Category Archives: 2021

2021, Dogs, FOTAS, kennel stress, Volunteer, Volunteers

Pioneer volunteer Procter: ‘Nothing beats the joy of seeing animals adopted’

Posted on by Bob Gordon
03
Jan

We have countless wonderful volunteers who serve important roles at the shelter. Some greet people in our lobby, some help with events, some foster, others walk dogs or help with PetSmart cats.
That being said, I would love to tell you about our Sandra.

Sandra Procter was there to help train me eight years ago, when my son and I came to volunteer for the first time. I immediately loved her and wanted to volunteer on the same days she volunteered. I credit her as the reason I felt so comfortable coming back. She is one of the many surrogate grandmothers my son has been lucky to gain through volunteering. She has a warmth to her that draws not only people to her, but the dogs as well.

Sandra was one of FOTAS’ first volunteers. Over the years she has done it all – walking and bathing dogs, fostering at home and recruiting and orienting other volunteers. She and her husband Dick have adopted two Shelter dogs, Ellie and Sophie, and one Shelter cat, Maggie. They also make peanut butter and green bean treats for the dogs. We are careful how many treats we give our dogs (tummy aches), and Sandra is the only volunteer authorized by our veterinarian to make homemade treats. They get so excited when they see her coming! They start licking their lips and wagging. Sandra speaks to each, telling them how wonderful they are.

Recently, it was raining hard and Sandra and the other dog walkers got drenched! I sent them a thank you and Sandra replied, “It was my pleasure! Can’t disappoint the poor dogs that look so forward to us taking them for a walk and spending time with them.” Sandra is truly beautiful inside and out!

What motivates someone to volunteer three days a week for more than a decade?

“There are many reasons,” says Procter. “Happiness is when a shy dog looks you in the eye and comes to its kennel door excited to see you knowing it will get a walk, hugs and maybe even couch time. Nothing beats the joy of knowing one of these animals has been adopted and now has a good home. You think, maybe, just maybe, I had a part in making that happen.”

As Procter reflects on 13 years as a volunteer, she notes, “There are people friends, too. The staff is so dedicated, caring and supportive. Volunteers bond quickly. I look forward to seeing all my FOTAS family.”

Procter gives one of her doggy cookies to shelter dog.

“Opening a kennel door and having a little face look up at you as if you are the best person in the world is a feeling like no other,” she added. “A walk in the sunshine, the smell of the woods, a previously neglected or abused creature stopping on the trail to give you a hug, what could be better than that? It makes your day.”

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2021, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, Pibbles, SELECTING A PET

Consider adopting the dog who’s been at the shelter the longest

Posted on by Bob Gordon
03
Jan

A funny thing happened with two of the dogs we adopted from the Aiken County Animal Shelter that made us think that we are on to something. We like to have three dogs in our household and when one of them dies, we honor their memory by adopting a new dog as their replacement.

Brownie when he lived in the shelter.

We lost Yoda about two years ago and Buster just a few months ago. We decided to replace each of them with the dog that had been at the shelter the longest, a dog that apparently no one wanted.
So, we took a chance with Meadow a couple of years ago and adopted Blaze, who we renamed Brownie, about a month ago. These two dogs that, for whatever reason, nobody wanted are the sweetest, most loyal, most lovable, most obedient, and simply the nicest dogs we have ever owned. It’s as if they knew that we saved them when no one else would.

We had concerns when these two were adopted. How would they get along with the other two? There were male/female issues. Why weren’t they adopted?

We were confident we could make it work despite those issues.

We knew that our home, and any adopter’s home, is not the shelter filled with lots of animals stressing out in kennels, making lots of noise. A dog’s behavior at a shelter does not necessarily represent who that dog really is. Our home, your home, is the dog’s castle. The dog feels more secure and comfortable in its own real home.

Our dogs run free on our enclosed property, no leashes; but when we first bring a new dog home, we train it on a leash. We introduce them to the other dogs whose first reactions are to protect their territory. But they eventually accept them when they realize the new dog is staying for good. They share and enjoy the company of a new playmate as long as they still get lots of attention.

