Category Archives: Adoption

2023, abandoned animals, adopter feedback, Adoption

The story of how Groot became a family’s best Buddy

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Groot (now named Buddy) gets goofy with his new owner, Trish Wilcher.
05
Jan

He arrived at the Aiken County Animal Shelter in mid-June, terrified and confused. Rescued from an abandoned home by a county animal code enforcement officer, the black and white, four-year-old, 45-pound, mixed breed was starving and thirsty. Yet, even in this extremely stressful situation, you could see the sweetness in his eyes.

The shelter staff named him Groot, after the kind and loyal character in the movie, Guardians of the Galaxy. Once Groot realized the staff and volunteers were not going to hurt him, but instead were there to help and comfort him, he became more trusting and sociable.

Group play helps Groot reach his potential

When Groot first joined the shelter’s morning playgroup sessions, he was a bit too sensitive and over assertive with other male dogs. However, within a week, he became comfortable in group play and ultimately became a superstar, greeting newbies and even showing other dogs how to play well with others.

Buddy sleeps soundly in his new forever home.
Buddy sleeps soundly in his new forever home.

Group play enriches our shelter dogs’ quality of life while they wait to be adopted. It provides them with exercise and interaction they can’t get from a simple leash walk. The vigorous play tires them out and reduces their kennel stress.

FOTAS introduced playgroup sessions to the shelter in 2016, when the Dogs Playing for Life (DPFL) organization, led by founder Aimee Sadler, visited the shelter to train the staff and show employees how to run effective playgroups. DPFL helps ensure dogs engage more positively with potential adopters, transition more easily to a new home, and interact appropriately with people and other dogs in the community.

This was certainly true in Groot’s case. Group play gave him confidence, improved his manners and helped him to bloom into a wonderful canine companion.

Finding his forever home

Trish and Max Wilcher adopted Groot on Nov.9, providing him with a loving home he shares with two cats. The couple renamed him Buddy and now consider him a cherished family member.

“We had lost our dog to cancer and I wasn’t sure if I was ready to adopt again,” Trish said. “I was following posts about him on your Facebook page, and then I had the photo of him in the hat with that smile of his on my computer. I knew I wanted him.”

Trish works half days, so when she gets home in the early afternoon, she says he is ready to get out of the house for some exercise.

“Buddy has been great for me,” she said. “He’s brought me energy. He goes running with me and loves to play fetch. When I get home, he says, ‘Mom, we’ve got to get going,’ and then gets me out the door exercising.”

The Wilcher home has two fenced-in yards, where Buddy can play with his toys, watch the squirrels or just lie in the sun. He also enjoys frequent visits from Trish and Max’s grandkids and their Basset Hound.

“When we left the shelter with Buddy, everyone came up to him and hugged and congratulated him for finding a home,” Trish said. “I tell everyone I know that the County Shelter is the place to get a pet. You can feel the love there from the volunteers and staff. Y’all really care about the animals.”

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

By the Numbers
In 2023, Aiken County Animal Shelter received more than 4,600 animals and more than 92% were saved. FOTAS, working with the county shelter, saves more animals than any other 501(c)(3) organization in the CSRA. For the past six years, every adoptable animal at the shelter was saved.

2023, adopter feedback, Adoption

Successful adoptions bring joy and save lives

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Purrfect pair Maverick & Goose
01
Dec

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.

Tulip is a cuddle bug.
Tulip is a cuddle bug.

Jasmine FKA Tulip is spoiled every day
Jasmine aka Tulip is doing very well. She takes her heartworm meds like a champ. She loves to snuggle and doesn’t like storms. Jasmine and her older sister love to play tug of war with their toys. She doesn’t like walking on a leash, but we are working on that. We tell her every day that God brought us to her and that we love her and nothing will happen to her. She’s perfect and getting spoiled every day.
Cora and Mark Carrico

Van the man.
Van the man.

Mixed breed Van is the man
We are in love with Van! He is so sweet. He was timid at first, but he is a wonderful addition to the family. He is such a cuddler and we love it! We are planning to adopt one more. Thank you so much for making the adoption process easy! We have two older Rottweilers, and whenever we stated that, everyone was turned off to letting us adopt. Van and our other two dogs get along well and even play with each other. We love him!
Shannon Dayton

Kitty Maverick is a champion fetcher
Kitten Rusty is now Maverick and Batman is Goose. They adjusted well to our home and have stolen our hearts! It took no time for them to settle in. Both are healthy and very playful. Maverick is a champion at fetch, better than any dog.
Allison Hayes

Bam Bam went on family vacation to Florida

Bam Bam loves his new family.
Bam Bam loves his new family.


