Category Archives: Adoption

2026, Adoption, SOCIAL MEDIA

Pretty Boy Goes To Maine!

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Gus enjoying his new life in Maine!
09
Jan

Pretty Boy came to the Aiken County Animal Shelter as a stray dog. He immediately won over the staff with his good looks and cuddly charm! He was calm, quiet and polite from the start.

Larger male dogs often get overlooked. Adopters worry about size, temperament and ‘marking furniture.’

This is really sad because if you ask any of the shelter staff and volunteers, the big boys are the biggest lovers! They want to please, most are housebroken and home ready!=

Pretty Boy came to us knowing commands and having the best manners. He sat for weeks with no lookers.

We posted a video of Pretty Boy on Facebook showing him sit when asked and just being his adorable self! Days later the sweetest young couple arrived from Maine! They had called the shelter asking questions about personality after being drawn to the dog in the video. They did what many won’t, they got in the car and came to save him!

Gus enjoying his bed by the wood stove.
Gus enjoying his bed by the wood stove.

Rebecca has since followed up with us to share how things are going:

“Some updates on “Pretty Boy” – Now Gus
He’s settling in very well – he and Tank (dog) are aquatinted and will be integrating this week.
He’s met most of the family here and loves everyone – and they love him.
He spends most days in with mom (Bex) on his bed in front of the stove.
He’s doing very well – we couldn’t be happier.”

Everyone wants to be a hero but only some truly make the cut! We are so grateful for those that travel for a homeless dog or cat. Those that can see the innocence by watching a video and stepping up to make the trip!

Aiken County has a major pet overpopulation crisis on our hands. Knowing that people across the country want our dogs gives us hope that we can continue to save every adoptable pet! Continue to share the posts on Facebook and Instagram, FOTAS Aiken. It’s working!

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

2025, Adoption, Foster

Home for the Holidays 2025

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Cody Rhodes is the biggest snuggler and is truly a teddy bear.
04
Dec

It isn’t the Christmas season without hearing There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays byPerry Como. It brings a warm feeling of comfort and home.

That is exactly what we want for our homeless pets.

This fall has been very disappointing for adoptions. The shelter has been very quiet, and few people are adopting.

We will once again do everything we can to find homes for our furry friends in time for Christmas.

On Saturday, December 13th, we will have our annual Home for the Holidays event at the Aiken County Animal Shelter! Our dogs and cats will be dressed in holiday collars and bandanas, and they will be free of charge to kind people who can provide them with loving homes.

Roxy, a darling cattle dog mix, is one the most loving dogs currently at the shelter.
Roxy, a darling cattle dog mix, is one the most loving dogs currently at the shelter.

Dogs such as Roxy—she has been with us since August. This darling cattle dog mix knows all her commands, is completely house-trained, and loves other dogs! She walks beautifully, and she is one of the most loving dogs we have.

Cody Rhodes is the biggest snuggler on the adoption floor! This big boy NEVER has an accident in his kennel, LOVES playing with other dogs, and is truly a teddy bear. Cody gets overlooked because he is a larger dog, but you will not find a more grateful friend.

Jack is our snuggly kitty. He loves to cuddle and purrs.
Jack is our snuggly kitty. He loves to cuddle and purrs.

Jack is our snuggly kitty—black with white mittens and whiskers. He meows when he sees staff coming with his breakfast because he’s so excited! He loves to cuddle and purrs with gratefulness for love and attention.

We don’t know why these friends, and others, are still without homes after months. But it is the season of giving. Maybe you have a seat on the sofa? Maybe you have room at the end of your bed? Wouldn’t it be a great spot for Roxy, Cody Rhodes, Jack, or another pet in need?

If you can’t adopt, please consider fostering for the holiday. The shelter will be closed, as many other county offices are, from December 24th through December 26th. We will have staff and volunteers coming to feed the pets, but there will be many hours when they will be alone. We are hoping that Aiken County residents will contact FOTAS Aiken before the 23rd to sign up to foster a dog or cat for the Christmas holiday. It is incredibly rewarding, and it gives the pet time to rest away from the noisy kennels.

These pets didn’t choose to be discarded because their owners went on vacation, had to move, or “didn’t have time.” We can change their lives by giving them a Home for the Holidays.