At first, we familiarized Brownie, as we did Meadow, with every part of our home and walked him continuously outside so he learned his boundaries. We let him off leash in a fenced-in area. We continuously taught him recall, that is training him to come when we call his name. We constantly praised his good behavior. Finally, we let him off leash out in the open and watched his behavior. He would pass that test when he comes when called and basically just runs around with the other two dogs. It took about a week of constant attention and training but now he is part of the family.

Brownie finds his spot on the Miller bed.

It did not happen by magic. We took charge, invested some time and effort to get these new dogs acclimated to us and our surroundings. But we are convinced that they immediately went out of their way to be good because they were so grateful for us finally rescuing them from the shelter and giving them a forever home. All they want to do is please their owner.

Adopt any dog from the shelter but consider adopting the one that has been there the longest. You’ll be amazed at the results.

Their lives are in your hands.

— By Peter Miller, FOTAS Volunteer

2021, Adoption, DOGGIE DATES, Doggie Day Out, SELECTING A PET

Why you should adopt your next dog or cat from the County Shelter

Posted on by Bob Gordon
29
Dec

The Aiken County Animal Shelter takes in more than 4,000 pets a year and these homeless dogs and cats need community members to adopt them and save their lives. But we understand there are other shelters and rescues out there. With so many options, it can be difficult to choose where to get your pet. Here is a short Q&A to help you make your decision.

Why should you consider adopting from the Aiken County Animal Shelter?
1) Because we care. We go the extra mile to make sure your future pet has been tested with people, other animals, and we do our best to learn about their behaviors, whether positive or negative.

This sweet dog is the perfect pet for his new home.


2) We do our best to match the best pet for your individual needs such as:
• What breed do you prefer?
• What pet fits your lifestyle?
• How much time do you have to spend with the pet?
• Do you have any other pets?
• Do you have children?
• Do you live in a home? apartment? farm?

What kinds of things do we do to learn the most we can about these pets?
1) Each Saturday, from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. we have a training class in which our volunteers work with shelter dogs on basic training, leash work and obedience. We love to have potential adopters come and witness how eager to please and successful these dogs are! Who doesn’t want a dog that is already good on leash, knows how to sit, stay and be respectful?

2) We have a monthly program in which young people come to the shelter and read to shelter pets. We know pretty quickly which dogs and cats enjoy children and have the desire to be with them.

3) Monday through Saturday we hold play groups so the staff will know how each dog behaves with other dogs. We can tell their play style, whether they prefer to be with playful dogs, calm dogs, female dogs, etc. These play groups also help our more timid dogs build confidence and come out of their shells.

4) Our Doggy Day Out program allows Aiken County residents to take shelter dogs to the park or even home for the night to give the dogs a break from shelter life. We learn so much about their home behavior this way. You might even find the perfect pet this way!

Gus (left) in his forever home.

What does it cost to adopt a pet from the Aiken County Animal Shelter?
1) We keep our adoption fees very low to make it affordable. Our dogs and cats come to you spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Dogs are only $35 to adopt, cats only $10.


What are you waiting for?
Come and adopt a wonderful pet from the Aiken County Animal Shelter now! It is the best decision you will make.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2021, Dogs, kittens, SOCIAL MEDIA

The incredible power of social media saves lives

Posted on by Bob Gordon
29
Dec

Our social media platforms are vital to finding good homes for the pets in need at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS). Through our Facebook, Instagram and other online marketing channels, we can reach thousands of people locally—and all around the country – who are looking to adopt homeless pets.

Ms. Gulsby with her new best friend.

This ability to post photos of pets with brief descriptions and get their furry faces exposed to thousands of potential adopters is especially critical now, when the shelter is at full capacity and visitor traffic is low. We need to find pets good homes quickly to make room for animals in intake who are waiting for their chance to be on the adoption floor.
Consistent posts of the shelter’s dogs and cats also helps us match pets with adopters who are seeking their particular characteristics. For example, recently the shelter had a gorgeous kitten, Anita, who kept getting passed over by potential adopters. Perhaps it was her timidity that prevented her from being adopted for over a month. Or maybe it was her crying. Or just bad luck. But whatever it was that was holding Anita back didn’t matter once Miranda Gulsby saw her on Facebook. She immediately called the shelter and made an appointment to adopt the kitten. Then she drove five hours roundtrip from her home in Georgia to get her. Anita’s cream coat, shy personality and cherubic face were exactly the traits Miranda was looking for in a kitten.

Social media helps FOTAS tell each homeless pet’s story, but the only way it can reach a vast audience is when people, like you, share the post with your friends. That’s how hound mix Huckleberry got adopted to a woman in Southern Pines, NC. Her friends shared FOTAS’s Facebook post of the handsome hound and one look at Huckleberry’s face convinced Camilla Marion to drive to Aiken with her Basset Hound and meet Huckleberry in person. It took them nearly four hours to get to the shelter, but the journey proved to be successful. Both Camilla and her dog loved Huckleberry, so she adopted him and he left the shelter with a big smile on his face.

Huckleberry (left) with his new sister.

These are great social media success stories but there’s so many more shelter pets that need good homes. Like Snyder, an awesome medium-sized dog who loves to fetch tennis balls; Toby, a one-eyed, gray and white kitten; and Blaze, a wonderful, goofy Retriever mix who keeps getting passed over. The list goes on and on. So, please share our social media posts when they show up on your news feed. Each share helps the post reach more people and gives the featured pet a better chance of finding a forever home.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2021, Adoption, Dogs, News, Service Dogs, Therapy dog certification, Therapy Dogs

Adopted dog Snowflake is now a certified therapy dog

Posted on by Bob Gordon
22
Oct

I am a Great Pyrenees. On July 14, 2020, I was adopted by Biz and Eddie Mann from the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS). At that time, I was way too skinny at 84 pounds and thought to be 3 years old. My fur was matted and short, but they thought I was lovely. They named me Snowflake and brought me home to a house occupied by a 12-year-old Golden Retriever, Annie and a 10-year-old Foxhound mix, Hodges. It is a wonderful home and I adapted well. I liked Annie a lot and just wanted to protect her. I tried to play with Hodges, but he wanted no part of playing! From the beginning, Biz and Eddie wanted to love and cuddle me, which is just what I needed, and I loved them back.

Biz & her super dog Snowflake.

I like folks. In fact, I’m so friendly, I want to talk with everyone we meet on our daily walks. That’s what gave Biz the idea that I might be able to help comfort people who could use a friendly canine hug.

You see, Annie and Biz were a therapy dog team for 9-1/2 years. Biz missed this activity. But once she got to know me, she knew I could be a great therapy dog. Thus, the training and work began. First, I ate lots of good food to put on more pounds and added coconut oil to enhance my fur coat. I got up to a healthy 102 pounds and my fur coat is soft and luxurious. Next, I attended school for six weeks of basic obedience training. Thank goodness I passed! (I can be a little stubborn.)

After the winter holidays, Biz contacted the tester/observer in our area to see when we could schedule the therapy dog test. We had to be together for six months before testing could occur. Finally, on February 26, we had the therapy dog test and we passed with flying colors! Next, we had to have three observations with the tester/observer in various places. Our first was at Tractor Supply Co. store, the second at Hitchcock Place Assisted Living and the third at Lowe’s. Again, we passed with accolades!

Now I have my Alliance of Therapy Dogs certification papers along with a red heart to wear on my collar. I’ve already visited two rehab facilities and two assisted living places. I love this job! Everyone wants to pet and love on me. Plus, I get to see lots of smiles.

Biz plans to take me to visit VA hospitals, children’s medical facilities, schools, nursing homes and anywhere else that allows therapy dogs. I can’t wait! I want to bring my doggie love to as many people as possible.


Snowflake, a dog adopted from the ACAS, is now a certified therapy dog.