Bam Bam’s (now Zeus) fur has grown in and he is so pretty right after a bath. We’re learning together, he has some behavior issues, but I would expect as much from an older dog that maybe wasn’t always treated right. He loves the kids and is super protective of them! He went to Florida with us and did fantastic in the car and at the Airbnb.
Misty Arthur

Pixie (on left) is a cuddle bug
Pixie (on left) is a cuddle bug

She drove from Indiana to adopt little Pixie
I was the crazy lady who drove over 23 hours to and from Indiana to adopt Pixie! We cannot thank you enough for allowing us to adopt our sweet and spicy baby girl. She fit into our household almost immediately! She is still learning that new people are okay and that even the neighbor dog isn’t so bad. We are lucky to have her be a part of our home! We can’t thank you guys enough for doing what you do. You are making a difference!
Megan Alberts

Many more wonderful homeless pets at the County Shelter need a second chance for a good life. Please go to fotasaiken.org to see them or stop by and visit them at 333 Wire Road. During our Empty the Shelters adoption event, which continues through Dec. 16, dogs and pups are just $25, while cats and kittens are only $10. All of our adoptable pets are vaccinated, microchipped & spayed/neutered.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2023, Adoption, Military Veterans, Veterans

Veterans urged to adopt a pet from ACAS, compliments of FOTAS

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Young Lorenzo is calm, sweet and loves other dogs.
09
Nov

Today is Veterans Day, a national holiday that honors U.S. veterans for serving and protecting our country.

FOTAS strongly supports our armed forces and recognizes the benefits that veterans and active military personnel can experience from the company of a shelter cat or dog. We launched our Veterans Adoption Program in 2015 that allows U.S veterans and active U.S. military personnel to adopt a dog or cat from the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) for no charge, year-round. It is our way of showing gratitude to the people who serve our country and make sacrifices to defend our freedoms.

We just wish more veterans would take advantage of this offer. There are so many wonderful dogs and cats at the County Shelter who would make amazing pets for them (or any home), including:

Brolee is playful, cuddly, loves other dogs and will make a fantastic family dog.
Brolee is playful, cuddly, loves other dogs and will make a fantastic family dog.

Brolee. This four-year-old, 61-pound mixed breed is white with soulful blue eyes. He was rescued from a cruelty case but is one of the sweetest dogs at the shelter. Brolee loves other dogs and will make a terrific family pet.

 

Cutie-pie Groot is an active, medium-sized mixed breed who desperately needs a good home.
Cutie-pie Groot is an active, medium-sized mixed breed who desperately needs a good home.

Groot. Cutie-pie Groot has a soft white and black coat and a playful spirit. He is four years old, just 45 pounds and enjoys the company of other dogs. Groot is always up for an adventure.

Harriet & Nessie. This mama Tabby and her kitten are a bonded pair that needs a loving home together. Two-year-old Harriet and her seven-month-old daughter Nessie are housecats who have never been outside but do wonderfully indoors.

Kodak. Calm and cute, two-year-old, brown and white mixed breed Kodak is 50 pounds and adorable.

Kodak is a calm, sweet boy who will make an excellent canine companion.
Kodak is a calm, sweet boy who will make an excellent canine companion.

This poor dog was abandoned on a highway and rescued while dodging speeding cars. He likes other dogs and enjoys cuddling on the couch with volunteers.

Lorenzo. Handsome stray Lorenzo is just one year old and has a gorgeous bronze and white coat. He is 39 pounds, athletic, loves other dogs and walks wonderfully on a leash. This dog is a gem waiting to be discovered.

Reese. Red Retriever mix Reese is high energy, playful and loves other dogs. He is three years old, 53 pounds and enjoys car rides and visits to the park.

This is just a small sampling. There are so many more fabulous pets at the County Shelter in need of loving homes – a list too long to fit in the space allowed for this column.

If you are a veteran or active in the military, please take advantage of your complimentary adoption and help us spread the word about this program. The shelter is at full capacity and there are so many sweet pets desperate to find loving homes.

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

By the Numbers
During the month of October, the Aiken County Animal Shelter received 400 Aiken County animals, bringing the total to 4,006 Aiken County animals this year.

2023, adopter feedback, Adoption, Bully Dogs

Beau Roland

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Beau found his family
03
Nov

I saw Beau’s photo on Instagram, another pit bull in a sea of pitties looking for love. Looking back, I see there was nothing remarkable about his photo, but I felt a deep pull to rescue him. I’ve always been an adoption advocate yet had never had a Pitbull until moving to SC and seeing their numbers in the shelters. Truffles was my first adoptee (a stray momma dog) and it’s because of her that I have fallen especially hard in love with this “breed”. Let me first dismiss the deception. They are not fighters but lovers. (I call them aggressive snugglers) They are fiercely loyal and loving and big couch potatoes, often called, “house hippos”. Once you spend time with this type of dog, you’ll fall in love too.

Beau came into the Aiken County Animal Shelter as a stray, as many do. I surmise he escaped his previous dismal circumstances as he has scarring on his legs and his ears have been chopped. But the scars on his heart healed and his easy-going, chill personality was able to shine through. His favorite activities are daily walks, playing with his girlfriend, a yellow lab named Lucie, and being anywhere with me. All good dog owners love to show off their dogs, but as a pittie mom, I am also passionate about dispelling misconceptions about these dogs, so I bring Beau with me, where appropriate, so more people can meet my canine “good citizen”. With his handsome good looks and affectionate demeanor, Beau’s become my ambassador for pitbulls and he makes friends wherever we go.

Each dog that comes into our lives brings a different kind of love and joy. They are unique in their personalities and the lives they live with us. Having loved and lived with dogs my whole life, I still miss every single one that I have lost. Oh how I loved, Askim, a large shepherd mix who also came from a shelter and whose heart was so big and love so contagious that he became a therapy dog. Together we visited nursing homes, schools, hospitals, and libraries. We met many who wanted to stroke his soft fur and remember their own dogs of days gone by. How rewarding it was and how easily he adapted to his “job” and brought so much joy. Seeing how well suited to therapy work Beau would also be, I registered him with the ATD (Alliance of Therapy Dogs) program and made our “Aiken visitations” official! We can be seen at the usual therapy venues, including funeral homes. There Beau is the first official therapy dog on call for grieving families to benefit from the unconditional love and affection that only a dog can give.

Shelter dogs are a special “breed” and it is true that they know when they have been rescued. What they give back is hard to quantify. How do we measure love? For me it’s with 4 paws.

Written by Debbie Roland, FOTAS Supporter

Adoption, Volunteer

Volunteer Mr. Kennedy inspires new FOTAS program for shelter dogs

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Volunteer Bob Kennedy sits with timid one-year-old Lucy.
14
Oct

When Mr. Robert (Bob) Kennedy visits the Aiken County Animal Shelter each week, it makes everyone happier. He is a senior citizen who has become a valuable member of our volunteer family.

“His patience and gentleness put the dogs at ease and brings out their affection,” said Volunteer Kari Dawson-Ekeland. “He loves getting them to snuggle with him and most times they are fast asleep when I go check on him. The handful of kibble, water in the bowl and his calm voice all contribute to his positive influence. A shy dog is confident with him, and a silly dog is calm with him.”

Sadly, three years ago Mr. Kennedy’s wife passed away. When he speaks of their life together, it melts your heart. The couple met in seventh grade, married at 20 years old and raised three children together. Mr. Kennedy’s work moved his family around the world from France, Cape Town South Africa, Columbia, Dubai and more! They rescued dogs in other countries, making them part of their family. He talks about the street dogs that he and his wife took in while living in Dubai and brought back to the states with them.

Each dog they owned was different from Great Danes to Shepherds and Labradors. Their last dog, Poppy, just passed away this year. The sadness of losing his wife and his dog led him to helping shelter dogs.

When Mr. Kennedy came to the shelter, he knew he would not be able to walk the dogs. He has trouble at times and uses a walker for balance. The volunteers encouraged him to watch our dog playgroups as a way of getting involved.

However, everyone started to fall in love with Mr. Kennedy and found that he is more valuable with helping the shy, scared, or insecure dogs.  “He is so willing to sit with those dogs that need extra attention while they transition to the shelter,” said Volunteer Valerie Johnson. “It’s clear the difference he has made with many a dog. There is no mistake that he is a wonderful asset to FOTAS. He also leaves with a full heart and big smile with every visit. He is a treasure!”

We are always in need of caring, loving volunteers and we are hoping to expand our volunteer base to include more individuals that may not be physically able to handle the dogs.

If you are not able to walk dogs but you would like to spend time with them, please contact us and we will set up a time for you to come and sit with pets that need extra attention. This program, the “Mr. Kennedy Program,” will be by appointment. This way, we can make sure that an adoption room is open for you to come and spend an hour with a dog or two! Please contact us at fotasaiken.org to learn more. This program is available on weekday mornings between 9:00 and 11:00.

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

Adoption, Home-to-Home adoption program

Need to give up a pet? Try Home to Home

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
07
Oct

This summer, a friend approached me with a problem. He needed to find a new family for a cat that had come into his household. The cat, Simon, belonged to his son, who had recently had a change in his living situation. Simon was a 4-year-old neutered male tabby who was not accustomed to living with other cats. My friend’s resident cats were not happy about their new roommate, and the feeling was mutual. Simon wasn’t getting the attention he desired, either. He needed a different situation.

I told my friend what I tell everyone who asks me about rehoming a pet: Try Home To Home™.  Home to Home is a national website that connects animals needing homes with people seeking pets. There is a local chapter here in Aiken managed by volunteers from Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS). People with an adoptable pet simply write a description and email it along with a picture or two to FOTAS.HOME-HOME.ORG.  FOTAS organizes all the listings before publishing them to their website, and they promote the local Home to Home adoptable animals on their Facebook page. The Aiken County Animal Shelter also keeps an updated book with all the Home to Home listings to show potential adopters who come to the shelter looking for a pet.  People seeking new pets can search the online listings just the way they might look on any pet adoption website. The entire service is free of charge, and there are no rehoming or adoption fees allowed. (Contrary to popular opinion, multiple studies have shown that charging a rehoming fee does not correlate with successful adoption or ensure that the pet is going into a good home.)

I knew about the Home to Home website, and I always thought it would be an excellent way for a pet to find a new family. It would certainly be better than surrendering a pet to the shelter, which is traumatic for the animal and his owners, and is difficult for the shelter too, which should be reserved for animals with no homes at all. But I had no idea if anyone would have any interest in Simon and I was skeptical. It was the height of kitten season and shelters were filled with adorable little fluff balls. Who would want an ordinary middle aged tabby cat who demanded to be the only cat in the home?

But I helped my friend by writing a description and sending in the pictures he gave me. That was on a Thursday. By Saturday, we had our first inquiry. By Tuesday we had three, all from local people who just wanted a nice cat to sit on their laps. The following Sunday, 10 days after I sent in Simon’s information, my friend and his son delivered the cat to his new home. They continued to get updates about him throughout the summer, and all of them, cats and people, are very satisfied. 

I am happy too. I have recommended the Home to Home website many times, but now I know that it really works. Many animal lovers can’t imagine giving up a pet, or act as though anyone who does is acting irresponsibly. But in the real world, there are times when it is better for everyone if an animal moves on to a place where he or she will be happy and loved. Home-to-Home can help that happen. 

Their lives are in our hands.

By Pam Gleason, Editor of The Aiken Horse

2023, Adoption, Training

Free dog training session helps adopted pets get great start

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Certified Dog Trainer Karen DeCamp gives a free, one-hour training session to folks who adopt a dog from the Aiken County Animal Shelter.
21
Sep

When you adopt a puppy or dog from the Aiken County Animal Shelter, you receive a free training session for your new pet with Certified Professional Dog Trainer Karen DeCamp. She is the President of the Palmetto Dog Club and works closely with the dogs and FOTAS volunteers at the shelter every week.

Many dogs adopted from the County Animal Shelter do wonderfully right out of the gate. They get to their new home, fit in immediately and –with the minimum of growing pains – go on to live their best life and become a cherished member of the adopter’s family.

But sometimes there are some hiccups to address early on, while the shelter dog is adjusting to their new environment. That’s when DeCamp’s expertise and professional counsel are invaluable.

