Category Archives: 2020

More than 3,000 Pets Adopted from ACAS in 2019

The Aiken County Animal Shelter saved and adopted out 3,303 homeless pets in 2019. We thank our shelter staff, adopters, supporters, volunteers, fosters and donors for making this possible.

Abby and little Barkley cuddle

Here are some of the latest emails and notes we’ve received from people who have given homeless animals a second chance at a great life:

Abby and little Barkley are BFFs
Faith (who we renamed Abby) is doing wonderfully. She fits right in with our other dogs. Since day one, she and our little Barkley have been best friends. She eats well and plays all day with her toys. Any worries anyone had about her being a problem with other dogs or little kids is completely gone. She’s great with both. Whoever had Abby before us, treated her well and taught her how to behave. I’m sure they miss her, and I hate she’s no longer with them. But at the same time, our family loves her beyond any words.

Jarid Moon

Classic Tabby kittens Jasper and Casper

Dasher is a big cuddle bug
Dasher is doing great! He enjoys playing with my parents’ dog, Berkeley, and is typically well behaved. He loves going on long walks and being active, but is also a big cuddle bug! He’s definitely been a light in my life.

Eryn Cameron

Feline brothers complete their family
Casper and Jasper are happy and spoiled! I’m so glad we adopted them both and didn’t separate them! They get along beautifully with our dog, Hope. Our family has been completed. Thank you all for what y’all do!

Lynn Feltham

Dasher and his new mom

Kitten Burt is a life-changer
I love my Burt! He can be a challenge since he discovered leftover food goes in the trash. But my life is forever changed. I am 52 and Burt is my first pet! My son also has a cat, which was my inspiration. I tell everyone that Burt is my grandchild!

Janet Tate

Brandy has a new name and a great new life
Brandy is now Mamma Mia and doing well. She loves my other dog and they are always together. We are so grateful for her and believe that she is very happy now. I promise she will have a great life with us.

Brandy aka Mamma Mia

Kristin Pearce

by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

Coco & Mia’s Owners Moved Away Without Them

Coco would not eat or even groom herself. The 6-year-old, long-haired, gray and white beauty just slept or watched visitors with a suspicious eye when they approached her cat condo at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS).

COCO (left) looks out for her bestie, MIA.

But then we moved Mia, the 2-year-old gray Tabby Coco was surrendered with, into Coco’s condo and everything changed. Coco started strutting around and stretching, ate some food and cleaned and groomed her coat, making it gorgeous again. She even took some cat treats from a staff member’s hand. It was then we knew that Mia and Coco were bonded and needed to be adopted together.

Poor Coco and Mia were surrendered by their owners, who didn’t include them in their moving plans. So, now they only have each other.

While not uncommon, bonded adult animals at the shelter tend to take longer to adopt out since people are often seeking one pet to join their other, established pets at home. But Coco and Mia would be perfect for a person or family who doesn’t have any cats and want to add some furry indoor-only felines to their home. Double the cats, double the love! Both Coco and Mia are spayed and can be adopted for just $20.

COCO (left) and MIA are bonded indoor-only kitties who need to be adopted together.

SHELTER HAS EXTENDED ADOPTION HOURS TUESDAY & THURSDAY
Don’t forget! The ACAS now has extended adoption hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The shelter is open for adoptions until 7 p.m. twice a week to make it more convenient for you to visit and select a homeless pet for your family. The shelter’s adoption hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday — 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday — 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. And on Saturday the shelter is open for adoptions from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

REGISTER TO RUN IN FIRST FOTAS FURRY 5K RACE
Register to run in first FOTAS Furry 5K race A race to benefit the homeless animals at the ACAS is scheduled for Saturday, February 1 at Generations Park in Aiken.

Logo for the First Annual FOTAS Furry 5K

The First Annual FOTAS Furry 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run will feature adoptable dogs from the county shelter and FOTAS will be accepting dog and cat food donations as well as toys, treats and other goodies at the event. Participants can bring their own furry friend to run with them and are encouraged to dress up their dog for the canine costume competition.

The special event is being organized by 2 Girls and a Clock Racing & Timing Services and registration can be done on runsignup.com through Jan. 28. Late comers can also register in person on the day of the event.

The 1-Mile Fun Run starts at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K race begins at 9 a.m. Winners of the 5K will receive awards and prize raffles will be held following the race. For more information about this event, please go to fotasaiken.org.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

PETS OF THE WEEK

PIPPA
Mixed breed, female, 4 years old, red, 56 pounds – $35

ARCHER
Domestic medium-hair, male, 2 months old, Tabby, 2 pounds – $10