The County Shelter is at full capacity and has many wonderful dogs who, like Snowflake, can bring much joy and happiness into people’s lives. They just need a second chance at a good life. Come to 333 Wire Road in Aiken and we’ll help you find the dog that brings lots of smiles to you and your family.

— By Biz Mann, FOTAS Volunteer

2021, animal abuse, ANIMAL CRUELTY, Bully Dogs, Dogs, FOTAS, News, Uncategorized

Bait dog Norman overcomes past cruelty, now has good life he deserves

Posted on by Bob Gordon
30
Aug

Norman was picked up by Animal Control in May 2021. He arrived weak, shut down and lifeless. Scars on his face, mangled feet, ribs showing and his teeth filed down. As much as we do not want to believe that such cruelty occurs in our community, this dog proves otherwise.

This sweet boy didn’t have hope in his eyes when he arrived. He had all the signs of being a bait dog. Bait dogs are usually the canines that criminals cannot turn into fighters. The dog is too sweet and friendly. So instead, they use them to be savagely attacked, and often killed, by the dogs they are able to turn into fighters. Clearly mauled by other dogs, we eventually had to amputate two of Norman’s toes. They were so severely damaged.

Norm when he got to the shelter.

The staff and volunteers immediately fell for him and wanted to earn his love and trust. He had only the best beds, the tastiest food and all the hugs he could handle. Within days, this dog started to come alive!

Norman (the kennel staff named him) learned quickly how to walk on leash and then he would jump up and hug his walkers! This boy left the past behind and met all new people with happiness and puppy-like excitement. We think he is around six years old, but you wouldn’t know it. After two weeks, his fur was shinier, he wiggled when he saw us and he was ready. This sweet dog gained eleven pounds in just two weeks. So much healthier!

Norm goes to his forever home.

Norman is one of the lucky ones. He was rescued and treated for his wounds, given everything to make him comfortable and recover from his past. This would never be possible without the generosity of our volunteers and supporters.

Norman is now in his forever home and will finally get the life he deserves.

–By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2021, Dogs, FOTAS, Military Veterans, News, Service Dogs, Veterans

Working Together to Save Veterans and Homeless Dogs

Posted on by Bob Gordon
04
Aug

Memorial Day is a holiday to honor the more than one million men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. However, it is also a time to think about the people who made it home but are struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other war-related mental health conditions.

These military veterans are still in danger and need our help. So, FOTAS works closely with Veterans K9 Solutions to provide these men and women with service dogs that reduce their anxiety and improve their quality of life.
PTSD is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, night terrors and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. If the condition isn’t treated, it can lead to suicide.

Blue when he took service dog instruction.

“It’s so important for these veterans to get service dogs because the PTSD causes them to stay home and shut themselves off from people,” explained Jerry Lyda, who co-founded Veterans K9 Solutions with his son, Jay. “These dogs give them a ‘battle buddy’. When they’re depressed, the dog can relieve them of that pain and reduce their anxiety.”

Saving two lives at a time
In 2013, the United States Department of Veteran Affairs released a study which showed that roughly 22 veterans were dying by suicide per day, or one every 65 minutes. With the added anxiety created by COVID-19, that number will likely rise in 2020 and 2021.

But adopting and training a homeless dog to be a service animal can help this crisis and be the ultimate win-win.

“The dogs get a second chance for a good life and the veterans get a dog on which they can rely and trust. They can tell the dog all their problems and issues, and that loyal pet won’t judge them or let them down.” By focusing on the dog, the veteran also doesn’t think too much about their own situation. This helps improve their quality of life to a level we take for granted.

There have been many service dog success stories as a result of the FOTAS – Veterans K9 Solutions collaboration, but Jerry points to County Animal Shelter dog, Blue, as one of his most memorable canine students. Blue helped veteran Rev. Bill Klein get through some tough times and was his constant companion for years, until the veteran’s heart gave out on him. Even then, Blue stayed at Klein’s side in the hospital until he passed. Now Blue serves and comforts Klein’s widow.