“It is so important to take time to put oneself in your dog’s place during the adoption experience!” DeCamp explained. “Their life has been turned upside down. First, when they were brought into the noisy, busy shelter environment and, again, when adopted by you. All of a sudden, they live in a new home with a new daily routine with new people and perhaps new animals. Like people, some dogs adapt to change more easily than others.”

In most cases, the training involves showing the adopters standard obedience techniques such as teaching their dog how to: heel and walk well on a leash; stop jumping up on people or furniture; sit on command; or follow proper housebreaking practices. But DeCamp also helps solve more complex behavioral challenges, such as a Welsh Foxhound with confidence issues and a shy, previously abused Staffordshire Terrier who was terrified of men.

In addition to receiving the one-hour training session, adopters are provided with DeCamp’s contact information so they can call and check in with her if they have questions or need additional training advice.

“Just like with people, each dog is an intelligent individual with different strengths and a unique personality,” DeCamp said. “In addition to resulting in a well-behaved companion to live with, obedience training improves your relationship with your new pet by increasing your communication with them.”

The free dog training session is just another benefit FOTAS provides to help ensure the adoption of your new pet is successful and as easy as possible. There are many amazing dogs at the shelter who desperately need homes. Each wonderful canine is just $35. If you are thinking of adding a new pet to your home, please stop by 333 Wire Road in Aiken or go to fotasaiken.org to see all the pets available for adoption.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2023, adopter feedback, Adoption

Wonderful homeless pets are matched with adopters

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Finn gets a hug from his best friend, Charlotte.
24
Aug

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.

Caprice was the missing piece
Caprice has fit into our family amazingly! She is the perfect dog for us. She loves walks and going for rides in the car. All three boys are absolutely in love with her. She is the most relaxed, well-behaved dog I have ever dealt with. We have spoiled her rotten. Caprice was definitely the missing piece to our family. I am so thankful for her. –Penny Goggans

Second adopted dog bonds with first
Emmaly is doing great! She is the sweetest, happiest dog. She was house trained and is not at all food aggressive. Emmaly wants everyone to play and be happy with her! She gets along well with her big sister, Hila (adopted from the County Shelter nine years ago), who is happier and more active now. Thank you for both my sweet Emmaly and Hila! -Beverly Pyle

Finn is a sweet angel
Finn is a sweet cat who loves playing. He is very loved by his 6-year-old best friend, Charlotte. She often calls him her “baby” or her “sweet angel”. Charlotte is always building him a bed out of pillows and blankets, and making him toys to play with. –Sydney Walters

Lemon loves her new sister
Lemon is growing so fast and doing amazing! She loves walks, car rides, pup cups, naps, and playing with us and her sister, Heidi. She is eating well, almost fully potty trained, and crate trained. We’re so glad we could add her to the family. Thank you for reaching out to check on our baby and for helping us with the adoption process! -Jordan Nix

Lillie enjoys playing in the rain, hates baths
Ruby (now Lillie) is doing very well and has adapted to her new surroundings. She is about 50 pounds now and all up to date on her puppy shots. She loves everyone, including our cat. She loves playing outside in the rain even when it storms, but hates baths. Sometimes she plays by herself with her numerous dog toys and it is very entertaining to watch. Everyone that meets Lillie adores her. She is a perfect fit in our family. -Amber Hayes

Gentle Reba is part of the family
Reba (now Luna) has been wonderful! She loves absolutely everyone and loves all of the attention. She is such a gentle giant. Thank you so much for matching us perfectly. –Ashley Felker

There are so many more wonderful dogs and cats at the County Shelter who need a second chance for a good life. Please visit them at 333 Wire Road or go to fotasaiken.org to see them online. Dogs and puppies are $35, and cats and kittens are only $10.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2023, Adoption, animal abuse, ANIMAL CRUELTY

Twenty dogs from cruelty case find loving homes

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Bandit heads home with his new “dad.”
19
Aug

When the Aiken County Animal Shelter is not teaming up with FOTAS to help find forever homes for dogs and cats at the facility, it is dealing with even more heartbreaking work: rescuing pets from cruelty and neglect, and lawfully punishing those responsible for their suffering.

A County Animal Code Enforcement officer recently responded to a complaint of dogs running around loose and looking underfed. When the officer arrived at the home, he discovered 20 skittish, emaciated dogs and puppies covered in fleas. He also found three dead dogs who likely expired from being stuck inside with no air conditioning, the doors and windows shut – and no water.

