Category Archives: 2024

2024, Cats, community cats, kitten season, kittens

We all need to do our part to control the cat population

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Orphaned stray kittens, like Tang, are vulnerable to upper respiratory infections, which can do irreparable damage to their eyes. Treated when he arrived at the shelter, the vet staff saved one of Tang’s eyes and he was adopted to a loving home.
26
Jul

We are in the middle of our most challenging kitten season since the Covid pandemic hit in 2020. This year’s stream of stray kittens into the Aiken County Animal Shelter began in May and turned into a flood of baby felines that shows no signs of subsiding.

Kitten season is an annual occurrence, starting in May, peaking in July and August, and usually ending by autumn. Cats mate at a high rate during the warmer months, resulting in the greater influx of kittens.

During this time, it takes teamwork and dedication to save and rehome as many kittens as possible. Of course, the best way to avoid this surge of kittens is to spay/neuter cats before they can reproduce.

This year, the surge of kittens (and mama cats) has been more relentless than usual.
This year, the surge of kittens (and mama cats) has been more relentless than usual.

Pet owners need to spay/neuter their cats or we will never solve the overpopulation problem. Female kittens are old enough to have their own kittens at four months old, so it’s important to get them fixed as soon as possible. The County has a voucher program for citizens in financial need that greatly reduces the cost of getting your feline fixed at participating veterinarian offices and hospitals. If you live in Aiken County, vouchers are distributed to qualified citizens at the Aiken County Government Building.

For County citizens who have feral cats on or around their property, the Aiken County/FOTAS TNR program (Trap/Neuter/Return) is available free of charge. This is a humane population management plan where outdoor cats are trapped, checked by a veterinarian, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, ear-tipped to identify them as sterilized and returned to their territory, where they continue to thrive on their own. In 2023, more than 1,300 community cats were fixed through this TNR program. Please contact the shelter or email info@fotasaiken.org for more information.

Other ways to help:
– Adopt from the shelter: All of the County Animal Shelter’s cats/kittens for adoption are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped – and there is just a $10.00 fee to adopt them.

– Sign up to foster kittens. It’s fun and saves lives. Not all kittens in need are bottle babies – some just need care and socialization until they are old enough to be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and placed for adoption. Our staff will provide direction, support and tools (such as kitten kits) to help you.

– Donate kitten care supplies to FOTAS. The County Shelter needs kitten formula, warmers, feeding bottles, litter, wet kitten food and other items for our kitten kits.

– Don’t pick up stray kittens unless they are sick, injured or their mother is no longer around to care for them. Their best chance for survival is with their mother and her nutrient-filled milk.

Kitten season is always challenging. But if we work together, we can save many more lives, reduce suffering and stop the flood of felines.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2024, Adoption, Pick Me!

National Pick Me! SC adoption event starts today at County Shelter

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Lucy is one of the smartest dogs at the shelter and she gets along well with other dogs.
19
Jul

It’s been a cruel summer so far this year, with the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) taking in more than 535 animals since June 1. That total doesn’t even include the 129 cats fixed through the TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) program during this period.

The timing couldn’t be better for FOTAS and the ACAS to participate in Pick Me! SC, an adoption event that includes more than 50 shelters, rescue organizations, and Petco locations across the state uniting to save homeless animals. 

During Pick Me! SC, which starts today and continues through next Saturday, July 27, the adoption fees for adult dogs will be waived ($0), puppies are $35, and cats/kittens are just $10. The goal this year is to adopt out at least 2,000 homeless pets across the state. 

This is Pick Me! SC’s sixth statewide adoption campaign and cumulatively, 10,000 animals in the Palmetto State have been saved and rehomed through the effort. With so many participating organizations, this state-wide adoption effort is the largest of its kind in the United States.

“Shelters such as ours face their greatest challenges during the summer, and our mission is to find as many dogs and cats safe, loving homes as possible,” said ACAS Manager Bobby Arthurs. 

