Category Archives: 2026

Some adoptions really touch our hearts.

Frank loves his new life.
Frank coming into the shelter
Frank comes into the shelter

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!

“Thank you for checking in. Frank is doing great! Younger than we thought and has some puppy in him but considering what he’s been through, he deserves to play some! We got him in with our vet a couple of days after bringing him home and got some cream for his back. Every vet tech in the building had heard his story and had to come love all over him. Pretty sure that he’s their new favorite. Ha! We’ve used the cream religiously, kept a shirt on him to keep him from licking too much, and we’re happy to say that he has no more scabs and his “lesions” have completely healed. He’s wearing hand-me-downs from our late dog, Clover, but they fit him and are perfect for keeping him from licking his itchy back. A huge thank you to ACAS vets, staff, and FOTAS for taking such great care of him at the shelter.

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.

Frank loves his new home.
Frank loves his new home.

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

What FOTAS Means to Me — and to Aiken County

Letty Volunteering at Tractor Supply Adoption Event

I wanted to share a heartfelt story about the incredible work happening every day at the Aiken County Animal Shelter, alongside Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS). Led by Kathy and a team of warrior souls, these organizations are changing lives—both animal and human—in ways words can barely capture.

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.

Letty Volunteering at Tractor Supply Adoption Event
Letty Volunteering at Tractor Supply Adoption Event

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

Adoption Fees vs. Fee-Waived Adoptions

Goose finds his new family!

First, I want to say that the FOTAS volunteers and the staff at the Aiken County Animal Shelter truly love the pets in our care. Every decision we make is centered around finding them safe, loving homes.

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.

So why do we participate?

Because we want pet ownership to be more accessible.

Buddy and his new Mom
Buddy and his new Mom

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

Thank You to the Helpers

Volunteers John and Judi Sauer, Belinda Ebert and John Byrnes gather for Flanigans’s ice cream!

Many of us grew up watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. It was a gentle, comforting show that taught children about kindness, compassion, and the importance of helping others.

One of Fred Rogers’ most memorable quotes has stayed with generations of people:
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers—so many caring people in this world.”

At the Aiken County Animal Shelter, we are fortunate to be surrounded by helpers every single day.

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.

Best Friends Animal Society We Are A No-Kill Shelter Award
Best Friends Animal Society We Are A No-Kill Shelter Award

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

Doggy Day Out 

Henrietta enjoying the love during her Doggy Day Out

One of my favorite programs at the Aiken County Animal Shelter is our Doggy Day Out program.

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.

Henrietta enjoying the love during her Doggy Day Out
Henrietta enjoying the love during her Doggy Day Out

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.

Brie enjoying her Doggy Day Out
Brie enjoying her Doggy Day Out

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

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

Meet Frank – he is currently available for adoption at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. The scars on his back were likely cased by scraping under a fence trying to escape something scary.  These accidents are preventable by keeping pets indoors during fireworks.

This year we celebrate an exciting milestone: the 25th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Our county will come together this July 4th to celebrate our nation’s freedom – so awesome!

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 4th can be very stressful, and July 5th 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 5th, 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

Adoptions!

Adopted kitten and her new best friends.

Summer is traditionally one of the most challenging times of the year for animal shelters. While adoption events like Pick Me SC shine a spotlight on homeless pets, they also remind us that the need doesn’t end when the event does.

Sweet dog adoption and her new best friend.
Sweet dog adoption and her new best friend.

We recently wrapped up the Petco Love Pick Me SC 2026 Adoption Event, and what an incredible success it was! Shelters across South Carolina joined forces to help find homes for the many dogs and cats waiting for families, and our community showed up in a big way.

One question we often hear is why waived adoption fees make such a difference when our regular fees are already so low—just $10 for cats and $35 for dogs. The truth is, our goal has never been to make money on adoptions. Every pet adopted from the Aiken County Animal Shelter is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and has received flea and tick prevention. We simply want to remove as many barriers as possible to help loving families connect with deserving pets.