Their lives are in our hands.

Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2025, Adoption, animal abuse

For the Love of a Nina [little girl]

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Nina is a sweet girl, looking for her forever home.
07
Nov

Sometimes you meet a dog that tugs at your heartstrings for all the right reasons. “Nina” is just that “little girl”. She arrived at the Aiken County Animal Shelter on September 23rd, very skinny and in need of some medical care and love.

Nina knew enough to seek help from her human friends. She showed up at a house looking for food after having been neglected and starved. Luckily, our team was able to bring her in and nurture her back to health. She is now 50 lbs. with a beautiful golden coat and warm brown eyes. And, even though her teeth are a bit worn and her face is a bit crooked, Nina will win you over with her perpetually sweet temperament and kind heart.

This Shepard mix is 6 yrs. old, fully house trained and recovering from a bit of Alopecia from having lain on hard surfaces for too long. She loves her comfy bed, going for walks and cuddling on the couch. Her renewed energy will shower you with love and appreciation.

Nina is a sweet girl, looking for her forever home.
Nina is a sweet girl, looking for her forever home.

Nina is truly an endearing soul. You can count on her to be happy to see you and well-behaved. If you are looking for your snuggle bug, play yard pal and committed companion, come to the ACAS to meet Nina. You can make an appointment for a meet and greet at 803-514-4313 or info@fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.
by Barbara Ambach, FOTAS Volunteer

2025, Adoption, Foster, fostering

Why I Wrote The Adventures of a Little White Rescue Dog Named Maxwell Marks

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Book can be purchased via Amazon.
27
Oct

I wrote this book because fostering puppies completely changed my life. What began as a simple act of helping shelter dogs find their forever homes soon became a journey of love, laughter, and lessons that touched every part of our family’s heart.

Among all the little paws that passed through our home, one tiny pup stood out — a brave, bright-eyed Jack Russell named Max. We thought we were rescuing him, but the truth is… he rescued us. He filled our storybook life with a joy we didn’t even know was missing.

Max Marks enjoying the wind in his hair
Max Marks enjoying the wind in his hair

This book — and the series that follows — is our way of celebrating how one small rescue dog can make a big difference. Through Max’s adventures, we want to share the simple, beautiful truth that love, when given freely, comes back tenfold.

And because every dog deserves their own happy ending, the profits from this series will go back to the place that started it all — the Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS). Their tireless work to give these animals a future will always have our family’s support.

Max may be living his best life now, but this story is really about how he helped us live ours with more heart.

By Nicole Marks

2025, Adoption, animal abuse

Traveling Hours for The Underdog

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Sweet Amber
02
Oct

Amber came to the shelter in July as part of a neglect case.
The sweet girl won us over quickly! You could hear her tail hitting the floor, wagging, before you could even see her. She was so happy to have food, water, a bed and people to love her!

Being a brindle pitty mix, Amber was not an easy dog to place, sad as that is.

Amber just had this sweetness to her. She would fall in love with people immediately and it was the most amazing bond! She would lay on us, fall asleep on us, she played in the yard with other dogs, she never had an accident in her kennel, she was magnificent!

Amber used her paws like we use hands! She would wave them, curl them around us, absolutely precious! We posted a video of her sitting in one of our offices looking so happy and so cute!

People started to come see her but no one left with her. Baffling to us, we loved her!

Luckily a woman saw Amber’s video and kept following her on our FOTAS Aiken Facebook page. Lynne was traveling and truly believed that if it was meant to be, it would be.

Amber meets a horse friend
Amber meets a horse friend

Then one day, after two months with us, Amber’s hero came to the shelter!

Lynne returned home to her farm in Tryon, NC after her travels. The following morning, she drove three hours to the Aiken County Animal Shelter for Amber. We didn’t know she was coming, it was the best surprise!

After we all hugged and said goodbye, Amber was off to her new home!

“Amber is home safe and sound. Has already asked for a million belly rubs, licked my husband all over his face, found a new toy, and chilling with us in the living room.”