FOTAS sponsors military/veteran adoptions
If you are a U.S. veteran or active in the U.S. military and need a service dog, please send a brief email to info@fotasaiken.org. There is no cost for the adoption or training. And remember, FOTAS proudly sponsors the adoption fees for all active U.S. military and veterans year-round.

County Shelter dog Blue with Bill Klein & his wife.

Their lives are in our hands.

— Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2021, Dogs, FOTAS, News, Volunteers

Couples Volunteer Together to Help Shelter Dogs

Posted on by Bob Gordon
07
Jul

Couples find volunteering at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) to be a powerful bonding activity and a deeply satisfying experience. They come in pairs to walk, socialize and pamper dogs, many of whom have never experienced such love and attention.

John & Judi Sauer spend time with pretty Pibble, Sally.

“We were looking for something to do together after retiring,” said Bonnie Martin, who joined FOTAS with her husband, Jeff nearly five years ago. “We enjoy interacting with the different dogs. And we like sharing our experiences with the different dogs with each other and the other volunteers and staff.” Jeff and Bonnie have two dogs of their own, Keegan and Miele. Both were adopted from the ACAS.

John and Judi Sauer are also familiar faces at the shelter. The couple, who joined FOTAS three years ago, loves walking and spending time with the dogs – and the camaraderie that comes with it.

“FOTAS is like a family, and the volunteers care deeply about having a part in the success of helping a frightened and sometimes ‘unruly’ dog transform into a happy, adoptable dog,” Judi said. “There is no greater satisfaction than being a small part of this process.”

John added, “The volunteers are all enthusiastic participants, and the very caring shelter staff provides the animals with everything they need to become pets in forever homes.”

John and Judi have four rescue pets at home. Three were adopted in Indiana, where they moved from in 2018, and one dog – Caroline – who they adopted from the ACAS.

Ahmed Samaha makes a new friend.

Becoming a shelter volunteer is easy and training is straightforward and quick. Just ask new volunteers Ahmed and Kathy Samaha, who joined FOTAS in February.

“You can volunteer at lots of different times and for any length of time,” Kathy said. “The dogs and staff are so appreciative of any efforts. You can pick which dogs to walk, or you don’t even have to walk them; sometimes they just need a human to sit and pet them. That’s the best!” Kathy and Ahmed have two rescue dogs at home, Blue and Willa. Blue was adopted from the county shelter.

Jeff & Bonnie Martin get ready to walk Bronson.

If you would like to join FOTAS and volunteer to help the shelter pets, please call, 803.642.1537 (option #3) or email info@fotasaiken.org. You can download a volunteer application at FOTASAiken.org. Or just stop by the shelter, 333 Wire Road, and we’ll help you get started.

“Just do it,” Jeff said. “It’s easy to find a time that fits your schedule since volunteers are needed seven days a week. Believe me, the dogs, and other volunteers will welcome you warmly.”

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2021, abandoned animals, Dogs, FOTAS, neglected pets, News

Hounds of Love at the County Animal Shelter

Posted on by Bob Gordon
02
Jul

Skin and bones. Found starving and scared with pressure sores on their bodies from lying on concrete for long hours at a time. Clearly neglected and possibly abused, the pair of dogs playing in the intake exercise yard would be forgiven if they were bitter and angry. But they show nothing but love. Despite their difficult journey and the pain that came with it, the alarmingly thin red hound and her tri-colored canine pal are sweet and affectionate to every person they encounter.

Hound mix Aiden was adopted, but more hounds need forever homes.

“The hounds cling to us for hugs and attention,” said FOTAS Programs Coordinator Kathy Jacobs. “We provided them with donated toys and big, comfortable dog beds for their bony bodies.”

These two female hounds recently arrived the shelter and are in stray hold for five days. The red dog has lacerations on her snout that had to be stitched up and both dogs’ ribs prominently show through their skin and fur.

“We don’t know their story,” Jacobs explained. “We can only speculate. Maybe they were potential hunting dogs and were abandoned or ran away. We just know they are safe now, getting well, and are so happy to be here.”

So happy, in fact, the red hound could not stop wagging her tail and within hours of getting to the shelter, made her kennel a bloody mess. She thumped her tail against the concrete walls of her kennel so many times, the blunt force trauma split the tip of it wide open. Her tail is wrapped now, and she’s fine. This “happy tail syndrome” in shelters is common with many breeds, including hounds. It is reflective of their personality: bright, energetic and super friendly.
These young females in intake are just two of the many hounds the shelter receives on a pretty consistent basis. Currently on the adoption floor is Aiden, a senior hound so affectionate, he puts his paw out to greet people and sometimes wraps his right front leg around your knee as you pet him. He has been waiting many weeks to find a good home.

These two female hounds were saved by county animal code enforcement officers and brought to the shelter. Since the hounds are strays, the staff does not know their history. But they were so skinny, it is likely they were strays for a long time or neglected by their owners.

So, please help our hounds at the shelter. Consider adopting one for your family. Hounds are known to be gentle, loyal and enjoy being around people. They rarely need grooming, come in all sizes, are smart and are usually great with kids.
To make an appointment to adopt Aiden, another hound or any other homeless pet at the county animal shelter, please call, 803.642.1537 (option #3) or email info@fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2021, FOTAS, News, shelter construction, Where your donations go, Where your donations go

County Shelter P.A.W.S. Center Is About to Become a Reality

Posted on by Bob Gordon
16
Jun

You have been looking for the perfect canine friend, and you think you finally found her on the FOTAS website—a lovely, white Pibble with a brown patch on her eye named Jewel. You saw her picture and thought, “Yes! She’s the one!” You call the Aiken County Animal Shelter and make an appointment. As you drive your car towards your dog destiny, you imagine all the things you and Jewel are going to do together when she comes home with you.

The new building will be next to the shelter’s feline facility.

When you arrive at the shelter, the adoption staff brings Jewel outside to meet you in the play yard. She’s excited to be out of the kennel. She races around the yard, sniffs the fence posts, barks at the other dogs, shows a keen interest in the cars in the parking lot. In fact, Jewel shows a keen interest in just about everything and everybody but you. Although you know in your head why she’s distracted—it’s a busy county shelter with lots of noise and people—your heart is broken. You leave the shelter disappointed and without Jewel.

But what if there had been a quiet place indoors, away from distractions, where you could meet Jewel—just you and her, maybe one of the adoption staff to oversee the introduction? Odds are, based on our experience, Jewel would have crawled into your lap and given you one of those big, goofy Pibble smiles. In that case, you would have left the shelter with a full heart and Jewel in the back seat.

The addition of meet and greet rooms where potential adopters can get to know a new dog, away from the frenzied environment of the kennels and the distractions of the outside play yards, is on top of the Shelter’s wish list. In addition, the Shelter also needs an indoor room with no distractions for training and socialization of shelter residents. Most shelter dogs have never been taught basic obedience skills, which are important for a new dog to become a good family member. An indoor training room could also provide a space for indoor dog play groups, for introducing the new dog with a potential adopter’s existing dog, as well as for holding educational events for children, Junior FOTAS after school clubs and camps, community organizations, as well as training for staff and volunteers.

Although the original plans for the shelter included meet and greet, adoption, and training rooms, there simply wasn’t enough funding at the time. Finally, thanks to the generosity of the Aiken community, FOTAS fundraisers, and two recent, substantial legacy estate donations, we are pleased to announce that FOTAS and the Shelter are developing plans for the P.A.W.S. Center (Primary Learning, Adoption, Wellness, Socialization). The addition would also include a new, stress-free cat room and patio for our feline residents.

The P.A.W.S. Center will be a wonderful addition to the county shelter.

In short, the P.A.W.S. Center will help us make our animals more adoptable and reduce their length of stay. That’s a win-win for everyone.

Thank you for your support and for making us part of your estate plans. Your generosity makes it possible for the Shelter to take the Center off its wish list and make it a reality. We’ll keep you posted as the plans unfold.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Jennifer Miller & Joanna Samson, FOTAS