The County Animal shelter is crowded with outstanding dogs and cats who will make wonderful family pets, including:

Penny arrived at the shelter as a stray, but her excellent behavior indicates she had a good home at one time.
Penny arrived at the shelter as a stray, but her excellent behavior indicates she had a good home at one time.

Penny: This brown and tan cutie greets everyone who comes to her kennel. Penny is 5 years old, 53 pounds and excels in playgroup. She arrived at the shelter as a stray, but her good behavior indicates she had a good home at one time.

Lucy: Two-year-old, 42-pound, tan & white, Collie mix Lucy is one of the nicest, most easygoing dogs available at the County Shelter. This sweet girl is wonderful with other dogs and walks well on a leash.

Tippi is hoping to find a loving home during the County Shelter’s participation in Pick Me! SC
Tippi is hoping to find a loving home during the County Shelter’s participation in Pick Me! SC

Tippi: Beautiful, 2-year-old, 8-pound, Tiger Tabby Tippi nurtured her kittens until they were old enough for adoption. Now, it’s her turn to find a loving home.

 

 

Lil Man: Petite German Shepherd Lil Man is as sweet as they come and likes to play with other dogs. Three years old and just 41 pounds, this wonderful boy is a staff favorite.

Lil Man is a loving, sweet, petite German Shepherd who needs a good home.
Lil Man is a loving, sweet, petite German Shepherd who needs a good home.

Pearl: One-year-old, white & black Pearl is about 35 pounds and loves to play with other dogs. This mixed breed darling arrived at the County Shelter as a stray but is extremely social.

“It is heartbreaking to see so many sweet, wonderful dogs and cats end up here at the shelter through no fault of their own,” said FOTAS President Jennifer Miller. “But we are excited to participate in Pick Me! SC again this summer because it gives us the opportunity to reduce and even waive adoption fees during this challenging time.”

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

 

2024, Adoption, Training

The importance of training and teaching pets good manners

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Badger is just one year old and very playful, but he’s learning to be a gentleman.
20
Jun

I have always taught my son that manners will get you everywhere in this world.

That is why we stress the importance of teaching your pet manners. So many dogs are surrendered to animal shelters for being too high energy or undisciplined.

If we don’t teach our children manners they are disliked, frustrated, angry… it just causes a lot of issues! A little ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ goes a long way!

So why is it different for your puppy or dog? Why is it ok to dump your dog off at a loud, crowded shelter because you didn’t invest the time, care and tools to help train your furry friend?

Okay, I do understand the power of frustration. I had a dog that had a taste for flip flops. Not all flip flops, just the right one from each pair. I had ten black left flip flops at one time. Now, I could have surrendered my dog, but I didn’t (at times I wanted to). Instead, I taught her what toys were appropriate by rewarding her, and got a little better at putting away my shoes. She is now my best friend and brings me more happiness than I can ever say.

Manners can be taught
When adopting a pet, you have to know there will be some bumps in the road. Once you get over those bumps it’s so rewarding and nothing beats coming home to a snuggly, well-trained pup.

Poor Badger was brought to us for having too much energy. But he just needed more exercise and training. He is so good now! He sits patiently in his kennel trying to be the best little gentleman; he just needs some love and attention. A one-year-old dog is still in the puppy stages.

Big Broski is one of the sweetest dogs at the Aiken County Animal Shelter.
Big Broski is one of the sweetest dogs at the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

Sweet Broski is a handsome mixed breed who was destined to be an only pet because he didn’t seem to like other dogs. But we discovered that although male dogs intimidate him, he plays well with most female canines. If he doesn’t follow gentle play etiquette, staff or the other dogs correct him. Broski is now not only great with people, but he’s on his best behavior with his female peers.

We provide training support to adopters
I do hope when you look for your next pet you will consider coming to the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Our dogs go through basic training with our volunteers, and they want so badly to please!

We are there to support our adopters and their new best friends. We even have the support of a local trainer, Karen DeCamp, who offers a free training session at the shelter with your newly adopted dog.

