg was hard and shrunken – and emitted a strong odor. Once Little Girl arrived at the shelter, her leg was amputated and she is recovering well. This sweet cat gets around fine on three legs and is ready to start a new, better life.

Poor Petey’s back fur is growing back after being ravaged by fleas.
Poor Petey’s back fur is growing back after being ravaged by fleas.

Petey is senior dog who arrived with severe flea damage to his torso and backside. He was microchipped, but when we tried to contact his owner, the phone number was no longer valid. Poor Petey was either abandoned or given to another person and escaped as a stray. This 7-year-old, 64-pound, white and black mixed breed loves visitors to his kennel and is a star in our playgroup sessions. He especially likes female dogs. Petey will make a wonderful family pet.

Empty the Shelters adoption event
We are currently participating in Bissell Pet Foundation’s two-week Empty the Shelters National Adoption Event. Through May 15, all pet adoption fees are being waived! Don’t miss this opportunity to adopt a wonderful, furry companion from the Aiken County Animal Shelter, 333 Wire Road. The shelter is overcrowded with wonderful pets who need loving homes. For more information, visit fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2024, adopter feedback

Homeless pets find lifetime companions and forever families

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Emry loves lizards and his new family.
26
Apr

After pets are adopted from the Aiken County Animal Shelter, staff members follow up to see how they are doing in their new homes. Here is some recent feedback from our adopters.

Scotty thinks he’s a lap dog.
Scotty thinks he’s a lap dog.

Sweet Retriever mix Scotty thinks he’s a lap dog
Scotty, now named Beau, is doing wonderfully! He is such a good boy. I think that he thinks he is a small lap dog as he has sat on my lap for TV time two nights in a row. We love him and have already discussed training classes for him. He just hasn’t been given a chance. It’s not his fault that he doesn’t know certain things.
Fred Kidd

Emry loves lizards and his new family.
Emry loves lizards and his new family.

Cute Emry hates baths, loves chasing lizards
Things are going great with Sven! We changed his name to Emry and he’s learned it in no time. He’s a little excited around other dogs sometimes, but overall, he’s great. We feed him the kibble y’all recommended daily. But I also make him some chicken and rice, or fresh dog-friendly veggies and fruits. He’s not a fan of baths, but he loves chasing our front yard lizards, rain or shine. Thanks for adding him to our family!
Anna & David Kay

Pretty Del shines during obedience training.
Pretty Del shines during obedience training.

Great Pyrenees mix Del is gentle and loving
Del is so gentle and loving, and she shines at obedience training. We’ve gotten her up to about 96 pounds with athletic formula food. She’s fit but still lean. She’ll roam the pasture for hours, if given the chance. She’s good around the horses and our other dog. We absolutely love her and are grateful to have her in our lives.
Doug Linscott

Binx loves his new Yorkie brother.
Binx loves his new Yorkie brother.

Kitten Binx is loved and spoiled
Binx is absolutely wonderful. He has a BIG appetite and loves his toy bird that chirps. His favorite friend is our Yorkie. He immediately bonded with him, and they are officially a pair. Binx is extremely playful and adapted quickly. He was meant for our family.
Angela Hart

Blossom is doing great in her new home.
Blossom is doing great in her new home.

Senior Beagle Blossom enjoys car rides to Petco
Blossom is doing well. She eats and plays well with other dogs. I’m very happy I picked her. She has grown very attached to me and loves to go for rides in the car to Petco. Thank you to everyone who helped me adopt her.
Lourdes Rodriguez

Pretty Zyla is pretty perfect

Zyla and her new best friend.
Zyla and her new best friend.

Zyla is doing amazing. We are so lucky to have her. She’s really come out of her shell, and is such a happy girl! She learned to use the doggy door after a week. She and our daughter have so much fun playing together. She loves going on walks (we have lots of wooded trails) and has picked her favorite spot by the pool already to sunbathe. She gets along so well with our other dog, Tonka. We really couldn’t have asked for a better dog. She’s pretty perfect.
Jessica Warmath

There are many more wonderful homeless pets at the County Shelter who need a second chance for a good life. Please go to fotasaiken.org to see them or stop by and visit them at 333 Wire Road. Dogs and pups are $35, while cats and kittens are only $10.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

 

 

2024, Adoption, FIV positive felines

A trio of fantastic felines

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Shy Sabrina just needs an adopter with patience and a love for cats.
25
Apr

The Aiken County Animal Shelter has three wonderful indoor-only cats available for adoption – Sabrina, Tom and Yoda – who can’t seem to catch a break.

Sabrina is a velvet black, long-haired cat who loves to be petted but gets scared when you pick her up. This sweet and gentle 3-year-old, 7-pound kitty was brought to the shelter in January because her owner’s landlord changed their policy and no longer allowed pets. Poor Sabrina was terrified and confused when she got here, yet still accepted and enjoyed the attention she received from staff and volunteers. She found a home almost immediately but was returned after a short time because her adopter thought she was hiding under the bed too much. Now two months later, Sabrina is still looking for her forever home.

FIV positive cat Tom is hoping to be adopted soon.
FIV positive cat Tom is hoping to be adopted soon.

Tom is a 4-year-old, 12-pound, gray and white tomcat who arrived at the County Shelter in February as a stray. He is friendly and affectionate but can get a little feisty when he gets overstimulated. Since being moved from his lobby kennel to our indoor/outdoor cat facility, he’s been more lovey-dovey and much happier. Tom deserves a wonderful home with an adopter who knows and loves cats.

FIV positive cat Yoda is hoping to be adopted soon.
FIV positive cat Yoda is hoping to be adopted soon.

Yoda is an 8-pound, light gray and white Tabby who’s cuddly and outgoing. This skinny guy arrived at the shelter in January 2023 as an injured stray. His ears were ravaged by ear mites and he had an open wound on his right ear that had to be surgically repaired. He was adopted and had a real home for a while, but was returned when his adopter moved. Now, cutie Yoda is back at the shelter, waiting for his luck to improve.

One reason Tom and Yoda are still looking for homes might be because they both are FIV positive (FIV+). FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, a condition that weakens a cat’s immune system. Misconceptions about the disease persist, but here are the facts:

  • FIV is not as highly contagious as experts once thought. It can only be transmitted to cats through blood transfusions or deep bite wounds. Cats cannot get FIV through casual contact with an FIV + cat. Saliva does not transmit FIV.
  • Most FIV+ cats live long, healthy lives, and many never show any symptoms of the virus. Cats with FIV just need to be kept indoors and fed a balanced, nutritionally complete diet. With proper vet care, FIV+ cats can live as long as their indoor counterparts (13-18 years), and much longer than cats who live outdoors (3-8 years).
    FIV is a species-specific disease. It cannot be transmitted to humans or any other animal.

Despite these reassuring facts, FIV positive cats, like Tom and Yoda, continue to be passed over by potential adopters. However, these loving felines can bring great joy and companionship to the lucky people who adopt them.

If you’re looking to adopt a feline companion, please come see Sabrina, Tom and Yoda. Great news: their adoption fees have all been sponsored! The Aiken County Animal Shelter is located at 333 Wire Road and open Monday through Saturday. For more information, visit fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director