Category Archives: Adoption

2020, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, News, Pibbles

Christmas Miracle: Fate Brings Family and Dogs Together

Posted on by Bob Gordon
28
Dec

Sometimes things happen that cannot be explained. My wife, Jennifer, and I recently experienced such an event.

About 15 months ago we adopted Meadow, a white Pitbull mix, from the Aiken County Animal Shelter. We had just lost our favorite dog and wanted to honor him by adopting a dog from the shelter that nobody wanted. Meadow was about 5 years old and overbred. Everyone passed her kennel at the shelter without even looking at her.

We were concerned how our two male dogs would respond to a new female dog entering their lives. We also have horses and didn’t know how Meadow would react to them.

Meadow (left) and Chloe are best buddies.

The dogs accepted her, and she soon became the boss. On her first day, we brought our horse, Bruno, into the barn and introduced him to Meadow. We held our collective breaths when, suddenly, Bruno began to groom Meadow like horses groom each other. We had never seen a horse groom a dog! The grooming sessions became a daily ritual. Since then, Meadow and Bruno have been featured in the paper, our local Channel 12, and the story went viral on Facebook.

Meadow is a star; maybe the best dog we’ve ever owned.

The story doesn’t end there. Sadly, one of our male dogs passed away from cancer this past summer, and Jennifer was determined to adopt another dog in his honor.

This is where the plot thickens. In late November, we adopted two-year old Chloe from the shelter who, like Meadow, is a slightly smaller, overbred, white Pitbull mix. Like Meadow, she has the same soft coat and black spots subtly spread over her body. But, unlike Meadow, Chloe has a stunning black circle around one of her eyes. Except for that black spot, it’s hard to tell them apart.

Meadow and Chloe have become best buddies. They play together, cuddle, constantly kiss each other, and are inseparable. Like Meadow, Chloe immediately commandeered a spot on the most comfortable chairs and couches. Like Meadow, Chloe refused her crate and insists on sleeping on our bed.

Like Meadow, Chloe insists on sleeping on the bed.

They have many of the same habits, traits, and characteristics. We have begun to think maybe it’s more than a coincidence.

Think about it! Meadow was overbred; we know she had several litters of puppies, but we don’t know what happened to any of them. Could it be? Was it fate or some higher power that had us adopt Meadow 15 months ago? Was it fate or some higher power that brought Chloe and Meadow together this past November?

Who’s to say? So, we have made our own happy determination: Chloe is Meadow’s daughter.

That’s our Christmas story and we’re sticking to it! How lucky are we to have three, loving, goofy, happy, affectionate Pitbull mixes to make our home a joyful place? Maybe it’s time for your family to adopt the first, the second, or even a third dog and share that Christmas joy. You won’t be sorry.

FOTAS wishes you and your family a Happy Holiday Season. This year the shelter, once again, saved more than 4,000 animals, thanks to our community’s support. Thank you and God bless.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Peter Miller, FOTAS Volunteer

2020, adopter feedback, Adoption, ANIMAL CRUELTY, Dogs, FOTAS, neglected pets, News

Stray Dog Toby Escapes Hard-Knock Life to Become Cherished Family Member

Posted on by Bob Gordon
17
Dec

Dogs living in animal shelters remind me of the iconic Broadway play, “Annie”. Early in the show, Annie and the other orphans sing, “It’s a hard-knock life.” With lyrics like “instead of kisses, we get kicked” you quickly learn that these girls, like shelter dogs, have experienced bad things in their lives but they still hope someone will love them.

Toby was just such a dog when a special “guardian angel” named Charlene found him. One February night, Charlene saw a dog with no collar walking in a parking lot by a busy road. Even though she was on her way to Church, she stopped to check on him. She returned later in the evening to take Toby home, but he was gone. Store workers told her the dog had been coming around since a man threw the little dog out of his car in their parking lot. For six weeks, Toby had been living on a few scraps the workers gave him and he was sleeping outside during the cold nights.

Toby relaxes at his forever home.