This may seem like just a happy story to some, but to the staff and volunteers who see loving dogs like Amber each and every day it was extraordinary. We were praying that someone would ignore the fact that Amber was overbred, a little rough around the edges, and give her a home. We didn’t expect someone to drive hours to save her, that is pretty awesome!

Thank you to Lynne and her husband for giving Amber the best life! From neglect to happiness!

Their lives are in our hands.

by Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2025, Adoption, Pibbles

The Pure Pleasure of Pitties

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
20
Aug

For those who may be missing the companionship of a dog or for others who just want to offer their time and affection, the Aiken County Animal Shelter’s Doggie Days Out program is a fun opportunity to have a dog for an hour, an afternoon or overnight. How lucky are we to have the privilege of a shelter dog for a cuddle, a walk or a movie night at home? The dogs love to show that they have what it takes to be adopted as a forever friend.

There have been a few times since becoming a volunteer at the shelter, that I have taken a dog out for the day or home for the weekend. Before deciding which dog to take home, I feel as though I must trust them in a number of ways. They must be able to get in and out of the car politely. They must be able to walk on the leash politely. And, they must behave in my home (you guessed it), politely.

So it was to my surprise that all of the dogs I have selected for a Doggie Days Out have been Pitties [Pitbull Mix]. Previously, I had no experience whatsoever with Pitties, but they have quickly become my favorites.

We’re all aware of the “bad wrap” Pitties have received through no fault of their own. Whether it is by over-breeding, poor upbringing or lack of training their reputation is by no means a representation of the breed. On the contrary, I have found them to be incredibly affectionate, attentive, empathetic, silly and loving.

Whether it’s hanging out at home or on a long walk in the horse district, each one has proven to be the most wonderful companion. The Pitties are sturdy and strong, but love to have their faces scrunched and smooched. Their smiles will light up your day!!

Pitties are by nature eager for connection. If we could only bottle the pure gratitude they express for any of the experiences we can provide. Pauline was snoring away within minutes of settling into her comfy and quiet “at home” bed, Marley played enthusiastically with his toys, Lexi buried herself into the pillows, Ricky loved exploring on our long walks and Marty smiled ear-to-ear all day.

Pauline, Marley, Lexi, Ricky and Marty have thankfully been adopted. I am left with fond memories of cuddling with them and delighting in their appreciation of a warm comfortable bed to share. Some extra yummy treats didn’t hurt either.

Give a Pittie a chance. You won’t regret it!! Their lives are in our hands.

by Barbara Ambach FOTAS Volunteer

2025, Adoption, senior pets

Two Lovely Dogs Homeless After Their Owners Passed Away

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Boo was brought to the shelter on June 6th after his owner passed away.
18
Jul

Boo and Monroe are two dogs that came to the Aiken County Animal Shelter recently when their owners passed away. They came from separate homes and reminded us that it really is important to have a plan for our pets in case something happens to us.

The shelter is full with so many young puppies and gorgeous dogs right now. Boo and Monroe are older, larger dogs, and those are much harder to find homes for. I wish I knew why? Personally, an older, bigger dog to cuddle with is way more appealing than young, barky puppy!

Boo was brought to the shelter on June 6th after his owner passed away.

He is seven years old, not exactly a senior by any means, but he is past his puppy stage for sure. He had a dog buddy that was quickly adopted and now he is by himself. This has been very difficult for Boo. He is a big hippo and loves to cuddle! He is house trained and knows commands. He is not a fan of the food at the shelter, but he was a little chubby when he arrived! He would love a home where he could get a few table scraps and a soft bed to lay on. Boo is playful for short bursts but then wants to chill on the couch with the volunteers. He hates being alone in his kennel. It’s so noisy right now, we have no kennels open and the non-stop barking is tough on a dog that had a good home for seven years. Boo has big eyes and when you walk by him he makes eye contact, desperately asking for love. It is so hard seeing him there.

Monroe came to us just one day before Boo did, on June 5th.

Photo by Christine Harmel, “Monroe’s Breakfast Face”
Photo by Christine Harmel, “Monroe’s Breakfast Face”

Monroe was found by a neighbor after his owner passed away. This sweet dog is easy to walk and easy to love. He is so gentle and loves to give soft kisses. Never an accident in his kennel, it must be so hard for him to be in a kennel waiting for volunteers to let him out. Monroe may be eleven years old but he still has much to give. He loves to go walking on the trails, he gets excited when we give him treats!

