Category Archives: Adoption

2025, Adoption, Volunteer

Adopting Kali was Kismet

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Malia and Kali: it was meant to be
12
May

Some adoptions are just meant to happen.

The most recent example of destiny stepping in to match a dog with an adopter involves a terrified tan and white mama dog and a long-time FOTAS volunteer.

Kali arrived at the Aiken County Animal Shelter as a stray who was found feeding her puppies under a shed. The pretty mixed breed was so skittish, she had to be caught in a trap along with one of her pups. Gaunt and weak when she arrived at the shelter, Kali showed signs of being sweet but was too scared to bond with any of the staff.

When Kali graduated to the adoption floor, she was immediately noticed by volunteer Malia Koelker.
“She was trembling in the corner of her kennel” Malia said. “So, I sat with her for an hour or so and did the same thing the next day. She started feeling more confident when I walked her and was so grateful for the attention.”

From then on, Kali became attached to Malia. Whenever the shy 5-year-old, 42-pound dog saw Malia, she would perk up and beg to be petted. Other volunteers and staff members began to teasingly ask Malia what she did that made Kali fall in love with her. Even when Kali was in playgroup, she would get distracted if she spotted Malia walking other dogs or chatting with volunteers.

But Malia kept resisting the urge to adopt Kali. She’d been a FOTAS volunteer for seven years and never adopted a dog. She and her husband, Robert, like to travel and the timing never felt right. Besides, they were still mourning their 18-year-old dog, who passed away a year ago. Why do it now?

Kali feeling safe and secure in her new home.
Kali feeling safe and secure in her new home.

“I’ve been tempted so many times to adopt a dog, but Kali broke my heart,” Malia said. “Whenever she saw me, she’d whine and bark. When I walked her, she’d jump up on the couch and curl right up next to me.”

As days kept going by without Kali finding a home, Malia decided to take Kali home for one night to see how she would do away from the shelter, in a quiet home. Robert was skeptical, but agreed to Kali’s visit.

“She was perfect,” Malia said. “She slept in our bed and won over our cat, Darwin. She took over one of our chairs and fit right in.”

Malia adopted Kali the next day and the timid dog who trembled and shook in her kennel is now happy and living her best life.

“She’s warming up to Robert now,” Malia said. “When we walk Kali together in the morning, she stops and waits for him if he’s lagging behind.”

Malia smiles. “I think she’s won Robert’s heart, too.”

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2025, Adoption, Training

Crate training can make life easier for both you and your dog

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Crating can be a tool for helping with separation anxiety.
05
May

While a crate might seem too confining for your dog, it can actually be a great source of comfort for him, especially if he is insecure.

A dog crate is a plastic or collapsible metal enclosed pen that is large enough for a dog to stand up and turn around in. It is a place for the dog to be when no one is around to supervise him. If introduced correctly it can become your dog’s sanctuary – a place where he feels safe and secure. It can be a tool for helping with separation anxiety.

Dogs are extremely social and enjoy being included in family activities. Using a crate allows your dog to be inside even when you’re not home or are sleeping. Crating along with scheduled opportunities to go outside can aid in house-training because dogs don’t like to soil their sleeping areas. During the puppy stage, this confinement keeps him safe when you cannot monitor him. Crating keeps your pup away from dangers like electrical cords and choking hazards.

Some dogs at the animal shelter get panicky in their kennels with all the noise and activity around them. But they become calmer and much happier when we put them in a crate in the front lobby. These dogs, likely trained before coming to the shelter, feel safer in a crate containing a comfy dog bed and their durable toys.

Nitro, a dog that felt more secure in a crate then his shelter kennel, was adopted and now roams free in his new house, but still sees the crate as his “den” and safe place.
Nitro, a dog that felt more secure in a crate then his shelter kennel, was adopted and now roams free in his new house, but still sees the crate as his “den” and safe place.

One dog on the adoption floor, Nitro, was so anxious in his kennel, he would run all around, pace the floor, put his paws on the kennel door and bark in fear. But when we put him a crate in the lobby, he calmed down and became a different dog. He felt more secure in the crate, which helped him to relax and get some much-needed rest.

