Category Archives: Adoption

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

2023, Adoption, Empty the Shelter

If you are looking to adopt, now is the time

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Handsome FIV positive cat WINKLER needs to be an indoor-only pet.
16
Jul

On Thursday, July 6, we launched this summer’s Empty the Shelters event. This is a nationwide promotion sponsored by the Bissell Pet Foundation to help save the lives of shelter pets. Summer is always the worst time for animal shelters. In June, our shelter took in more than 500 animals. Finding homes for these dogs and cats is becoming increasingly difficult.

Sweet CRYSTAL, seen here with County Shelter staff member Aimee Waggoner, is a bundle of energy who would love to find a home with a fenced-in yard.
Sweet CRYSTAL, seen here with County Shelter staff member Aimee Waggoner, is a bundle of energy who would love to find a home with a fenced-in yard.

Across the country, adoptions are at the lowest we have seen in years! Our kennels are full of incredible dogs right now. We have yellow and chocolate Labrador Retrievers, Beagles, Pointers, you name it! Most are active in playgroups with other dogs, which makes them easier to integrate into homes with existing pets.

There is no way we can save these lives if our community doesn’t adopt. Rescues are full, shelters are full, the model of no-kill is not sustainable if people don’t start adopting.

Aiken County schools have changed their schedule, which has shortened the summer for school kids. This means many families are traveling, resulting in fewer local adoptions, fewer foster homes and fewer volunteers.

Empty the Shelters is an event that promotes reduced and fee waived adoptions to limit the barriers to rehoming. Many people worry about the cost of adopting in addition to purchasing supplies such as leashes, collars, crates, litter boxes, etc. By reducing and waiving adoption fees, it allows people the flexibility to be able to buy these needed items for their pet.

Sweet SMOKEY is the County Shelter’s longest resident.
Sweet SMOKEY is the County Shelter’s longest resident.

Empty the Shelters runs through July 31st. If you are able to adopt, now is the time. The homeless pets need you.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2023, abandoned animals, Adoption, Volunteer

It takes a village to save homeless pets’ lives

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Dogs are doubled up in kennels because of overcrowding.
23
Jun

More pets are coming into the shelter than are being adopted out. Despite finding homes for more than 70 dogs and cats last week, the Aiken County Animal Shelter’s 84 kennels were full again by Monday afternoon. These are tough times at 333 Wire Road. When the shelter is this full, it puts stress on everyone – especially the homeless pets who reside here.

Upon arriving first thing in the morning, you can hear the dogs screaming and howling because they have to relieve themselves so badly. Some dogs are doubled up in kennels and barely able to move. The staff and volunteers rush to get the housebroken dogs out first, which causes the dogs who are still waiting their turn to bark even louder.

We have a line out the door every weekday with people bringing in strays and surrenders. These animals are scared, reactive, and a number of them are sick or injured. With so many pets needing care and nurturing, we don’t have enough staff or volunteers to give each dog suitable attention.

The shelter wants to continue saving all adoptable pets, but we can’t do it alone. The community has to step up, too.

Here are some ways you can help:

Spay/neuter your pets. The only way we are going to solve the pet overpopulation problem is by fixing dogs and cats before they can reproduce. If you live in Aiken County and are in financial need, you can obtain a voucher to fix your pet at the Aiken County Government Building in the Code Enforcement office.

Take in found pets until the shelter has vacancies. If you find a dog or cat, check to see if it has a microchip. If it does not, please consider temporarily taking the homeless pet into your home.

Be a responsible pet owner. Don’t let your dogs wander off your property. Don’t chain them to a tree. If you move, make provisions to take your pets with you. Don’t dump your pets if you can no longer care for them. Treat your pets like family, not another possession that can be discarded or replaced on a whim. If you need help with resources such as pet food, or assistance rehoming your pet, please contact the shelter.

Foster, adopt or take a dog out on a date. The more dogs we can get out of the shelter, even for a brief time, the better. The dogs benefit from the socializing and freedom from the stress and noise they experience in their kennels.

Donate food, money and/or your time. There are many ways to support FOTAS. You can walk dogs, socialize cats or help at events. Or you can donate funds, pet food and other needed materials to the shelter. Every little bit helps.

Spread the word on social media. When you share a FOTAS Facebook or Instagram post or create your own post about a dog or cat available at the Aiken County Animal Shelter, that pet’s face and description reaches more people than any advertisement or print media – and often results in a successful adoption.

The shelter is a resource – not just a place to stash homeless dogs and cats. Let’s work together to save adoptable pets and give them a second chance at a good life.

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

2023, abandoned animals, Adoption

Shelter dogs offering the most love are often overlooked

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
A car likely hit Jax, injuring his leg.
09
Jun

Our intake is currently sky high. Shelter staff members are exhausted, the dogs are super stressed, the mood is not great at the shelter. When there are fifty plus dogs available for adoption and another fifty on stray hold, the adoptable dogs have to be pretty cute to attract an adopter. The thing is, the dogs that often get overlooked are usually the ones that give the most love, do everything they can to please their people and are the most loyal.

Nine-year-old Jax is a skinny 42 pounds (way underweight but he is getting the best food now) and his ears are scarred from fly bites. This boy was found as a stray. Jax did have a microchip but unfortunately the original owner said they gave him away eight years ago. Poor buddy! Did I mention his limp? He must have been hit by a car or injured somehow, so he sometimes holds his rear leg up when walking. Poor Jax doesn’t have much “curb appeal.” However, if you want a dog that is loving, grateful and will absolutely love you forever – this is the dog. He has a kind personality, walks awesomely on leash and appears housetrained. When walking Jax, he will bump your hand with his nose to get you to pet him; and when you do, he softens completely. He is so sweet! Who will be his hero?

Kai is only a year old and the luckiest dog to be alive! His owner surrendered him after a venomous snake bit the poor dog. Kai’s face swelled to twice its size and was this way for a week before Animal Control was contacted. Once in our care, he was given the treatment he needed. Kai was suffering and shut down. Although still recovering, Kai is peppy, happy and snuggly now! We can’t walk by him without him saying hello, a cute little bark with his tail wagging. Kai will be looking for a forever home soon.

One of our volunteers, Casey, found Parker. The poor dog was wandering the streets with a laceration on his neck. When looking closer, Casey saw the imprint of some kind of harness. Parker’s neck had an open wound where it cut into his skin. This dog walked up to her and was as sweet as can be! He is now healing and the friendliest dog ever. Parker smiles all the time, never stops wagging his tail and is home ready!

Parker is so happy now that his neck has healed.

We are so grateful for the Aiken County shelter staff members and the animal control officers who receive call after call regarding lost, neglected and unwanted pets. We are also thankful for the shelter’s veterinary team for the care given to these homeless pets when time is so limited. We are extremely grateful for our FOTAS volunteers and donors who help give comfort and love to each pet.

We need homes for these pets. The shelter is not a home. Maybe you have room for another? Help us help them.

Their lives are in our hands.

by Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2023, abandoned animals, Adoption, Demodex

Local woman rescues stray and turns dog’s life around

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Nova and Jaime arrive for a follow-up exam with the shelter veterinarian.
03
Jun
Jaime Randall rescued Nova and brought her to the County Shelter.
Jaime Randall rescued Nova and brought her to the County Shelter.

Nova arrived at the shelter bald and bleeding. Her skin, ravaged by mange, was red, dry and cracking open. She was also depressed and alarmingly thin.

“I saw her wandering around, scrounging for food,” explained Jaime Randall. “She had a little spot on her head, about the size of a quarter, which was missing fur. But when I saw her just a few weeks later, she didn’t have a stitch of fur on her body. She was in so much pain, she could barely walk.”


When Jaime saw the poor pup in such distress, she decided to get her help. She put her in the backseat of her car and drove her to the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Ten-month-old Nova was taken in as a stray and given a thorough exam, then treated for demodectic mange.

“Demodex” is caused by a mite, a normal inhabitant of every dog’s skin. In low numbers, these mites cause no symptoms and may serve an important role as part of a dog’s normal skin. However, when dogs have a compromised immune system, the mites can multiply unchecked, which leads to demodex and itchy, inflamed skin. The condition, which is not contagious to people or other pets, is common in strays and neglected pets. Normally, it only results in some missing patches of fur. However, untreated, it can get as severe as Nova’s dreadful case. FOTAS funds the treatment for County Shelter dogs suffering from demodex.

After three weeks at the shelter, Nova remained unclaimed by an owner. Within a month, Jaime drove to the shelter to see how the sick pup was doing. When she looked into Nova’s eyes this time, she knew she had to give her a home.

Nova today: happy and healthy in her new home.
Nova today: happy and healthy in her new home.



Now Nova is one year old and doing great – all of her fur has grown back! Jaime’s young son Jaiden, who usually doesn’t have much interest in animals, fell in love with Nova right away and plays “chase” with her. Nova also plays with the family’s other dog, Princess, a Chihuahua, and gets along well with their three female rescue cats – Lucy, Lacey and Ollie. Nova and Lucy even cuddle with each other.

“This dog was dealing with tremendous hardship, then had her whole world flipped upside down when we brought her into our home,” Jaime said. “But you would never know it. Nova is fitting right in and doesn’t hold any grudges for what happened to her.”

There are many more wonderful cats and dogs at the County Shelter who need loving homes. Please go to fotasaiken.org to see them or stop by and visit them at 333 Wire Road. 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

Today: Children’s Book signing, waived adoption fees at County Shelter

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Diesel cuddles with a FOTAS volunteer.
26
May

FOTAS is hosting a book reading and signing event for Colton & Casey Mason’s first printing of “I Just Want to Snuggle” today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. The beautifully illustrated children’s book is about Cooper, the sweet black and white mixed breed they adopted from the County Shelter in 2020.

Cooper will be with Casey, ready to snuggle with attendees while she signs books. Books will be available for purchase at the event, with a portion of the proceeds donated to FOTAS.

Following today’s book reading and signing, visitors can create their own storybook ending from 1:00 to 4:30, as all adoption fees will be waived during this time period. That’s right. You can adopt your own dog who “just wants to snuggle” for $0!

The shelter is full of terrific, adoptable pets but please be sure to visit our canine residents who have been here the longest, including:

Bam Bam is a big couch potato.
Bam Bam is a big couch potato.

Bam Bam. One of the shelter’s largest dogs up for adoption, six-year-old Bam Bam weighs in at 73 pounds. He walks well on a leash and is cuddly. If you’re looking for a couch companion, Bam Bam is your guy.

Senior dog Faith loves children
Senior dog Faith loves children

Faith. Sweet, senior mixed breed Faith loves people, especially children. Nine-year-old, 51-pound Faith has tagged along with FOTAS during school visits and each time she behaved like a rock star. She would be great as an only pet or possibly with a calm, larger dog.

 

 

Butler likes car rides and being on the go.
Butler likes car rides and being on the go.

Butler. Handsome, four-year-old. 45-pound Butler is a playful dog who loves being with people and would be a great companion. With his big personality and athleticism, he is a great dog for an active person or family.

Diesel cuddles with a FOTAS volunteer.
Diesel cuddles with a FOTAS volunteer.

Diesel. Mixed breed Diesel stands out not just due to his white coat but also because he is quite a character and appreciates every bit of affection he receives from people. This three-year-old, 38-pound pup would love a fenced-in backyard to play in.

 

Dipsy Doodle. This sweetheart is our smallest long-term resident and loves to fetch tennis balls. With her cuddly personality, this four-year-old, 51-pound mixed breed will make a wonderful pet for a single person or couple.

Dipsy Doodle wants to be your one and only pet.
Dipsy Doodle wants to be your one and only pet.

 

Suzie. Nicknamed “Super Suzie,” this wonderful pup loves other dogs. She is a tad shy at first, but quickly warms up to you. Three-year-old, 45-pound Suzie loves to play in water and go on walks.

Suzie loves other dogs and kiddie pools.
Suzie loves other dogs and kiddie pools.

 

Their lives are in our hands.

 

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director