Recently one of our volunteers Christine took Monroe home for an overnight, she has a soft spot for the seniors, “He came for a sleepover last night and he is so wonderful! Cute, quiet, calm, doesn’t mind thunder, loves peanut butter, 80s music and walking.”

If you have considered adopting a pet, please consider Boo or Monroe. These dogs had owners, they were loved, and now they are alone.

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

2025, adopter feedback, Adoption

Shy Maya finds a way to fit in well with her new family

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Maya at home with her new canine siblings.
27
Jun

When Maya arrived at the Aiken County Animal Shelter, the odds were already against her. This four-year-old stray with a charcoal brindle coat was terribly skinny, had old scars on her chest, didn’t like to be touched and was almost too terrified to move.

But her eyes revealed a sweetness inside her that the staff and volunteers could see when they worked with her in playgroup or took her for walks. There was a gentleness about her that made everyone want to see her succeed.

The first time Maya was tested with other dogs, she tucked her tail and her legs shook. But even as she cowered close to the entry gate, she allowed her canine peers to sniff her all over and lick her face. Following her first venture into playgroup, she began to gain confidence and soon played with the other dogs. After a week passed, she still avoided being pet by her handlers. But she loved playgroup and even started to smile while running and wrestling with her favorite dogs.

When Maya arrived at the County Shelter, she was terrified and shut down. Pictured here with her adopter, Sara, the extremely timid dog is gaining confidence in her new home and learning to accept human affection.
When Maya arrived at the County Shelter, she was terrified and shut down. Pictured here with her adopter, Sara, the extremely timid dog is gaining confidence in her new home and learning to accept human affection.

Weeks passed and Maya was becoming one of the shelter’s best dogs in playgroup. Dogs responded well to her, and she even started to help newbies learn how to play,

While the staff was working with Maya, she was promoted on FOTAS’s social media sites. But no one was coming to see her. The staff knew she was a good dog but wondered if her timidness would keep her from being adopted. Maya needed to find a home with other dogs and an owner who didn’t mind that she wasn’t a lovey-dovey, wiggly lap dog. Quite a tall order.

But on May 3, Sara Myers came to the shelter seeking a companion for her male pitty mix, Buddy. Her senior Doberman, Nola, doesn’t play with Buddy as much as she once did due to her age, so Sara needed a new furry family member. She was immediately drawn to Maya.

“She’s adorable with such a cute face and her puppy dog eyes,” Sara said. “When I sat next to Maya at the shelter, she broke my heart and she needed a home. So, I adopted her for my dog.”

It took some time for Maya to adjust to her new home, but she is getting more comfortable every day. The first week, she hid under Sara’s deck. But now she plays with Buddy and enjoys Nola’s company. She is still timid but starting to warm up to getting pets from Sara and her 11-year-old son, Gunner.

“Sometimes in the evening, Maya will come over and sit close to me, and let me pet her,” Sara said. “And if I stop, she’ll slide up a little closer. So, she does like to be petted. She’s learning it’s a good thing.”

The shelter currently has two dogs, Pippa and Angie, who, like Maya, are timid with people but wonderful with dogs. Come to 333 Wire Road in Aiken to visit them and add them to your family.

Gentle reminder: Today is the last day of our Pick Me! SC adoption promotion, which features free dog adoptions. Cats and kittens are just $10.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2025, Adoption

Please adopt, don’t shop

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Poor Igby was abandoned, but now he’s healthy, happy and ready to be adopted.
07
Jun

Did you now that most of the dogs that the Aiken County Animal Shelter receives know basic commands?

They get picked up as stray dogs but when asked to sit, they get so excited! It’s like we are now speaking the same language. Most will sit and give us their paw! The majority of our adoptable dogs are house-trained as well.

Nine-month-old puppy Penelope was picked up as a stray. This cutie is available for adoption at the County Animal Shelter.
Nine-month-old puppy Penelope was picked up as a stray. This cutie is available for adoption at the County Animal Shelter.

We will never understand how someone can spend time teaching a dog commands and house-training them only to let them go and never look for them.

