Category Archives: 2019

No More Tears: Hamilton’s a Happy Dog and Facebook Star

This is a story that began with a dog crying real tears when he was surrendered to the Aiken County Animal Shelter nearly a year ago. FOTAS Programs Coordinator Kathy Jacobs described the dog, Hank, and his reaction to being separated from his owner in this weekly column space on Feb. 24, 2019. “I saw […]

Educating Local Students Is Key to Helping Homeless Pets

I am constantly blown away by the kindness of young people in our community, especially during the holiday season. Local students care deeply about the homeless animals at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) and are eager to learn all they can to help them. South Aiken Baptist students bring toys at Christmas South Aiken […]

A New Year’s Resolution to Satisfy the Soul

When Joanne Goble’s husband of fifty plus years died, she knew she had to get out of the house and stop feeling sorry for herself. That “something,” she decided, should satisfy her lifelong love of dogs. She called the Aiken County Animal Shelter and signed up for a volunteer orientation class. That was in early […]

The Christmas Season of Kindness and Hope

The good doctor was on his way to work in Augusta when he spotted two large bully dogs on the Aiken-Augusta Highway. Concerned about their safety on the busy, four-lane road, he pulled over and coaxed the dogs—who were healthy, well-behaved, and in good shape—into his car. Figuring they had to be someone’s pets, the […]

We Love a Happy Ending! Adopters Share Their Success Stories

Thank you to everyone who has adopted pets from the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Here are some of the latest emails and notes we’ve received from folks who have given homeless animals a second chance at a great life: I Have Found My Best Friend We are absolutely thrilled to have Blake! He has been […]

Christmas Heartbreak at the County Animal Shelter

Help! Strays and owner-surrenders are pouring into the county shelter — 47 animals in the first three days of December! While the good citizens of Aiken County embrace a Christmas season of festivities, family, and hope, the shelter is experiencing the kind of intake numbers normally reserved for summer—the kind that keep us up at […]

FOTAS: Making a Difference for the County’s Homeless Animals

“Giving is not just about making a donation, it’s about making a difference.” –Kathy Calvin, CEO, United Nations Foundation It’s the time of year when the spirit of Christmas thrives. It’s a time of gratitude for our family and friends. It’s a time to rejoice our faith. It’s a time for love. It is also […]

Bringing Your New Dog Home

You did it! You made the decision to get a new dog, and you also decided to adopt your new dog at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Armed with scientifically proven suggestions about how to choose, you drove to shelter, walked through the kennels on the adoption floor, and promptly fell in love with the […]

Adopting a New Canine Family Member

You’ve made the decision: you’re ready to bring a new dog into your life. Since you are reading this column, I’m guessing you’ve also decided to rescue your new pal from a shelter—maybe because your heart goes out to the thousands of homeless dogs who need and deserve a loving family, or maybe because you […]

The Dog I Didn’t Want Might Just Be My Favorite

The oldest of our three dogs, Yoda, died in August from cancer. My wife, Jennifer, wanted to honor Yoda’s memory by adopting another dog from the shelter. I was against the idea. Our other two dogs (Beethoven and Buster) are great dogs, best buddies with established routines, and our pet ownership experience was on autopilot. […]