Charlene came back the next day and found Toby. When she put him in her car, he began shaking violently in fear. Charlene couldn’t keep Toby, but she tried to place him with friends. In the end, she took him to the Aiken County Animal Shelter. The FOTAS volunteers assured her he would be well cared for until a suitable owner could be found.

In the meantime, we were ready to adopt a dog into our family. We didn’t want a puppy, but we did need a smaller dog because of the size of our backyard. In early March, we met Toby shortly after he was brought to the shelter and we instantly fell in love. We proceeded with the adoption and posed for a picture to be placed on the FOTAS Facebook page. As luck would have it, a mutual friend saw the picture and told Charlene. We connected and she shared the sad story of how she found him. Her insight helped us to understand some of his anxiety issues.

Our first days with Toby were a learning curve. He didn’t know how to play with toys nor was he leash trained. His fear of other dogs and people left him shaking and very anxious.

Lyddie and Charlie Hansen adopt Toby.

A visit to Dr. Holly Woltz provided us with some tools to socialize Toby and help him live his best life. Today, Toby loves his daily walks. He nuzzles all of the dogs in the neighborhood and happily greets their owners. His favorite friend is Luna, a large black dog who is equally happy to see our little Puggle. As for toys, he loves to play fetch with his pink elephant!

The story of Toby culminates in much the same way as in the play when Annie sings with Daddy Warbucks, “I Don’t Need Anything but You”. Toby is in his forever home and brings us much joy. We even have his picture on this year’s Christmas card. He completes our family, and we are grateful to Charlene and our friends at FOTAS for bringing us together.

— By Lyddie Hansen, FOTAS Supporter

2020, adopter feedback, Adoption, coronavirus crisis, Dogs, FOTAS, kittens, News, Veterans

FOTAS Provides Complimentary Adoptions to Veterans Year-Round

Posted on by Bob Gordon
13
Nov

This Wednesday, November 11th is Veterans Day. Held on the anniversary of the end of World War I, it is an important holiday that honors U.S. veterans and thanks them for serving our country.

FOTAS supports our armed forces and recognizes the benefits that veterans and active military personnel can experience from the company of a shelter cat or dog, So, we launched a veterans adoption program on Veterans Day, 2015. At first, we only offered discounts during November and then we offered half-price adoptions for veterans and active military throughout the year. But in 2018, FOTAS decided to make it possible for U.S veterans and active U.S. military personnel to adopt a dog or cat from the Aiken County Animal Shelter for no charge, year-round.

Mason Lamb cuddles with kitten Calli.

“Now, every day is Veterans Day at the County Animal Shelter,” said FOTAS President Jennifer Miller. “It is our small way to show gratitude to the men and women who serve our country and make sacrifices to protect and defend our freedoms.”

Veteran John Corda and his wife adopted Paislee, a senior Bassett Hound mix, last month and were surprised when they were told FOTAS was paying the adoption fee.

“It’s a great program that needs to be promoted more,” John said. “I told my friends about it and let them know the whole experience at the shelter was wonderful and how happy we are with our new pet.”

Larry and Esperanza Lamb just adopted a Calico kitten from the County Shelter and benefitted from the FOTAS veteran/military adoption program. Larry is in the reserves, so the family’s adoption of little Calli was paid for by FOTAS.

“Calli and my 3-year-old son are inseparable,” Esperanza said. “We knew about the veteran special when we went to look for a pet. I think it is a really good program. I know the animals need the homes and I think the veterans appreciate the generosity. It’s nice to be appreciated for what you do.”

The Cordas adopt senior Bassett Hound mix Paislee. FOTAS paid for the adoption to thank John Corda, a U.S. veteran, for his service.

It is always rewarding when pets in need bring joy to their adopters, and the veteran/military adoption program has resulted in many successful match-ups.

“Sable and Shadow are sleeping right under my feet as we speak,” said veteran Jerry Hufnagel, who adopted two senior Pomeranians, Sable and Shadow, from the ACAS in August. “They’ve been really good companions during this time I’ve had to stay in because of COVID-19. They are always nearby me, keeping me company.”

