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

Dogs are roaming neighborhoods, seeking shade on neighbors’ porches, begging for food or simply wandering because they aren’t properly contained.

As much as we talk about the importance of spaying and neutering, we are finding ourselves having to go back to the very basics of pet ownership: Keep your pets safely contained and provide them with food, water, shelter and veterinary care.

We are also seeing dogs surrendered because their owners are unable—or unwilling—to keep them contained.

Pet ownership comes with responsibility. Pets are a gift we choose to bring into our lives, and there is a level of “parenting” involved. In return, they give us so much: love, companionship, security and friendship.

If you cannot properly care for an animal, please don’t get one. If your children desperately want a pet but you don’t have the financial means, time or energy to care for another living being, it’s okay to say no. A pet is a commitment that can last 10, 15 or even 20 years.

We see what happens when that commitment is forgotten.

Poor Flynn was recently brought back to our shelter. He was adopted from us a year ago and then rehomed multiple times before eventually ending up back where he started. All that bouncing around has left him sad and confused. He doesn’t understand what he did wrong.

Thanks to our volunteers he finally found his smile again this weekend, now he needs a home that will keep him safe and loved!

Aiken County is growing. We see new homes, new neighborhoods and new businesses everywhere. Unfortunately, at the shelter, we are also seeing more animals coming through our doors.

People often ask us, “How can I help?”

Right now, one of the biggest answers is: ADOPT.

If you have the time, resources and commitment to properly care for a dog or cat, now is the time. We have an abundance of wonderful pets desperately needing homes.

Many have already experienced neglect, instability or a lack of love. Imagine what it means to one of these animals to finally have a safe home, a full bowl, a comfortable place to sleep and someone who loves them.

Keep your pets safe. Keep them home. And if you have room in your life for another, please consider adopting.

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

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 have been drowning for a long time at the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

Summer is always our busiest season, so we expect to see more homeless pets. What we didn’t expect this year was a significant drop in adoptions.

Why? Rising food costs, increasing veterinary expenses, and economic uncertainty have made many families hesitant to add a pet to their home.

The Aiken County Animal Shelter is one of hundreds of shelters nationwide participating in the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters event. Through July 25, adoption fees are waived for dogs and reduced for cats in hopes of encouraging more families to adopt during this critical time.

Earlier this week, we reached a breaking point. Every kennel was full, and we had nowhere to place the dogs and kittens continuing to arrive. We asked WJBF NewsChannel 6 for help. They visited the shelter, saw the overcrowding firsthand, and shared our story with the community.

What happened next was extraordinary.

On Friday alone, eight dogs and eight cats found homes. Our lobby stayed busy all day with people patiently waiting to meet pets. No one complained about the wait. They understood the urgency and simply wanted to help save a life.

Are we out of the woods? Not yet.

But for the first time in a while, we’re feeling hopeful.

To everyone who adopted, shared our story, or encouraged someone else to visit the shelter—thank you. You reminded us what this community can do when it comes together for homeless animals.

Their lives truly are in our hands.

by Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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