Recently surrendered dogs such as Leah, Bandit, Kodac and Jack are just some of the dogs that are wondering why they’re here and questioning what they did wrong. Moving, health of owner and unwanted are the reasons they were brought in. These surrenders sit in the corner of their kennels, they spin in circles, they don’t understand. Don’t you want to be a hero? Be theirs.

Their lives are in our hands.

JUNE SPECIAL: All dogs and cats over one year of age are free of charge at the Aiken County Animal Shelter this month!

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2024, Adoption, Purebred, surrendered pets

With so many top pets at the ACAS, now is the time to adopt and save a life

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Chocolate colored retriever mix Chip is ready to go home with you.
19
Jun

We have been seeing many signs around town recently, “German Shepherd Puppies for Sale,” “Labrador Retriever Puppies for Sale,” and from our perspective it’s just sad. We have so many AMAZING shepherds, huskies, labs, Chihuahuas, beagles and more at the shelter right now.

Do people purchase these dogs as puppies from breeders and surrender them once they realize too late that the breed isn’t right for their household? Probably.

So, let’s just look at the amazing dogs we have at the Aiken County Animal Shelter and what their breeds are known for:

Petite husky Nova is not only beautiful, but also loves playing with other dogs.
Petite husky Nova is not only beautiful, but also loves playing with other dogs.

Sierra and Nova are two of the many huskies we have received lately. We had four huskies brought in last week. These dogs are wonderful, smart and are known for being explorers. They are sweet and lovable dogs, but they are known to be working dogs. Now you don’t need a sled to pull, but they do need training, exercise and mental stimulation.

The shelter takes in countless Chihuahuas, and they make amazing companions! Many people needing service dogs want Chihuahuas because they bond so quickly and like to be close. They are very protective of their families and their home so not always best for an active home with children running around. But again, that depends on each dog.

Shepherd Chamoy is stunning, smart and playful, yet she arrived at the County Animal Shelter as a stray.
Shepherd Chamoy is stunning, smart and playful, yet she arrived at the County Animal Shelter as a stray.

Check out our shepherds; lately, they just keep pouring in! Chamoy is incredible! When she arrived, we noticed right away that she knew commands such as “sit,” “shake” and “stay.” She is super smart, stunning but was found as a stray. This is happening more and more. Record numbers of gorgeous young German Shepherds are coming to the shelter as stray dogs. If you want a German Shepherd, do your research on the breed before you get them – and please don’t purchase a puppy. Adopt from a shelter and save a life.

Recently there was a tent on Whiskey Road selling Labrador retriever pups. Seeing this is heartbreaking as we walk by sweet dogs like Chip. This chocolate-colored, housetrained, sweet boy is sitting waiting for a home. He is stellar with other dogs and home ready!

Puppies, Puppies, Puppies. If you want a puppy, you won’t get a better deal than ours. Thirty-five dollars for a puppy with a microchip, spayed/neutered and vaccinated. We have so many right now! Brown, black, white…big, small…all CUTE!

The bottom line is this: we are full and have just about every kind of dog to fit your needs and lifestyle. Please adopt, don’t shop. Do not encourage breeders when the County Shelter has more than 4,000 homeless animals coming through the shelter each year.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

By the Numbers: The Aiken County Animal Shelter took in 127 stray and surrendered animals from June 1 to 12. The shelter is over capacity and in desperate need of fosters and adopters.

2024, fostering, kitten season, kittens

The Joy of Fostering Kittens and Cats

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
FOTAS volunteer Miranda Paton holds a “bouquet” of foster kittens.
19
Jun

If you love animals and want a joyful way to do some good, the FOTAS Foster Program at the Aiken County Animal Shelter is tailor-made for you. With the 2024 Kitten and Puppy Season in full swing, let’s take a deep dive into the foster experience.

It’s saying hello, not goodbye
I have been fostering shelter cats for 10 years; some 120 kittens and cats have come through my home on their way to their permanent families. When I tell people that I foster kittens, I see their eyes light up at the prospect of having a bounding litter of kittens in their home to love. But they say “Oh, I couldn’t foster because I couldn’t give them up at the end.”

I see fostering from another angle — I am showing these babies that they can find love and trust in being a pet. One untamed kitten or scared cat at a time, I make a good little “kitty-zen” who will charm their way into a wonderful, lifetime home. By raising up nice babies and allowing them to go on to their forever homes, I can multiply the difference I make for cats. There’s nothing else like it!

What is involved in fostering?
Fostering kittens and cats means keeping them in a home environment while they grow up or recover from an injury and can return to the shelter for adoption. What cats and kittens need differs a bit. Kittens arrive at the shelter with various levels of need and maturity. The easiest foster case is actually a full “cat family” — an attentive mother cat and her newborn kittens. Just feed her, give her a safe, quiet place to raise her babies, and momma cat will do the rest. Other foster families take in litters that have been found outside alone, but are old enough to eat and use the litter box on their own. Those fosters who can do the intensive neonatal care for unweaned kittens, the so-called “bottle babies,” are worth their weight in gold. These dedicated cat carers nurse these neediest, nugget-sized kitties along, providing intensive care for them. My personal favorites are the scared adult cats who find their way to the shelter. I give them some good, old-fashioned R and R — a little respite from the busy shelter environment– with the hopes that they can regain their faith in people and find their next special person.

Foster Support
The shelter provides all needed supplies, food and veterinary care for fosters during business hours. Feline foster coordinator Hillary Clark-Kulis does a superb job of supporting fosters with troubleshooting; educating them about how to keep a kitten healthy; and helping them identifying and treating any potential medical issues. I have learned so much in the FOTAS Foster Program, and I have been able to do a better job evaluating the health of kittens as well as my own adult cats.

Cats are rewarding, easy-keeping pets and there is a style of fostering for everyone who wants to experience the joy of putting a kitten or cat on the road to a loving, permanent home. I invite anyone who is at all interested to give fostering a try this summer. The shelter has so many kittens in need.

Their lives are in our hands.

by Miranda Paton, FOTAS Volunteer

2024, Dog Ears Reading Program, Doggie Day Out, Foster, SOCIAL MEDIA, Volunteer

A Little One-on-One Time Goes a Long Way

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Sweet Retriever mix Marigold enjoys hearing a story read by a Gloverville Elementary student.
16
May

The shelter is as always, busy! So many dogs and puppies are coming in and it’s a constant battle to keep up.

The noise level is high from barking, kennel doors closing, metal food bowls clanging, and the constant cleaning.

Recently, at one of our Dog Ears sessions we had one of those “goosebump moments.” Dog Ears is a reading program that we offer once a month to young people who want to read to a shelter dog.

Our last session was with the Gloverville Elementary Beta Club. These students hold a donation drive every year for the shelter. We go to the school to meet the kids and thank them. This is always followed by the group visiting the shelter to read to the dogs.

This particular Saturday was extremely loud and the dogs were very excitable. In all honesty, I was really worried that it was going to be too overwhelming for the students.

Within minutes of the students sitting down and reading, the most amazing thing happened. The kennels went completely quiet. The dogs began laying down, looking at the children and by the time the session was over, almost all were fast asleep. I think all the leaders had tears in our eyes, it was the most special experience.

Watching the peace that came over these poor dogs trapped in kennels, homeless, tired and stressed, was really emotional. These kids gave the dogs a gift. The gift of love and attention.

The shelter has many programs that can give dogs this type of peace.

Each month, FOTAS hosts Dog Ears Reading events. Please email us if your child would like to read to the pets. It is a quick half-hour reading session followed by hands on time and a short lesson about the shelter. Our next session is Saturday, June 15. Space is limited, so please email to reserve your spot (info@fotasaiken.org).

We also offer Doggy Days Out. This can be as simple as calling the shelter and taking a dog to the park for an hour or downtown for an afternoon. Watching a shelter dog decompress in the backseat of your car is pretty rewarding. It’s like a vacation for them to go for a car ride and see/smell new things. When they return, they are happier, more relaxed and more adoptable.

If you would like to come and spend time with pets at the shelter, all you have to do is email us and we will set you up with a training session so you can come and go as you please.

It doesn’t take a lot of time to help a homeless pet. Even just an hour of one-on-one time can be life changing for a shelter dog or cat. If you have no free time and you want to help, please share our posts on Facebook and Instagram. The majority of our adoptions come from social media. All you have to do is share.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2024, abandoned animals, Adoption, animal abuse, ANIMAL CRUELTY, County Animal Control

Abused and neglected pets deserve so much better

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
When Fergie arrived at the shelter, her right hind leg had severe nerve damage and her back had what looked like chemical burns.
02
May

The Aiken County Animal Shelter continues to see too many cases of animal abandonment, neglect and abuse. It is heartbreaking to see innocent dogs and cats suffer because their owners didn’t protect them or became their tormentors. Surprisingly, most of these pets still love and cherish humans, despite the harm done to them.

In fact, a petite, 5-year-old German Shepherd found on the side of a road, locked in an old beat-up crate, just got adopted to a loving home. This beautiful dog was starved nearly to death, yet she is already bonding with her new owner and looking forward to a wonderful life.

Here are some more sweet animals at the shelter ready to give unconditional love to their adopters:

Fergie is a large, 3-year-old Staffordshire Terrier mix who was rescued by a County Animal Code Enforcement officer and brought in as a stray. She had a severe limp due to nerve damage from an old injury that was never given medical treatment. Due to the extensive damage and pain Fergie was in, her rear right leg had to be amputated. Fergie has what looks like chemical burns on her back and sides, and is suffering from demodectic mange. She’s getting used to walking without the leg and her fur is starting to grow back in. Fergie is sweet and has been extremely patient under the circumstances. We think she will make a fantastic pet, ready to give lots of love.

Little Girl’s rear left leg was rotting when she was seized from her owner.
Little Girl’s rear left leg was rotting when she was seized from her owner.

Little Girl is a 3-year-old, gray and white Tabby whose hind left leg was rotting from gangrene when she was seized from her owner. Her leg was wrapped in tape but she was never seen by a veterinarian or given proper medical care. The County Animal Code Enforcement officer noted that the necrotic leg was hard and shrunken – and emitted a strong odor. Once Little Girl arrived at the shelter, her leg was amputated and she is recovering well. This sweet cat gets around fine on three legs and is ready to start a new, better life.

Poor Petey’s back fur is growing back after being ravaged by fleas.
Poor Petey’s back fur is growing back after being ravaged by fleas.

Petey is senior dog who arrived with severe flea damage to his torso and backside. He was microchipped, but when we tried to contact his owner, the phone number was no longer valid. Poor Petey was either abandoned or given to another person and escaped as a stray. This 7-year-old, 64-pound, white and black mixed breed loves visitors to his kennel and is a star in our playgroup sessions. He especially likes female dogs. Petey will make a wonderful family pet.

Empty the Shelters adoption event
We are currently participating in Bissell Pet Foundation’s two-week Empty the Shelters National Adoption Event. Through May 15, all pet adoption fees are being waived! Don’t miss this opportunity to adopt a wonderful, furry companion from the Aiken County Animal Shelter, 333 Wire Road. The shelter is overcrowded with wonderful pets who need loving homes. For more information, visit fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2024, adopter feedback

Homeless pets find lifetime companions and forever families

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Emry loves lizards and his new family.
26
Apr

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.

Scotty thinks he’s a lap dog.
Scotty thinks he’s a lap dog.

Sweet Retriever mix Scotty thinks he’s a lap dog
Scotty, now named Beau, is doing wonderfully! He is such a good boy. I think that he thinks he is a small lap dog as he has sat on my lap for TV time two nights in a row. We love him and have already discussed training classes for him. He just hasn’t been given a chance. It’s not his fault that he doesn’t know certain things.
Fred Kidd

Emry loves lizards and his new family.
Emry loves lizards and his new family.