If you are currently active in the military or a veteran, please take advantage of your complimentary adoption. Make an appointment to visit one of our homeless pets by calling the ACAS at (803) 642-1537. The ACAS is nearly at full capacity and these pets are desperate to find loving homes soon.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2020, Adoption, Cats, Dogs, FOTAS, Home-to-Home adoption program, News, SELECTING A PET, SOCIAL MEDIA

‘Home to Home’ Proves to be a Successful Resource for Adopting Out Pets

Posted on by Bob Gordon
31
Oct

We’re about a year and a half into the inception of our Home to Home program, which is free to use. Home to Home is a better way for rehoming your pet from one home to another. It frees up space in shelters for homeless animals and is much less stressful on the pets and owners. A pet is rehomed directly from one home to another, never going into a shelter.

All of the pets posted on Home to Home are promoted on the FOTAS Facebook page.

We’ve had 525 listings (some with multiple animals in them) and 322 (61%) have found new homes using the website service. Another 70 animals have been surrendered and 98 owners failed to respond to follow up requests. We currently have 38 animals looking for homes. As with the shelter, if an animal is an inside animal who is housebroken, spayed or neutered, and has some training, the better the odds of adoption.

Barry and Bailey are Cockatiels rehomed through the FOTAS Home to Home website.

The vast majority of owners are either being forced to give up an animal due to their own illness, living circumstances that have changed, or they find their family can’t give them the time they need and deserve. All want the best for the animal and work hard to make sure the new home is a good fit before finalizing the rehoming. They ask questions of the adopters, and some even visit the new home to make sure they have a fenced yard or other needs the pet requires.

Grant and Heather Wiseman are amazing pet owners. They and their daughters have fostered too many litters of puppies to count, as well as adult dogs. Both Grant and Heather serve on the FOTAS board. When their daughters went to college, the Wisemans decided to rehome their cockatiels to a home with owners who had more time to spend with them. They went online, uploaded some information and a photo of Barry and Bailey and the next day the birds were in their new home where they are enjoying more attention. Heather said the process was incredibly easy and fast.

Diego relaxes in his forever home with the Wiseman family

When the Wisemans were looking for a new dog just in time for Grant’s birthday, they once again went to Home to Home. They found the perfect new pet in Diego. The owner came to their home with Diego to make sure they had a fenced-in yard and to make sure he got along with their other dogs. Heather said, “We loved the fact that he never had to go through the trauma of multiple kennels or homes before he was with us. Especially because he gets carsick!” Diego loves his new home and the Wisemans love him.

Recently our Home to Home program was nationally recognized as one of the best examples of a Shelter doing the Home to Home Program right. We’ve worked hard to make Home to Home one more resource to keep animals out of the Shelter and in loving homes. And isn’t that what we all want? You can find out more about Home to Home at fotas.home-home.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

–– By Ellen Priest, FOTAS Board Member and Home-to-Home Coordinator

2020, Adoption, Cats, Dogs, FOTAS, News, pet discrimination, pet myths and misinformation, SELECTING A PET

Why Are Black Dogs and Cats Often the Last to Be Adopted?

Posted on by Bob Gordon
20
Oct

People discriminate against black dogs and cats. This isn’t an opinion. It is a statistical fact. Black dogs and cats wait four times longer to get adopted from shelters and rescues as their lighter coated and more colorful counterparts. This phenomenon even has a name: Black Dog and Cat Syndrome.

But what is causing this alarming trend?

Black kitty Carter was adopted after being transported from the ACAS to the Aiken PetSmart.

Some say it is due to people’s superstitions such as the belief that black cats are bad luck or dark dogs are dangerous and evil. Others believe the way black pets are depicted in literature and movies are the reason people don’t choose them. Remember the Nazi dogs in the movie, “The Boys from Brazil” or the hell hounds in “The Omen”? These killer canines were pitch black. Like human villains in film often wear black and spout dark, dastardly facial hair, the “bad” dogs on the big screen are usually black.

It is absurd and disheartening that people really believe in such nonsense in the 21st century but we can’t ignore it – especially when the shelter is filling up and these dogs can’t find homes.

However, there is another theory for Black Dog and Cat Syndrome that actually makes sense. Black pets are more difficult to photograph. Their features don’t translate as well to film unless the lighting is excellent (not always an option) and eye-catching photos play a vital role in promoting shelter pets via social media.

Hudson is a strong but gentle giant.

The dark-coated canines and black-furred felines we take care of and adopt out at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) are typically every inch as wonderful as any brightly hued pet. In fact, the black dogs and cats currently available for adoption at the shelter include some of our best pets on the adoption floor.

Here is just a sampling of the awesome black dog and cats who need good homes:
• Mini black Lab mix Einstein is a one-year-old, playful dog who is just about the perfect family pet.
• Carter, a young cat who sleeps under a blanket and can’t get enough human attention.
• Hudson, a muscular mixed breed who loves to give visitors doggy kisses.
• Luna, another black Lab mix, who is four years old, medium-sized and super friendly.
• AJ, a shy and impressive Rottweiler mix who was abused in his past. However, he is learning to trust people again and starting to bond with staff and volunteers.
• Violet, an adorable senior Retriever mix, who might be the friendliest and sweetest dog on the adoption floor.

Please make an appointment to visit some of these amazing animals by calling the ACAS at (803) 642-1537. Meet them and judge them by their personalities, character and behavior. The ACAS is nearly at full capacity and these pets must find loving homes soon.

Their lives are in our hands.

Violet is an adorable Lab mix who is as sweet as they come.


–By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2020, adopter feedback, Adoption, Cats, Dogs, FOTAS, kittens, News

County Shelter Pets in Need Find Fantastic Forever Homes

Posted on by Bob Gordon
07
Oct

When you adopt a homeless pet from the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) and walk out the door with your new furry companion, staff members don’t just file your paperwork, wave good-bye and wish you good luck. They make sure you and your pet are happy and doing well.
Here are emails received from recent adopters we followed up with (some have been edited for space):

Gator is a hit in his new home.

Bonded kittens adapting well to new home
Boots and Tux are doing very well. We are so glad we adopted both of them and feel it would have been a big mistake to separate them. We recommend your shelter to everyone we talk to because we have had such a positive experience. Keep up the great work!

Ruth Leazer

Gator is enjoying his new life
Gator loves his new fur brothers and sister. He also loves Joey, our 9-year-old. He sleeps and plays with him. Gator is healthy as an ox and enjoying life. We can’t thank you enough! He is a big part of our lives!

Angela Miles

Binx relaxes on his new human sister’s shoulder.

Binx beats his fear, then makes himself at home
Binx was very scared the first few days and didn’t want to come from the bathroom. But now he has made himself at home. He’s gentle with all three of my kids and lets them hold him as much as they want. He sleeps with my 6-year-old every night. His favorite place in the house is the window seat where he watches the squirrels until he falls asleep. He’s the best cat ever. We love him so much!

Lisa Robinson

Everybody loves Ringo
Hello! Ringo is doing great! Loves all her new siblings and they love her! Her new name is Willow. Thanks for checking in!

Mikky Glidden

Ringo (left) with his feline family member.

Boz is a big mush who loves belly rubs
Boz is doing fabulously! He was frozen in place when we first got him, but now he struts around confidently. He loves playing with tennis balls and is big mush who falls over for belly rubs. He jumps up on the bed and wakes me up with kisses every morning. He really has been a joy! We are working on obedience and he now knows how to heal, sit, and lay down on command.

Courtenay Khoury

Boz (left) and his new best friend and canine brother.

Kimber is the perfect family addition
It took a little while for Kimber to trust the dogs, but they play quite a bit now. Our pittie, Riley, absolutely adores her. She has also bonded well with our other cat, Stella. They are inseparable! Kimber is a very affectionate love bug who loves to play and watch TV but most of all, cuddle. She’s the perfect addition to our little family!

Carrie Betterly

Kimber in her forever home with Pitty mix Riley.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2020, Adoption, animal care education, Dogs, FOTAS, News, Proper Pet Care, Training

Bringing Your New Dog Home: Five Tips for a Successful Adoption

Posted on by Bob Gordon
28
Sep

You just saved a life. A dog at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) pulled at your heart and after visiting her, you took her home to be your companion. You’re excited but a little nervous (which is normal). It’s a big step to introduce a dog into your home, and you want to do all you can to ensure your new family member has a smooth transition to your residence.

But how do you do that?

“It’s all a matter of giving your new dog time to adjust,” said Karen DeCamp, who trains dogs at the ACAS with Susi Cohen. “Their world has been turned upside down, and each dog is different regarding how quickly they adjust and get comfortable in their home environment.”

When ACAS dog SIMON is adopted, his owner will enjoy a free session with certified professional dog trainers Susi Cohen or Karen DeCamp.

Here are five tips for making your dog adoption a success:

1. Prepare by purchasing must-have items. Having the right tools can ease the stress and smooth the transition for your dog from shelter to home. Purchase food bowls, beds, leashes, harnesses, toys and dog crate ahead of time.

2. Let your new dog decompress. When dogs leave the shelter, they are happy, excited, scared – a mixture of emotions. Give your adopted dog a few days to decompress and relax. She likely didn’t sleep well in the shelter, so don’t be surprised if she curls up and goes to sleep when she first enters your home.

3. Be patient and establish a strict routine. “Be consistent when you get your new dog home,” Cohen advises. “Take her out at the same time, feed her at the same time. Be rigid with her routine. This establishes discipline, keeps the dog focused and helps her get acclimated to her new situation.” For the first few weeks, you should also avoid taking your dog to busy places, such as dog parks or social gatherings. Try to limit interaction to your immediate family.

4. Crate train your dog. Crate training is a great way to help your dog feel safe and less anxious when you have to leave her alone to go to work or run errands. “Most dogs feel more secure if they have a place where they feel safe, and a crate can accommodate that need,” Cohen said. “Make it comfortable by putting a dog bed inside and leave the door open to start so it is welcoming to your dog. She needs to feel safe.

ACAS Dog Trainer Karen DeCamp, seen here with adoptable dog, MILES, says preparation and patience are key to a successful adoption.

5. Slowly introduce your dog to other pets. Before adopting another dog, a meet and greet with your dog at the shelter is strongly recommended. This will better ensure your dogs are a good match. To introduce them at home, DeCamp recommends walking them near each other on neutral ground that is not your current dog’s “territory.” This way, they can check each other out during the natural, positive activity of a walk.

Everyone who adopts a dog from the shelter receives a voucher for a free training session and can contact the ACAS trainers for guidance. “If you have any problems or questions, just call us,” Cohen said. “We’re here to help.”

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2020, Adoption, donations, FOTAS, Have a Heart, Save a Heart, Home-to-Home adoption program, News, Spay/Neuter, TNR Program, Transfer, Volunteers, Where your donations go, Where your donations go

FOTAS and 11 Years of Progress at the Aiken County Animal Shelter

Posted on by Bob Gordon
30
Jul

On July 29, 2009, the South Carolina Secretary of State officially approved FOTAS as a charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to the care of the homeless, abandoned, and abused animals consigned to the County Shelter, kicking off the beginning of an extraordinary public/private partnership with the county and a new, comprehensive approach to caring for homeless animals. It was a massive undertaking. At the time, more than 6,000 animals a year passed through the doors of the county’s tiny, antiquated shelter. Only 5% made it out alive.

FOTAS helps fund the TNR program, which has been so effective in curbing community cat overpopulation in the Aiken County

All of that has changed in the past 11 years. With the opening of the new shelter in 2014, the FOTAS/county partnership solidified and blossomed. FOTAS volunteers are an integral part of the shelter’s operations (it is estimated that FOTAS volunteers provide the equivalent of ten full-time positions). FOTAS donations supplement the shelter’s budget and programs and provide supplies such as leashes, toys, flea and tick prevention, and medicine for heartworm positive dogs. FOTAS has created a network of transfer partners in other parts of the country (where kennels are empty because everyone fixes their pets) where we send dogs (and pay the incurred transport costs) who could not find homes locally. The transfer program saves thousands of animals every year.

