Category Archives: 2023

2023, Foster, SOCIAL MEDIA, Volunteers

Power of social media saves Jax and Crystal

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Aiken stray Crystal (left) and her new sister, Remy, found each other through FOTAS’s social media platforms.
16
Sep

While young, pretty, fluffy dogs at the Aiken County Animal Shelter typically are adopted in short order, less stunning homeless canines with physical imperfections need time and help to get noticed.

Their positive qualities cannot be captured in a photo. Their stories need to be told and the right adopter has to be reached through social media and word of mouth. This requires close teamwork between FOTAS and the shelter, as well as lots of shares and likes on Facebook and Instagram.

Take Jax for example.

Nine-year-old, brown and white, mixed breed Jax arrived at the County Shelter in bad shape. He was starving and looked like a walking skeleton. He also had an old back leg injury, likely from being hit by a car, which caused him to limp. Fly bites had scarred his ears and he was full of fleas. The senior stray had the saddest eyes, but they brightened when people greeted him.

Jax found his forever home thanks to the power of social media and a network of fosters, volunteers and FOTAS friends.
Jax found his forever home thanks to the power of social media and a network of fosters,
volunteers and FOTAS friends.

Terrified at the shelter, Jax needed a calmer environment in which to decompress. Thankfully, FOTAS Volunteer Christine Harmel took Jax home to foster him and his sweet personality began to shine as he gained more confidence under her care.

Over the next month, we posted Jax all over our social media. Still, no one came to visit him. Then his luck changed. Debbie Roland, a local realtor, saw Jax online and shared his photo and story with her uncle Dennis in Pennsylvania. His dog had recently passed away and Jax was just the kind of dog he was looking for! FOTAS arranged Jax’s transport to Dennis and the sweet dog is now living his best life.

“This morning was the first day of school up here, so all the kids were at the bus stop during his morning walk,” Dennis said. “Of course, Jax had to greet every kid.”

Another homeless dog who benefited from social media is Crystal. This three-year-old, white 46-pound mixed breed needed a home with a fenced-in yard. A true gem, Crystal loves other dogs and playing in water. Crystal just has one so-called imperfection. She is deaf.

Even after weeks of posting a myriad of videos and photos of Crystal on social media, no one came to visit her. However, just as we were losing hope of adopting her out, the right person saw Crystal on Instagram. Faye Brothers, a woman with a deaf dog in need of a friend, saw a video of Crystal shared by her daughter. When Faye learned Crystal was deaf, she knew she was the dog for her family. FOTAS arranged Crystal’s travel to Faye’s home in upstate New York and now this amazing stray and her new canine sister, Remy, are besties!

There are other homeless pets at the shelter just like these two special dogs – animals that need extra support and promotion to ensure they get good homes. Please follow FOTAS on Facebook and Instagram and share our posts with your friends. With one click, you just might save a homeless pet’s life.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2023, abandoned animals, animal abuse, ANIMAL CRUELTY

You can prevent animal neglect and abuse

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Senior dog Justice arrived at the shelter with an embedded collar – one of the worst cases the shelter vet staff has witnessed.
15
Sep

Nearly every day we see examples of animal neglect, abuse and cruelty.

Keanu was found tied up with no shelter, no food and no water.
Keanu was found tied up with no shelter, no food and no water.

Dogs arrive at the Aiken County Animal Shelter with such horrors as collars and harnesses embedded in their skin because their owners never replaced them as they grew from puppies to adults. Cats come in with their eyes bulging and covered in pus because their owners didn’t take them to a vet for treatment of upper respiratory infection. Dogs and cats arrive with broken limbs that were never treated, causing them to heal incorrectly and creating lifelong mobility issues. (Sometimes these injuries require amputation.) Then you have the pets that come in with bullet wounds or pellet fragments lodged in their bodies.

Not all of the neglect and abuse is physical. Some of these animals arrive afraid of their own shadow because of the mental abuse they’ve experienced.

Groot was abandoned in an empty trailer.
Groot was abandoned in an empty trailer.

This cruelty needs to stop. But the only way to prevent it is through pet care education and punishment to those who treat their pets horribly. It also requires all of us to be more aware of animal cruelty and promptly report it when we see it. If you witness animal neglect or abuse, please call your local animal control agency as soon as possible. If you live in Aiken County, call (803) 502-9000, extension 3704. Or email enforcement@aikencountysc.gov.

Animal cruelty can be as evil as intentionally hurting or torturing an animal to just improperly feeding or caring for a pet due to ignorance.

To see evidence of past animal abuse and neglect, all you have to do is look at the medical records of some of the shelter’s current residents. There are a number of adoptable dogs at the shelter who have endured the cruel actions of humans, including:

Carson – This gentle mixed breed arrived with a severe head wound. He may have been hit by a blunt instrument. Six-year-old Carson is a cuddle bug loved by our volunteers.

Groot – Abandoned in a trailer, four-year-old Groot was skin and bones when a County Animal Code Enforcement officer rescued him. Since being at the shelter, he has learned to play with other dogs and developed into a confident pup.

Poor Parker arrived at the shelter with an embedded harness that had to be surgically removed from his skin.
Poor Parker arrived at the shelter with an embedded harness that had to be surgically removed from his skin.

Justice – This poor senior dog arrived with one of the worst embedded collars our vet has ever seen. Justice is so sweet and looking for a forever home.

Keanu & Keiki – These two-year-old siblings were tied up their entire lives and found without shelter, food or water. Good Samaritans called and reported the situation and now the dogs are healthy and looking for good homes.

Parker – This wonderful three-year-old mixed breed was found with an embedded harness. Now healed, Parker is playful and affectionate but would do best as an only pet.

Amazingly, all of these dogs have remained sweet and loving. They will make wonderful pets! Please come visit them at 333 Wire Road in Aiken, SC.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

By the Numbers: The Aiken County Animal Shelter received 379 Aiken County animals during the month of August, bringing the total to 3299 Aiken County animals so far this year.

2023, Foster, fostering

Sharing the Love

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Fosters get a drop off hug from Shana
30
Aug

My camera roll is full of videos and pictures of many puppies and dogs who have visited my life. These dogs may be in my backyard or in the den. They might be chasing a ball, or squeaking a toy, or finding the perfect patch of sun to lie down. The puppies are probably rolling all over each other or nipping each other’s ears. There are pictures of sleeping pups and videos of snoring ones.

Foster giving his sweet puppy eyes
Foster giving his sweet puppy eyes

I cannot adopt another dog right now despite the fact the shelter is overloaded with so many animals. But, I can do the next best thing and foster one! The Aiken County Animal Shelter’s fostering program gives me the benefits of having another dog (loud tail, cute ears, funny noises) without the physical and financial burden.

I have enjoyed fostering for years. It is so rewarding, but on occasion, I may need some help logistically. I recently unlocked the game changer- becoming a “co-foster!” My mother and I both enjoy fostering puppies and dogs, but our schedules may have conflicts with the foster needs. Multiple friends also want to foster, but only for a night or two.

Now, with this setup, we communicate with each other about our available days and nights. The dog may start their week with me. When planned, I drive the dog (and their stuff!) to my mother’s or friend’s. The foster ends their week in another safe home.

Since I have heard many of the same fostering questions, I want to share the basics:

    • All fostering supplies are provided: crate, food, bed, and toys.
    • Fostering is short term. You’ll receive a text or email asking for available fosters. Look at your calendar. Can you fit it in for the next 3 nights? A week? Great! No pressure if you are busy – maybe next time?!
    • Having a foster is low key. You do not need to implement a training regime. These animals need a safe, soft place to land. Their crate in your quiet(ish) home is perfect.
    • When an animal is in your care, you have support of the shelter staff and foster coordinator. I have texted with questions or concerns many, many times.
    • You may fall in love. It happens. I remind myself: The foster pups are here to learn about a safe home and build confidence. I am here to love them temporarily, so they can find forever love next.

Co-fostering is win-win for the dog and for both of us fostering. The dog continues to get more comfortable (and, thereby, more adoptable) in a home environment. And, we are both able to enjoy time with a foster dog without changing any of our plans.

Find a friend or a family and say, “let’s try it”. You can share the scheduling load.

Then, at the end of the week, y’all can share loads of sweet pictures and funny videos.

Chat about fostering. Sharing a volunteer task with a friend can be so much fun. These animals desperately need us to work together. Their lives are in our hands

By Shana K Ryberg, Foster Volunteer

2023, adopter feedback, Adoption

Wonderful homeless pets are matched with adopters

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Finn gets a hug from his best friend, Charlotte.
24
Aug

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.