Cute Emry hates baths, loves chasing lizards
Things are going great with Sven! We changed his name to Emry and he’s learned it in no time. He’s a little excited around other dogs sometimes, but overall, he’s great. We feed him the kibble y’all recommended daily. But I also make him some chicken and rice, or fresh dog-friendly veggies and fruits. He’s not a fan of baths, but he loves chasing our front yard lizards, rain or shine. Thanks for adding him to our family!
Anna & David Kay

Pretty Del shines during obedience training.
Pretty Del shines during obedience training.

Great Pyrenees mix Del is gentle and loving
Del is so gentle and loving, and she shines at obedience training. We’ve gotten her up to about 96 pounds with athletic formula food. She’s fit but still lean. She’ll roam the pasture for hours, if given the chance. She’s good around the horses and our other dog. We absolutely love her and are grateful to have her in our lives.
Doug Linscott

Binx loves his new Yorkie brother.
Binx loves his new Yorkie brother.

Kitten Binx is loved and spoiled
Binx is absolutely wonderful. He has a BIG appetite and loves his toy bird that chirps. His favorite friend is our Yorkie. He immediately bonded with him, and they are officially a pair. Binx is extremely playful and adapted quickly. He was meant for our family.
Angela Hart

Blossom is doing great in her new home.
Blossom is doing great in her new home.

Senior Beagle Blossom enjoys car rides to Petco
Blossom is doing well. She eats and plays well with other dogs. I’m very happy I picked her. She has grown very attached to me and loves to go for rides in the car to Petco. Thank you to everyone who helped me adopt her.
Lourdes Rodriguez

Pretty Zyla is pretty perfect

Zyla and her new best friend.
Zyla and her new best friend.

Zyla is doing amazing. We are so lucky to have her. She’s really come out of her shell, and is such a happy girl! She learned to use the doggy door after a week. She and our daughter have so much fun playing together. She loves going on walks (we have lots of wooded trails) and has picked her favorite spot by the pool already to sunbathe. She gets along so well with our other dog, Tonka. We really couldn’t have asked for a better dog. She’s pretty perfect.
Jessica Warmath

There are many more wonderful homeless pets at the County Shelter who need a second chance for a good life. Please go to fotasaiken.org to see them or stop by and visit them at 333 Wire Road. Dogs and pups are $35, while cats and kittens are only $10.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

 

 

2024, Adoption, FIV positive felines

A trio of fantastic felines

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Shy Sabrina just needs an adopter with patience and a love for cats.
25
Apr

The Aiken County Animal Shelter has three wonderful indoor-only cats available for adoption – Sabrina, Tom and Yoda – who can’t seem to catch a break.

Sabrina is a velvet black, long-haired cat who loves to be petted but gets scared when you pick her up. This sweet and gentle 3-year-old, 7-pound kitty was brought to the shelter in January because her owner’s landlord changed their policy and no longer allowed pets. Poor Sabrina was terrified and confused when she got here, yet still accepted and enjoyed the attention she received from staff and volunteers. She found a home almost immediately but was returned after a short time because her adopter thought she was hiding under the bed too much. Now two months later, Sabrina is still looking for her forever home.

FIV positive cat Tom is hoping to be adopted soon.
FIV positive cat Tom is hoping to be adopted soon.

Tom is a 4-year-old, 12-pound, gray and white tomcat who arrived at the County Shelter in February as a stray. He is friendly and affectionate but can get a little feisty when he gets overstimulated. Since being moved from his lobby kennel to our indoor/outdoor cat facility, he’s been more lovey-dovey and much happier. Tom deserves a wonderful home with an adopter who knows and loves cats.

FIV positive cat Yoda is hoping to be adopted soon.
FIV positive cat Yoda is hoping to be adopted soon.

Yoda is an 8-pound, light gray and white Tabby who’s cuddly and outgoing. This skinny guy arrived at the shelter in January 2023 as an injured stray. His ears were ravaged by ear mites and he had an open wound on his right ear that had to be surgically repaired. He was adopted and had a real home for a while, but was returned when his adopter moved. Now, cutie Yoda is back at the shelter, waiting for his luck to improve.

One reason Tom and Yoda are still looking for homes might be because they both are FIV positive (FIV+). FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, a condition that weakens a cat’s immune system. Misconceptions about the disease persist, but here are the facts:

  • FIV is not as highly contagious as experts once thought. It can only be transmitted to cats through blood transfusions or deep bite wounds. Cats cannot get FIV through casual contact with an FIV + cat. Saliva does not transmit FIV.
  • Most FIV+ cats live long, healthy lives, and many never show any symptoms of the virus. Cats with FIV just need to be kept indoors and fed a balanced, nutritionally complete diet. With proper vet care, FIV+ cats can live as long as their indoor counterparts (13-18 years), and much longer than cats who live outdoors (3-8 years).
    FIV is a species-specific disease. It cannot be transmitted to humans or any other animal.

Despite these reassuring facts, FIV positive cats, like Tom and Yoda, continue to be passed over by potential adopters. However, these loving felines can bring great joy and companionship to the lucky people who adopt them.

If you’re looking to adopt a feline companion, please come see Sabrina, Tom and Yoda. Great news: their adoption fees have all been sponsored! The Aiken County Animal Shelter is located at 333 Wire Road and open Monday through Saturday. For more information, visit fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2024, Adoption, Dogs

County Shelter has dogs of various breeds and personalities

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Mia
04
Apr

If you are looking for a canine companion, the Aiken County Animal Shelter has a great variety of dogs looking for loving homes. There are strays and surrendered dogs of many different breeds, sizes, colors, shapes and personalities waiting for a path to a better life.

When people visit the County Shelter, they often are surprised to see so many wonderful candidates available for adoption. They are shocked that some of our best looking and well-behaved dogs are strays that nobody came to claim as their own.

“This dog can’t be a stray,” they’ll comment. “How could someone let a dog like this get away?”

Good question. But the reason is simple. Most of the dogs we receive at the shelter did nothing wrong. In the case of strays, their owners either lost track of them or abandoned them. These dogs didn’t end up here because they weren’t pretty enough or couldn’t sit on command. Their owners were having difficulties or exhibiting bad behavior. Not them.

In the case of surrendered pets, these pups are often just victims of circumstance. Their owners suddenly face financial troubles, personal issues, medical obstacles or housing problems. Wonderful pets also are surrendered to the County when their owners pass away.

Top dogs available for adoption
The Shelter currently has a number of outstanding dogs available for adoption, including:

German Shepherd Mia: Friendly German Shepherd Mia is new to the County Animal Shelter, so she is still adjusting to her new surroundings. However, she is doing well and slowly getting to know the staff and volunteers. Mia is one year old, 52 pounds and was brought in as a starving stray.

Chihuahua Chule: Two-year-old, 16-pound Chule is a handsome devil and extremely sweet. He was found as a stray but loves the staff. This boy has a shiny black coat with white markings.

Retriever Heath: Sweet, handsome Heath is 4 years old, 50 pounds and super athletic. The poor guy was found abandoned. Someone tied him to a stop sign and left him. However, he is ready to find a loving forever home. Easily the smartest dog on the adoption floor, Heath is a dog who likes to stay busy and active.

Retriever puppies Don, Prancer and Dasher: These adorable, 3-month-old siblings are black with white markings. They’re about 15 pounds now, so they will be at least 50 pounds when full grown.

German Shorthaired Pointer Martha: This 7-year-old, 63-pound doggo is incredibly sweet and sociable. She’s had a hard life but adores people and gets along with friendly dogs. She walks nicely on a leash and has a soft, tri-color coat.

The County Shelter also has a wonderful Retriever named Enzo; Presley, an awesome Coon Hound; and Macklyn, a handsome brindle Shepherd mix.

Our staff can help you find your match

Our adoption counselors will help you find the right dog for your wants and needs. You don’t need to make an appointment. Just stop by! Dogs and puppies are $35, cats and kittens just $10. All of our adoptable pets are vaccinated, microchipped & fixed. The Aiken County Animal Shelter’s hours are 11:00 to 5:00 Mon. through Fri., 11:00-4:30 on Sat. and closed Sun.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director