Recently, I was visiting a school and two children raised their hands to tell me that their parents were breeding bully breed dogs. They were so proud, but I felt so defeated.

We have taken in litter after litter this year and many have been left in boxes on the side of the road.

The Aiken County Animal Shelter has taken in litter after litter of puppies this year, and many have been left in boxes on the side of the road.
The Aiken County Animal Shelter has taken in litter after litter of puppies this year, and many have been left in boxes on the side of the road.

Just last month, eight little puppies, three to four weeks old, were left on the road in a box. When they arrived, we struggled to find foster homes to care for the babies. Luckily, we did but then more and more kept coming in. Some healthy, some with mange, some barely hanging on.

Sweet Igby was left in a crate outside the shelter while we were closed. I can only imagine how scared he was. He is the most gentle, squishy and sweet pup!

 

What has happened to empathy? We see dogs cry when we leave at the end of the day because they are so lonely. When we arrive in the morning, it is heartbreaking listening to all of the dogs barking to go outside to potty. They have been trained not to potty inside and are desperate to get out. Who do you pick first?

Today when I arrived to take a dog to the WRDW-TV News station for the Take Me Home segment, I was in tears. Ricky was pacing, Marty was circling, Reid was licking the kennel bars, Niles was crying for attention, and poor Ruby wanted a hug so badly that she was jumping in the air trying to get my attention. These dogs and so many others desperately want love and to have their basic needs met.

How can we help them?

Please stop buying puppies from breeders. Come to the shelter. We have so many adoptable puppies, we have foster to adopt programs for the little ones. Our adult dogs are home ready and will do anything to please their new family.

We worry all the time about slowing adoptions. How will we save all of these pets? Please share our social media posts, please tell your neighbors, please volunteer to foster a dog, a puppy, kittens. Please take a shelter dog on a Doggy Day Out to the park. Please help.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2025, Adoption, barn cats

Got mice? Let us find a barn cat for you!

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Handsome Midnight lounges in the hay room. The County Animal Shelter’s barn cats are fixed, vaccinated and free to good homes.
16
May

Most cats are sweet and cuddly. They belong inside – playing with their cat toys, sleeping on your bed or purring on your lap.

But there are exceptions.

Some felines are more “spicy” or wild, and less socialized. These felines haven’t had much contact with humans and, as a result, don’t like to be held or pampered. They are extremely independent and have a bit of an attitude. However, it’s this assertiveness that makes barn cats such good hunters and ideal for getting rid of mice and other pests.

Matching adopters with barn cats
The Aiken County Animal Shelter has access to barn cats throughout the area. Our goal is to help these stray/outdoor, adult cats who are alone to find homes on farms, in barns, warehouses or other safe locations. We look for situations where they will be well cared for and appreciated. These hard working, pest reducing cats can help control the rodent population while enjoying the freedom of outdoor sheltered life with as little or as much human contact as they want.

Thanks to the TNR (Trap, Neuter & Return) program we’ve offered since 2014, many of our community cats are already fixed and in colonies. However, there are some that are single and looking for an outdoor home.

Barn cats are not lovey-dovey, but they’re good hunters. This makes them ideal for adopters looking to rid their property of rodents and other pests.
Barn cats are not lovey-dovey, but they’re good hunters. This makes them ideal for adopters looking to rid their property of rodents and other pests.

Prior to adoption, all potential barn cats at the County Shelter are:

  • Spayed/neutered (altered)
  • Vaccinated for rabies
  • Ear tipped (the universal sign for an altered feral cat)

Spicy mousers need love, too
While barn cats are feistier than their more domesticated counterparts, it is still important that they are properly cared for and loved. Before you decide to bring a barn cat home, make certain you are able to care for them by providing the following:

  • Fresh food and water, daily
  • Shelter from outdoor elements
  • A safe place to hide from predators.

Barn cats also need to be confined for three weeks before letting them roam the property. They must first learn that the farm is their home and source of food and care, or they are likely to run away.

Barn cats at the County Shelter are free to good homes. If you would like to adopt a barn cat or two (or more) from the Aiken County Animal Shelter, please send an email to info@fotasaiken.org or call (803) 642-1537, option 3.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director