Category Archives: Adoption

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

2023, Adoption

Adoptions bring joy and save lives

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Senior dog Chip is as sweet as they come.
18
May

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.

Hutch loves his new home and family

Hutch and his new best friends.
Hutch and his new best friends.



Hutch, who we renamed Scout, is definitely part of the family now. He’s really good with our kids and loves his new home. We are curbing some habits and getting used to his big energy! We all enjoy playing fetch and taking him for walks. He’s a really good boy.
Rachel Carter

Beagle Angela is the perfect addition to this family

Thank you all for being so wonderful and making the adoption process a joyful occasion. I adopted the sweetest little Beagle girl, Angela. Last night she slept on the bed along with her three brothers. She is still a little shy, but I know she is the perfect addition to the family. Thank you all again for always making the Aiken County Animal Shelter the best place to adopt.
Linda Burros

Sweet Clementine even likes the cat!

Clementine is doing very well.

Clementine snuggles with her new mom.
Clementine snuggles with her new mom.

Eating well and getting along with everyone and everything…even the cat. We go to the dog park regularly and she is a favorite there.
Judy Sweeny

Pretty Millie loves being with the kids and other dogs

Millie is such a love, and really enjoys being with the kids and the other dogs in our pack. We have a huge yard and she loves finding fun sticks and pinecones to chew! Her ears are still deciding if they are both going to stand up or not, ha-ha! Thank you for bringing us together!
Sarah Roudsari


Bonded pair of kitties are becoming more confident

Bonded cats Pearl and Penelope cuddle.
Bonded cats Pearl and Penelope cuddle.


Pearl and Penelope have adapted well to our house! They have really opened up and are becoming much more energetic and social, but they’re still exceptionally well behaved.
Bradley Raley

Arlo is settling in wonderfully

I cannot say enough good things about Arlo. He has settled in super with my family and our animals. He loves his older “brother” Doobie, and they play well together!

Arlo with his new little brother.
Arlo with his new little brother.

He is so well behaved and I take the two dogs hiking every morning. He walks well on his leash and even off it, never leaving my side.
Alicia Coviello

Chip might be the sweetest dog ever

Mister, now Chip, is doing wonderful! We love him so much and he has to be the sweetest dog ever. He plays with a plastic bowl outside and sleeps by my bed at night. The cats are almost used to him, but he still wants to bark at the donkeys! But it’s fine. He just has to be on a leash at the barn.
Debra Waters

The County Shelter has so many more wonderful animals available for adoption. Please come and meet them at 333 Wire Road in Aiken.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2023, Adoption

Ten reasons why you should adopt a black dog

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Smokey, a three-year-old black Lab mix, who is medium-sized and super affectionate.
29
Apr

Black is beautiful. Yet, black dogs statistically wait at least four times longer to be adopted from shelters than lighter coated and more colorful canines.

It’s known as “Black Dog Syndrome” and we are currently experiencing this unfortunate phenomenon at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Attractive, friendly and smart black dogs are languishing at 333 Wire Road because prospective adopters are not selecting them. Why? We’re not sure. Experts claim that superstitious people see black dogs as dangerous or evil. Others theorize that their facial expressions are harder to see, especially in the shadows of their kennel, so people don’t connect with them as easily. Still others speculate that black dogs don’t photograph as well, so when they are featured on social media pages, they don’t catch the eye of prospective adopters.

Frankly, the whole Black Dog Syndrome seems silly to us — but we can’t ignore it. Not when the shelter is filling up with dark-coated dogs who can’t find homes.

  1. Therefore, to counter these negative tropes, here are ten reasons why you should adopt a black dog:
  2. Black dogs are chic and always in fashion.
  3. Black dogs never look dirty.
  4. Black dogs make you look thinner.
  5. Black dog hair blends into your dark pants, dress or coat.
  6. Black dogs are just as loyal, playful, and loving as other canines. Maybe more so.
  7. Black dogs are always ready for a formal occasion.
  8. Black dogs are cute and smart. Breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Spaniels, Shepherds and Terriers are some of the smartest dogs and often have black fur.
  9. Black dogs are easy to accessorize. They look great in any color.
    Black dogs look tough even when they are sweet pushovers.
  10. Adopting saves lives. By adopting a black dog, you will not only be saving their life, but will open up a spot for another dog to be rescued.

Here are just some of the County Shelter’s terrific black dogs who need and deserve good homes:

  • Malone, a mini black Lab mix who is four years old, easygoing and enjoys the company of other dogs.
  • Dipsy Doodle, a cute, four-year-old cuddle bug who enjoys car rides.
  • Butler, an athletic, four-year-old Retriever mix who wants to be your one and only.
  • Suzie, an active and athletic three-year-old mixed breed who is a proven superstar in playgroup.
  • Smokey, a three-year-old black Lab mix, who is medium-sized and super affectionate.
  • Kenobi, an active, three-year-old mixed breed who can’t get enough human attention.
  • Arabell, an adorable, one-year-old mixed breed who plays well with other dogs.

Please stop by the shelter to meet these black beauties and cuties. The County Shelter is at full capacity and these dogs need to find loving homes soon.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

Photo caption:
Kenobi likes toys, car rides and cuddling with his favorite humans
Malone is easygoing and often sunbathes on his back in his kennel.
Dipsy Doodle is an active girl who wants to be your one and only pet.

Butler is athletic and loves to go on walks.
Suzie is a wiggle butt and enjoys wrestling dogs her size or larger.
Smokey loves tummy rubs.

2023, Adoption, Dogs

Help change the luck of some deserving County Shelter dogs today

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Rosemary is a sweet girl who is hoping her luck improves today.
17
Mar

FOTAS and the Aiken County Animal Shelter are having a St. Patrick’s “Change Their Luck” adoption event today, Saturday, March 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Today only, FOTAS sponsors will be paying for all pet adoptions.

Stop by 333 Wire Road in Aiken, SC, enjoy some complimentary St. Paddy treats, and let the shelter’s adoption counselors help you find your furry lucky charm!

The shelter kennels are doubled up and we are housing many wonderful pets who just need a lucky break. These homeless animals deserve love and security.

Here is just a sampling of the County Shelter’s adoptable dogs:

Caprice: Sweet Caprice is a wonderful dog who is somehow being overlooked by potential adopters. She is a lovely black Lab mix who is six years old, 57 pounds and easy to walk.

Elle gets along with most dogs and is a cuddle bug.

Elle: Brindle and white Sweetie-pie Elle is wonderful with most dogs, walks wonderfully on a leash and is in urgent need of a good home. This mixed breed is three years old, 57 pounds and well behaved.

Handsome: Three years old, 81 pounds and extremely playful, Handsome is not a dog you can miss seeing on our adoption floor. This blue and white guy loves other large dogs. He’s like a big puppy!

Janna has a gorgeous white coat and likes other dogs.

Janna: Pretty, white Janna is three years old, 50 pounds and extremely sweet. She is a little shy but quickly bonds with people she knows. This girl gets along with most dogs and deserves the best home. 

Rosemary: Poor Rosemary arrived at the County Animal Shelter covered in bite marks and some of her teeth filed down. She likely was used as a bait dog by a dog fighting operation. But despite her past abuse, this three-year-old, 54-pound stray is a cuddly sweetheart. (tongue out picture above)

Merry: She’s been here longer than any other dog in the adoption wing. She’s one of the friendliest dogs you’ll ever meet and gets so excited when prospective

Pretty Merry is wonderful but has been at the County Shelter longer than any other dog.

adopters visit her. Blue and white Merry is three years old, 52 pounds and playful. She would do best as an only pet.

 

Sosa is loving, playful and likes playing with other big dogs.

Sosa: Two-year-old, 56-pound mixed breed Sosa is a playful, active and goofy dog. He insists on giving you a hug when you greet him. He likes running in the play yard and enjoys rolling around on his back and chasing tennis balls. Sosa has a rich, red coat and likes big dogs who enjoy playing rough & rowdy style.

For more information about Saturday’s “Change Their Luck” adoption event, please go to fotasaiken.org, where you can view photos and details about all the animals available for adoption. Or contact the Aiken County Animal Shelter, (803) 642-1537 (option #3).

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2023, adopter feedback, Adoption, Pibbles

Shelter Adoptions are Great

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
23
Feb

My son Wesley, after grieving over the loss of his chocolate Labrador Retriever, decided it was time for another dog. Instead of looking for a registered breed and being advocates and supporters of FOTAS/Aiken Country Animal Shelter we decided to pay the Aiken Country Animal Shelter a visit.

