We are always talking about how full we are at the Aiken County Animal Shelter, but now things are a little different.

We are fortunate to work with out-of-state rescue partners in areas of the country that have traditionally been able to help us when our shelter is full. The sad thing is that some of those areas that haven’t struggled with pet overpopulation the way we have are now finding themselves full, too, with more owner-surrendered pets.

That means fewer places for our pets to go.

I went to a middle school last week to talk about why so many people are trying to rehome their pets. The kids knew the answer immediately—everything is expensive right now!

Groceries are high. Fuel costs are high. Veterinary care can be expensive. For some families, it’s difficult enough just to buy groceries and pay the bills.

So, how can our community help?

Adopt. Foster. Donate.

I know, I know…it sounds so simple.

But today we have no open kennels. Where are we going to put the new pets that arrive?

We have no place.

That’s why we are asking our community to help in another way, too.

If you are considering rehoming your pet, maybe reach out for help first. We want the Aiken County Animal Shelter to be a resource, not a destination.

Maybe you need help finding a new home for your pet. We have programs that can help.

Maybe you are struggling with a behavior problem and just need to talk with a trainer.

If you don’t have money for pet food this month, contact us through fotasaiken.org. We may be able to help.

If you have to travel and can’t afford boarding, maybe a family member, friend or neighbor can stay with your pets—and you can return the favor the next time they need help.

Sometimes a temporary problem doesn’t have to mean permanently giving up a pet.

And if you are in a position to help someone else keep their pet, please do. Donate pet food. Help a neighbor with a vet bill if you can. Watch a friend’s dog. Share a pet that needs a new home.

And, of course, if there is room in your home and your life, come adopt or foster one of ours.

Right now, every kennel matters.

Our shelter may be full, but thankfully, our community is much bigger than our shelter.

And that’s where we need your help.

Their lives are in our hands.
By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

Number one: Forgiveness.
Take Tug, for example. He was surrendered with several other dogs. Tug had an old fracture that had healed incorrectly and was causing him pain. We amputated his leg, and the very next day he was walking, kissing us and had completely moved on from the painful experience.

Wouldn’t it be great if we lived each day like it was the best new day? What if we could let go of what happened in the past and simply move forward with positivity?

Dogs seem to know how to do that.

Number two: It’s not always about us.
Dogs give love so completely that sometimes it seems as though their happiness comes from making us happy.

Bruno is a fluffy red dog who was surrendered to us with barely any fur and clearly hadn’t had the best life before coming to the shelter. Yet all he wants is to sit on your lap!

He will wiggle over, barely making eye contact, and sit as close to you—or directly on you—as possible, seemingly just hoping to give you comfort and love. It is the sweetest thing ever.

Most of our dogs simply want to make us happy, and that is part of what brings our volunteers back every day. It is incredibly rewarding—and maybe even a little selfish sometimes—because of how much love we receive from animals who have so much love left to give.

Number three: Get over it!
Dogs don’t care if we drive the best cars. They don’t care if we are a little heavier than we used to be. They don’t care if they get steak for dinner.

Dogs just want love.

They don’t need top-of-the-line everything. There are so many ads right now telling us that dogs need refrigerated food, orthopedic beds, supplements and all sorts of other things. Those things are wonderful, and I’m sure dogs appreciate them.

But our shelter dogs are living in kennels.

What they really want is someone to hug them, feed them—kibble is just fine!—and give them a soft place to lie down. A blanket, sofa, bed or your lap are all perfectly acceptable options.

Maybe we humans could stand to simplify things a little, too.

Number four: Don’t judge.
Dogs don’t care if we smell after a run. They don’t care if we’ve had a bad day and don’t feel like talking. They don’t care what we look like, what we own or what kind of day we’re having.

They just love us for who we are.

We can learn a lot from dogs.

If you haven’t experienced the nonjudgmental, unconditional, joyful and endearing love of a dog, you are missing out.

Come volunteer with us. Email info@fotasaiken.org. 

Adopt from us at the Aiken County Animal Shelter, 333 Wire Rd., Aiken, SC.

Whatever you do, get some of that dog love.

You won’t regret it.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

I was a little shell shocked but ready to meet new people and make new friends. For the first several months I was getting to know Aiken and meeting lots of people but feeling I wasn’t “connecting” and began missing my longtime friendships back in Virginia. As time passed, I had the horrible feeling that we made the wrong choice and even asked my husband if he would consider going back. His answer was a hard “No!” He liked the mild weather, enjoyed playing golf and was falling in love with pickleball.

I began reading the Aiken Standard intently looking for articles about local organizations where I could contribute my time and in October 2023 there was an article that caught my eye. The article was about an organization, FOTAS, desperately looking for people to volunteer to walk dogs at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. I thought to myself, “I can walk a dog and maybe there will be other people there walking dogs. And people who care about animals are really good people.” 

