Category Archives: 2021

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

The Real Story Behind the Numbers

Posted on by Bob Gordon
22
Feb

“Figures don’t lie, and liars don’t figure.”

Little Ricky gets adopted from the ACAS.

That old expression is important when we quantify the accomplishments over the years at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. This success story is a result of the continuous dedication of the shelter staff, FOTAS cherished volunteers, our county government, and a change in attitude throughout Aiken County.

FOTAS was formed in 2009 when the intake and euthanasia rates at the shelter were, putting it mildly, horrible. In 2014, because of the tremendous private/public relationship in the county, the much-needed new shelter was built.

Let’s take a look at some comparisons between 2013 (the year before the new shelter) and 2020:



As you can see, too many animals still end up at the shelter as strays or surrenders, but the trend is (finally!) downward. Three specific reasons account for this downward trend.

1. TNR/RTF (Trap, Neuter, Return/Return-To-Field). Homeless, outdoor, community cats are trapped and brought to the shelter by a citizen. The cats are fixed at the shelter through the sponsorship of FOTAS and the County, and then returned to their natural habitat. Spaying or neutering just one male and one female cat can prevent more than 2,000 unwanted births in just four years. The County began its TNR/RTF program in 2016. In 2020, 1,410 cats participated in this program.

A County Vet Tech prepares a TNR cat for surgery


2. Home-To-Home. FOTAS began its Home-to-Home program in 2019, where animal owners who can no longer keep their pet can go to the FOTAS website and promote their pet for re-homing free of charge. This program allows the pet to be adopted directly from the original owner to the new one, eliminating the trauma and stress (both owner and pet) of having to surrender a beloved friend to a public shelter.

3. Spay/Neuter. More pet owners are fixing their pets. The County and FOTAS make it easier for citizens with financial need to fix their pets through their spay/neuter voucher and Fido-Fix-A-Pet programs.

While the number of animals adopted, transferred to no-kill partner shelters, and returned to their owners have steadily increased, the changes in the number of animals saved or euthanized tells the most important story:

• In 2020, the number of animals saved increased by 2,481, an increase of 149%.
• In 2020, the number of animals euthanized decreased by 3,483, a decrease of 96%. Only 144 animals were euthanized in 2020 because they were too sick to treat or too dangerous/aggressive.

Berrie and her adopter, Katelyn Logan.

These two statistics speak for volumes about the dedicated support of the volunteers, fosters, donors, adopters, and shelter staff, as well County Council’s commitment to the betterment of the County Shelter and the animals in need in our community. All the lifesaving programs, all the cooperation, and all the love is working. On behalf of the homeless animals of Aiken County, THANK YOU!

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Jennifer Miller, FOTAS President

2021, Doggie Day Out, Dogs, FOTAS, News, Pibbles

Shelter Dog Seaver Will Dance His Way Into Your Heart

Posted on by Bob Gordon
04
Feb

Seaver is a dancing machine. No, really! When this handsome dog gets excited, his front two feet become a blur as he gracefully taps his paws on the ground like a canine Fred Astaire. When he anticipates going for a walk, receiving a treat or meeting a new person, his eyes light up, his tail slaps the floor and his white paws jump and glide while he smiles and prances in place.

Sweet Seaver arrived at the Aiken County Animal Shelter more than 6 weeks ago and is still looking for a forever home. If you would like to adopt this wonderful dog, please call the shelter, (803) 642-1537, option 5 or send an email to info@fotasaiken.org.

It is adorable to see 4-year-old, 64-pound Seaver express his joy this way and we thought posting a video of him in action would catch the attention of potential adopters. But despite getting thousands of views and many shares on social media, Seaver is still looking for a forever home.

Besides his great moves, Seaver is also an extremely good-looking dog. His black coat with white markings on his feet, face and chest combined with his soulful eyes make him a stunner. He’s also housebroken and walks well on a leash. And did I mention he loves children? He does and he instinctively knows to be gentle around little ones.

