Category Archives: Adoption

Adoption, Dogs

Shelter dogs and veterans face life together

Posted on by Angel Hartline
11
Nov

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

Luci is a golden boxer/pit mix with a white chest and soft brown eyes. Olivia is a rangy, muscular brindle pit mix with a white chest, white socks and golden eyes. Buddy is a shepherd/lab mix with a white chest, a black nose and a great big dog smile.

What do these dogs have in common? They were all unwanted, abandoned dogs that wound up in the Aiken County Animal Shelter through no fault of their own. Luci was surrendered by a bereft young man who was being deployed overseas. She was bewildered and very, very pregnant. Olivia was found roaming the streets and starving, her dull coat stretched dangerously over her rib cage. She was anxious and hyper. Buddy was abandoned by his owner in a remote part of the County. He was confused, and who can blame him? One day he had a home and the next day he finds himself in a crowded public shelter with a 40% chance of being euthanized.

In each case, FOTAS volunteers recognized that there was something special about these dogs, and they reached out for Jerry Lyda, the founder of Veterans K9 Solutions in Augusta. Now these unwanted dogs have something else in common – they share a noble purpose. They are companions and service dogs for veterans suffering from the stress and horrors of war.

“Each year,” says Lyda, “300,000-400,000 veterans are diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. The military estimates that 22 veterans a day commit suicide – 22!”

We know that a dog can greatly improve the quality of life for these veterans – we see it happen all the time. Our love for dogs and gratitude towards those who served makes our goal at K9 Solutions simple – give back to those in need by saving two lives at once: a traumatized veteran and a homeless dog.”

Jerry selects dogs for the program by assessing their temperament and their trainability. The dogs must be intelligent, confident and people-oriented. Once selected, the dog and their veteran handler participate in a rigorous training program with escalating stages of accomplishment. The process itself instills confidence and an abiding sense of achievement in both dog and veteran.

It is an elegant solution to a heartbreaking problem: paired together, the traumatized patriots and forgotten dogs help each other find a safe place in an uncertain world and are restored to a full life through love and commitment.

But here’s the thing: Luci, Olivia and Buddy aren’t the only shelter residents special enough to serve as service dogs – at any one time, the shelter is full of lovable animals capable of bringing life and love to any home. They just need the chance. They need you.

Plus, starting in November, in honor of the men and women who have served our country, FOTAS will pay half the adoption fee for any veteran who adopts a dog or cat. $35 for a dog and $17.50 for a cat – a very small price to pay for a fully inoculated, spayed and neutered companion.

Their lives are in our hands.

Adoption, Dogs, News

Ginger Snaps back with proper care and a little love

Posted on by Angel Hartline
30
Oct

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President 

Ginger Snap sprawls across a fleece bed in the spacious, climate-controlled kennel that also serves as a canine nursery. Close by is a blue blanket she totes around to a resting place of her choosing. At her feet is a coveted rope toy, which she carries outside through the dog door when she does her business.

She keeps a watchful eye on her two 4-week-old puppies, Chocolate Chip and Biscotti. Chocolate Chip teeters across the soft, uneven terrain of fleece on shaky legs towards her mom, squeaking urgently for attention. Biscotti nuzzles against her body looking for a meal. She quiets the first puppy with a few gentle licks around the ears. She shifts her weight to allow the other puppy access to a well-worn nipple. Ginger is a good mother.

Sound like the picture of canine domestic bliss? Yes, it does, but here’s the thing: until she came to us less than 5 weeks ago, two-year-old Ginger Snap had spent her entire short life staked to a chain. This is the first time in that short life she has had medical care, regular meals, a proper shelter, a fleece bed, a blue blanket and a rope toy. It is the first time she has experienced human affection.

It is not the first time she has had puppies. Unspayed and at the mercy of other dogs, it appears from her condition that she had at least one other litter while chained to a stake. It is unlikely any of those puppies survived under the grim conditions of her previous existence, and perhaps that is, sadly, for the best.

Ginger was surrendered to the Aiken County Animal Shelter by her owner in the last days of her pregnancy. Despite her swollen belly, she was painfully thin and malnourished. Her striking white and red coat was scruffy. She was scarred around the neck from a lifetime on a chain. She was frightened, sick and weak.

Ginger touched our hearts, so County staff and FOTAS rallied in an effort to save her. Shelter veterinarian Lisa Levy addressed her immediate medical issues. FOTAS called upon one of its most experienced birthing foster families – the Conger-Wolcotts – to take her in. Within days, Ginger delivered 10 puppies, eight of which were too sickly to survive and died within the week. When she developed a raging infection in her nipples, FOTAS provided additional medical support.

By all rights, Ginger should be a troubled, suspicious and distrustful dog, yet nothing could be further from the truth. She has blossomed under the tender care of her foster family. She has gained weight and gets stronger by the day. She is a true “pibble” – a friendly, playful and affectionate pit bull mix possessing the good nature and a steadfast eagerness to please the humans around her in spite of the poor treatment she received in the past.

When her puppies are weaned in three weeks, Ginger will need a home. She is a special dog and will make someone an extraordinary companion. Will it be you?

Please don’t wait. Their lives are in our hands.

Adoption, Cats, Volunteer

Partnership with Happy Tales Gives County Shelter Cats Fresh Venue to Strut their Stuff

Posted on by Angel Hartline
30
Oct

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director and Volunteer

The Aiken County Animal Shelter and FOTAS are partnering with Happy Tales, a not-for-profit organization that shares their mission to find forever homes for rescued cats and kittens. The partnership includes showcasing County shelter cats at PetSmart in Aiken – and the kitties couldn’t be happier about their new showcase venue.

Last week, five cats were transported from the shelter to PetSmart, where Happy Tales Founder Joanne Dansby-Brosz welcomed them with open arms. Morris, Neo, Nicole, Kovu and Caleb were a bit scared and nervous during the trip and when they first arrived. But shortly after they were placed in their PetSmart “apartments,” they began to get comfortable – and even content – in their new digs. Joanne decorates the apartments with colorful bowls, blankets and toys to create a vivid, warm setting that makes the cats look their best.

Happy Tales has eight cat apartments at the Aiken PetSmart and Joanne is planning to transfer in new County shelter cats each week in partnership with FOTAS.

“We get a lot of traffic coming through here and that extra exposure results in a lot of adoptions,” Joanne said. “We are really excited to be part of saving the lives of County animals and can’t wait to accept more of the shelter’s cats and get them seen.”

FOTAS and the shelter are thrilled with the partnership as well. The more exposure the cats get, the better their chances of finding a forever home.

“This arrangement gives the cats an opportunity to shine at the PetSmart store,” said Martha Chadwick, Manager of the Aiken County Animal Shelter. “Our goal is to get every healthy cat adopted – and being in a different venue can make a difference.”

Joanne currently has 11 volunteers, each of whom works in two-hour shifts at the Aiken PetSmart location. Some have been with her organization for close to two decades. Happy Tales has partnered with the Aiken PetSmart store for 10 years and Joanne said that Store Manager Butch Hampton and his employees have been extremely supportive of her and her team.

Joanne only takes cats that are fully vaccinated and vetted, spay/neutered and parasite-free. She is strict about maintaining her strong reputation of providing only clean and healthy felines. In addition, before any adoption is approved, she visits the prospect’s home to ensure they are good, responsible pet owners.

With the shelter now at full capacity in the cat adoption facility and with its cat condos filled with kittens, the partnership with Happy Tales could not have come at a better time.

“We are doing this to save feline lives,” Joanne said. I know the County can be overwhelmed with the huge number of homeless cats coming in, so we need to get them good homes as fast as possible.”

The County shelter, located at 333 Wire Road, currently has some great black cats and kittens available for adoption, including: Muffit, Layth, Corey, Collette, Draco, Keifer, Jamison and Jet. At the shelter, they are $35 (half the price of a dog adoption), which includes all vaccinations, spay/neuter and microchip.

For more information about our new partnership with Happy Tales, please go to www.fotasaiken.org and www.happytalesadoptions.com.

Their lives are in our hands…

Photo Caption: 

FOTAS Volunteer Bob Gordon and Happy Tales’ Joanne Dansby-Brosz help Morris the cat get situated in his new Pet Smart “apartment”.

Adoption, Cats, News, Volunteer

Partnership with Happy Tales Gives County Shelter Cats Fresh Venue to Strut their Stuff

Posted on by Angel Hartline
15
Oct

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director and Volunteer

The Aiken County Animal Shelter and FOTAS are partnering with Happy Tales, a not-for-profit organization that shares their mission to find forever homes for rescued cats and kittens. The partnership includes showcasing County shelter cats at PetSmart in Aiken – and the kitties couldn’t be happier about their new showcase venue.

Last week, five cats were transported from the shelter to PetSmart, where Happy Tales Founder Joanne Dansby-Brosz welcomed them with open arms. Morris, Neo, Nicole, Kovu and Caleb were a bit scared and nervous during the trip and when they first arrived. But shortly after they were placed in their PetSmart “apartments,” they began to get comfortable – and even content – in their new digs. Joanne decorates the apartments with colorful bowls, blankets and toys to create a vivid, warm setting that makes the cats look their best.

Happy Tales has eight cat apartments at the Aiken PetSmart and Joanne is planning to transfer in new County shelter cats each week in partnership with FOTAS.

“We get a lot of traffic coming through here and that extra exposure results in a lot of adoptions,” Joanne said. “We are really excited to be part of saving the lives of County animals and can’t wait to accept more of the shelter’s cats and get them seen.”

FOTAS and the shelter are thrilled with the partnership as well. The more exposure the cats get, the better their chances of finding a forever home.

“This arrangement gives the cats an opportunity to shine at the PetSmart store,” said Martha Chadwick, Manager of the Aiken County Animal Shelter. “Our goal is to get every healthy cat adopted – and being in a different venue can make a difference.”

Joanne currently has 11 volunteers, each of whom works in two-hour shifts at the Aiken PetSmart location. Some have been with her organization for close to two decades. Happy Tales has partnered with the Aiken PetSmart store for 10 years and Joanne said that Store Manager Butch Hampton and his employees have been extremely supportive of her and her team.

Joanne only takes cats that are fully vaccinated and vetted, spay/neutered and parasite-free. She is strict about maintaining her strong reputation of providing only clean and healthy felines. In addition, before any adoption is approved, she visits the prospect’s home to ensure they are good, responsible pet owners.

With the shelter now at full capacity in the cat adoption facility and with its cat condos filled with kittens, the partnership with Happy Tales could not have come at a better time.

“We are doing this to save feline lives,” Joanne said. I know the County can be overwhelmed with the huge number of homeless cats coming in, so we need to get them good homes as fast as possible.”

The County shelter, located at 333 Wire Road, currently has some great black cats and kittens available for adoption, including: Muffit, Layth, Corey, Collette, Draco, Keifer, Jamison and Jet. At the shelter, they are $35 (half the price of a dog adoption), which includes all vaccinations, spay/neuter and microchip.

For more information about our new partnership with Happy Tales, please go to www.fotasaiken.org and www.happytalesadoptions.com.

Their lives are in our hands…

Adoption, Dogs, Training, Volunteers

Trainer Helps Prepare Shelter Dogs for their Forever Homes

Posted on by Angel Hartline
12
Oct

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director and Volunteer

Everyone who adopts a dog or puppy from the Aiken County Animal Shelter receives a voucher for a free dog training session with canine expert Susi Cohen.

Susi is the president of the Palmetto Dog Club in Aiken and has worked with and trained animals for more than 30 years. She volunteers at the shelter twice a week, helping other volunteers and County staff with basic dog training skills and working one-on-one with dogs that need special attention.

We interviewed Susi to learn more about the FOTAS training program at the shelter and why it is so vital to both the dogs and their new owners.

Q. What are the keys to effective dog training and why should I take the time to do it?

A. Training takes patience and consistent repetition with a lot of praise and rewards. It gives the dog good manners, more confidence, and makes him a well-adjusted dog – and a well-adjusted dog is a happy and well-behaved dog.

Q. When I use my free voucher, what training will I receive for my adopted dog?

A. I work with the dog and adopter for about one hour at the shelter. Every owner will have different issues with their dogs. And that’s the beauty of the program – we tailor the training for each individual dog. So if they have a particular issue, we can help them eliminate it.

Q. If I’ve adopted a dog from the County Shelter, can I call you with questions?

A. Absolutely. If you have any issues, I am available to answer your questions and discuss them with you. Every adopter is given my contact information as part of the FOTAS “Ask the Trainer” program. I’m always taking calls. People need to understand that dogs love to be trained. They love to be told to what to do. They love parameters and being praised for behaving well.

Q. How much training do most dogs need?

A. Every dog is different. Some dogs have bad experiences that they have to overcome. Some of these dogs have been mistreated and need to learn to trust again. But the norm is not mistreatment; it’s lack of treatment altogether. They haven’t been given any attention and don’t know when they are acting improperly. Still, despite these challenges, we’ve had great success with adopted dogs.

Q. Can you give us an example?

A. Last season I had Annie, an older German shepherd mix that was insecure and had no confidence whatsoever. We worked closely with Annie and she made a turnaround you wouldn’t believe. She went from a cowering, overly defensive dog to a happy dog that trotted with her tail straight up and exuded confidence. The metamorphosis was incredible.

Q. Has the on-site dog training made a difference at the shelter?

A. Yes, it’s worked well because FOTAS and the volunteers are so dedicated. Like me, they can’t stand seeing good dogs come back after being adopted just because they need some training. The adoption return rate has gone down and I like to think that drop in returns is because the dogs leave with better manners and are more prepared for their new homes.

For more about the FOTAS Dog Training Program and Susi’s contact information, please go to www.fotasaiken.org.

 

Their lives are in our hands…

 

Pets of the Week

GRACE — Border Collie and Hound mix, female, 1 year old, 50 lbs.  — $70

CINDER— gray tabby, female, 7 months old, 6 lbs. — $35

 

By the Numbers

January 2013 – August 2015

FOTAS organized and paid for the spay/neuter surgeries of 699 citizen’s pets and 628 community cats, totaling 1,327 dogs and cats fixed!

Adoption, Dogs

A Tribute to Harry

Posted on by Angel Hartline
01
Oct

By Joanna Dunn Samson, FOTAS Vice President

“Love doesn’t need reason. It speaks from the irrational wisdom of the heart.”

Deepak Chopra

Ellen Priest knows all about the “irrational wisdom of the heart.” When she first learned about the sad young coonhound tied to the railing at the old Aiken County Animal Shelter in 2007 with a wire wrapped around his mouth and embedded into his skin, the last thing on her mind was another dog. She was in the process of transitioning from her job in Aiken to Summerville. Her family already had three dogs. Her life was busy and temporarily unsettled.

So Ellen arranged for the Aiken Standard to cover the plight of this poor animal in the local news, certain some kind-hearted soul would take him home, and moved on to her new job in Summerville. But still, she could not stop thinking about him. When she called to check on his progress, she learned, to her dismay, that there had been no takers for the sweet bewildered dog with the tragically scarred face. His time was up. He was to be euthanized the next day.

“I called my husband Jeff, sobbing,” says Ellen. “I said, ‘Please, please, just one more dog.’ The dog had suffered so much and deserved so much more—I just couldn’t let him go.”

And so it was that Harry the Goober Dog, as he was nicknamed by their son Greg, slobbered and loped and loved his way into the hearts of the Priest clan. At first it wasn’t easy. Perhaps because Harry’s previous experiences with the human kind hadn’t worked out so well, he escaped from the yard countless times, taking off for parts unknown. Each time, Ellen, Jeff, Greg and daughter Jayme brought him home and loved him more. Slowly Harry learned to trust his new humans, and because real love is patient, he eventually learned to love, too—probably for the first time in his short unhappy life.

Two weeks ago, Harry the Goober dog died on his way to an emergency clinic, likely as a result of the cancer that had almost killed him three years earlier. But in the preceding 8 years, Harry had loved and been loved by the Priest family, giving as much joy and comfort as he got and probably more.

Dogs are like that. They reflect back to us the best part of ourselves, without hesitation or expectation, in exchange for the simple pleasures of life: a warm place to sleep, something to eat, a good scratch behind the ears, a ride in the car, a romp in the woods—if a pesky squirrel happens to wander by, why, so much the better. If it’s true that dogs live in the moment, then all we can hope is that we’ve given them a lifetime of good moments, maybe even some great moments, in exchange for the love they’ve given us.

Farewell, sweet Harry. Your courage, resilience, forgiveness and love are a model of the humanity we often find lacking in ourselves. We will honor your memory by loving the next goofy, slobbering, loping, abused and helpless animal that crosses our path with the same happy abandon that you showered on those around you.

Help FOTAS and the County save the thousands of Harrys that find themselves in the County shelter each year: donate, volunteer, but most of all, adopt. Their lives are in our hands.

Adoption, Cats, Dogs, Events, News, Volunteer, Volunteers

Young FOTAS Volunteers Making a Difference at County Animal Shelter

Posted on by Angel Hartline
21
Sep

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director and Volunteer

On Diana Haltiwanger‘s tenth birthday, she did something unusual to celebrate the big day. She took her birthday money as well as food, leashes, toys and other treats to the Aiken County Animal Shelter and personally delivered the generous donation to FOTAS.

“I just love animals,” Diana said, “and I thought it might help make a difference in their lives.”

Diana’s selfless gesture is just one example of children steadily becoming a force in fulfilling the altruistic goals of FOTAS and the County Shelter.

Although the majority of community members who support the shelter are retirees and other adults, more kids are getting involved in assisting the orphaned dogs and cats at 333 Wire Road. Some children donate their time by participating in FOTAS events like the Dog Ears Reading Program, Dog Day Crafternoons, Woofstock, and other fundraisers. Others get involved through clubs, Scouts, and their schools (prime examples are the South Aiken High School Chapter of the Serteen Club and the Aiken High NJROTC). And some kids just decide to become FOTAS volunteers on their own.

Volunteer Holly Heiens became a volunteer after she did a report on shelter animals for school last year. Ever since learning more about their hardships, the driven 10-year-old has donated her time to animals in need.

“When Holly wants something, she goes after it,” said her mother, Kari, who volunteers with her daughter every Saturday. Kari said that even though there are lots of social events and parties on Saturdays, they work around them so she and her daughter can meet their weekly commitment to the shelter animals.

“It isn’t really hard work when you are there to help the animals and brighten their day,” Holly said. “It’s more like fun work.”

Noah Jacobs is another junior volunteer who juggles a number of responsibilities. Sports, school and hanging out with his friends are important to the 10-year-old, but he spends as much time as he can at the shelter with his mom, Kathy. The Jacobs family also fosters shelter animals at their home, helping them get prepped for adoption.

“I talk to my friends about it. I think more kids should volunteer,” Noah said. “Some of my friends are nervous about volunteering but they shouldn’t be. Even the big dogs are nice.”

Alex Robinson helps out at the shelter every weekend with his father, William, and sometimes his grandfather, Charles. One of the reasons the 12-year-old volunteers at the shelter is because he loves dogs but can’t own one where he lives.

“It has taught Alex responsibility,” William said. “I am impressed how quickly he picked up on what to do at the shelter. Overall, it’s been a very positive experience for him and we’ve met a lot of great people there.”

The County Shelter is always looking for more young volunteers to help out and work with the animals. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. If you are interested in volunteering and making a difference, please contact FOTAS at (803) 514-4313 or volunteer@angelhartlinedesigns.com.

Their lives are in our hands.

 

Adoption, Dogs, News, Volunteer

Overpopulation, abandoned animals and the miracle of Poppy

Posted on by Angel Hartline
09
Sep

 

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

When Aiken County Animal Control picked up Poppy roaming a County road on the blistering hot Tuesday after the July 4th holiday, she was thirsty, stressed from the heat, and very, very pregnant. A finely boned, black lab cross, she was collarless with a string tied around her neck – some wretched owner’s pathetic and cruel attempt to tie her to a stationary object and abandon her to the elements.

There are so many things wrong with this story, I don’t know where to start. I’m stunned that someone would abandon a pregnant mama dog in the heat of summer rather than take responsibility for the dog they should have spayed in the first place – that a family pet could be abandoned with such callous disregard, like litter tossed out on a road.

Do I sound angry and indignant? I am.

Poppy was one of 50, that’s right, 50, animals taken into the Aiken County Animal Shelter that Tuesday – a heartbreaking record for a single day, even in the summer. And despite FOTAS and the County’s notable successes over the past two years to find forever homes for more animals through special programs, increased adoptions and transfers to no-kill sister rescue agencies in other parts of the Country, the euthanasia rate will never be reduced to acceptable levels until every citizen, every friend, every family member, every neighbor spays and neuters their pets.

We have a responsibility to care for these animals, individually and as a community. They cannot take care of themselves. FOTAS Fix-a-Pet and FOTAS’ Lenny’s Brigade program (our trap-neuter-release program for community cats) have been in overdrive this year, especially during these long, hot summer months. We are particularly grateful to Dr. Holly Woltz (Veterinary Services), Dr. Cindy Brown (Aiken Animal Hospital), and Dr. Charles Groover (Aiken Veterinary Clinic) for their much-needed assistance with our spay/neuter programs. We couldn’t do this without them.

FOTAS desperately needs your help to continue to provide this much-needed service at the current rates; through July, we organized and paid for the spay/neutering of 349 pets and community cats, and every week we are barraged with requests for spay/neuter help. Please take a moment to donate to the cause either through the FOTAS website – www.fotasaiken.org – or mail a check to POB 2207, Aiken SC 29802.

As it turns out, Poppy was one of the lucky ones. She was so pregnant, the Shelter staff and FOTAS moved quickly to get her into a foster home, calling the Conger-Wolcotts (who, by the way, had been pressed into puppy-birthing foster service non-stop for 6 months) for help. One week later, Poppy gave birth to 9 puppies. Next week, those 8-week old puppies will be transferred and placed in their forever homes. Poppy, who is heartworm positive, will remain in foster care while FOTAS funds her treatment and finds her a loving, responsible owner. Her days of neglect are over.

Please help. Their lives are in our hands.

 

Adoption, News, Volunteer, Volunteers

Local Volunteers Are the Lifeblood of Aiken County Animal Shelter

Posted on by Angel Hartline
09
Sep

 

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director and Volunteer

The power of volunteering cannot be overstated. Not only is it rewarding and uplifting to the people donating their time for a good cause, but it also makes it possible for organizations to achieve more than they possibly could through their limited budgets and staff.

Nowhere is this truer than at the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

“Volunteers are our lifeblood,” said Nanci Santos, FOTAS volunteer coordinator. “We are so very grateful for the wonderful core group of volunteers that return daily or on committed days to walk dogs, socialize the animals, and act as reception desk ambassadors.”

Besides the daily tasks of walking the dogs and manning the front desk, volunteers also help with the FOTAS transfer program, manage and promote special events, help maintain the shelter grounds , aid with general administrative duties, assist with FOTAS spay/neuter programs and foster dogs and puppies.

Susie and Wally Huiet are a couple that volunteers for multiple shelter duties: dog walking, fostering and helping with the transfer program. Susie also takes photos of the dogs available for adoption and posts them on social media.

“When you give your time and your love to these dogs and enable them to be adopted or selected for a rescue transport, it is a great feeling,” Susie said.  “Every dog you can get adopted or rescued really means you are saving two lives, because one goes onto a new home and another is able to leave the intake building and get their chance on the adoption floor.”

Paula Neuroth has been juggling a number of volunteer responsibilities for years. She and her husband, Rod, have been fostering puppies and their mothers at their Aiken home since 2010. Paula also helps manage and coordinate FOTAS Fix-a-Pet, a spay/neuter program financed through private donations.

“There never will be a big enough staff at the shelter because of budget restrictions,” Paula explained. “But we as volunteers can provide support that helps the shelter achieve its goals and fill the gaps, and FOTAS helps fund programs that otherwise could not be realized.”

Peggy Babineau works the front desk every Monday afternoon, greeting and assisting shelter visitors with their adoption needs. She and her daughter, Becca, also foster new dogs each week, getting them socialized and more prepared for their eventual forever homes.

“Volunteering is rewarding beyond words,” Peggy said. “You can get attached to the dogs in your care. But you just have to focus on the goal of getting them ready to leave for a better life.”

As a result of the dedicated efforts of all our volunteers, FOTAS and the County are saving the lives of more animals than any time in the shelter’s past. But every day is a challenge and more help is always needed. If you are interested in volunteering and making a difference, please contact FOTAS at (803) 514-4313 or volunteer@angelhartlinedesigns.com.

Their lives are in our hands.

 

 

Adoption, Cats, Dogs, News

Adopted County Shelter Cats Adjust Beautifully to Their New Homes

Posted on by Angel Hartline
25
Aug

 

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director and Volunteer

Linda Knox McLean didn’t choose Tommy when she went to the Aiken County Animal Shelter to adopt a cat – it was the other way around. Tommy, a stocky, three-year-old, brown tabby chose her.

“I walked into the cat adoption room to check out the cats, and right away, Tommy hopped up on my lap, climbed all over me, put his two paws on my shoulders and gave me a love bite on the neck,” Linda says. “That sealed the deal. I took him home.”

Linda has three foxhounds and an 18-year-old tabby at home, but that was no problem for Tommy. He adjusted quickly and easily to his new surroundings.

That’s the thing about cats: in addition to being affectionate, they are adaptable, self-reliant, and easy to care for – the perfect companion for folks who don’t have the time or energy to attend to the constant needs of a dog. That’s why cats are the most popular pets in the world, outnumbering dogs three to one.

Alice Hester of Warrenville adopted two cats from the shelter during last month’s special: Russell and Patches, a pretty, muted calico. “I changed Russell’s name to Thor immediately,” says Alice, “because when he jumps down, he sounds like Thor’s hammer.” The big, five-year-old, orange tabby has made himself at home in her sewing room and shares the house with two dogs and two other cats, including Patches.

Jill Fertig of Williston saw the Channel 12 News story about the alarming summer overcrowding at shelter and the ad in the Aiken Standard about the July special.  When she and her husband, Bill, arrived at the shelter, Marbles, a six-year-old, tortoiseshell cat, climbed up on Jill, wrapped herself around the back of her neck and started purring. “She definitely claimed me,” says Jill. “Marbles is affectionate, smart and totally fearless. When our two Chihuahuas line up for treats, Marbles lines up with them.”

Tommy, Thor, Patches and Marbles are just a few of the many successful adoptions that resulted from last month’s free shelter cat promotion, where 81 cats found forever homes. That’s a shelter record.

Thank you to everyone who adopted orphaned cats in need last month. Because of your tremendous response, we currently have more dogs than cats at the shelter, which is a highly unusual situation – especially in the summer months. It has been estimated that theoretically, one unspayed female and one unneutered male, in the course of just seven years, can produce nearly 800,000 kittens, with the assumption that their offspring also are not spayed or neutered.

Those are daunting numbers. It also explains why, across the nation, the euthanasia rate for cats in public shelters with open admissions is significantly higher than the euthanasia rate for dogs.

There is only one humane answer: Fix your pets! There are a number of local programs available to help with the costs of spay/neutering. Please check them out at fotasaiken.org or call the shelter for more information at (803) 642-1537.

Their lives are in our hands.