So I signed myself and my husband up for the dog walking training. We began walking dogs which I loved more than I realized. The dogs needed the walks and the social connection as much as I did. And then I began to meet people. A wide range of people. Some older, some younger but all were people that I began to look forward to seeing when I went in to volunteer. And then I began to expand that volunteer experience at the shelter where I felt I could help: Doggie Day Outs, short term Fostering, taking a dog to an event, and Play Group support. 

It has been a life changing three years since I saw that article. I am grateful for all the people I have come to know who share their experience, time, a good laugh and give me new perspectives to consider.  I’ve come to realize that every single person at Aiken County Animal Shelter is a valuable asset. Every member of the staff. Every member and volunteer of FOTAS. Every person who donates. All of us are people who care deeply about the animals who come into the shelter. All of us are working towards improving the lives of each animal and making a better future for them while they are in our care. I hope you’ll consider coming out to volunteer. If you do, I’ll be sure to introduce myself when I meet you on the walking trails. I’m glad we moved to Aiken, South Carolina!

Their Lives Are In Our Hands
by Amy Peterson, FOTAS Volunteer

But slowly, they thaw. Week after week, he sits quietly, offers treats, plays a little, and lets them set the pace. Before long, the same dogs who once trembled in the corner are pulling me out of their kennels and trotting happily to Buddy’s room, tails wagging like little metronomes keeping time with their excitement. They know it’s Buddy Time, and they’re all in.

And here’s the sweetest part: Buddy gets just as much joy from these moments as the animals do. Loving a cat or dog — and being loved back — is a happiness that knows no limits. Those four to six hours he spends at the shelter each week? They’re his favorite hours of all.

Like Champ. He was a challenge even getting through a door, and now look at him — sitting on the couch getting loves.

Or his best friend, Fred. Fred wants nothing more in the world than a lap to cuddle up on, and as you can see, he is in his happy place, too.

If you’re someone who loves cats or dogs and has a few hours to spare, I hope you’ll consider joining him. Just reach out to the Aiken County Animal Shelter at info@fotas.com to ask about volunteering. I promise you won’t regret it.

I hope to see you there — maybe during Buddy Time.

To volunteer with FOTAS please email us at fotasaiken.org.

Their Lives Are In Our Hands.

by Letty Dempsey, FOTAS volunteer

Frank came to the Aiken County Animal Shelter early this summer with burns on his back.  We posted him on Facebook – a video showing how sweet he is.  Luckily that was viewed by his new amazing adopters!  We had to share this heartwarming pup-date!

Frank started settling in from day 1. He is so good natured and has made some friends in the neighborhood. He is very smart and treat driven which helps with training. He quickly found his toy box and loves to lean into us while relaxing on the couch. We have a large fenced back yard and he has been zooming, digging, rolling in the grass, and is fascinated with the neighbors cat and the dogs who live behind us. He loves his walks through the neighborhood and we have taken him to explore Charlestowne Landing and the new Old Towne Creek County Park which are both within 2 miles of our house. He’ll become a regular there.

He rarely barks, but gets so excited before breakfast and dinner that he gives us a “woo woo woooo” which is very cute. He does great in his kennel if we have to leave the house for any reason. From day 1, he sleeps through the night and only gets up if we do.

Susan had her eye on Frank from the first day that she saw FOTAS’s post about him and having been burned. Our last rescue, Clover, had a horrible life before we adopted her and we spoiled her. As we just lost Clover on June 5th, Susan knew that Clover would want us to do the same thing for another dog in a similar position. Fearing that his scar might prevent him from being adopted, Susan wanted Frank from day 1 and after meeting him, we knew that he’d be a great addition. I’m attaching some recent pix and we are happy to keep them coming! We also just swabbed his cheek and are excited to see what he’s made of! Ha!

Thanks again for reaching out and for all that you all do for the animals. We were so impressed with ACAS and its staff.”

Paul Fleming and Susan Fox, Frank’s Adopters and Best Friends

For me, FOTAS is more than an organization. It is a lifeline of compassion, hope, and second chances. Every animal who enters the Shelter comes from a hard beginning, but with the help of FOTAS, they receive kindness, healing, and a soft place to land.

Every day shelter staff, and the FOTAS team work tirelessly to find the perfect home for each animal in their care. Their mission goes beyond sheltering—it’s about loving, restoring trust, and making sure every soul gets the chance it deserves. Whether arranging transports to out-of-state rescues or connecting with shelters to relieve overcrowding, especially during “baby season,” their dedication is nothing short of extraordinary.

If financial hardships ever make caring for a pet difficult, the Shelter’s animal food bank is open to anyone in need. This lifeline doesn’t just provide food—it keeps families together. They help people find programs that allow them to keep their beloved companions, ensuring no one has to say goodbye due to tough times.