Even as we celebrate the happy endings from Pick Me SC, new animals continue to arrive at the shelter every day. Many come to us because families are facing economic hardships, housing challenges, the loss of a loved one, or because they were found wandering alone.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who adopted during this special event. You changed lives. But let’s not allow that momentum to stop here. The dogs and cats at the Aiken County Animal Shelter need families every day of the year.

And summer may just be the perfect time to adopt. The longer days make evening walks more enjoyable, children are home from school and can help welcome a new pet, and families often have more time to devote to training and bonding.

If you’ve been thinking about adding a furry family member, there’s no need to wait for the next big event. Your new best friend may be waiting at the shelter right now.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

The Best Part of Coming Home

Adoptable Buster Showing His ‘Shake,’ a trick he knew before arriving as a stray!

Summer is a busy time. Children are out of school, families are traveling, vacations are planned, and schedules seem more hectic than ever.

At the Aiken County Animal Shelter, summer is also one of our busiest seasons. In the past two weeks alone, more than 200 dogs and cats have entered our shelter.

Dogs don’t care if you’ve had a bad day at work. They don’t care if you’re having a bad hair day, gained a few pounds, or forgot to take out the trash. They are simply thrilled that you walked through the door.

Adoptable Mr. Steal Your Girl, loving and chatty!
Adoptable Mr. Steal Your Girl, loving and chatty!

While we work hard to find homes for homeless pets, summer is also a good reminder of the joy that pets bring to our lives.

Cats may act a little more independent, but many of them are quietly waiting to greet you and cuddle on the couch.

Life changes. Families grow. Jobs become demanding. Finances get tight. Through all of those changes, our pets remain remarkably loyal.

At the shelter, we often meet pets who have spent years loving one family. They know the routines, the voices, and the smells of home. Watching them adjust to shelter life reminds us how deeply pets bond with the people they love.

That’s why we encourage families facing challenges to explore every possible option before giving up a pet. Sometimes a temporary hardship can be solved with a little creativity, patience, or help from family or friends.

Your pet is family, they deserve your commitment.

The wagging tail at the end of a long day. The dog that never misses a chance to make you laugh. The cat that somehow knows exactly when you need comfort. These moments may seem small, but they often become some of our favorite memories.

Pets don’t ask for much. A meal, a safe place to sleep, and the chance to spend time with the people they love.

In return, they give us unconditional love, loyalty, and companionship that can last for years.

As summer continues and life gets busy, take an extra moment to appreciate the furry family members sharing your home. They may not stay with us forever, but they make our lives better every single day they are here.

If you don’t have a furry friend, we will help find you the best! 

Their Lives Are In Our Hands.

by Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

Thomas’s Doggy Day Out 

Thomas on his Doggie Day Out

When Thomas left the shelter for his Doggy Day Out, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect.

The first person he met that morning was my adopted adult son, Matt. Matt has intellectual disabilities and has always struggled a little with getting close to dogs. Many dogs make him nervous, and he is often unsure how to interact with them.

But Thomas seemed to know something we didn’t.

From the moment they met, Thomas was drawn to Matt. No matter where Matt stood, Thomas would quietly make his way over to him. He nudged him gently with his nose, leaned against him, and seemed determined to offer affection. There was something incredibly sweet about watching this shelter dog choose the person who needed him most.

When it was time to leave, Thomas faced another challenge. My vehicle sits fairly high off the ground, and he didn’t seem to know how to jump into a car. I lifted his front paws onto the floorboard, and then he carefully worked out the rest for himself, slowly climbing inside.

At first, Thomas settled on the floor behind the front seat. But when Matt sat down in the back seat, Thomas made another choice.

He climbed up onto the seat beside him.