Caprice was the missing piece
Caprice has fit into our family amazingly! She is the perfect dog for us. She loves walks and going for rides in the car. All three boys are absolutely in love with her. She is the most relaxed, well-behaved dog I have ever dealt with. We have spoiled her rotten. Caprice was definitely the missing piece to our family. I am so thankful for her. –Penny Goggans

Second adopted dog bonds with first
Emmaly is doing great! She is the sweetest, happiest dog. She was house trained and is not at all food aggressive. Emmaly wants everyone to play and be happy with her! She gets along well with her big sister, Hila (adopted from the County Shelter nine years ago), who is happier and more active now. Thank you for both my sweet Emmaly and Hila! -Beverly Pyle

Finn is a sweet angel
Finn is a sweet cat who loves playing. He is very loved by his 6-year-old best friend, Charlotte. She often calls him her “baby” or her “sweet angel”. Charlotte is always building him a bed out of pillows and blankets, and making him toys to play with. –Sydney Walters

Lemon loves her new sister
Lemon is growing so fast and doing amazing! She loves walks, car rides, pup cups, naps, and playing with us and her sister, Heidi. She is eating well, almost fully potty trained, and crate trained. We’re so glad we could add her to the family. Thank you for reaching out to check on our baby and for helping us with the adoption process! -Jordan Nix

Lillie enjoys playing in the rain, hates baths
Ruby (now Lillie) is doing very well and has adapted to her new surroundings. She is about 50 pounds now and all up to date on her puppy shots. She loves everyone, including our cat. She loves playing outside in the rain even when it storms, but hates baths. Sometimes she plays by herself with her numerous dog toys and it is very entertaining to watch. Everyone that meets Lillie adores her. She is a perfect fit in our family. -Amber Hayes

Gentle Reba is part of the family
Reba (now Luna) has been wonderful! She loves absolutely everyone and loves all of the attention. She is such a gentle giant. Thank you so much for matching us perfectly. –Ashley Felker

There are so many more wonderful dogs and cats at the County Shelter who need a second chance for a good life. Please visit them at 333 Wire Road or go to fotasaiken.org to see them online. Dogs and puppies are $35, and cats and kittens are only $10.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2023, Adoption, animal abuse, ANIMAL CRUELTY

Twenty dogs from cruelty case find loving homes

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Bandit heads home with his new “dad.”
19
Aug

When the Aiken County Animal Shelter is not teaming up with FOTAS to help find forever homes for dogs and cats at the facility, it is dealing with even more heartbreaking work: rescuing pets from cruelty and neglect, and lawfully punishing those responsible for their suffering.

A County Animal Code Enforcement officer recently responded to a complaint of dogs running around loose and looking underfed. When the officer arrived at the home, he discovered 20 skittish, emaciated dogs and puppies covered in fleas. He also found three dead dogs who likely expired from being stuck inside with no air conditioning, the doors and windows shut – and no water.

With the facility at full capacity, shelter staff took in the large group of dogs, age two months to four years old. Three of the eight puppies needed fostering in order to become more socialized and to give them time to recover from their surgeries.

“The dogs were full of parasites and extremely skinny, with their ribs showing,” said Aiken County Animal Shelter Manager Bobby Arthurs. “Our shelter is specifically designed to rescue these animals that have been neglected or abused, and to do all we can to prosecute the owners of the pets.”

However, this cruelty case could not have come at a worse time. The shelter was already so full, dogs were doubled up in kennels.

“It put a huge strain on us at the shelter, where we were already at our breaking point,” Arthurs said. “But with the support of FOTAS and the great work of our staff, we got through it and found good homes for all of the dogs.” One of the cruelty case dogs found a home in the Midwest. A woman from Indiana saw Pixie, a skinny black and white puppy, in a FOTAS video posted on social media. She called the shelter and her partner drove all the way to Aiken to take her home. She and her partner were true angels!

Of course, celebrating these adoptions must be short lived because there are many more animals who need assistance. Just this week, two more cruelty cases were investigated, including one with four dogs living out in the hot sun tethered with little to no shelter. Two of the dogs had dirty water; two had nothing to quench their thirst. One dog had a heavy chain wrapped around his neck and could barely move because the chain was tangled around a tree. These dogs are now safe at the shelter and their owner was charged with cruelty and neglect.

“We are so appreciative of the local response to save these dogs –including adopters, fosters, volunteers and staff,” said County Shelter Adoption Coordinator Hillary Clark-Kulis. “However, these dogs came out of our community and we know there are other dogs facing similar deplorable living conditions that need our help. So, if you see something, please say something.”

Their lives are in our hands

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2023, abandoned animals, Home-to-Home adoption program, surrendered pets

The shelter is not a drop off point for unwanted pets

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Sweet black Lab mix Onyx is 1-1/2 years old, 90 pounds and wonderful with other dogs. Yet his owners left him behind when they moved away.
10
Aug

When you walk through the kennels at the Aiken County Animal Shelter, it is easy to pick out the owner-surrendered dogs. The stray dogs are more at ease as they are happy to have regular feedings and a safe spot. The owner surrenders, however, are typically in the back of their kennels shaking, vomiting, and sometimes spinning uncontrollably from stress.

They are scared, confused and their chances of finding homes are lower. In fact, due to the anxiety they experience from being left at a shelter, owner surrendered pets often become unadoptable.

Please do not take your pet to the shelter. Instead, rehome them on your own by using our Home to Home program, which features a website that helps you market your pet and adopt them out directly from your residence.

The shelter is designed to help with stray, neglected and otherwise hopeless animals. It is not meant to be a drop off center for unwanted pets. The shelter is a resource, not a destination.

Misconceptions about surrendering pets
Many citizens believe we can find great homes for all the pets we take into the shelter. But we cannot. The shelter takes in more than 4,000 dogs and cats a year. Do the math; it is impossible. While FOTAS and the Aiken County Animal Shelter work tirelessly to find homes for adoptable animals, we also ask people to show compassion and fulfill their responsibility to their own pets.

We are saddened by the number of calls we receive from people wanting to surrender their pets. The reasons given are often problems that can be solved with a little time and dedication.

Here are some of the reasons given:

We have made the tough decision to surrender our dog so he can find a family that has more time and patience to work with his behavioral issues.

If your dog has behavioral issues, please contact a trainer. The shelter is consistently overwhelmed and there is limited time to work on those issues in a facility filled to capacity.

We are moving.

Take your pet with you! Look for a pet friendly rental.

He has become food aggressive towards our other dogs.

Try feeding the dogs separately. Have you considered getting a crate to feed him in? It is extremely difficult for us to adopt out a dog with any kind of aggression and he will be at risk of being euthanized if he comes to us.

She chases cats and runs off because she has a high prey drive.

We cannot adopt out animals with a high prey drive. Imagine the risk in a shelter environment with all the other animals. If she is escaping your yard to run, there are ways to keep pets contained.

What to do if you must rehome your pet

Instead of putting your pet through the trauma of being in a loud, full shelter, try our Home to Home program available free of charge on our website, fotasaiken.org. Or ask your family members, neighbors and friends if they can help.

If you cannot afford to feed your pet due to personal economic challenges, we can help. FOTAS holds a Community Pet Food Drive-Thru once a month for Aiken citizens in need of assistance. Our next Pet Food Drive-Thru event is Saturday morning, Aug. 19.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2023, animal care education, Children, dogs playing for life, FOTAS, Junior FOTAS

The P.A.W.S. Building at the Aiken County Animal Shelter

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Children play with a puppy in the PAWS learning center.
04
Aug

On Friday, the County Council and FOTAS held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new PAWS Building (Primary learning, Adoption, Wellness, and Socialization) at the County Shelter. It’s been a long-time coming, and I’m not referring to the scourge of all construction projects over the past years—COVID-related delays like labor shortages and supply-chain issues—of which there have been many.

No, I’m referring to a dream-delayed, a grand vision postponed since 2014, when the new shelter opened to critical acclaim. The County and FOTAS had expended their money and resources (and then some) to build a proper, humane animal shelter to care for and rehome the County’s abandoned, abused, and neglected animals. But the Shelter and FOTAS dreamed of something more: a place where an animal and prospective adopter could meet in a quiet, private place to get acquainted; a place to hold training sessions for the animals; a place for humane education for the Junior FOTAS program. In short, an important resource where it would be possible to 1) increase our odds of making the animals more adoptable (and appealing) to prospective adopters, and 2) educate folks about humane animal care so that an animal doesn’t have to come to the shelter in the first place.

Now that dream is reality. The PAWS building includes two, quiet, home-like rooms where an animal and a potential adopter can get to know each other in peace. For all of us who have had the joy of adopting a beloved family pet from the shelter, you know what it’s like. You select a prospect in the adoption pod from among the barking animals anxious for your attention. A staff member takes Rover out into the play yard for you to meet, but Rover is so excited about being out and distracted by all the smells and activities around the yard, it’s impossible to connect with him in a meaningful way. In the end, you pass on Rover because that “spark” is missing. So sad because Rover could have been that once-in-a-lifetime dog. The two new meet-and-greet rooms will change all that.

The PAWS building also includes a large, open room for dog training sessions, obedience classes, and Junior FOTAS events where children can learn about heartworm prevention, the importance of spay-neuter, and humane care. It provides a safe place to hold play groups for the dogs when the weather is bad. The room is also a place where a potential adopter can introduce the new dog to their resident dog to make sure they’ll get along. And last but least, PAWS includes a free-cat roaming adoption room and outside catio.

“The PAWS Building is an important tool in our dual mission to save every adoptable animal and to ultimately make the shelter a resource and not a destination,” says Jennifer Miller, President of FOTAS. We are so grateful for our legacy gifts, current donors, and the County for making this dream a reality. With this resource, we can potentially reduce the discouraging intake numbers and help every homeless animal become a loving and responsible family member.”

Amen to that. Sometimes wonderful things are worth waiting for. Please support our mission by volunteering, fostering, and donating your time and money.

Their lives our in our hands.

Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice-President

2023, Children, Dog Ears Reading Program, Volunteer

Young people learn responsible pet care during visits to County Shelter

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Little Breezy visits with young kids from the City of Aiken’s Summer Camp.
28
Jul

Just because the public schools have shortened their summer schedule, doesn’t mean that we haven’t had fun with the kiddos!

We were busy in June and July!

We started out with our monthly Dog Ears group on June 17. This is our monthly reading program in which young readers sign up to come and read to shelter dogs. It’s a half hour reading session and then we meet different dogs and talk about their stories and needs. So fun!

On June 22, a super sweet dog named Tina and I visited Oakwood Windsor Elementary School. They have a summer program for students. We had a blast meeting with small groups of students of different ages. All of us sat on the floor while super dog Tina slowly and lovingly worked the room, going from student to student giving rubs and kisses.

There was a little girl who was terrified of dogs but by the end of our visit, she was petting Tina, telling her she loved her and even drew Tina a picture. All the students made videos with Tina for Facebook saying, “Adopt Tina!”

These kids were incredibly well behaved, asked great questions and I think they all learned a little bit about pet responsibility.

The following week we had more than 50 young people visit the shelter from the City of Aiken’s Summer Camp for their “Dog Days of Summer” program. On Thursday, we had the five- to nine-year-old group and on Friday the ten- to twelve-year-old group visited us.

Each group was able to sit with the shelter dogs, at their kennels, and read to the dogs. Some just talked to them, some gave them treats, and all enjoyed themselves. The counselors were all dog lovers, too — and they had as much fun as the kids!

After reading to the dogs, we took the groups to the new PAWS building and brought in a three-month-old puppy named Breezy. Little Breezy was brought in with multiple broken toes on his front paw. He was so sad, and the children brightened his spirits. Breezy had a cast on his paw and a cone on his head, but it didn’t slow him down. He kissed everyone in the room!

It is really important to teach young people in our community about proper pet care. With the staggering number of strays entering our shelter, we want to plant the seed in each of these young people that keeping your pets safe and healthy is vital for the community.

The children met so many homeless pets and listened to their stories. Terrier mix Beck’s owner died; sweet Parker was brought in with an embedded collar; and stray Mastiff mix Tommy is a huge teddy bear who is sad to be alone. However, black and white Smokey was the real heartbreaker. He is our longest resident and kept putting his paws out to touch the kids. It was really very sweet.

Remember when we learned to wear our seatbelts? People came to our schools and taught us. Or when we watched the commercials with the egg in the pan: “This is your brain on drugs.” Well, now it’s our turn to influence these young minds to make a change. “Take Care of Your Pets!” Love them and meet their needs. Our camp kids learned the important five pet needs – water, food, shelter, exercise and LOVE!

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2023, abandoned animals, Adoption, Empty the Shelter

So many gems waiting to be discovered at County Shelter

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Bonded siblings Darius and Mohana love other dogs.
21
Jul

Time is not on the side of pets waiting to be adopted from the Aiken County Animal Shelter. With the facility at full capacity due to so many strays arriving each week, homeless animals are competing for kennel space. In this stressful environment, the sooner these pets can find loving homes, the better.

The only bright side of the shelter being so crowded is that we have a greater variety of pets available for adoption. This means more choices for you, the prospective adopter. The adoption fees for many of these dogs are being waived during our Empty the Shelters event, which continues through July 31. Cats and kittens are just $10.

Here are some of the wonderful pets waiting for forever homes:

Audrey. Pretty, mixed breed Audrey is two years old, 44 pounds and loves going on walks. This friendly girl arrived at the shelter as a stray. She is a sweetheart who has a lovely brindle coat and enjoys cuddles with her favorite humans.

Beck. With ears that could direct air traffic, blue-coated Beck is one of the cutest dogs available at the County Animal Shelter. He’s also one of the sweetest. Found as a stray, Beck is six years old, 47 pounds and cuddly.

Winkler. This gorgeous, long-haired flame point kitty was heavily matted and covered in fleas when found. He’s loving but prefers to sit by you rather than be picked up. Winkler is 6 years old, seven pounds and FIV positive — so he should be your only cat or be with other FIV positive cats.

Darius & Mohana. Together since birth, fhese two bonded, six-year-old, 88-pound mixed breeds were living happy lives, when their owner suddenly moved and left them behind at the County Shelter. Heartbroken, these two dogs, who are fabulous with everyone, desperately want to be loved and find a real home together. Mohana and Darius enjoy the company of other animals and are housetrained.

Martin. This black and white cutie walks beautifully on a leash and has a wonderful disposition. Martin was found as a stray, scared and hungry. Three years old, 56 pounds and sporting a soft coat, this active Retriever mix needs a good home. Martin loves playing with other dogs and is a volunteer favorite.

Tiger. Handsome Tiger is here because his owner passed away. This orange and white feline is 12 years old, just over 10 pounds and super gentle. Tiger greets everyone who stops by the lobby and is sweet and calm. He just wants a safe, cozy home to relax in. Tiger has always been an indoor-only kitty and will make a terrific lap cat.

There are so many more terrific pets at the County Shelter who need a second chance for a wonderful life. Please go to fotasaiken.org to see them or stop by and visit them at 333 Wire Road.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2023, Adoption, Empty the Shelter

If you are looking to adopt, now is the time

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Handsome FIV positive cat WINKLER needs to be an indoor-only pet.
16
Jul

On Thursday, July 6, we launched this summer’s Empty the Shelters event. This is a nationwide promotion sponsored by the Bissell Pet Foundation to help save the lives of shelter pets. Summer is always the worst time for animal shelters. In June, our shelter took in more than 500 animals. Finding homes for these dogs and cats is becoming increasingly difficult.

Sweet CRYSTAL, seen here with County Shelter staff member Aimee Waggoner, is a bundle of energy who would love to find a home with a fenced-in yard.
Sweet CRYSTAL, seen here with County Shelter staff member Aimee Waggoner, is a bundle of energy who would love to find a home with a fenced-in yard.

Across the country, adoptions are at the lowest we have seen in years! Our kennels are full of incredible dogs right now. We have yellow and chocolate Labrador Retrievers, Beagles, Pointers, you name it! Most are active in playgroups with other dogs, which makes them easier to integrate into homes with existing pets.

There is no way we can save these lives if our community doesn’t adopt. Rescues are full, shelters are full, the model of no-kill is not sustainable if people don’t start adopting.

Aiken County schools have changed their schedule, which has shortened the summer for school kids. This means many families are traveling, resulting in fewer local adoptions, fewer foster homes and fewer volunteers.

Empty the Shelters is an event that promotes reduced and fee waived adoptions to limit the barriers to rehoming. Many people worry about the cost of adopting in addition to purchasing supplies such as leashes, collars, crates, litter boxes, etc. By reducing and waiving adoption fees, it allows people the flexibility to be able to buy these needed items for their pet.

Sweet SMOKEY is the County Shelter’s longest resident.
Sweet SMOKEY is the County Shelter’s longest resident.

Empty the Shelters runs through July 31st. If you are able to adopt, now is the time. The homeless pets need you.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator