Dogs and cats arrive at the shelter every day. They cannot tell us their stories—their fears, or what makes them happy. Sometimes that may be a blessing, because we don’t have to know everything they have been through.

Gus was a dog who touched everyone at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. He was very scared when he first arrived. Gus had been surrendered by his owner due to animal control issues related to dogs not being properly contained. Gus had no idea what he had done wrong, and he was clearly devastated.

Once staff and volunteers began working with him, they quickly fell in love. This big boy turned out to be a marshmallow! Gus learned to trust people and began showing off his sweet personality. He would happily sit and give his paw, lounge in office chairs just to be close to staff, and he was walked by volunteers more than any other dog in the shelter.

Volunteer Susan said, “I love walking Gus! He is so happy to be out and about, and then he loves to sit on the couch for some snuggles.”

Gus had one big strike against him—he was a large brindle male dog. Sadly, those are some of the hardest dogs to find homes for. That seems ridiculous to those of us who know and love big brindle boys, because they are often the most lovable dogs around.

We wanted desperately to help him, so we shared videos of Gus wearing sweaters, giving kisses, and showing just how wonderful he really was. Still, he waited a long time for the right people to come along.

And thankfully, they did.

The update from his new family brings us pure joy:

“Gus is a diamond in the rough. I’m so glad we adopted him.”

Gus now lives in a home with both dogs and cats. He is getting the love, patience, and training he deserves. His new owners say he showed signs of past abuse and neglect, but today he is living his very best life.

Thank you to Gus’s new family—and to everyone willing to take a chance on the underdog. Those are the dogs who often teach us the most about love, patience, and the power of giving a second chance.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

For some reason chocolate isn’t quite as special as it used to be. I guess with age comes the ability to buy sweet treats whenever we want them. But what if you could get an even better chocolate treat? Like a chocolate doggy?

Right now we have three gorgeous chocolate dogs at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Each one has lovely manners, and each is sweeter than any chocolate bunny you could find in a basket.

Take Bodhi, for example. This sweet boy is incredibly friendly and clearly wants to be your best friend. He sits and gazes up at you, hoping for a cuddle or a kiss. Bodhi has been wonderful with the children who visit the shelter, he’s house trained, and he truly is just as sweet as can be.

Then there is Bruno, who is absolutely dreamy. He is quiet, gentle, and happiest sitting beside you on the sofa for a nap. Bruno clearly was once someone’s beloved pet, even though he arrived at the shelter as a stray. He is house trained and already knows commands like “sit” and “down.” Our volunteers adore this handsome “bunny.”

And finally there is Captain, the oldest of all the chocolate bunnies. Caspian is another well-mannered dog with excellent cuddling skills. He is clean, knows commands, and loves spending time with people. Captain is nine years old and grateful for love and rope toys, they are his favorite! See a trend here? These dogs are good dogs—wonderful, loving pets who are simply waiting for a home.

So maybe this year, instead of only indulging in chocolate and jelly beans, consider adopting a chocolate “bunny” of your own. One that will fill your heart for years, not just your belly for an hour.

Their Lives Are In Our Hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

We often hear people say they stopped by the Aiken County Animal Shelter but didn’t see a good selection of pets available for adoption. That simply isn’t true.

This week alone we have a small Cattle Dog, a silver Labrador, a fluffy Golden Shepherd mix, a silver short-haired puppy, and even a gorgeous Shepherd/Hound with a Canine Good Citizen certification.

And the cats? Every color you can imagine — calico, tabby, and my personal favorite, black cats.

Yes, we definitely have variety!

But when choosing a dog, it’s not really about breed — it’s about personality. What dog matches you?

Are you a runner? We can find you a dog that will run beautifully right beside you.

Prefer to relax after work and skip the evening exercise? We have dogs for that too!

Are you older and looking for a calm companion? Let’s find you a dog that fits your lifestyle — probably not a puppy that needs constant bending, cleaning, and supervision.

Sometimes people simply choose the wrong dog for their lifestyle. No judgment — I’ve made that mistake myself! The difference is learning how to meet the dog’s needs once you bring them home.

The good news is that the Adoption Team at the Aiken County Animal Shelter truly knows their dogs. They run dog playgroups every day and understand which dogs get along with others, who has high energy, and who prefers the quiet life.

They know which dogs do well with children, which ones happily ride in the car for road trips, and which ones will stretch out on the couch beside you for hours.

Adoption Coordinator Cynthia Gray started with us as a volunteer. The shelter quickly hired her as an intake dog walker, and she worked her way up to become the adoption team’s “top dog.” Cynthia is kind, compassionate, and incredibly smart when it comes to matching people with the right pet. Helping families find the perfect dog means the world to her.

Fellow adoption counselors Bob Gordon and Lisa Gaudet are special people indeed.

Bob has been with the Aiken County Animal Shelter for over a decade and has earned a reputation for kindness and dedication. Lisa came to the shelter with an animal control background and has one of the most gentle, patient personalities you will ever meet. She even takes dogs home for overnights so she can better understand their personalities.

The entire shelter staff is terrific, but today we wanted to highlight the three people you will likely meet when you come in looking for your next family member.

Whether it’s a tiny tabby kitten, a senior Labrador, or a magnificent mutt, these adoption counselors will help you find the perfect match.

Because at the end of the day, their lives are in our hands — and together we can give them the homes they deserve.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

Stormy recovered while being fostered by Jeri Wesner and Joe Ryan — foster extraordinaires.

These two are simply kind people. Kind to animals, kind to people. They take care of everyone and always have a hug to share. If you know them, you love them.

Stormy was eventually adopted by Jeri and Joe, joining their dog Jack, who was also adopted from the Aiken County Animal Shelter. As a side note, Jeri was one of our very first volunteers, and her dedication to walking shelter dogs and fostering is unmatched. When dog walking became difficult with her schedule, the couple simply dedicated their home to fostering instead. I don’t think they’ve had a break in years!

They often say things like, “Lucky us again!”

When their dog Jack passed away, Stormy needed a job. That job became fostering — and she never disappoints.

Stormy plays with the foster puppies, shares her toys, and acts as a gentle teacher. She helps them learn how to be good pets, shows them what behaviors are appropriate, and can make even the most frightened puppy feel safe and comforted.

The most beautiful part of this story is that Stormy herself was once a discarded puppy, left injured and alone. Now she helps the discarded.

FOTAS and the Aiken County Animal Shelter are incredibly fortunate to have many dedicated foster families. Sometimes we forget to acknowledge the helpers behind the scenes — like Stormy.

Every time Jeri and Joe bring back their foster puppies (usually one or two), they ask the same question: Who can we take home next?

That is serious dedication. Anyone who has fostered puppies knows it is incredibly rewarding, but it also involves a lot of cleanup and hard work. Jeri and Joe never complain. They simply ask how they can keep helping.

“Thanks for letting us foster these fabulous animals. Our lives are blessed beyond the moon!” – Jeri and Joe

The Aiken County Animal Shelter continues to receive countless puppies and kittens, we urge Aiken County residents to consider fostering. Email us at info@fotasaiken.org if you are interested.

Their Lives Are In Our Hands.
By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

“Bella is doing SO WELL!!! She is amazing with our 3 young children and 2 older dogs. She eats like a champ, goes potty outside, happy and healthy! She loves to run and play and even just lay in the fenced in yard sunbathing. Loves toys and treats. Also loves her naps lol!” – Jennifer

Sugar Plum (now Holly) was brought to us as an owner surrender. She was pretty sad to be left behind but it didn’t take long to find her new amazing home!

“Sugar Plum was renamed Holly. She has been amazing. Everything is good so far! Toby is my only male cat. Based on the photo he is happy with his girl Holly.” – Rachel

Darla came to the shelter as a stray and she was so scared. She would sit in the back of her kennel shaking. However when it came time for playgroups she would get really excited to play with the other dogs. Slowly she started to trust us. Michelle was so sweet and offered to foster her over the Christmas holiday. Darla never came back, she found her home:

“Darla is doing marvelous.  She is eating well and really starting to open up.  She has already gotten established with my vet and received a clean bill of health.   We couldn’t be more pleased to have her as part of the family. She loves to play ball and has warmed up nicely to her little sisters.” – Michelle

Beetlejuice was a super social, sweet kitten that came to us as a stray. He took weeks to find a home which was baffling to all of us! This little guy would meow and reach out for attention!

“He’s doing amazing. My bull terrier and him get along great, and play well together, he actually hates when she is in the crate. We even took him on a road trip back to Baltimore and he did amazing. He’s definitely gotten more confident and playful. At night when I’m cooking he loves to run out of the dark and try to scare me before me begs to be picked up. Also carries his little toys around the entire house and will sometimes play fetch too. He’s eating well too, uses his litter box perfectly, picked up what he can and can’t scratch on very fast as well. He fits in perfectly and everyone loves him.” – Danny

There are many more wonderful dogs and cats at the shelter.  Come and adopt yours so you can tell us your adoption testimonial!

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

So, we waited and hoped for the right home — one willing to open their heart to not just one senior dog, but two.

Thanks to social media and more than one thousand shares, that home finally appeared.

After their adoption, we asked if they would be willing to share their experience. They sent us the following message:

“Sometimes life throws an unexpected curve and we definitely learned the meaning of that adage several weeks ago. While Doug had a chemo infusion, we met a wonderful dog parent, Beverly, and her therapy dog, PJ. We chatted casually and were asked what breed of dog we would select if we were going to adopt. Having been raised in a Doxie household, my response was immediate. A couple of weeks later, we received a text from Ms. Beverly along with adorable picture of two senior bonded dogs, who had a lifetime attachment, with a note that they could not be placed for adoption since nobody wanted two senior dogs. Our pastor’s recent sermon told us that while we may have a plan throughout life, God may have a different plan for us and we must be flexible. We decided to meet these two pups and arranged to go to the Aiken shelter. We were led to a small room to await visitation. Morgan, our Doxie, immediately ran to us, tail wagging, and kisses galore, while Bailey, who is anxious in new situations, paced and occasionally stopped for an ear scratch. Morgan adopted us immediately and within four days, so did Bailey. They are the sweetest pups and separating them would have been cruel. They are constant companions. Adopting seniors has been a remarkable experience. They know their names, understand our commands and required minimal training. They can now live out their lives in the comfort of our home with home-cooked meals and lots of love. In exchange, we have received companions and lots of love right back. We had never thought of adopting a pet, let alone two, but we have been blessed. They know it and so do we. Lennie and Doug”

Stories like this remind us how important it is to have a plan for pets in case of illness or emergencies. Asking a friend or family member to take our pets in case something happens.

We also often encourage older individuals to consider adopting older pets. It is usually a better match — puppies and kittens require so much training and energy, while senior pets are typically house-trained, socialized, and home ready.

Even the best plans don’t always work out. When they don’t, the Aiken County Animal Shelter staff and volunteers go into overdrive to make sure pets like Bailey and Morgan still get their happy ending.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

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!

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

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.

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—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

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 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

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.

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