We made an appointment and on arrival Kathy took us on an adoption tour. It was immediately obvious that Kathy’s passion for these animals is surmount to just a job. Kathy patiently showed us the huge number of dogs ready to be adopted. The shelter was overflowing from the recent large intake of surrenders.

Although so overcrowded, we were very impressed with the cleanliness and how well maintained the entire facility was kept. Even more impressive was the care these animals were receiving no matter their physical condition, size, shape or breed. Each kennel has a detailed list of the animal’s condition, the treatment needed and thus far provided. Also, another post contained behavioral notes detailing any issues, a schedule for volunteers of when the dog had last been walked and details like leash trained, pulls when walks, jumper, etc.

After a lot of going back forth we finally picked out a medium size 2 year old Pibble (Pit Bull mix), Jelly Bean. Kathy got her out of the kennel. Wes got on the floor with Jelly Bean who quickly convinced Wes she was his dog.

Now three weeks later things could not be better. Jelly Bean came housebroken, out retrieves our yellow Lab mix (also an adopted stray) and loves the country life. No registered breed needed. Save those big bucks. For a modest adoption fee you can get a neutered/spayed, microchipped, smart, forever special and loving family companion.

Although already impressed with the entire adoption process at the shelter, we received this email:

“Good morning Ms Tyler! I am emailing you as you recently adopted Jelly Bean and we just wanted to see how everything was going. Behaving?? Eating well?/ Playing well with everyone?? Adapting well?? If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reply to this email or give as a call. We would love to see any pics you have to share! Thank you so much and we look forward to hearing from you!”

I’m not sure you would receive this level of care and concern from anyone else. It will always be the shelter for our next dog. PLEASE consider a PIBBLE. They are great dogs!

Our family sincerely thanks and appreciates all the FOTAS volunteers and staff that work at the shelter on a daily basis. Your efforts to help teach socialization skills to get these animals to their forever homes speaks volumes about your character and compassion.

Their lives are in our hands.

by Allison, Rhonda and Wesley Tyler, Aiken County Shelter Adopters

2023, adopter feedback, Adoption

Adopters find their furry soulmates at the County Shelter

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Little Girl in her new home
03
Feb

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.

Shy Maine Coon kitten proving to be extremely snuggly
Just wanted to update you on Wesley (now Murphy), the orange Maine Coon. He’s doing so well! He hid for the first several days but has started to come out and socialize a bit and he’s probably one of the most snuggly and affectionate kittens I’ve ever seen. We haven’t introduced him to our other cats yet, but he’s getting more comfortable with my husband and I. We are so grateful that you guys waited for us to get there – he’s an awesome addition to our family!
Kelsie & Elwood Davis

Blue-eyed Ocean benefitted from her fostering
Ocean is doing well and we love her. She loves toys and she loves our cat! Please let her foster mom know we will take good care of her.
Lydia Willing

Loving Lola is coming out of her shell
Lola is happy and healthy! She loves hard bones, playing rope and being with me! My partner and I keep saying look at how happy she is. We are in Maryland now and the weather is getting cold! She has a coat or two that she loves! From the first week to now, she’s been opening up and doing more. I’m so happy that Lola and I found one other.
Samantha Lebarron

Selene is training to be a service dog
Selene is doing amazing! She’s with me 24/7 as she’s in training to be a service dog. Everyone is amazed at how calm and well behaved she is despite her young age. She’s taken everything pretty naturally. Her name now is Riga.
Kira Zapolskikh

Victory sleeps on the nearest person or animal
Jasmine, who we have renamed Victory, has been a phenomenal addition to the family. Within five minutes of getting her home, she became instant best friends with our other dogs. She does have moments where she chases cats because they’re interesting to her, but that is decreasing. She is a big cuddler, always laying down on whoever is on the couch or bed. And taking a nap on everyone – humans, dogs, or even cats.
Dominic Gazzelli

River is a love bug, even with the cats
Little Girl, who is now named River, is doing wonderfully and has settled in well. She is the most affectionate love bug with her people, and is getting along well with our cats.
Laura Jones

The County Shelter has many wonderful pets just like these desperately waiting for loving homes. This Saturday, Feb. 11, we are having a special event to help you find your furry Valentine. From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., we’ll be serving Mocktails & Pawderves. Dog adoptions will be only $14 and we’re even going to feature a doggie kissing booth. Stop by 333 Wire Road in Aiken, SC, and let our adoption counselors help you find your perfect match!

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director