However, crates can be misused. No dog should spend most of his day, every day, in a crate. Crating an adult dog for more than 10 hours in a day can be considered inhumane even if he is given bathroom breaks. If your schedule requires you to be away from your dog for long days consider alternatives such as doggy daycare, a walking service or a pet sitter. 

Training experts also stress that a crate should never be used as punishment tool in training your dog.

“You want your dog to associate his crate with positive behavior,” said Karen DeCamp, Aiken County Animal Shelter Dog Trainer. “It is okay to use a crate to separate your dog from a household activity for short time-outs or naps. A safe chew toy or perhaps a Kong stuffed with peanut butter, then frozen, will provide your dog mental activity while crated.”

Finally, if you do crate your dog when you’re not home, it is important that you offset his time in the crate with needed exercise. He needs to expend his pent-up energy, so be sure to take him for a long walk or play fetch with him when you get home.

Their lives are in our hands.
By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2025, Adoption

Whitney’s forever home is worth the long wait

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Whitney spends a lot of time with her new brother, Kade.
22
Mar

Whitney was the Aiken County Animal Shelter’s longest resident and running out of time. The pretty, four-year-old, 50-pound Retriever mix with a gorgeous brindle coat was abandoned in an empty house by her previous owners and was now on her fifth month of hoping to be selected by prospective adopters.

Whitney was a favorite of FOTAS volunteers because she was affectionate and walked wonderfully on a leash. The gentle dog was wonderful with children, and people of all ages. She was housebroken, had beautiful manners and was incredibly affectionate. But she had one big strike against her. She needed to be an only pet.

Whitney explores the goodies at Wags! in Hendersonville, NC.
Whitney explores the goodies at Wags! in Hendersonville, NC.

Being the longest resident at the shelter is never a good position to be in and Whitney needed a small miracle. She found one with the Bowdoin family.

Kyle and Nikki Bowdoin saw Whitney on Facebook and traveled with their young son, Kade, from Greenville, SC to visit her at the shelter. They spent a lot of time with her before making the decision to take her home. They didn’t have any pets or a lot of dogs around their property, so they were ideal candidates.

Whitney quickly bonded with the family, especially Kade. She trusted him immediately.

“Whitney is a sweetie pie and loves to cuddle,” Nikki said. “She loves to play with her stuffed animals and acts like a puppy with them! She loves us very much, and she is the happiest when we are all together. Kade is her favorite, of course!”

Whitney went home with the Bowdoins three months ago and has been a wonderful pet. Nikki says she loves car rides, playing tug, and long walks on the lake. She absolutely loved playing in the snow. Whitney recently went on her first family trip and had a fantastic time.

2025, Adoption, kennel stress

Rule of threes helps adopters prepare for new pet

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Some dogs, like 2-year-old Dutchess, are scared in a shelter environment, but will become more social once they find a loving home. But new owners must be patient and give their new pets time to adjust to their new surroundings.
21
Feb

The “rule of threes” for adopted animals, often called the “3-3-3 rule,” advocates that it takes a new pet three days to decompress and feel relaxed in their new environment; three weeks to start learning your daily routine, and three months to feel completely settled in and part of your family.
Many adopters aren’t sure what to expect when they add a new pet, and it certainly varies based on the animal’s personality background and age. However, the rule of threes effectively provides a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption.

Three days to decompress
Adopters need to take it slow when they bring their adopted pet home for the first time. While some pets immediately feel relaxed and at home, most of the time pets need time to adjust and get their bearings. Once dogs are away from the shelter, they often crash and fall asleep when they first arrive at their new home. They finally are in a quiet setting and feel like they can relax. They may not eat much and hide under the furniture or in their crate. Be patient. It takes some dogs a little time to feel secure in a new home.

During these first few days, your adopted pet is a flight risk, so you have to make sure they don’t escape through an open door or bolt out of your yard because you left them unattended. However, it is also important to give them space, be supportive and stay positive. You don’t want to force them to interact with you and your family members. Instead, calmly show them where they will be eating and sleeping; feed them twice a day and take them out every couple of hours until you know their signal for wanting to go out and potty.

Adopting a shelter dog like 3-year-old Sparrow is a rewarding experience that can be enhanced by following the 3-3-3 rule.
Adopting a shelter dog like 3-year-old Sparrow is a rewarding experience that can be enhanced by following the 3-3-3 rule.

Three weeks to learn the routine
At this point, your adopted pet is settling in and getting used to your routine. They’ve caught up on their sleep and are feeling more confident. Their personality is starting to bloom. With added confidence, some dogs may begin to test boundaries, so you’ll want to give your pet clear directions and reward good behavior. Remember, consistency and patience are crucial during this period. It’s a learning process for both of you, and it takes time to get to know each other.

Three months to feel at home
Now your dog is fully settled into their new home and feels like part of the family. They understand and follow your routines. They’ve developed a deep bond with you and are comfortable being themselves. No longer do they wonder if this is just a temporary place to stay. They know they are truly home.

If you are looking to adopt a pet, call the Aiken County Animal Shelter, (803) 642-1537, ext. 3765, or email info@fotasaiken.org and make an appointment with an adoption expert. They will give you personalized customer service and have pets ready to show when you arrive. Walk-ins are also welcome. We’re open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and located at 333 Wire Rd., Aiken, SC.

Their lives are in our hands.
By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2025, abandoned animals, Adoption, Foster, kennel stress

Welcoming 2025

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
In the first 12 days of 2025, the Aiken County Shelter has received 150 unwanted dogs and cats.
20
Jan
Bindi, found alone and freezing in our donation bin.
Bindi, found alone and freezing in our donation bin.

Well, we were hoping to turn over a new leaf, to have a fresh start to 2025 but in the past twelve days we received 150 dogs and cats, 60 of those being puppies, five of those being puppies that require bottle feeding, five so scared we can’t touch them.

One puppy was found in our donation bin. Poor Bindi, now in foster, was left on one of the coldest nights in a donation bin without warmth or protection.

We are encountering new challenges and doing our best to adapt.

Every kennel is full and we are getting more and more emails from people needing help.

How do we help?
For those who are financially struggling and needing help to feed their pets, we hold a monthly Community Pet Food Drive Thru. The need is greater than ever and we make sure each vehicle, household, gets a bag of dog or cat food that FOTAS purchases. This program allows people to keep their pets and not surrender due to financial difficulties.

Home to Home. Our Home to Home program gives people options for rehoming their pets – dogs, cats, guinea pigs, birds, etc., – free of charge. Pet owners can upload pictures of their pets with details on personality and why they can no longer keep them. We in turn post these pets on our Facebook page and website. This helps pets by keeping them out of the shelter and finding new homes.

Aiken County offers residents spay and neuter vouchers. If you qualify (based on income) you can apply for a spay and neuter voucher at the Aiken County Government Center. This voucher assists with the cost of spay and neuter surgeries at local veterinary establishments on the voucher list of which the County needs more. As a community we have to cut down on the unwanted litters of puppies and kittens.

The point is, we are full! We cannot possibly find homes for all these pets without the help of our community.

Spay and Neuter your pets!
Adopt – You do not need to go to a breeder, there are far too many wonderful pets that need you!
Foster – Give a dog, puppy, cat or kitten a safe place to thrive until we can find them a home.

Their lives are in our hands.

by Kathy Cagle FOTAS Programs Coordinator

Adoption, bonded pets, group dog play, kennel stress

Parker & Skye: arrived as strangers, left together as family

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Parker (left) and Skye met at the shelter, became friends and were adopted together.
15
Nov

When Skye arrived at the Aiken County Animal Shelter as a stray, she instantly became a staff and volunteer favorite. With her winning smile and huge personality, nothing seemed to bother this stout, six-year-old mixed breed. She loved everyone, and everyone loved her.

During her first playgroup session, Skye was a standout. She was friendly with the other dogs and firmly corrected the overly pushy pups. She quickly established herself as a greeter dog in group play and mentored newbies and her more timid peers. Skye was just as comfortable with the playgroup staff, often rolling on her back in the middle of play to beg for a tummy rub.

Parker, a two-year-old mixed breed who arrived at the shelter about a week before Skye, was progressing slowly in playgroup but still painfully shy, especially with people. He was wary when potential adopters visited his kennel and sometimes cowered when dogs barked loudly in his direction.

As vastly different as these two dogs were – Skye the fearless social butterfly and Parker the nervous wallflower – they began to pair up in playgroup. Parker felt safe around Skye, and she enjoyed his attention. In a short time, they became close friends.

The Perfect Pair
FOTAS Dog Walking Volunteer Sue Payne got to know Skye and Parker pretty well, and suggested her daughter, Haley, visit each of them. Haley and her boyfriend, Jonathan, were looking to add a dog to their new home and wanted to adopt from the shelter.

The two dogs love to ride in the car and go on long walks downtown and in local parks.
The two dogs love to ride in the car and go on long walks downtown and in local parks.

When Haley and Jonathan met Skye, they fell in love with her. But Parker pulled on their heartstrings as well. During their discussion with the adoption counselor, it came up that the two dogs got along well with each other during playgroup. Both dogs had been at the shelter for weeks and desperately needed a chance for a better life. That’s all Haley needed to hear. She said it “just felt right” to adopt both dogs, and the couple took Skye and Parker home.

“They’ve made the perfect addition to our family,” Haley said. “They sleep in the same bed and Parker is learning a great deal from Skye. He follows her lead. I don’t think he would have progressed as quickly if he didn’t have her, and Skye would not have done as well without him because she needs constant attention to be happy.”

The pair of dogs enjoy going on long walks, car rides, going to downtown restaurants, and taking trips to Chick-fil-A on Fridays to split an ice cream.

“I cannot put into words how thankful I am that we got both of them together,” Haley said.

The shelter is full and there are many more wonderful pets who need loving homes. Please go to fotasaiken.org to see them or stop by and visit the dogs and cats at 333 Wire Road. Dogs and puppies are $35; cats and kittens are $10. All of our adoptable pets are vaccinated, microchipped & fixed.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2024, abandoned animals, Adoption, animal abuse, neglected pets, senior pets

Sad Eyes No More

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
No More Sad Eyes
09
Nov

His eyes tell a story. A sad story of abuse, neglect, and desolation. An innocent soul who never asked for too much – food, water, and love. An animal’s ability to endure their entire lives with none of these is a testament to their spirit and will to live. How they have endured cruelty and neglect, yet still have love to give, and hope to feel, is unfathomable.

Each passing day, that hope may diminish slightly, but he perseveres. Each time someone walks by his kennel, he desperately yearns that they will pick him. He doesn’t know that his face is crooked from being hit by a car. Or that his tongue falls out of the side of his mouth because he has no teeth. Or that the combination of his skeletal appearance, stitches under his eye, and bandaged leg gives the impression that his days are numbered. And maybe they are. But all he hopes for is that one day, he too can feel what it is like to want for nothing. To not be hungry, thirsty, shivering, or discarded on the road like garbage. He has never felt these things before – but he deserves better.

Unfortunately, animals cannot advocate for themselves. So, who is there to advocate for them besides us? When you adopt a senior pet, you are single handedly changing a life for the better. You are giving a living breathing being the life they always deserved, and something to live for. The resilience and forgiving of dogs are unmatched. This senior dog we adopted, who lived a life of abuse and neglect, only has love to give. His tail wags nonstop. He yearns for constant pets and affection. And while his body remembers the pain, and his brain carries past trauma, there is now life in his step.

Dogs do not comprehend the future. They understand the past, and they understand the present. How many tomorrows he has left may be something that you will ponder, but it hasn’t crossed his mind once. What he cares about now is that he has food, a cozy bed, and most importantly, love. His eyes are sad no more. They look at you with love. With gratefulness. Sometimes they are tired from going on a long walk around the farm, with a body that has endured more bad than good. But these eyes are no longer sad, and they will never be again.

So many people pass over the seniors because they do not know what the future holds, or how many tomorrows they have left. But adopting a senior is a selfless act that fulfills the faraway dream when the only thing left is a little bit of hope.

Their lives are in our hands.
by Sarah Berkowitz, FOTAS Board Member

2024, Adoption

The Plight of the Only Pet

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Whitney loves children and is easy to walk
01
Nov

The adoption staff at the Aiken County Animal Shelter does an amazing job of matching pets for new owners by analyzing their play styles and behavior.

There is one group of pets that has become a challenge to get adopted. This group is made up of wonderful animals who, for different reasons, want to be the only pet in the home. They don’t want to share their new home with another pet. This does not make them bad pets with behavioral issues. Instead, they are great pets who want to please their owners and want 100% of their owner’s love.

This week’s column introduces three fabulous available “only pet dogs” named Whitney, Jax, and Remi and one “only pet cat” named Cane. All are smart, well trained and family friendly that just can’t live in a home with other furry friends.

This really hurts their adoption chances.

WhitneyWhitney is terrific with children, she knows her commands and she is house-trained. She is easy to walk and absolutely devoted to anyone that shows her love and attention. She has gone on school trips and visited seniors. Whitney does not like cats or other dogs and just doesn’t want to share her home with them.

Jax is a fluffy, happy and very intelligent dog! He is a dog park dog, so good in playgroups. But in a home, he is jealous. He doesn’t want to share his toys or his person with other dogs and is not a fan of cats, which does not make him unique. Jax can fetch tennis balls (he will even seek out the squeaky ones if they are mixed in, total smarty!). Jax loves swimming in the pools at the shelter and has never had an accident!

Remi
Remi

Remi is a stunning black lab. He appears to be purebred. He is the BEST ever at fetch and carries his favorite ball around like a pacifier. He came to us after being attacked by another dog needing a lot of stitches and medical attention. Naturally he is now defensive around other dogs, who wouldn’t be? Remi will return each ball thrown and then will lay at your feet, falling over to cuddle with you. Dreamy!

These dogs will make the absolute best companions! They love to cuddle, they love belly rubs, they are fabulous pets. Finding a home in Aiken, what a challenge!

We get cats periodically that also don’t enjoy homes with other cats. Cane is one of these kitties. He originally came to us as a stray and was adopted. He was later picked up as a stray and returned to the owner. Then three years later was returned for not meeting the owner’s expectations. The poor kitty is an only pet. He is so frightened being back at the shelter which doesn’t help him find a home. He needs a person to adopt him and build that trust and love, he will be such a good friend!

Surely there are people that like one pet? Where are you?!

Don’t let these pets linger in kennels waiting for homes, they are truly the best of the best and deserve the most. Holidays are coming up, don’t spend them alone. Adopt a friend such as Whitney, Jax, Remi or Cane.

Their adoption fees are sponsored and waived.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2024, Adoption, Foster, PUPPIES

Puppies, puppies, puppies!

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
One of the litters arrived, stuffed in a hot, dirty kennel.
27
Sep

A dozen puppies at the Aiken County Animal Shelter are looking for good homes, another 15 desperately need fostering, and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight as more stray pups keep pouring into the shelter.

Why are we getting so many puppies? Well, there are a number of factors, including people overbreeding and dumping puppies on the side of the road or on other people’s property. In addition, adult dogs are increasingly being abandoned on the street, often by people facing financial hardships who can no longer afford to feed or house them. These wandering strays are breeding and producing pups. Also, Aiken County is growing and our veterinarian offices are not able to keep up with appointments. This means citizens sometimes find that spay and neuter surgeries are booked up and an appointment for surgery may not be available for months, resulting in many accidental litters.

Adopters needed for cute puppies
Because of this puppy explosion we’re experiencing, we have adorable canine babes available for adoption. Dilly, a chunky four-month-old, is squishy, lazy and loves snuggle time! Delilah is a more petite, super fun pup that loves to play.

The Hound/Shepherd litter is amazing! These pups, which include Bandit, Carrie, Rex, Rocky, Tina, Spicy, Zyla and Zeek, came to us shoved in a hot and filthy crate. They are so grateful for love, baths and no more fleas! This crew adores toys and any attention given.

The Labby litter, which includes Nigel, Niko, Nathan and Nolan, breaks our hearts. We couldn’t find a foster home for them so by the time we could get them fixed and ready for adoption, they were a little more shy than we would prefer. However, these cuties will be fine; they just need homes soon, so they can build confidence and gain more trust in people.

Short-term fosters needed now more than ever
Every kennel in our puppy section is full of litters. This is so hard to see. These babies need love and care. Are they safe and cared for? Of course. We have an amazing staff. But the shelter is full, and no one has enough time to work with puppies.

We need short-term foster homes now. What does that mean exactly? We have litters that need safe places to stay healthy and receive love until we can get the proper vaccinations for them. Every pup gets vaccinated when they arrive at the shelter. But they need a series of vaccinations, so they don’t get parvo or other awful things. FOTAS provides food, crates, toys… anything you need.

Foster homes are extremely important because they help puppies get proper socialization. If you have a farm, we would love to fill an open stall with a cute, grateful litter of puppies! A stall gives them so much room to play and sleep and the quiet of a farm is so much healthier than the noisy shelter.

We talk about our need for foster homes often because they are so vital to the health and happiness of our homeless pups. It is also one of the most rewarding experiences you can have as a volunteer.

If you can help, please contact us at info@fotasaiken.org.

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

2024, Adoption, Volunteer

Join us for the FOTAS Furry 5K to have fun for a good cause

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Bring your dogs (leashed) on Sept. 21 to participate in the Furry 5K. FOTAS will be taking adoptable dogs to the event as well.
18
Sep

The FOTAS Furry 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run is coming soon! You don’t have to be a runner to enjoy this event. Sign up to walk, jog or run with your dog in support of Friends of the Animal Shelter!

2 Girls and a Clock Race and Timing Services, led by Alecia Kinard and Chrystie Weimer, are organizing this special event. These women are incredibly busy educators and mothers that devote their time and energy to help the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Chrystie and her family have adopted from our Home to Home program and her children were in our Junior FOTAS Club.

Bring your dogs (leashed) on Sept. 21 to participate in the Furry 5K. FOTAS will be taking adoptable dogs to the event as well.
Bring your dogs (leashed) on Sept. 21 to participate in the Furry 5K. FOTAS will be taking adoptable dogs to the event as well.

2 Girls and a Clock came to us four years ago wanting to hold a 5K that would help support the many programs that save our shelter pets. Our first Furry 5K event, in 2020, was a huge success. Then the Covid pandemic hit and slowed our momentum a bit. This year, we are hoping to draw a large number of participants again.

The 2024 event is being held Saturday morning, September 21, at Generations Park. The One Mile Fun Run begins at 8:00 a.m. and the 5K will begin at 8:30.

“All of us with 2 Girls and a Clock are passionate about animals, especially dogs,” Weimer said. “We hold a special place in our hearts for our own fur babies. The Furry 5K event allows us to give back to a wonderful cause in a fun and rewarding way. We hope this event continues for years!”

This fundraiser is incredibly gratifying, and we have seen individuals from 8 to 80 years old come out and walk or run to help the pets. The atmosphere is full of good energy and people bring their families to root them on.

FOTAS Volunteers are bringing adoptable dogs to the Furry 5K in hopes of finding them loving homes. We also will be taking food donations – dry and cat wet food for dogs and cats as well as toys! If you bring your own furry friend to run with you, we will have dog treats for them.

To sign up for the FOTAS Furry 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run, please go to: https://runsignup.com/Race/SC/Aiken/Furry5Kand1MileFunRun2024

Sponsors include South Aiken Physical Therapy and Wellness as well as Lionel Smith. Ltd Gentlemen’s Clothiers.

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

By the Numbers
In the month of August, the Aiken County Animal Shelter took in 514 stray and surrendered pets, including 139 feral cats that were spayed/neutered for the TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) program.