With the facility at full capacity, shelter staff took in the large group of dogs, age two months to four years old. Three of the eight puppies needed fostering in order to become more socialized and to give them time to recover from their surgeries.

“The dogs were full of parasites and extremely skinny, with their ribs showing,” said Aiken County Animal Shelter Manager Bobby Arthurs. “Our shelter is specifically designed to rescue these animals that have been neglected or abused, and to do all we can to prosecute the owners of the pets.”

However, this cruelty case could not have come at a worse time. The shelter was already so full, dogs were doubled up in kennels.

“It put a huge strain on us at the shelter, where we were already at our breaking point,” Arthurs said. “But with the support of FOTAS and the great work of our staff, we got through it and found good homes for all of the dogs.” One of the cruelty case dogs found a home in the Midwest. A woman from Indiana saw Pixie, a skinny black and white puppy, in a FOTAS video posted on social media. She called the shelter and her partner drove all the way to Aiken to take her home. She and her partner were true angels!

Of course, celebrating these adoptions must be short lived because there are many more animals who need assistance. Just this week, two more cruelty cases were investigated, including one with four dogs living out in the hot sun tethered with little to no shelter. Two of the dogs had dirty water; two had nothing to quench their thirst. One dog had a heavy chain wrapped around his neck and could barely move because the chain was tangled around a tree. These dogs are now safe at the shelter and their owner was charged with cruelty and neglect.

“We are so appreciative of the local response to save these dogs –including adopters, fosters, volunteers and staff,” said County Shelter Adoption Coordinator Hillary Clark-Kulis. “However, these dogs came out of our community and we know there are other dogs facing similar deplorable living conditions that need our help. So, if you see something, please say something.”

Their lives are in our hands

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2023, abandoned animals, Adoption, Empty the Shelter

So many gems waiting to be discovered at County Shelter

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Bonded siblings Darius and Mohana love other dogs.
21
Jul

Time is not on the side of pets waiting to be adopted from the Aiken County Animal Shelter. With the facility at full capacity due to so many strays arriving each week, homeless animals are competing for kennel space. In this stressful environment, the sooner these pets can find loving homes, the better.

The only bright side of the shelter being so crowded is that we have a greater variety of pets available for adoption. This means more choices for you, the prospective adopter. The adoption fees for many of these dogs are being waived during our Empty the Shelters event, which continues through July 31. Cats and kittens are just $10.

Here are some of the wonderful pets waiting for forever homes:

Audrey. Pretty, mixed breed Audrey is two years old, 44 pounds and loves going on walks. This friendly girl arrived at the shelter as a stray. She is a sweetheart who has a lovely brindle coat and enjoys cuddles with her favorite humans.

Beck. With ears that could direct air traffic, blue-coated Beck is one of the cutest dogs available at the County Animal Shelter. He’s also one of the sweetest. Found as a stray, Beck is six years old, 47 pounds and cuddly.

Winkler. This gorgeous, long-haired flame point kitty was heavily matted and covered in fleas when found. He’s loving but prefers to sit by you rather than be picked up. Winkler is 6 years old, seven pounds and FIV positive — so he should be your only cat or be with other FIV positive cats.

Darius & Mohana. Together since birth, fhese two bonded, six-year-old, 88-pound mixed breeds were living happy lives, when their owner suddenly moved and left them behind at the County Shelter. Heartbroken, these two dogs, who are fabulous with everyone, desperately want to be loved and find a real home together. Mohana and Darius enjoy the company of other animals and are housetrained.

Martin. This black and white cutie walks beautifully on a leash and has a wonderful disposition. Martin was found as a stray, scared and hungry. Three years old, 56 pounds and sporting a soft coat, this active Retriever mix needs a good home. Martin loves playing with other dogs and is a volunteer favorite.

Tiger. Handsome Tiger is here because his owner passed away. This orange and white feline is 12 years old, just over 10 pounds and super gentle. Tiger greets everyone who stops by the lobby and is sweet and calm. He just wants a safe, cozy home to relax in. Tiger has always been an indoor-only kitty and will make a terrific lap cat.

There are so many more terrific pets at the County Shelter who need a second chance for a wonderful life. Please go to fotasaiken.org to see them or stop by and visit them at 333 Wire Road.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director