We also attack the problem of overpopulation of homeless pets. FOTAS supplements the county’s spay/neuter financial assistance program for county residents who need it, as well as funds to support the TNR (Trap Neuter Return) program to address the problems of community cats. We hire a mobile spay/neuter van to go to hot-spot areas around the county (the FIDO Fix-a-Pet program) to provide free spay/neuter surgeries for citizens who need financial assistance.

Tiffy is adopted following mouth surgery. This poor kitten was rescued after being thrown from a moving car.

Our Home-to-Home program allows folks who can no longer care for their pets to use the power of our social media to find loving homes without subjecting their beloved pets to the trauma of surrender to the shelter (it’s been a huge success during the COVID crisis!) FOTAS works with Animal Control to provide dog houses and humane runners for dogs who are tethered to chains, as well as dog food and other supplies to help folks in a bind.

Biz and Eddie Mann adopted Snowflake (now named Keaton) from the ACAS in July.

FOTAS also helps with the improvement of the physical facilities at the shelter. In addition to funding the medical wellness and isolation pod for animals with curable infectious ailments, plans are currently underway for a building that will house two, much needed adoption rooms and a training area.

In 2017, FOTAS was one of ten (out of 14,000) charitable organizations to be awarded the Angel Award by the Secretary of State, which recognizes the most efficient and effective nonprofits in the state. Plus, for the second year in a row, FOTAS and our signature event, Woofstock, received the Aiken Standard Choice Best of Aiken Award.

We have managed to do all of this with only one paid staff member and an army of volunteers. Has it worked? You bet it has. For the past two years, FOTAS and the county achieved their goal of not having to euthanize any adoptable pet.

None of this would have been possible without you, the generous Aiken community, who have donated your time and money and welcomed shelter animals into your hearts and homes.

Thank you and God Bless. Stay safe.


–By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

2020, Adoption, Bully Dogs, coronavirus crisis, Dogs, Foster, FOTAS, Home-to-Home adoption program, News, Pibbles, shelter construction, surrendered pets

Adapting to Pandemic Crisis Leads to Positive Changes

Posted on by Bob Gordon
17
Jun

The Coronavirus crisis blindsided us all. Suddenly leaving our homes was dangerous, masks covering our nose and mouth became necessary, restaurants and small businesses were forced to shut down, and toilet paper turned into a priceless commodity.

But COVID-19 also forced us to think differently about the world we live in and adjust accordingly. Not only did social media become even more of a focus for us and vital to reaching potential adopters and fosters, but we also adapted our adoption process. To better protect citizens and our Aiken County Animal Shelter staff, we began doing adoptions outside and by-appointment only.

Sweet Angelica gets adopted during a May 22 appointment.

Since the shelter became closed to the public in March, we began asking potential adopters to view the available animals on FOTASaiken.org and then call the shelter for an appointment to visit with the ones they like. When folks arrive for their appointments, staff members greet them outside and then bring the pets out to visit. Following social distance protocol and wearing protective masks, staff members complete the adoptions curbside.

Michelle Vieyra adopted gray and white Pitbull mix Jules last month and brought one of her male dogs to meet her outside. After spending some time with Jules, she knew the feisty female was a good match.

Hunter finds the perfect home!

“Jules is doing well and learning how to fit into pack culture,” Vieyra said. “She is a bossy little thing, which is why I renamed her Sassy, but she is smart and catches on very quickly how things work around here. She learned how to sit after just one day, and we will be starting on commands like ‘lie down’ and ‘stay’ soon. She is also ridiculously cuddly.”

The appointment model for adoptions has been so successful and convenient for citizens, we plan to continue it even as we start accepting walk-in visitors again. Adopters enjoy the greater one-on-one attention and find they are less overwhelmed by so many pet choices when they arrive. In fact, most appointments are resulting in adoptions.

Similar to other service businesses such as hair salons, we will encourage appointments but also welcome walk-ins.

Shelter launches construction of intake kennel enclosure
The needed construction project of enclosing the covered, open-air intake kennel wing began this week, and we are thrilled this important improvement is being made. This is an exciting project as 30 kennels will be enclosed in a temperature-controlled building, making the dogs in this wing more comfortable and better protected from severe weather. During the estimated 3-month project, the shelter will temporarily be without 30 kennels, so please if you can foster or adopt.

Gray and white Jules aka Sassy (right) is adopted by Michelle Vieyra during a late May appointment.

If you have to rehome your pet, please take advantage of FOTAS’s Home to Home program, which allows you to rehome your pet directly from your residence instead of surrendering them to the shelter (which can be so stressful for a pet).

To learn more about FOTAS’s many programs and/or to volunteer, go to the FOTAS website (fotasaiken.org) or call the shelter at (803) 642-1537.

Their lives are in our hands.


— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2020, Adoption, coronavirus crisis, Dogs, FOTAS, News, SOCIAL MEDIA, Therapy Dogs

Maggie’s Wagging Tail and Furry Face Are a Balm for Difficult Times

Posted on by Bob Gordon
25
May

If it’s true miracles happen when they’re least expected, maybe it’s not so surprising what happened to a Pointer-mix named Maggie. How, with the whole world hijacked by the COVID crisis, she was rescued off the streets and brought into the Aiken County Animal Shelter. How she was then adopted by a 49-year-old fitness guru who’d never had a dog.

Shelter dog Sophia has a new home, a new name — Maggie, and a new job helping people.

The life Maggie has now, however, no one saw coming.

She’s got a hashtag #MascotMaggie. She’s got a weekend name, Mountain Maggie. She’s got a best friend, Tambra Wilkerson. What’s more, she’s got a mission.

“She has exceeded my expectations,” says Wilkerson, who walked away from her job at Savannah River Site in 2017 to follow what she says was a calling to work fulltime with patients of neurological issues such as Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and stroke.

Along with her husband, Steve, she founded the non-profit Day One Fitness, providing therapeutic boxing classes out of a gym in Beech Island, SC. With certification as a personal trainer specializing in neurological conditions, Wilkerson continues to expand her programs, spending a lot of hours on the job. When the pandemic suspended in-person classes, she worked to keep clients connected and active, developing online exercise sessions and virtual social gatherings. Still, her schedule was much lighter than usual.

Sophia aka Maggie was a staff favorite at the shelter due to her sweet personality.

“The shelter’s Facebook posts capture my heart every time I see them.,” she said. “I love dogs, but I never felt I had the time a dog deserved. I thought maybe I’d get a dog in my retirement. But during COVID-19, I realized I did have time.”

Using the shelter’s appointment system for socially-distanced adoptions, Wilkerson emailed the staff and scheduled a visit. They brought out Maggie, a shy and skittish stray who wouldn’t look people in the eye. Until now. She seemed to know this was the family she’d waited for her whole life. Wilkerson describes their bond as exceptional.

“Second to my husband, Maggie is my best friend. She’s by my side all the time. Her loyalty draws my heart in even more.”

Maggie and Wilkerson are partners in work and play. When it’s time for a Zoom exercise class with Parkinson’s patients, Maggie joins in. When it’s time for Wine Down Wednesday with Day One clients, Maggie is there for a virtual game of Pictionary or a client’s Facetime tour of his chicken coop.

At a time of fear and uncertainty, Maggie’s wagging tail and furry face are a balm for difficult times. She brings laughter, and the reminder life is good.

Maggie “on the job” at Day One Fitness in Beech Island, SC

“She’s such an asset to my mission. She’s my faithful sidekick.”

Wilkerson takes Maggie on weekend excursions, too. Those usually include trips to north Georgia, where Wilkerson and her husband work on their mountain house while Maggie explores and plays.

“She’s just fantastic. Smart, well-behaved, sweet – she has it all,” Wilkerson said.

Their lives are in our hands.


— By Martha Anne Tudor