The two sat together as we drove away from the shelter. Thomas wore a dog seat belt for safety and quickly settled into the ride. He stretched out quietly next to Matt, watching the world go by through the windows. Every now and then he would glance toward Matt as if checking to make sure his new friend was still there.

Thomas found his forever home thanks to a Facebook post about his Doggy Day Out!   Maybe you want to take a shelter dog out for an hour or two? Contact us at info@fotasaiken.org.

Our destination was Hitchcock Woods.

The moment Thomas stepped out of the vehicle, his nose went to work. There were so many new scents to explore. Every path held a new adventure. Every breeze carried information he was eager to investigate.

Along the trail, Thomas met hikers and politely greeted them. He spotted a horse and was fascinated by the giant creature. He tried pulling toward it for a closer look, but I reminded him to stay with me. A little later, a squirrel darted across our path. Thomas immediately wanted to give chase, but when I told him, “No, leave it,” he listened and stayed by my side.

For a shelter dog experiencing so many new things, Thomas handled everything remarkably well.
What stood out most wasn’t his curiosity or even his good behavior.

It was his heart.

Again and again throughout the day, Thomas showed us that he longs for connection. Whether it was resting quietly beside Matt in the car, checking in with me on the trail, or greeting strangers with gentle interest, Thomas seemed happiest when he was simply sharing life with people.

Some dogs spend their Doggy Day Out racing from adventure to adventure.

Thomas spent his showing us who he is.

A loyal companion. A gentle soul. A dog who chooses people.

Watching him with Matt was my favorite part of the day. A shelter dog and a young man who are both sometimes misunderstood found comfort in each other’s company without needing words.

Their Lives Are In Our Hands.

by Lisa Gaudet, Animal Adoption Assistant

The Classic Little Black Dress

Bowswer, awaiting his new home

Women love the perfect little black dress. It’s timeless, versatile, and can be accessorized differently for every occasion. It’s a classic wardrobe staple that never goes out of style.

Molly is so ready to meet her forever home.
Molly is so ready to meet her forever home.

So why not a classic black pet?

Unfortunately, black dogs and cats are often overlooked in shelters. It’s not personal—they just don’t catch people’s attention as quickly as lighter-colored pets. Yet anyone who has ever owned a black pet knows just how special they are.

Black dog owners love showing off their pets with colorful collars, bright bandanas, and fun accessories that make their gorgeous coats stand out even more. And let’s be honest—many owners appreciate that black fur doesn’t show up on dark clothing nearly as much! There are plenty of perks to sharing your home with a black dog.

Right now, the Aiken County Animal Shelter has several beautiful black dogs waiting for families of their own.

Take Molly, for example. This sweet girl was recently surrendered when her family was expanding and felt they no longer had time to care for her. At six years old, losing her home was heartbreaking. Thankfully, with the love and attention of FOTAS volunteers, Molly is once again enjoying life, playing, and giving kisses. One of the many benefits of adopting a mature dog is that the hard work is often already done. Molly is house trained, knows commands, and doesn’t jump on furniture. She is ready to move right into her next home.

Draco is such a good puppy
Draco is such a good puppy

Then there is Draco, the shiniest little black puppy you’ll ever meet. This handsome pup is playful, affectionate, and loves other dogs. He recently spent a weekend with Adoption Counselor Lisa, who worked on crate training and introduced him to cats, car rides, new environments, and plenty of positive experiences. Draco is a wonderful puppy who is more than ready to become part of a family.

And who could forget Bowser? This classic black beauty enjoys long walks, playing with other dogs, and listening while children read to him. He is house trained, knows commands, and clearly had someone teach him a few things before he arrived at the shelter as a stray. Bowser has so much love to give and is simply waiting for someone to notice him.

Bowswer, awaiting his new home
Bowswer, awaiting his new home

Any owner of a black pet will tell you there is something special about their classic beauty. Like the little black dress, black pets never go out of style. They are timeless, loyal, and make a wonderful addition to any home.

Their Lives Are In Our Hands.

by Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator