Category Archives: Adoption

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.

2024, abandoned animals, Adoption

Are you ready to run with the big dogs?

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Sampson likes to show off his toys to visitors and is a champion ball fetcher.
17
Sep

Large dogs are fun, have big personalities and are loyal companions. They’re great exercise partners and tend to love car rides and going on adventures. Many large breeds are known for their patience and tolerance, making them great playmates for children. They also are loving and terrific cuddlers.

Yet large dogs, canines who are over 50 pounds, are often overlooked in the shelter because people mistakenly assume that these breeds need more training and require more work than a smaller breed.

Not true. In fact, some studies indicate big dog breeds are smarter and learn faster than small and medium-sized dogs. Larger dogs have better short-term memory and self-control than smaller breeds. Bigger dogs, with larger brains, also perform better on certain measures of intelligence than their smaller canine counterparts, according to a 2019 study led by the University of Arizona.

Whether you’re an active person who loves to be on the go or a laidback TV watcher, here are some of the Aiken County Animal Shelter’s available big dogs to consider adopting:

Sampson: Handsome, gray and white Sampson is 3 years old and weighs 78 pounds. He always has a dog toy or ball in his mouth, even when you walk him. We think he uses them like pacifiers to feel more comfortable and secure. Sampson likes to play fetch and is the perfect dog for an active person or family.

Sonny, a longtime resident of the County Shelter, is one of the sweetest dogs you’ll meet.
Sonny, a longtime resident of the County Shelter, is one of the sweetest dogs you’ll meet.

Sonny: White and black Sonny likes to hold two tennis balls in his mouth when he is in the play yard. He’s a good fetcher, too. You won’t find a more affectionate dog than 3-year-old, 74-pound Sonny. He loves his walks but cuddle time is the best time for this big boy.

Grover: Brindle coated Grover is always ready to play or go on a walk. He is 4 years old, 72 pounds and enjoys getting quality couch time with volunteers. He is here because his owner’s health declined to such an extent that she could no longer take care of him.

Brian: Three-year-old, 60-pound, mixed breed Brian loves playing with dogs or his toys, followed by a nap on the couch. He doesn’t jump up but instead just comes to you and licks your hand to say, “Hello.” This boy is going to be a terrific pet for the lucky person who adopts him.

King Butter: We’re not sure why this sweet boy is butter royalty, but King Butter is a terrific dog who walks well on a leash and loves other dogs. He is 2-1/2 years old, 60 pounds and a lot of fun to be around. This poor guy was abandoned but he is looking toward the future and ready for a new, more loving, home.

Doberman mix Bruno will make a terrific jogging partner.
Doberman mix Bruno will make a terrific jogging partner.

Bruno: When Doberman mix Bruno greets you, his whole backside wags and his tail just comes along for the ride. He is a dog who loves life and enjoys all it has to bring. He arrived at the County Shelter when a Good Samaritan rescued him from the road and brought him in as a stray. Bruno is 3 years old and 55 pounds.

Please visit these big dogs and maybe give them a new home and better life. For more information and to see all of the available pets at the County Shelter, please go to fotasaiken.org.

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

2024, Adoption, kennel stress

Boo Boo’s long, difficult journey ends with a loving home

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Boo Boo leaves the County Animal Shelter with his new mom, Shannon.
16
Sep

With thousands of homeless animals coming through the Aiken County Animal Shelter each year, it is hard to remember them all. But the special ones stand out. Ones like Boo Boo.

Boo Boo was adopted Aug. 9 and is doing well in his new, quiet home. His new “mom” is making sure his golden years are good ones.
Boo Boo was adopted Aug. 9 and is doing well in his new, quiet home. His new “mom”
is making sure his golden years are good ones.

Boo Boo is only 7 years old, but he looks ancient — probably due to how hard some of his years have been and the health issues he’s experienced. He first arrived at the County Shelter as a 3-year-old stray in the spring of 2020. He had scars on his face and his head tilted a little to the left. His ears were infected and he tested positive for heartworms. But despite his difficult past, this blond, white and black mixed breed had a sweet, goofy grin and was a charmer.

“Boo Boo was the first dog I got attached to here,” said County Shelter Lead Kennel Tech Brandi Dobbins. “He looks like a cartoon character, has the sweetest personality and I love the way he talks…everyone here just fell in love with him.”

In late July, Boo Boo was adopted. Everything was going wonderfully for him in his new home until three months later, when his adopter had to move and couldn’t take Boo Boo with her.

Boo Boo was disappointed when he returned to the shelter, but he kept smiling and talking like always. His grunts, short barks, mumbles and whines echoed through the kennels, letting us all know he was back. While it was good to see our old friend, we knew we had to find him a loving home as soon as possible.

In November, the shelter was over capacity and Boo Boo still had no prospects. While Boo Boo’s strong personality and charm are great qualities, he didn’t get along with most dogs and was competing with younger, prettier pups. Plus, he was now our longest resident. Not a good spot to be in. We went into overdrive on social media to put the word out that Boo Boo was in desperate need of a home, and an older gentleman, Curtis Boseman of North Augusta, came to his rescue.

“Getting Boo Boo was one of the best things I have done in this life of mine,” he said. “I love him so much and he loves me right back. All my family members and friends are constantly coming by to see him. Every move I make in my house he goes right with me. I think he rescued me more than I rescued him.”

For four years, Boo Boo had the best life with Curtis. They went on walks, drove to the store, went on errands together and spent quality time at home. They were inseparable.

But two months ago, Curtis passed away. His son brought Boo Boo back to the shelter.

Boo Boo was devastated. He was no longer talking but crying out in agony for Curtis. His goofy grin was gone and he didn’t want to do much of anything. Now a senior dog, Boo Boo had arthritis in his back legs and could only go on short walks.
Poor Boo Boo was depressed and going downhill fast. Again, our team went into action, posting about his dire situation. He needed a small miracle.

On Aug. 9, he got one. Georgia resident Shannon Overton came to Boo Boo’s rescue and adopted him. She sent us a picture of Boo Boo in his new forever home, looking cozy and content in a big dog bed surrounded by blankets. If you look closely, you can see a hint of his goofy grin returning.

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

2024, Adoption, Pick Me!

National Pick Me! SC adoption event starts today at County Shelter

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Lucy is one of the smartest dogs at the shelter and she gets along well with other dogs.
19
Jul

It’s been a cruel summer so far this year, with the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) taking in more than 535 animals since June 1. That total doesn’t even include the 129 cats fixed through the TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) program during this period.

The timing couldn’t be better for FOTAS and the ACAS to participate in Pick Me! SC, an adoption event that includes more than 50 shelters, rescue organizations, and Petco locations across the state uniting to save homeless animals. 

During Pick Me! SC, which starts today and continues through next Saturday, July 27, the adoption fees for adult dogs will be waived ($0), puppies are $35, and cats/kittens are just $10. The goal this year is to adopt out at least 2,000 homeless pets across the state. 

This is Pick Me! SC’s sixth statewide adoption campaign and cumulatively, 10,000 animals in the Palmetto State have been saved and rehomed through the effort. With so many participating organizations, this state-wide adoption effort is the largest of its kind in the United States.

“Shelters such as ours face their greatest challenges during the summer, and our mission is to find as many dogs and cats safe, loving homes as possible,” said ACAS Manager Bobby Arthurs. 

The County Animal shelter is crowded with outstanding dogs and cats who will make wonderful family pets, including:

Penny arrived at the shelter as a stray, but her excellent behavior indicates she had a good home at one time.
Penny arrived at the shelter as a stray, but her excellent behavior indicates she had a good home at one time.

Penny: This brown and tan cutie greets everyone who comes to her kennel. Penny is 5 years old, 53 pounds and excels in playgroup. She arrived at the shelter as a stray, but her good behavior indicates she had a good home at one time.

Lucy: Two-year-old, 42-pound, tan & white, Collie mix Lucy is one of the nicest, most easygoing dogs available at the County Shelter. This sweet girl is wonderful with other dogs and walks well on a leash.

Tippi is hoping to find a loving home during the County Shelter’s participation in Pick Me! SC
Tippi is hoping to find a loving home during the County Shelter’s participation in Pick Me! SC

Tippi: Beautiful, 2-year-old, 8-pound, Tiger Tabby Tippi nurtured her kittens until they were old enough for adoption. Now, it’s her turn to find a loving home.

 

 

Lil Man: Petite German Shepherd Lil Man is as sweet as they come and likes to play with other dogs. Three years old and just 41 pounds, this wonderful boy is a staff favorite.

Lil Man is a loving, sweet, petite German Shepherd who needs a good home.
Lil Man is a loving, sweet, petite German Shepherd who needs a good home.

Pearl: One-year-old, white & black Pearl is about 35 pounds and loves to play with other dogs. This mixed breed darling arrived at the County Shelter as a stray but is extremely social.

“It is heartbreaking to see so many sweet, wonderful dogs and cats end up here at the shelter through no fault of their own,” said FOTAS President Jennifer Miller. “But we are excited to participate in Pick Me! SC again this summer because it gives us the opportunity to reduce and even waive adoption fees during this challenging time.”

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

 

adopter feedback, Adoption, animal care education

Successful adoptions bring joy and save lives

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Hopper and his new favorite human.
12
Jul

After pets are adopted from the Aiken County Animal Shelter, staff members follow up to see how they are doing in their new homes. Here is some recent feedback from our adopters.

Hendrix loves car rides.
Hendrix loves car rides.

Once terrified Hendrix now loves adventure
Star (renamed Hendrix) has settled into his new home. At first, he was terrified of most things but warmed up to us quickly. Hendrix loves all things adventure. We take him on car rides, and he goes on walks with us. He especially loves the pet store because he gets to pick out his own toys, and the cashiers always give him treats. Thank you to the staff and the FOTAS team for making our adoption so seamless and giving us our best friend. When we are ready to give Hendrix a doggy sibling, FOTAS will be the first place we go!
Kaylee Harvey

Hopper and his new favorite human.
Hopper and his new favorite human.

Everyone loves cutie-pie Hopper
Hopper is adjusting well to his new home and family. We just love him so much! His vet is pleased with his progress, and he’s learning which toys are his and which are my son’s. He loves people and is so excited every day to play with us!
Traci Rutherford

Dori is a sweet little dog.
Dori is a sweet little dog.

Sweet Dori just wants to be loved
Dori is adjusting well and getting along just fine with my kids’ dogs. She was already house trained when I got her and doesn’t chew on anything other than her toys. There are a few things I will have to get her trained for. But all in all, she’s the sweetest little girl and just wants to be loved on.
Lisa Barwick

Barley and Meatball: hunters of the red dot.
Barley and Meatball: hunters of the red dot.

Kitten pair like lasers, not vacuum cleaners
Barley and Meatball are eating great and doing wonderfully. We renamed them Upchurch and Hannibal. We love them so much. They are silly and play with the laser. They hate vacuums and storms.
Nicole King Espinosa

Bobby (right) with his canine mentor.
Bobby (right) with his canine mentor.

Bobby is well-behaved and BFF with senior dog
Bobby is very sweet and playful. Our 10-year-old dog likes him, too. He knows to chew on toys and not other things. Because he behaves so well, we let him sleep in our bed with us and our other dog.
Cameron Nuessle

Azalea (left) gets patriotic with her new step sibling.
Azalea (left) gets patriotic with her new step sibling.

Puppy Azalea will be loved unconditionally
Sarah (now Azalea) is an absolute sweetie and an amazing addition to our family! Of course, puppies are going to test your patience, but we couldn’t love her anymore already! She will be loved unconditionally for the rest of her life and never know fear again! Thank you so much for doing what y’all do. We will do our best in the future to help support FOTAS’ amazing purpose and community!
David Borkoski

There are so many more wonderful pets at the County Shelter who need a second chance for a good life. Please go to fotasaiken.org to see them or stop by and visit the dogs and cats at 333 Wire Road. During our Empty the Shelters promotion, which continues through July 19, dogs are $0, puppies $35, and cats/kittens just $10.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director