Sometimes pets arrive together, and in an unfamiliar, frightening environment, they rely on each other for comfort. Their friendship is the one familiar thing they have left.

Recently, we welcomed a bonded pair of dogs whose owner had fallen on hard times. Sadly, there was no one who could help care for them. These two dogs had been loved and well cared for, and suddenly their whole world had changed.

BeeBee was a five-pound, ten-year-old Chihuahua, and Stella was a fifty-pound, six-year-old Lab mix.

Quite the pair!

At a time when finding a home for one dog can be difficult, finding someone willing to adopt two together would take a miracle.

We reached out to Martha Anne Tudor, a gifted writer who volunteers her time telling the stories of shelter pets in need on social media. Martha Anne was confident that a miracle could happen.

And she was right!

Almost immediately, a wonderful couple drove down from North Carolina to meet BeeBee and Stella. They already had three dogs, but they had the space, the yard and, most importantly, the love to welcome two more.

BeeBee and Stella went home together!

They even have their own Instagram page now, @bondedpairandmore. Lucky pups!

Now, we have another challenge. Meet Kit and Kat.

These two beautiful cats were originally given to the children in a family. Unfortunately, the responsibility of caring for them proved to be too much, and they ended up at the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

Kit and Kat are incredibly sweet, affectionate cats who love to snuggle with people. But what they love equally as much is each other.

They have already lost the only home they knew. We desperately want to make sure they don’t lose each other, too.

But finding a home for two cats together may require another miracle.

Most people visit the shelter looking for one pet, not two. So perhaps it’s time to think about the wonderful benefits of adopting a bonded pair!

For starters, they already have a best friend. When you leave for work, run errands or spend time away from home, they have each other for companionship and comfort.

They can play together, nap together and help each other adjust to a new home.

And instead of welcoming one new friend into your family, you get two!

It means twice the companionship, twice the entertainment and twice the love.

Most importantly, it means two animals who have already lost so much won’t have to lose their best friend.

BeeBee and Stella got their miracle.

Now it’s Kit and Kat’s turn.

Their lives are in our hands. Please help us make sure they stay in each other’s paws.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

All the dogs needed homes but Piglet had an additional challenge that the other dogs didn’t face. She was blind.

Missing one eye and unable to see out of the other, Piglet had every reason to be frightened of the world around her. Yet this beautiful little girl was incredibly sweet, trusting and full of personality!

We knew Piglet would need a special adopter. Someone who could look beyond her disability and see the wonderful dog she truly was.

As it turned out, we didn’t have to wait long!

We posted a video of Piglet on social media, and within an hour, a very kind man came to adopt her! He was familiar with special-needs pets and didn’t hesitate for a moment at the thought of welcoming a blind dog into his home.

Sometimes the right people show up at exactly the right time.

About a month later, we received the most wonderful update from Piglet’s adopter, Drew Eller.

“We adopted Piglet a little while back, just about a month. She has adapted to home life amazing! She has a big brother and has gone on all sorts of trips with me. She even has been out on jobs with me because I am a plumber.  Y’all asked us to update so I was just letting you know that this little blind sweetheart has stolen our hearts and the heart of every person she meets. She is so playful it’s ridiculous, lol!  Thank y’all for taking care of her until we were able to come into her life.”

What a wonderful reminder that animals don’t have to be perfect to be perfect for someone!

Piglet doesn’t know she’s different. She doesn’t spend her days worrying about what she can’t see. She’s too busy enjoying her new family, playing with her big brother and apparently learning the plumbing business!

We are always inspired by people who open their hearts and homes to animals with special needs. They recognize something that we wish everyone understood: a disability doesn’t diminish an animal’s ability to love, play or bring tremendous joy to a family.

There are so many wonderful animals waiting in shelters. Some are older. Some are shy. Some have medical conditions or physical challenges. Too often, these are the animals people walk right past.

But sometimes the dog who needs a little extra consideration is the one who has the most love to give.

The next time you’re considering adoption, don’t overlook the underdog.

Piglet’s story reminds us that every animal deserves a chance, and sometimes all it takes is one person willing to see the possibilities instead of the limitations.

Their lives are in our hands. And what a difference we can make!

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

Maybe it’s because animal shelters are often full this time of year.

Or maybe, just maybe, it’s for more practical reasons.

It’s getting colder outside, and there is no better foot warmer than a dog. Cuddle up on the couch with a shelter dog and you’ll have all the warmth you need. No hot water bottle necessary!

And then there’s the holiday season.

Soon, people will be disappointed because you made the wrong kind of yams or bought the wrong Barbie. You know who won’t be disappointed?

Your dog.

Dogs don’t care what you cook. In fact, they’re usually extremely enthusiastic about anything happening in the kitchen. And they certainly don’t care what toy you buy them. They’ll celebrate every gift—especially if it’s stuffed and they can spend the next 15 minutes joyfully unstuffing it all over your living room.

The days are also getting shorter and the nights are getting longer. What are you supposed to do with all those extra hours at home?

Another reason to adopt a dog!

You can watch movies together, craft together, read together or nap together. It is hibernation season, after all, and shelter dogs make excellent hibernation partners.

Of course, you don’t want to get too comfortable over the holidays. Otherwise, January will arrive and you’ll be thinking about joining a gym.

Not if you adopt a dog!

Dogs love to get you moving. Take a walk in the park, hike in the mountains, stroll beside the lake or just wander around downtown together. Stop for a dog biscuit at Downtown Dog or pick out a new hoodie at Bravefriend. Your new best friend will happily turn an ordinary walk into an adventure.

And that may be the best thing about dogs.

They make ordinary days better.

Dogs are a cure for boredom. They are wonderful company when you’re lonely. They make us laugh, get us outside and remind us that sometimes the best part of the day is simply having someone who is really, really happy to see you.

Shelter dogs seem especially good at that.

They may come to us with different stories. Some were loved but could no longer stay with their families. Others may never have known what it feels like to truly belong to someone. But they are all waiting for the same thing—a person who will give them a chance.

And in return?

You get a walking partner, movie buddy, foot warmer, kitchen supervisor, exercise coach and loyal friend all rolled into one.

So, yes, October really is the perfect month for Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.

The Aiken County Animal Shelter is full of dogs waiting for someone to choose them.

Maybe this October, one of them is waiting for you.

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

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

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