The medical team at the Shelter performs miracles daily. No matter how dire an animal’s condition, they fight for every life. I know this firsthand—my hospice dog, Allie, arrived with a collar embedded in her neck and was discovered to have cancer during surgery. The team removed her tumors and provided exceptional aftercare. Today, Allie looks and feels as good as new, a living testament to their devotion and skill.

And then there are the volunteers—the heartbeat of the Shelter. These warrior souls walk dogs, bathe them, sit quietly to offer comfort, and often provide the very first kindness an animal has ever known. It is a blessing to witness how dogs and cats blossom with just a little affection. Animals who once knew fear and hardship transform into joyful companions, returning our love a hundred times over.  If you feel called to lend even a few hours a week, please email info@fotasaiken.org.  They can answer all your questions you have about opportunities available.  My time there has truly been life-changing.

FOTAS’s impact spreads far beyond the Shelter walls. Their school outreach programs teach children empathy and responsible pet care. Reading groups help shy animals connect with young readers. “Doggy Day Out” adventures give shelter dogs a chance to enjoy the world. Fosters take in injured or ill animals, giving them safety and comfort while they heal. Every program ripples through our community with compassion and purpose.

The adoption team works tirelessly to match people with pets who fit their lifestyle and bring joy into their homes. Their insight helps create forever families and opens space for new animals to be saved.

To witness the work of the staff and volunteers is to witness the best of humanity. They are warriors—fighting for every life, every family, every moment of hope. Their love is an extraordinary blessing to our community, and the animals they save give that blessing right back in ways words can scarcely describe.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and perhaps for adding the Shelter to your prayers. Our community—and our animals—are better because of FOTAS.

by Letty Dempsey, FOTAS Volunteer

Recently, we’ve received quite a few negative comments about the fee-waived adoption events we participate in. These events are held nationwide through organizations that recognize a growing problem—animal shelters everywhere are full.

Because we want pet ownership to be more accessible.

Bringing home a new pet is exciting, but it also comes with expenses. New families need food, collars, leashes, toys, crates, beds, heartworm prevention, flea and tick medication, and veterinary care. Waiving an adoption fee allows people to put those dollars toward the things that will help their new companion thrive.

Meanwhile, shelters are not slowing down. As our community grows, so do the number of animals needing homes. Rising grocery prices, fuel costs, pet fees for renters, and increasing veterinary expenses have all contributed to more pets entering shelters across the country.

We believe adoption should be a joyful, affordable way for families to welcome a new pet into their lives.

Too many people still purchase pets without ever visiting their local shelter. Yet our dogs and cats are already spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and ready to become someone’s best friend. If we can create a welcoming, judgment-free, affordable adoption experience, we can save more lives.

At Saturday’s Clear the Shelter event, we were reminded why these events matter.

We met families who had adopted from us before and couldn’t wait to do it again. We met first-time adopters who were excited to bring home their first pet. We met people who simply said, “We just want to save a life.”

Every one of them shared something in common.

They were kind.

They waited patiently while staff and volunteers introduced them to pets. They asked thoughtful questions. They celebrated with us as they left with a new family member. They understood that adoption isn’t about getting a deal—it’s about giving an animal a second chance.

Sometimes the conversations on social media can make it easy to focus on the criticism. But Saturday reminded us of something much more important.

Most people are good.

Most people want to help.

And every time one of our shelter pets walks out the door with a loving family, whether the adoption fee is $35 or completely waived, the outcome is exactly the same.

A life is saved.

And that’s what matters most.

I think this version keeps your compassionate voice while addressing the criticism in a positive, persuasive way. It ends on hope instead of defense, which is often more effective with readers.

by Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

We are incredibly grateful to the volunteers, donors, foster families, rescue partners, and staff members who give so generously of their time, talents, and resources.

Many people don’t realize just how much our volunteers do. They socialize cats, clean kennels, and transport cats between the shelter and the Petsmart Adoption Center on Whiskey Road.

Others walk dogs, bathe them, or take them on Doggy Day Out adventures that provide a much-needed break from shelter life. Foster families open their homes to dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens that need extra care while they wait for permanent homes.

Some volunteers greet visitors, assist with clerical work, or even write thank-you notes to the generous people who support our mission.

We also see kindness from members of our community every day. Someone may stop by with a bag of dog food, cat litter, or blankets. Others donate a crate, collar, or pet supplies after losing a beloved companion, hoping those items will help another pet. 

Of course, none of this would be possible without our dedicated shelter staff. They clean kennels, feed and medicate animals, assist with playgroups, comfort frightened pets, and work tirelessly behind the scenes to give every animal the best possible chance at a new life.

We truly are blessed with an amazing team of helpers.

Last Saturday, Friends of the Animal Shelter hosted our annual Volunteer Ice Cream Social as a small token of appreciation for our volunteers, supporters, and shelter staff. Flanigan’s Ice Cream Truck helped make the afternoon extra special, giving us a chance to celebrate the people who keep the Aiken County Animal Shelter running with compassion, dedication, and love.

As if that wasn’t enough to celebrate, this week the Aiken County Animal Shelter received another No-Kill Award from Best Friends Animal Society for maintaining a save rate of over 90 percent.

In announcing the award, Best Friends CEO Julie Castle wrote:

“The award represents so much more than a number. It represents a culture of caring and compassion. It represents dedicated staff, committed volunteers, and motivated supporters. It represents innovative, thoughtful programming. And it represents extraordinary leadership, both within your organization and within our broader animal welfare movement.”

That award doesn’t belong to one person. It belongs to every volunteer who walks a dog, every foster who opens their home, every donor who drops off a bag of food, every adopter who says “yes,” and every staff member who shows up each day determined to save lives.

So, just as Mister Rogers encouraged us to do, look for the helpers.

At the Aiken County Animal Shelter, we are grateful to say we find them every day.

Their Lives Are In Our Hands

by Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

I’ll admit I’m a little selfish about it—I simply love spending time with different shelter dogs. Sometimes we head to the park, sometimes we just go for a drive to grab a coffee and a pup cup. Every dog is different, with their own personality, quirks, and favorite adventures. As much as I adore my own dogs, it’s so much fun getting to know another one for a day.

The best part? It truly changes their lives.

The shelter is almost always full, and with that comes a lot of noise. Kennel doors clanging, food bowls banging, squeaky toys, barking dogs, meowing kittens…it can feel like a zoo. While some dogs adjust to the constant activity, others become overwhelmed by the stress.

An hour or two away from the shelter can make a tremendous difference. Dogs return more relaxed, happier, and often much more confident. Just as importantly, these outings help us learn things about them that we would never discover inside a kennel. Does the dog enjoy riding in the car? Love children? Ignore cats? Walk nicely on a leash? Those details help us find the perfect home.

The program couldn’t be easier. It’s almost like checking out a library book!

If you’re an Aiken County resident, simply call the shelter at (803) 642-1537, ext. 3, and schedule a Doggy Day Out. We’ll match you with a dog that fits the kind of outing you have in mind.

Want to hike through Hitchcock Woods? We have a dog for that.

Prefer a quiet afternoon on the couch with Netflix? We have a dog for that, too.

Need something fun to do with the kids? Take a shelter dog to the park and make their day.

This week, a wonderful family took adoptable Henrietta out for the day, and everyone had a fantastic time. Even better, we learned so much about her that will help us find her forever home.

Jennifer Tyler shared:

“We had such an incredible time today with Henrietta as part of the Doggy Day Out program. She is truly a sweet girl and would make a perfect addition to any family. During our time together, she was exceptionally patient and loving with my two young kids, and she got along with our cat without any issues whatsoever. She was also very comfortable around my husband and other men at the park, and I was particularly impressed by how beautifully she walks on a leash.

We would have loved to adopt her ourselves if our current situation allowed for it. If Henrietta is still available next week, we would be delighted to take her out again.”

Another volunteer, Alyssa, recently took adoptable Brie out for a pup cup and a walk around town. The smile on Brie’s face said it all. For a little while, she got to forget she was living in a shelter and simply enjoy being someone’s dog.

You don’t have to adopt to make a difference.

Sometimes, giving a shelter dog just a few hours of fresh air, new smells, belly rubs, and love is exactly what they need. And who knows? You just might fall in love along the way.

Their Lives Are In Our Hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

Many will celebrate with friends and neighbors, grilling, enjoying the summer weather, and watching fireworks.

I, like many pet owners, will be soothing my dogs for hours during the firework displays.  For many pets and their owners, July 4^th can be very stressful, and July 5^th is a dreaded day for animal shelters.

Fireworks cause loud, unexpected noises that trigger intense anxiety in many animals. Pets may bolt through doors, dig under or climb fences in a desperate attempt to flee.  These behaviors are driven by fear.

What do we suggest?

• Keep your pets indoors during peak celebration hours.
• Create a safe, comfortable space for them.
• Use a television or radio to provide background noise and distraction.
• Stay close to offer comfort.
• Consider contacting your veterinarian in advance about calming medications.

The Aiken County Animal Shelter will see a significant increase in strays on July 5^th, so please make sure that your pets are microchipped and that contact information is up to date.

If you live in a neighborhood please be considerate of your four-legged neighbors.  Instead of setting off fireworks from 8pm until 2am, limit displays to an earlier window like 8pm to 10pm. That way pet owners can better manage their pet’s anxiety.

This is a wonderful holiday for all of us – and being kind to pets helps ensure that they too can enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Their lives are in our hands.

by Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator