Category Archives: Adoption

Adoption, Foster, fostering, PUPPIES

Summer brings puppies and the urgent need for fosters

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Beth Pratt’s Irish Setter, Max, likes to spend time with the foster puppies she takes in for FOTAS.
12
Jul

This time of year, we take in litter after litter of puppies. We truly rely on our fosters to keep these puppies healthy and away from the stress of the shelter.

We often ask if people have an open horse stall that we can fill with puppies. This can cause some worry by those that don’t understand how fabulous a stall can be for puppies. A stall is much more spacious than a kennel, it is quieter than the shelter, and the puppies can play and relax.

Nick and Sabrina keep the puppies in a stall, and they get playtime with Allie in the paddocks. This is a much better environment for pups than a crowded kennel at the shelter.
Nick and Sabrina keep the puppies in a stall, and they get playtime with Allie in the paddocks. This is a much better environment for pups than a crowded kennel at the shelter.

Sabrina Byrum and her husband Nick foster so many litters! The couple recently adopted a dog from the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Her name is Allie, and she absolutely loves to be with the foster puppies. The pups are kept in the stall but get playtime with Allie in the paddocks. It’s perfect!

Sarah Berkowitz and John Pallasch are always busy, but they never hesitate to take a litter when time allows. Their foster pups get to play with their many big, fluffy Great Pyrenees, two of whom were adopted from our shelter. The puppies get to play in a stall and run around the farm, such a dream for puppies!

Sabrina Byrum with her foster pups and adopted dog, Allie, who helps keep the little ones entertained.
Sabrina Byrum with her foster pups and adopted dog, Allie, who helps keep the little ones entertained.

Beth Platt is another wonderful foster that takes litters into her home. She has a stunning Irish Setter named Max that helps socialize the puppies in her care. Beth has visitors to her farm that love to play with the puppies. Her foster pups come back to the shelter so social and happy!

Being a foster for FOTAS can be an extremely rewarding experience. When foster parents pick up puppies, we all celebrate. Once home or in the barn, the puppies instantly relax and start playing! FOTAS will provide the pet food, toys, crate…whatever is needed. You provide the love.

If you live in Aiken County and would like to foster for us, please send an email message to info@fotasaiken.org or call the County Animal Shelter, 803.642.1537.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2024, Adoption, Training

The importance of training and teaching pets good manners

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Badger is just one year old and very playful, but he’s learning to be a gentleman.
20
Jun

I have always taught my son that manners will get you everywhere in this world.

That is why we stress the importance of teaching your pet manners. So many dogs are surrendered to animal shelters for being too high energy or undisciplined.

If we don’t teach our children manners they are disliked, frustrated, angry… it just causes a lot of issues! A little ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ goes a long way!

So why is it different for your puppy or dog? Why is it ok to dump your dog off at a loud, crowded shelter because you didn’t invest the time, care and tools to help train your furry friend?

Okay, I do understand the power of frustration. I had a dog that had a taste for flip flops. Not all flip flops, just the right one from each pair. I had ten black left flip flops at one time. Now, I could have surrendered my dog, but I didn’t (at times I wanted to). Instead, I taught her what toys were appropriate by rewarding her, and got a little better at putting away my shoes. She is now my best friend and brings me more happiness than I can ever say.

Manners can be taught
When adopting a pet, you have to know there will be some bumps in the road. Once you get over those bumps it’s so rewarding and nothing beats coming home to a snuggly, well-trained pup.

Poor Badger was brought to us for having too much energy. But he just needed more exercise and training. He is so good now! He sits patiently in his kennel trying to be the best little gentleman; he just needs some love and attention. A one-year-old dog is still in the puppy stages.

Big Broski is one of the sweetest dogs at the Aiken County Animal Shelter.
Big Broski is one of the sweetest dogs at the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

Sweet Broski is a handsome mixed breed who was destined to be an only pet because he didn’t seem to like other dogs. But we discovered that although male dogs intimidate him, he plays well with most female canines. If he doesn’t follow gentle play etiquette, staff or the other dogs correct him. Broski is now not only great with people, but he’s on his best behavior with his female peers.

We provide training support to adopters
I do hope when you look for your next pet you will consider coming to the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Our dogs go through basic training with our volunteers, and they want so badly to please!

We are there to support our adopters and their new best friends. We even have the support of a local trainer, Karen DeCamp, who offers a free training session at the shelter with your newly adopted dog.

Recently surrendered dogs such as Leah, Bandit, Kodac and Jack are just some of the dogs that are wondering why they’re here and questioning what they did wrong. Moving, health of owner and unwanted are the reasons they were brought in. These surrenders sit in the corner of their kennels, they spin in circles, they don’t understand. Don’t you want to be a hero? Be theirs.

Their lives are in our hands.

JUNE SPECIAL: All dogs and cats over one year of age are free of charge at the Aiken County Animal Shelter this month!

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2024, Adoption, Purebred, surrendered pets

With so many top pets at the ACAS, now is the time to adopt and save a life

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Chocolate colored retriever mix Chip is ready to go home with you.
19
Jun

We have been seeing many signs around town recently, “German Shepherd Puppies for Sale,” “Labrador Retriever Puppies for Sale,” and from our perspective it’s just sad. We have so many AMAZING shepherds, huskies, labs, Chihuahuas, beagles and more at the shelter right now.

Do people purchase these dogs as puppies from breeders and surrender them once they realize too late that the breed isn’t right for their household? Probably.

So, let’s just look at the amazing dogs we have at the Aiken County Animal Shelter and what their breeds are known for:

Petite husky Nova is not only beautiful, but also loves playing with other dogs.
Petite husky Nova is not only beautiful, but also loves playing with other dogs.

Sierra and Nova are two of the many huskies we have received lately. We had four huskies brought in last week. These dogs are wonderful, smart and are known for being explorers. They are sweet and lovable dogs, but they are known to be working dogs. Now you don’t need a sled to pull, but they do need training, exercise and mental stimulation.

The shelter takes in countless Chihuahuas, and they make amazing companions! Many people needing service dogs want Chihuahuas because they bond so quickly and like to be close. They are very protective of their families and their home so not always best for an active home with children running around. But again, that depends on each dog.

Shepherd Chamoy is stunning, smart and playful, yet she arrived at the County Animal Shelter as a stray.
Shepherd Chamoy is stunning, smart and playful, yet she arrived at the County Animal Shelter as a stray.

Check out our shepherds; lately, they just keep pouring in! Chamoy is incredible! When she arrived, we noticed right away that she knew commands such as “sit,” “shake” and “stay.” She is super smart, stunning but was found as a stray. This is happening more and more. Record numbers of gorgeous young German Shepherds are coming to the shelter as stray dogs. If you want a German Shepherd, do your research on the breed before you get them – and please don’t purchase a puppy. Adopt from a shelter and save a life.

Recently there was a tent on Whiskey Road selling Labrador retriever pups. Seeing this is heartbreaking as we walk by sweet dogs like Chip. This chocolate-colored, housetrained, sweet boy is sitting waiting for a home. He is stellar with other dogs and home ready!

Puppies, Puppies, Puppies. If you want a puppy, you won’t get a better deal than ours. Thirty-five dollars for a puppy with a microchip, spayed/neutered and vaccinated. We have so many right now! Brown, black, white…big, small…all CUTE!

The bottom line is this: we are full and have just about every kind of dog to fit your needs and lifestyle. Please adopt, don’t shop. Do not encourage breeders when the County Shelter has more than 4,000 homeless animals coming through the shelter each year.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

By the Numbers: The Aiken County Animal Shelter took in 127 stray and surrendered animals from June 1 to 12. The shelter is over capacity and in desperate need of fosters and adopters.

Adoption

Brindle is the new black in adoption barriers

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Miracle has a gorgeous brindle coat and desperately needs to find an adopter.
30
May

Each day our volunteers and foster families ask, “Why?” “Why are the brindle dogs ignored?”

It used to be that black dogs were ignored on the adoption floor. It’s a simple shopping principle, really. Your eyes are attracted to the brightest dog in the kennels. Therefore, yellow dogs, red dogs, and even white dogs get adopted more quickly than black dogs.

But recently we have found that people walk by the gorgeous brindle dogs. Brindle is a specific coat pattern that only occurs in a small number of dogs. The best way to describe the pattern is like “tiger stripes.” Usually, a brindle dog will have a base coloring with darker stripes. These dogs with metallic undertones are truly spectacular and often the nicest of our dogs.

Volunteer favorite Patrick is going to make a terrific pet.
Volunteer favorite Patrick is going to make a terrific pet.

Take for example, Patrick. This adorable boy has puppy eyes and looks like a stuffed animal. Patrick is five years old and was brought to us months ago, after being abandoned with other dogs. He never has an accident in his kennel and sits so patiently waiting for his walk. The volunteers just rave about how sweet and loving Patrick is and how easy he is to walk! Dogs his age are past the puppy stage and perfect companions. He is so good!

Miracle is six years old and a great size. She was abandoned in a home. Imagine that? The poor girl was petrified when she came to the shelter. Now she is in playgroups with other dogs, loves her walks, and looks at everyone as if saying, “Pick me!” But no one looks her way. We are all noticing her giving up hope, which is heartbreaking.

Red brindle Rick is ready for his forever home.
Red brindle Rick is ready for his forever home.

Rick is a stunning red brindle. He is a young dog and really likes to play, especially with other dogs. He was quiet and soft when he came in, and now he barks desperately trying to get attention. This poor boy is growing up in a kennel, which is not okay. He is the sweetest!

Why discriminate against a dog by its color? Some people think that brindles are associated with aggression. That is incredibly sad and untrue. Just come meet these doggos to see for yourself!

Did you know that brindle coat patterns are like fingerprints? They are unique to each dog. They are gorgeous, special and one of a kind!

We are taught at a young age not to judge a book by its cover. These sweet dogs are overlooked due to theirs. I believe we are better than that and hope that someone out there will read this and come adopt one of our friends. All of our brindle buddies are fee waived in hopes that someone will adopt one of these rare beauties sooner than later.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

Adoption, kennel stress, surrendered pets

German Shepherd Jaxx settles in nicely to new home

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Lisa says Jaxx “could not be doing better” in his forever home.
16
May

When 3-year-old, Jaxx was surrendered to the Aiken County Animal Shelter, the skinny, black German Shepherd with tan legs was heartbroken. Jaxx’s owners said he was “a perfect dog” but they didn’t want him anymore because they were undergoing a lifestyle change.

Jaxx was understandably anxious and sad when he first found himself in a shelter kennel, surrounded by other homeless dogs and separated from his owners. He was far from ready to meet potential new suitors. However, each successive day he got more used to his new routine of playing with other dogs during morning playgroup sessions and going on walks with volunteers and staff members throughout the day. He became more relaxed and even cuddled a little with some of the kennel staff.

Once Jaxx became more open to trying to bond with new people, the staff began showing him to potential adopters. At first, he didn’t do too well during his meet and greet appointments. He was oversensitive, timid and barked in fear at his visitors. But then Trenton resident Lisa Whitaker arrived with her three dogs for a meet and greet with Jaxx, and he immediately bonded with her and accepted her pack.

“My friend sent me a screenshot from the FOTAS Facebook page, and I saw his photo and story,” Lisa said. “My dogs all got along well with him, and I knew he was a winner.”

When she took Jaxx home, the first step was to introduce him to her husband, David. Despite being more fearful of men than women since being surrendered to the shelter, Jaxx accepted David right from the start.

“He has settled in like he belongs here,” Lisa said. “Last night, he slept in our bed with his front paws wrapped around my arm. He loves his long walks. When I turn on the kitchen faucet, he runs to the sink to drink from the faucet. He’s funny, loving, attentive and so wonderful. My heart needed this boy.”

Lisa said Jaxx is one of the best dogs she’s ever had, and she’s had a lot of them in her 68 years, including two German Shepherds who passed away from old age. She said she’s been around dogs since she was born.

“Jaxx is well behaved, listens so well, and he loves his hot pink nubby ball. He gets three to four long walks down in the pasture and then I train him off leash in the back. He has seven acres to explore, and his boundless energy can handle it. Every night at bedtime, he bounds up the stairs hops in our bed and has his cuddle and snuggle time. Then he hops down onto his bed and goes to sleep.”

“Jaxx went on his first vet visit, and they loved him and admired how well behaved he is,” Lisa added. “He has gained 11 pounds and is the picture of health. He is a joy and lifesaver. I feel safe and loved by this beautiful creature sent from God. Thank you to your wonderful team! We could not be happier.”

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

2024, abandoned animals, Adoption, animal abuse, ANIMAL CRUELTY, County Animal Control

Abused and neglected pets deserve so much better

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
When Fergie arrived at the shelter, her right hind leg had severe nerve damage and her back had what looked like chemical burns.
02
May

The Aiken County Animal Shelter continues to see too many cases of animal abandonment, neglect and abuse. It is heartbreaking to see innocent dogs and cats suffer because their owners didn’t protect them or became their tormentors. Surprisingly, most of these pets still love and cherish humans, despite the harm done to them.

In fact, a petite, 5-year-old German Shepherd found on the side of a road, locked in an old beat-up crate, just got adopted to a loving home. This beautiful dog was starved nearly to death, yet she is already bonding with her new owner and looking forward to a wonderful life.

Here are some more sweet animals at the shelter ready to give unconditional love to their adopters:

Fergie is a large, 3-year-old Staffordshire Terrier mix who was rescued by a County Animal Code Enforcement officer and brought in as a stray. She had a severe limp due to nerve damage from an old injury that was never given medical treatment. Due to the extensive damage and pain Fergie was in, her rear right leg had to be amputated. Fergie has what looks like chemical burns on her back and sides, and is suffering from demodectic mange. She’s getting used to walking without the leg and her fur is starting to grow back in. Fergie is sweet and has been extremely patient under the circumstances. We think she will make a fantastic pet, ready to give lots of love.

Little Girl’s rear left leg was rotting when she was seized from her owner.
Little Girl’s rear left leg was rotting when she was seized from her owner.

Little Girl is a 3-year-old, gray and white Tabby whose hind left leg was rotting from gangrene when she was seized from her owner. Her leg was wrapped in tape but she was never seen by a veterinarian or given proper medical care. The County Animal Code Enforcement officer noted that the necrotic leg was hard and shrunken – and emitted a strong odor. Once Little Girl arrived at the shelter, her leg was amputated and she is recovering well. This sweet cat gets around fine on three legs and is ready to start a new, better life.

Poor Petey’s back fur is growing back after being ravaged by fleas.
Poor Petey’s back fur is growing back after being ravaged by fleas.

Petey is senior dog who arrived with severe flea damage to his torso and backside. He was microchipped, but when we tried to contact his owner, the phone number was no longer valid. Poor Petey was either abandoned or given to another person and escaped as a stray. This 7-year-old, 64-pound, white and black mixed breed loves visitors to his kennel and is a star in our playgroup sessions. He especially likes female dogs. Petey will make a wonderful family pet.

Empty the Shelters adoption event
We are currently participating in Bissell Pet Foundation’s two-week Empty the Shelters National Adoption Event. Through May 15, all pet adoption fees are being waived! Don’t miss this opportunity to adopt a wonderful, furry companion from the Aiken County Animal Shelter, 333 Wire Road. The shelter is overcrowded with wonderful pets who need loving homes. For more information, visit fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2024, Adoption, FIV positive felines

A trio of fantastic felines

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Shy Sabrina just needs an adopter with patience and a love for cats.
25
Apr

The Aiken County Animal Shelter has three wonderful indoor-only cats available for adoption – Sabrina, Tom and Yoda – who can’t seem to catch a break.

Sabrina is a velvet black, long-haired cat who loves to be petted but gets scared when you pick her up. This sweet and gentle 3-year-old, 7-pound kitty was brought to the shelter in January because her owner’s landlord changed their policy and no longer allowed pets. Poor Sabrina was terrified and confused when she got here, yet still accepted and enjoyed the attention she received from staff and volunteers. She found a home almost immediately but was returned after a short time because her adopter thought she was hiding under the bed too much. Now two months later, Sabrina is still looking for her forever home.

FIV positive cat Tom is hoping to be adopted soon.
FIV positive cat Tom is hoping to be adopted soon.

Tom is a 4-year-old, 12-pound, gray and white tomcat who arrived at the County Shelter in February as a stray. He is friendly and affectionate but can get a little feisty when he gets overstimulated. Since being moved from his lobby kennel to our indoor/outdoor cat facility, he’s been more lovey-dovey and much happier. Tom deserves a wonderful home with an adopter who knows and loves cats.

FIV positive cat Yoda is hoping to be adopted soon.
FIV positive cat Yoda is hoping to be adopted soon.

Yoda is an 8-pound, light gray and white Tabby who’s cuddly and outgoing. This skinny guy arrived at the shelter in January 2023 as an injured stray. His ears were ravaged by ear mites and he had an open wound on his right ear that had to be surgically repaired. He was adopted and had a real home for a while, but was returned when his adopter moved. Now, cutie Yoda is back at the shelter, waiting for his luck to improve.

One reason Tom and Yoda are still looking for homes might be because they both are FIV positive (FIV+). FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, a condition that weakens a cat’s immune system. Misconceptions about the disease persist, but here are the facts:

  • FIV is not as highly contagious as experts once thought. It can only be transmitted to cats through blood transfusions or deep bite wounds. Cats cannot get FIV through casual contact with an FIV + cat. Saliva does not transmit FIV.
  • Most FIV+ cats live long, healthy lives, and many never show any symptoms of the virus. Cats with FIV just need to be kept indoors and fed a balanced, nutritionally complete diet. With proper vet care, FIV+ cats can live as long as their indoor counterparts (13-18 years), and much longer than cats who live outdoors (3-8 years).
    FIV is a species-specific disease. It cannot be transmitted to humans or any other animal.

Despite these reassuring facts, FIV positive cats, like Tom and Yoda, continue to be passed over by potential adopters. However, these loving felines can bring great joy and companionship to the lucky people who adopt them.

If you’re looking to adopt a feline companion, please come see Sabrina, Tom and Yoda. Great news: their adoption fees have all been sponsored! The Aiken County Animal Shelter is located at 333 Wire Road and open Monday through Saturday. For more information, visit fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2024, Adoption, Dogs

County Shelter has dogs of various breeds and personalities

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Mia
04
Apr

If you are looking for a canine companion, the Aiken County Animal Shelter has a great variety of dogs looking for loving homes. There are strays and surrendered dogs of many different breeds, sizes, colors, shapes and personalities waiting for a path to a better life.

When people visit the County Shelter, they often are surprised to see so many wonderful candidates available for adoption. They are shocked that some of our best looking and well-behaved dogs are strays that nobody came to claim as their own.

“This dog can’t be a stray,” they’ll comment. “How could someone let a dog like this get away?”

Good question. But the reason is simple. Most of the dogs we receive at the shelter did nothing wrong. In the case of strays, their owners either lost track of them or abandoned them. These dogs didn’t end up here because they weren’t pretty enough or couldn’t sit on command. Their owners were having difficulties or exhibiting bad behavior. Not them.

In the case of surrendered pets, these pups are often just victims of circumstance. Their owners suddenly face financial troubles, personal issues, medical obstacles or housing problems. Wonderful pets also are surrendered to the County when their owners pass away.

Top dogs available for adoption
The Shelter currently has a number of outstanding dogs available for adoption, including:

German Shepherd Mia: Friendly German Shepherd Mia is new to the County Animal Shelter, so she is still adjusting to her new surroundings. However, she is doing well and slowly getting to know the staff and volunteers. Mia is one year old, 52 pounds and was brought in as a starving stray.

Chihuahua Chule: Two-year-old, 16-pound Chule is a handsome devil and extremely sweet. He was found as a stray but loves the staff. This boy has a shiny black coat with white markings.

Retriever Heath: Sweet, handsome Heath is 4 years old, 50 pounds and super athletic. The poor guy was found abandoned. Someone tied him to a stop sign and left him. However, he is ready to find a loving forever home. Easily the smartest dog on the adoption floor, Heath is a dog who likes to stay busy and active.

Retriever puppies Don, Prancer and Dasher: These adorable, 3-month-old siblings are black with white markings. They’re about 15 pounds now, so they will be at least 50 pounds when full grown.

German Shorthaired Pointer Martha: This 7-year-old, 63-pound doggo is incredibly sweet and sociable. She’s had a hard life but adores people and gets along with friendly dogs. She walks nicely on a leash and has a soft, tri-color coat.

The County Shelter also has a wonderful Retriever named Enzo; Presley, an awesome Coon Hound; and Macklyn, a handsome brindle Shepherd mix.

Our staff can help you find your match

Our adoption counselors will help you find the right dog for your wants and needs. You don’t need to make an appointment. Just stop by! Dogs and puppies are $35, cats and kittens just $10. All of our adoptable pets are vaccinated, microchipped & fixed. The Aiken County Animal Shelter’s hours are 11:00 to 5:00 Mon. through Fri., 11:00-4:30 on Sat. and closed Sun.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2024, Adoption, SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media angel saves pets by telling their amazing stories

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Martha Anne Tudor is a wordsmith with a strong Facebook following whose posts of pets in need usually result in adoptions.
20
Jan

Martha Anne Tudor’s name is mentioned at the Aiken County Animal Shelter each and every day by adopters and volunteers (her fan club).

A gifted writer and true professional, Martha Anne donates her time and talents to us whenever she can. Thanks to her effective social media posts and vast network of Facebook followers, she helps us save countless Aiken County Animal Shelter animals in need each year.

“If it’s true that your calling is where your deep gladness and the world’s deep need meet, then this is mine,” she said.

Martha Anne has a strong Facebook presence. Her page has a following that ranges over continents. She is respected and followed by a network of followers that includes medical professionals, news anchors, writers, rescues, animal advocates and thousands of animal lovers who share her posts. FOTAS checks in with her daily and we ask her to help with specific shelter animals that urgently need homes.

“My specialties are the ‘unadoptables’ — the old, blind, deaf, and amputated with the odds stacked against them,” she said. “But these posts upend those odds, and nearly every longshot I post gets a home. It’s the details of their stories that open hearts and homes.”

When we give Martha Anne homeless pets to promote, she asks me and the staff questions regarding their personality, their health, their ideal home, etc. — and then she eloquently tells their story in Facebook posts. These posts can sometimes receive hundreds upon hundreds of shares.

It is not unusual to get calls and emails from states all over the country from people who want to know more about these pets. Whether they remind them of their own or connect with the picture or the story, her posts usually get a big response.

“Without the soul-stirring photos taken by volunteers and staffers, my posts would never get read,” she said. “But what makes my words leap off the page are the poignant details of each animal’s story. Maybe a starving mama dog was found protecting her puppies in traffic during a storm; or a 10-year-old family pet is shaking and vomiting in his kennel from being disowned; or a kitten with a mangled leg is heard crying by her dead mother.”

Martha Anne’s friendship with FOTAS began in 2016, when she inquired about a County Shelter dog she wished to help: Wink, a one eyed, heartworm positive pooch. Her Facebook post reached a woman in Nantucket who flew to Aiken just to adopt Wink! This successful adoption started a cherished and successful partnership with Martha Anne that has saved many canine and feline lives.

Martha Anne works fulltime and is a devoted mother to two young women, also world changers. She answers Facebook messages day and night from people all over the world in regard to the County Shelter’s pets in need.

“In decades of rescue work, I’ve never known a team that compares to FOTAS,” she said. “There’s no time for conflict or arguments. Everyone focuses on common goals, with respect and regard for each other. The incredible results are testimonials to the teamwork, and I’m honored to be a part of it.”

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2023, Adoption, Training

SPOT prepares County Shelter dogs for their forever homes

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
FOTAS Volunteer Malia Koelker works with adoptable dog Whiskey as he figures out a brain game puzzle in SPOT class.
12
Jan

Just over two years ago, FOTAS gave me the green light to start the SPOT program at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. SPOT stands for Shelter Pups with Opportunity Training. Sounds pretty vague huh? Honestly, that is because it is; it is designed to increase the opportunity for a dog to get adopted.

The goals of the program are to help the dogs learn how to learn and to address situations that they may face in a new home. We want to start them on the journey of thinking and processing information as a precursor to moving into an adopter’s home, so they are primed with the skills to figure out their new life, new schedule, new commands, new relationships, etc.

To achieve these goals, we do basic obedience work such as sit, down and come, but we also incorporate agility equipment, working around other dogs, trick training, touch work, and brain games.

Each volunteer handler is paired with a dog and that dog is “theirs” to work with until the dog is adopted. SPOT class meets every Saturday from 11am to noon and is a chance for handlers to raise questions or issues that they are having. It is also a chance for the dogs to work on their skills amongst the chaos of other dogs being around.

All dogs wear a Gentle Leader while working; both in class and during the week. This training halter gives the handler more control with an ability to turn the dog’s nose toward them while not restricting the dog in any way. As each dog is at his/her own place along the learning path, everyone works on their own tasks during class. A general principle of “no pain, no fear” governs everything with a liberal application of treats.

We have dogs that come to us at every stage of learning and knowledge. A small minority have been through formal obedience classes before and seem to know everything. Those dogs may end up working on tricks or agility or filling in gaps in their education (can they be touched all over while remaining comfortable, can they remain calm while another dog passes by them?). Other dogs come to us with no knowledge or even trust of humans at all. For them, class may just be sitting off to the side on a leash, near their handler and watching the other dogs, while getting treats. Handlers are taught to watch their dogs and let the dogs tell them what is or is not working for each step of training; an exuberant “Yes!” may be perfect for the happy go lucky dog, but scares the shy dog, so the handler chooses a quiet “good job” instead.

So, yes, the acronym SPOT is vague, but intentionally so. The program is designed to address many aspects of what it takes to get adopted and successfully transition to that new home. And to be fun, always fun!

Their lives are in our hands.

By Jennifer Jotblad, FOTAS Volunteer