Seaver on a Doggie Day Out.

Yet, still this amazing dog sits in his shelter kennel, waiting for a home.
Seaver also loves to go on car rides. He’s been on numerous Doggie Days Out with volunteers and behaves himself, enjoying the scenery and human company. Nearly every time he returns from his Doggie Day Out adventures, the folks comment on what a terrific boy he is.

Seaver dances in place when he gets excited.

But despite these rave reviews, he’s on his second month of watching other dogs get chosen instead of him. So, what’s going on here?

We’re not sure but we think it is because Seaver does best being an only pet. He is not generally aggressive towards other pets and can be seen at the shelter giving kisses to dogs that walk by his kennel. But he doesn’t want to share his home with other animals and this limits his adoption opportunities.

However, if you are looking for just one awesome dog to be your best friend for life, Seaver is ready to dance his way into your heart. If you would like to adopt Seaver and can give him a loving home or know someone who would be a good match for this cutie, please call the Aiken County Animal Shelter, 803.642.1537 (option # 5) or email info@fotasaiken.org and make an appointment to visit him.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2021, abandoned animals, ANIMAL CRUELTY, Cats, FOTAS, neglected pets, News, senior pets

Abandoned Senior Cat Snowball Deserves So Much Better

Posted on by Bob Gordon
03
Feb

She was devastated when they didn’t return home. Beautiful, 7-year-old house cat Snowball was abandoned and left outside to fend for herself when her owners moved away.

For six months, this senior white cat was on her own, braving the elements and foraging for food. Luckily, a kind neighbor eventually noticed her wandering outside and fed the hungry feline. But the neighbor was allergic to cats and couldn’t keep her; so when the temperatures started dropping in mid-November, they brought Snowball to the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

Snowball was saved by a neighbor of the owners who abandoned her.

When Snowball first arrived, she was scared and did not want any attention. She was clearly confused, upset and not ready to trust again. We put her in a cat condo located in the front lobby, where she remained quiet and glued to her bed. Staff and volunteers periodically visited her and pet her. She allowed people to stroke her fur briefly but then, in a moment of uncertainty, she gently swatted their hand away. It was heartbreaking to see her so sad and distressed.

We moved Snowball to our cat facility – a building that features two big rooms, where cats can run around, play and perch on tall cat trees. When temperatures are milder, the facility also allows the cats to relax in an enclosed, outdoor “catio”. The combination of Snowball enjoying more living space and receiving consistent human affection broke her out of her despair. She now loves it when people visit her and purrs happily when petted. She’s ready to find her forever home.

So, if you are looking for a wonderful kitty to keep you company, make an appointment to visit Snowball. Despite having so much love to give, senior cats like her are often the last to get adopted. However, they make great pets because they understand what it means to be rescued and are most thankful for a second chance at a good life. Senior cats also are already litter box trained and less likely to misbehave. They love to relax as much as you do and make great couch companions! Snowball is happiest when she is napping with you or perched by the window, watching what’s going on outside.

Snowball is a senior housecat who became depressed when she was brought to the shelter. But once she got her bearings, she began to trust again and once again became a loving, affectionate feline.

If you would like to adopt Snowball for only $10, please make an appointment to see her by calling the Aiken County Animal Shelter, 803.642.1537 and choose option #5. Or send a short email to info@FOTASAiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2021, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Chained dogs, Dogs, FOTAS, News, Pibbles, SOCIAL MEDIA

Hilde: One Special Shelter Dog Who Finally Found Her Dream Home

Posted on by Bob Gordon
26
Jan

In the seven years since the new Aiken County Animal Shelter opened, thousands and thousands of dogs have passed through its doors. Dogs of every shape, size, age, condition, breed, and mix of breeds—we’ve seen them all. So, it’s unusual for a particular dog to be indelibly imprinted into my mind (other than my own beloved rescues), but there is one—a beautiful blonde, golden-eyed, pit bull mix named Hilde, who first came to the shelter in 2016.

