FOTAS works to ensure that adopting a dog from the Aiken County Animal Shelter is the right thing for both the dog and the adopter. I am a volunteer, and I can attest to this as I have observed using the nationally recognized “Dogs Playing for Life Program” has helped to make our dogs more adoptable.
The program has taught us that the sooner we can get dogs into the play yard to socialize with other dogs the better their chances are of getting adopted quickly. We can identify their play styles, whether that be “rough and rowdy”, “gentle and dainty”, etc. We can also identify behavior issues, both good and bad. All the while, we have a note taker writing all of this information down. In other words, we are keeping a journal of each dog that comes into the play yard. With this knowledge and information about each dog that comes through the shelter, we are not only better able to get these dogs adopted quicker, but also into the right homes.
Playgroups take place 6 days a week, and last for 4 hours each day. We have volunteers and shelter staff helping to run this program. We have dog runners who bring the dogs from their kennels into the play yard. We have two dog handlers in the play yard at all times, who are observing and correcting the dogs. The dog handlers are the ones directing the note taker what to write about each individual dog. Not only are new intake dogs given a chance to play, but we try to get into playgroup as many of our resident dogs as possible each day. Every day we see dogs that are terrified, withdrawn, or abused, slowly come out of their shells in playgroup. Sometimes we come across dogs like Petunia and Suzie, who are playgroup rockstars and adapt to any play style, and are able to initiate play, with shy and withdrawn dogs. Soon, many of the dogs are engaging, playing, and having fun, all the while becoming more adoptable.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Nathan. He’s what I call the “Leader of the Pack”. He is a trained dog handler who was hired by the shelter to lead and oversee the program. Besides his leadership, he shows the dogs genuine love and compassion. He tries to find the good in every dog. The dogs feel the love and care that comes from Nathan and all of the shelter staff and volunteers. Everyone works together as a team to improve the quality of life the dogs receive at the shelter before they go to their forever home.
Afternoons are much quieter around the shelter when there has been a long morning of play amongst the dogs! It’s music to one’s ears to visit an animal shelter and realize the dogs are safe, well fed, and content from playing hard with other dogs. I’m very passionate about this program because I see the positive impact this program has in the lives of the shelter dogs.
Please consider becoming a volunteer, donating, and/or adopting an animal at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. I promise you will receive more joy than you could ever pass along to these precious animals.
Their lives are in our hands.
By Sandy Sublett, FOTAS Volunteer