Hilde and her big, goofy smile.

Hilde was a volunteer and staff favorite, a 55-pound, people-lover with a big, goofy smile. Yet, by the end of January 2017, she held the unfortunate distinction of being the longest canine resident at the shelter. It was a mystery why someone hadn’t scooped up this bundle of love, but day after day, potential adopters walked past her kennel without a second look. After a while, the inevitable stress of shelter life took its toll on Hilde; the light began to fade from her eyes.

FOTAS leaped into action. We initiated Doggie Day Out for Hilde (a program still in effect today), packed her in a car, took her downtown, and paraded her through stores and coffee shops. We wrote about her and marketed her on social media. She spent weekend Doggie Overnights with Kelly, one of our volunteers.

Hilde being loved on by one of her little peeps.

Finally, our efforts paid off. A young family came to the shelter specifically to meet her, fell in love, and adopted her. For months, the family sent us photos of Hilde and the kids, snuggled up on the couch, stretched out on the bed. We were thrilled and relieved. Hilde had a home.

Imagine our horror when, a year later, the Lexington County Animal Shelter notified the shelter (thanks to her microchip) that Hilde had been picked up as a stray—weak, starving, flea-bitten, and terrified. One of the staff immediately hopped in the van to pick her up. When she saw her old friends at the shelter, her tail thumped with joy. We cried—shocked by her condition and profoundly touched by her recognition.

What happened? We never found out. Her “dream” family was not responsive to our calls. Time to start over. First order of business: get Hilde healthy. Second, find her a forever home—this time for real.

It took some time, but Hilde’s a survivor. She got lots of medical attention, exercise, and affection, plus weekends off with her pal, Kelly. When she was ready, we wrote another article about her. Enter Kathy and Greg Bowman. It was a match meant to be.

Hilde shares her toys with her human sister.

But Kathy’s daughter? Not so much. She was worried. A pit bull mix? Would her kids—Kathy’s grandkids—be safe? It didn’t take long to convince her of Hilde’s inherent gentleness and her love for people, particularly children. She witnessed it firsthand: her kids loving on an ecstatic Hilde, snuggled up together on the bed, napping happily away, romping through the yard.

Finally, after all these years and misadventures, Hilde has found her forever home. She deserves it. She even has her own Instagram page: Hilde the Rescue Dog. Check it out!

Godspeed, Hilde. Godspeed.

Their lives are in our hands.

–By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

Hilde fast asleep on Christmas day 2019
2021, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, FOTAS, neglected pets, News, Pibbles, Volunteer, Volunteers

Local News Anchor Joins FOTAS, Adopts and Promotes Shelter Dogs

Posted on by Bob Gordon
25
Jan

WRDW TV News Anchor and Investigative Reporter Meredith Anderson and her daughter, Ella, have joined FOTAS, and we could not be more pleased to have them on our team. They visit and help socialize the homeless pets at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) and both take photos of dogs that Meredith then posts on her popular social media channels.

The Anderson’s Three Musketeers nap on their masters’ bed: Eliza, Mulligan & Hamilton

“With COVID restrictions, social media is their best chance,” Anderson said. “It’s good for my heart because it makes me feel like I am making a real difference. Social media is a powerful thing, and I am thrilled my daughter gets to see it being used for good.”

Added Ella, “I absolutely love volunteering for FOTAS. The best part about it is getting to meet so many adorable, sweet and playful dogs and cats.”

In less than two years, the Andersons went from having no dogs at all to adopting three dogs with special needs from their past abandonment and abuse. The family’s love for shelter dogs began in February 2019, when they saw a big, black pit bull mix named Hank on the FOTAS Facebook page. When Hank was surrendered to the shelter, he shook in fear and had tears in his eyes. The Andersons saw his photo, read his story and couldn’t stop thinking about him. They took Hank home, committed to helping the troubled dog start a new, better life. They hired a trainer and Hank, renamed Hamilton, slowly learned he was loved and became less anxious.

Meredith Anderson takes her adopted dogs to the vet for their check-ups

This year, two more rescue dogs joined Hamilton: Eliza, a huge, gray pit bull, and young Mulligan, a black and white mixed breed that Ella fell in love with while volunteering at the shelter. Eliza is a dog that was shot but refused to leave the spot where someone drowned her puppies. Mulligan, a dog who faced abuse in her past, became a family member in November of 2020.

“It’s been a process for sure,” Meredith posted on her Facebook page shortly after adopting Mulligan. “It took a lot of love, patience and work, but I truly believe this was meant to be.”

Adopting Mulligan has made Eliza happy. While she loves Hamilton, he doesn’t like to play as much as she does, and Mulligan fills that role nicely.

“Mulligan is a runner, so she and Eliza spend the entire day running and playing,” Meredith explained. “It has given Hamilton some peace and quiet. He’s happy to walk away and watch the girls when he’s had enough. We never imagined how this dynamic would benefit all of them so much. “

Ella hugs Mulligan, a dog she bonded with while volunteering at the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

Becoming a FOTAS volunteer is a great way to spend time with animals, and who knows? You might fall in love and add a pet in need to your home, like the Andersons did. Please go to FOTASAiken.org to learn more about volunteering and download an application.

“What I say to people who are planning to volunteer or adopt is, ‘Thank You, that’s very kind of you to think about these poor animals,’” Ella said. “’Never lose that sense of kindness.’”

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

Bosom buddies Mulligan (left) and Eliza.


2021, animal abuse, Dogs, FOTAS, kennel stress, neglected pets, News

Unloved, Neglected Pets Kole and Spice Just Need a Chance

Posted on by Bob Gordon
12
Jan

So many of the pets that arrive at the Aiken County Animal Shelter are family ready. One of our foster families contacted me the other day, saying that they couldn’t figure out how a dog so housebroken and good with other pets could possibly arrive at the shelter as a stray. This always boggles our minds, too. Such well-mannered pets and no one is looking for them.

Kole has a white chest and freckled feet.

Then we get the pets who have been severely neglected, abused and unloved. Unfortunately, these animals can’t tell us their stories. We have to try and put the pieces together and sometimes their backgrounds remain a mystery.

In this category, we have two dogs on our adoption floor who need homes — but they need to be the “right” homes.

Kole is a handsome, black dog with freckled feet. When he arrived as a stray, he was despondent and shut down. Shelter Manager Bobby Arthurs took Kole on as his project. He saw something in Kole and started bringing him hot dogs every day. Well, that was the key! Kole is food motivated but not big on being touched. He is easy to walk and will stay by your side, bumping you with his nose to get a treat. He lets us give him little pats but does not like to be hugged or petted.

Handsome Spice is a playful and sweet dog.

Kole came in around the same time as a very shy, white and tan dog named Spice. For days, Spice hid in the corner, shaking until the kennel staff made progress with him. This poor boy would try to climb the walls to escape our touch. Slowly he learned to go for walks but still hit the ground and flattened out when we tried to pet him. He is doing much better, but it will take time for him to feel completely safe.

Kole (left) and Spice are dealing with a history of neglect and need canine mentors.

Kole and Spice have become buddies and trust each other. Shelter staff take them into the play yard every day and the two comfort each other, walk around together, sniff together. We think these dogs need homes with other dogs who can mentor them and show them how to be “pets”.

Kole and Spice deserve a chance for a happy life in a good home. Yes, they have some issues. But with their past, who wouldn’t? Please share their stories and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. If you are interested in adopting one of these dogs in need, please call the Aiken County Animal Shelter, 803.642.1537 (option # 5) or email info@fotasaiken.org and make an appointment to visit them.

Their lives are in our hands.

– By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator