Category Archives: Adoption

2023, Adoption, DOGGIE DATES, Doggie Day Out, Volunteer

My Wonderful Date with a Shelter Dog

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
06
Jan

Here’s Minnie from the Aiken County Animal Shelter on our Doggie Day Out recently. Most of her life has been spent having litter after litter, starving for food and love, and being treated like trash.

But this was her day. Time away from the crowded stressful shelter where she’s finally up for adoption — hoping the tall odds against her don’t win over a loving home and happy future.

Because that’s all she wants: to be chosen and loved.

Minnie was perfect on our day together. She has one of those soft mouths that gives face kisses and tenderly takes treats from your hand. She’s gentle and loving with babies, older people, and everyone in between. She also adores dogs – big and small – and can’t wait to greet them.

Overall, the best words for her are happy, affectionate, curious, and easy. Whatever you’re up for, that’s good with her, too.

Minnie rides in the car perfectly and has wonderful manners in public. She loves a trail hike or walk through the park, but she also loves town life. She visited Bravefriend Downtown where she got loving and pumpkin treats, Downtown Dog where she got more loving and more treats, and the local Wendy’s where she enjoyed a hamburger with more enthusiasm than they’ve seen in a while.

What’s a Doggie Day Out and why do them?

Shelter dogs run out of time in more than one way. We’re so crowded now that there are multiple dogs in kennels meant for one. Being public, the shelter can’t turn away new dogs no matter how many come through the door, and no matter how ridiculous the reason is for disowning them.

But shelter dogs waiting for months in these kennels also break from stress. They’re not meant to live like this, and it takes a toll. Even more when they’ve got trauma from being given away by people they loved forever, or their beloved owner dies, or they were bait for dog fighting. The sad stories don’t end.

So, these Doggie Days Out (or overnights or weekend visits) give them a much-needed break, they get more socialization, and we learn more details about them so we can post better stories and match them better with the few adopters who show up.

If you live in Aiken County and you’re interested in a Doggie Day Out, email FOTAS (info@fotasaiken.org) for details. Or just stop by.

And if you’re open to more love in your life, no matter where you live, please consider adopting Minnie. She’s extraordinary and when you consider all she’s been through, her love for people is mind-boggling.

Minnie is 4 years old, 50 pounds, spayed, vaccinated, housetrained, and microchipped. She pulls a little on a leash, but it’ll only take a little training to fix that. Her adoption fee is only $35.

The shelter is located at 333 Wire Rd, Aiken SC. Stop by or email info@fotasaiken.org to schedule a meeting with Minnie.

Please support the shelter any way you can. Their lives are in our hands.

By Martha Anne Tudor, FOTAS Volunteer

2022, Adoption, senior pets, surrendered pets

Senior pets are loving and home-ready for the holidays

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Senior dog Milburn is sweet and easygoing.
16
Dec

This is the time of year when we enjoy being with our families and resting inside on long, dark, cold evenings. We are getting ready to celebrate the holidays by sharing meals and gifts with loved ones.

That is why shelter staff and volunteers are really hoping to help a group of senior pets that linger at the shelter. These are older pets that get passed over by potential adopters due to their age.

As an adopter of an older dog that was considered a “hospice” dog, I have to tell you that saving an older pet is the absolute best, most rewarding experience! I enjoyed years with a senior shelter pet that sat for months in a kennel. Each and every day she was with us, she showed such a deep love and appreciation. Puppies don’t give you that.

This Christmas season, we would like for you to consider adopting a pet that comes to you already trained, socialized and home-ready.

These three don’t deserve to be in a kennel this Christmas.

Gwyneth. Oh my goodness, we adore this chubby, snuggly and housebroken girl!

Gwyneth dressed as Mrs. Claus.
Gwyneth dressed as Mrs. Claus.

We have to walk her first each day as she would never even consider having an accident in her kennel. Yes, she loves to eat.

But honestly, who doesn’t? She just wants a person or family that will let her sit by them while watching Netflix, and maybe drop a couple pieces of popcorn and give her some love. You will never feel more loved than from our friend.

Milburn. This graying 8-year-old boy (see photo above) was found wandering Beech Island, and he is precious! Calm and sweet, Milburn appears to be blind in one eye. He appreciates the warm blankets that people have donated, but needs a home, not a kennel. Our sweet friend is easy. He doesn’t require trips to the park or a lot of grooming. You won’t even notice him, well except that he will watch you in adoration.

Noah. This Tabby is the chubbiest boy that loves to knead his paws on you or the nearest blanket. At 10 years old, Noah was surrendered to the shelter

Chubby 10-year-old Noah is a love bug.

because sadly, someone in his home became allergic to cats. This big boy weighs 18 pounds! That is the coolest! There is nothing better than a big, huggable cat! I was shocked when I met him in the noisy shelter. He was calm and appreciated me rubbing him and even putting my forehead to his. What more can you ask for?

Senior pets still have a lot of love to give. They are the easiest ones and these three are all sponsored to good homes.

Let’s remember that it is the season of giving. Giving love, not giving presents.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2022, Adoption, Military Veterans, Veterans

Adopted dog helps veteran overcome PTSD and depression

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
09
Dec

When Clade Tuttle visited the Aiken County Animal Shelter three months ago, he had no idea it would dramatically change his life for the better.

He went to the shelter to adopt a small dog for his 5-year-old son, Colton. But Colton found himself drawn to Tock, a 40-pound mixed breed with a mahogany brindle coat. Tuttle reminded his son that they were looking to take home a much smaller pup. But when two-year-old Tock curled up next to Colton and then got on his back for a tummy rub, Tuttle gave in and adopted the affectionate stray.

Tuttle, a marine who saw action in Iraq and Afghanistan, now works from home, so he and Tock started spending a lot of time together. Every morning, they would drop Colton off at school and run errands.

“At first, Tock would ride in the backseat and then he began joining me in the front seat,” Tuttle said. “He’d go everywhere with me.”

Then something happened. Tock began leaning into Tuttle when he felt his new owner was stressed, upset or angry.

“Sometimes I would be tense and he could sense it,” said Tuttle, who has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and fights depression as a result of his wartime experiences. “Tock put his paws on my lap, so I rubbed his head and behind his ears. He wouldn’t move until I calmed down. He does it every time I’m feeling anxious.”

Tuttle said he was in a “dark place” before Tock entered his life. He thinks the unfortunate events that occurred during the United States exit from Afghanistan was the catalyst for his latest bout with depression. He fought in Operation Enduring Freedom but was back home when the U.S pulled out its troops. “We needed to get out of there,” he said. “But the way we did it, it hurt.”

Thankfully, with Tock’s help, Tuttle is feeling better now. And Tock is loving his new life. He just finished a three-week off-leash training course and has a new canine sister, Lexi, a miniature pinscher.

“Tock came along when I was in a deep, dark hole,” Tuttle said. “There was a lot of stuff in my head eating me up. But he rescued me. Not the other way around. This dog is one of the best things that’s ever happened to me.”

The County Animal Shelter is full this holiday season and has many more wonderful dogs and cats in need of homes. Now is the perfect time to adopt a new best friend and give the ultimate present to this pet — a forever home. This Saturday, Dec. 17, is our Home for the Holidays adoption event. The adoption fee for all available animals will be $0 and Santa will be there to pose for photos with you and your new pet!

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2022, Adoption, Military Veterans, Veterans

Veterans can adopt a pet for free at the County Animal Shelter 

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
11
Nov


This past Friday, November 11, was Veterans Day, an important 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 on Nov. 11, 2015 and it continues today. U.S veterans and active U.S. military personnel can adopt a dog or cat from the Aiken County Animal Shelter for no charge, year-round.

It is our small way to show gratitude to the people who serve our country and make sacrifices to defend our freedoms.

Vietnam veteran Bill Redfield adopted mixed breed Amos from the County Shelter seven months ago, and the 3-year-old, 55-pound dog has proven to be an outstanding companion.

“I take him to Odell Weeks every day and people stop to pet him and watch him do tricks,” Redfield said. “Sometimes they even take a selfie with him.” Amos is a charmer who can sit, shake hands, high-five, roll over and give kisses on command. When he rolls over, he usually gets a nice tummy rub from his admirers.

“He’s just a big mush,” Redfield chuckled. “I’ve always had small dogs like Yorkies. But when I met Amos at the shelter, I knew he was coming home with me.” Redfield said he was surprised and honored when FOTAS paid his adoption fee, but still insisted on donating $50.

Nicolas Whitt, who is in the National Guard, adopted Lucky after he helped rescue him. He and his cousin found him in the woods. The poor dog had been hit by a car. But despite two broken legs and losing blood fast, the butterscotch mixed breed found the strength to drag himself from the road to safety. Whitt called for help and a County Animal Code Enforcement Officer picked Lucky up for emergency treatment at the shelter.

“He wagged his tail when he saw us” Whitt said. We gave him some water and tried to stop the bleeding. He was such a trooper.”

It was touch and go for a while. Lucky’s left rear leg was shattered and had to be amputated but his right rear leg was saved by using pins to set the bones in place. Whitt called the shelter nearly every day to see how Lucky was doing. When he got the good news that Lucky was going to recover, he and his wife, Debra, decided to adopt him.

“He’s still recovering but doing well,” Whitt said. “He’s gentle with our four-month-old son, Jackson, He licks his feet and cuddles with him. I think the way Lucky entered our life, it was just meant to be.”

If you are active in the military or a veteran, please take advantage of your complimentary adoption. The shelter is at full capacity and there are so many wonderful pets desperate to find loving homes.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director


2022, Adoption, making care-giving arrangements for pets

DeeDee: one special dog who needs a home.

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
28
Oct

In late September of 2019, I wrote an article for FOTAS about a young dog who was picked up by animal control in the sizzling heat of July and brought to the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Her condition was shocking. Aside from being terrified, starving, and dangerously dehydrated, she was completely hairless and bleeding from the sores covering her body. As I said at the time, DeeDee (as we subsequently named her) was hard to look at without grimacing with heartbreak and outrage—someone cared so little for this sweet little dog that they failed to provide medical care when she needed it, and when her condition became critical, they dumped her on a county road in the dead of summer to die.

The thing was, as angry as I was, DeeDee wasn’t mad and disappointed at all. She was grateful and forgiving, cheerful and kind. She never stopped wagging her tail. She loved people, children, and other dogs. She was a volunteer favorite.

FOTAS was determined to fix her ailments and find her a good home. We treated her for Demodex mange, which is not contagious, and found a kind foster to help her recover in a less stressful environment. We successfully treated her for allergies. She recovered beautifully, and not long after we published the article about her, she was adopted by a wonderful gentleman who loved and adored her and renamed her Steely. It was one of those success stories that brought tears to our eyes. I was humbled by Steely’s courage and willingness to love and be loved, as well as her adopter’s depth of care and concern.

Sadly, life has thrown the lovely Steely (ne DeeDee) an unfortunate fast ball. Several weeks ago, the gentleman who adopted Steely died, leaving Steely and three other household dogs without a home. All four dogs were brought to the County Shelter, and in short order, three of those dogs found new homes. But not Steely.

That breaks our heart. Not only is Steely grieving the loss of her beloved human, she is doing so in a strange place without her canine buddies, and the stress of it all has caused her allergies to flare up—she began to scratch herself to distraction. The shelter vet, Dr. Rodriquez, is watching her closely and monitoring her care.

Bottom line? Steely needs a home, fast. She is as sweet and affectionate as she always was. She adores people, children, and other dogs. She is now 4 years-old, weighs 48 pounds, is heartworm negative, housebroken, and easy to walk.

Steely is, quite literally, the perfect dog, and we want her to find an owner who will shower her with the same love she showers on all humans. Will it be you?

Please don’t wait. Call the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS vice president

2022, Adoption, SOCIAL MEDIA

Young people’s compassion portends positive future for FOTAS

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
14
Oct

What a FUN week! So many young people flooded the Aiken County Animal Shelter this past week to learn more about our adoptable animals.

On Thursday, we had the Senior English Class from Horse Creek Academy visit with their arms full of donations! They sat with our longest resident dogs and then wrote about each and why they think they should be adopted.

“Do you want a calm and loving dog?” wrote student Weslyn Bernard. “Boone just might be what you’re looking for. He is a beautiful black and white boy…Boone absolutely loves scratches and cuddles. Boone loves to give hugs. He’s been here over 3 months and would really love a home.”

On Friday, we had over thirty students from Tall Pines Stem Academy come to the shelter for community service hours. Each student was required to serve our community for two hours. Those who chose our shelter were in different groups reading to dogs, cleaning and organizing the shelter, making toys, dog walking and some even took dogs to the park. We had so much fun!

Each student spent an hour at the shelter and then had the opportunity to earn an extra hour by writing about a shelter dog they met that day. We paired each student with a dog needing some attention. This program is called, “Be Their Voice.” We ask students to spend a few minutes talking with a dog, petting the dog, looking into their eyes and then write a little about why someone should adopt them. We got some great responses!

Student Gabby Whisnant was partnered with Tink. She took a pic with her phone and wrote the following about this wonderful dog: “Hi, my name is Tink. I am 51 pounds and great with kids. I need lots of attention because I get lonely. I have soft fur and love hugs and kisses. Please adopt me!”

Check out what Jimmie Baynham wrote, combining a selfie with the followig text: “I got assigned to Scotch, a newer dog at the shelter found as a stray. People see him as a big, obnoxious dog but he really is just a calm little puppy and gets excited to see people like a normal puppy would. Even if you got a puppy from a breeder, they would act the same way. Scotch is a tannish color and a very calm dog. I know some people don’t like big dogs, but he would be a perfect bigger dog…he is very aware of his size and overall is a great puppy. I know he hasn’t been at the shelter the longest, but he deserves a good home. He really is a great puppy so please someone adopt my bud, Scotch.”

We are so grateful for our educators in Aiken County that encourage young people to make a difference in our community.

During a period when our adoptions are slower than ever, the time these teens spent with the pets showed love, compassion and encouraged all of us that things will get better.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2022, adopter feedback, Adoption

We love success stories but many pets still need homes

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
07
Oct

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.

Batman adoption goes smoothly

Batman is doing terrific. He has made himself right at home. I appreciate you making the (adoption) process so smooth when my son and I visited, and thank you for checking in on our sweet dog. Claudia Wiseman

Kenna has a new name and new siblings

Hazel (Kenna’s new name) is doing wonderfully and is such a happy girl. She’s fitting in perfectly. Everyone gets along and she’s behaving really well. We love her! Kelly Galvarino

Riff is 42 percent Coon Hound, 100 percent loved

Coon Hound Riff now lives in Pennsylvania.


Riff is now named Rusty Rhoades. He lives with my niece in Pottsville, PA. I adopted him for her. According to his DNA, he is 42% Tree Walking Coon Hound along with two other strains of Coon Hound. He is a very welcome addition to our family. Dave Zimmerman

Jack has his own Facebook page

Little Tug, who is now officially named Jackson “Jack” Tug Danko, is a delight and a wonderful, much-loved addition to our family. He’s absolutely perfect for us. In fact, he’s quite a little celebrity and even has his own Facebook page. You are invited to like and follow his “You Don’t Know Jack” page to keep up with all of his antics and adventures. Lance Danko

Mikey the cat is in perfect shape

Gary & his new kitten Mikey have bonded.


Mikey, Stinker (2-year-old male tuxedo cat), Virginia and I are all doing great. I isolated Mikey in my home office for 10 days with me, so he had only brief exposure to Stinker. They played paws under the door during that time. Mikey follows me around the house like a dog and is already my lap cat. The two cats sleep together in the cat tree in the hallway. Mikey saw the vet last week and is in perfect shape. He has gained 1-1/2 pounds in the last month. All is well and life is good. Gary Ikens

It’s great to know these adopted pets are doing well in their new homes. But there are so many more wonderful dogs and cats at the County Shelter who need a second chance for a good life. Please go to fotasaiken.org to see our available pets or just 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

2022, Adoption, microchipping

Aiken County residents can get their pets microchipped for free this Saturday

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
30
Sep

You don’t want to be permanently separated from your beloved pets when they go missing, and neither do we.

That’s why FOTAS and the Aiken County Shelter are sponsoring a Free Community Pet Microchipping Event for Aiken County residents this Saturday, Oct. 8, from noon to 2 p.m. If you live in Aiken County, you can bring your dog or cat to the County Animal Shelter, 333 Wire Road and get them microchipped for free! Dogs just need to be leashed and cats must be secure in carriers.

A microchip is a permanent form of ID, registered to a recovery database that holds pet and owner information. It is the size of a grain of rice and inserted under the skin of your dog or cat. The RFID enables it to be read by a microchip scanner when the pet is found and brought to a shelter, rescue or veterinarian. It is the only permanent identification form that can reunite you with your beloved pet. Unlike collars and identification tags, which can break or become worn and illegible, a microchip should last for the life of your pet.

Great pets are lost forever every day

We see so many wonderful lost pets that we are all but certain come from good homes yet are never claimed by their owners – and we have no way of identifying or contacting them. A stray dog or cat can be well-groomed, have a nice collar and be healthy and fixed. But if the pet does not have tags or a microchip, we can only monitor the internet for local sites that post pictures of lost pets (such as Aiken Pets Reunited on Facebook). The pet’s only hope of getting back home is if its owner comes to the shelter and identifies them.

Otherwise, after five days in the shelter, the owner’s cherished pet becomes eligible for adoption.

A tiny chip can save your pet’s life

It is every pet owner’s fear that their dog or cat will unintentionally become separated from them, but it happens all the time. A dog escapes his fenced-in yard, a cat runs out the front door, a dog pops his collar while being leash walked and gets lost…there are so many scenarios.
So if you live in Aiken County, please come to the County Animal Shelter this Saturday and get your pet microchipped for free (normal fee is $25 at the shelter). The procedure takes seconds and no anesthetic is required. The chip is injected between the shoulder blades, and your pet won’t feel a thing. We will even register your information, give you an ID tag and take care of the paperwork. All you have to do is show up with your pet and their proof of rabies vaccination.

It could be the difference between losing your pet forever or getting them back home safe and sound.

For more information about the Oct. 8 Free Community Pet Microchipping Event, please call (803) 642-1537, option 3 or email info@FotasAiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2022, Adoption, Volunteer, Volunteers

County Animal Shelter is an excellent example of doing things right

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
16
Sep

My friend, Linda, and I recently visited the Aiken County Animal Shelter to drop off some donations We were there right at opening time and received a very warm welcome. I asked Kathy, a representative of FOTAS, if we could walk through and look at the dogs and pups, to which she graciously agreed.

It has been many years since I visited the Aiken County Animal Services facility, and I was genuinely impressed! Even at this early hour, the facility was clean and odor free. The animals seemed well-nourished and even given treats, toys and blankets (except for one little guy who eats his blankets!) Caring for this many animals is no small feat but is obviously very well done here. The shelter employees have always had my admiration for their dedication to the animals and to the public.

I was also delighted to see the new addition in progress that will be used for multiple purposes. The Aiken community seems to be more supportive of the shelter, and I truly believe FOTAS deserves much of the credit. In addition to significantly lowering the euthanasia rate, their network with the public – such as Kathy was with me – makes a good impression that can only be a positive reflection on the shelter.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any dog or pup that I can help with at this time. But I will be back in touch from time to time in hopes that when I can assist, I will surely and gladly do so. In the meantime, I made a donation (wish it were more) to help in any small way possible.

Thank you all for the amazing job you are doing. I wish the need for animal shelters would disappear, but that is highly unlikely. It does give me assurance, though, that Aiken County Animal Services is an excellent example of doing it right!

Shelter in crisis mode

Due to a recent drop in adoptions and no end to its high animal intake numbers, the County Animal Shelter is in crisis. Please consider adopting a homeless dog or cat from our facility located at 333 Wire Road in Aiken, SC. To see all the pets available, stop by the shelter or go to fotasaiken.org. We have so many wonderful pets in need, now is the best time to adopt and give a shelter animal another chance for a good life!

Their lives are in our hands.

By Jean Strein

2022, Adoption, Volunteer

Distressed shelter dog is the best surprise of my life

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
01
Sep

I took a break from my work and read Martha Anne Tudor’s compelling descriptions of animals waiting to be adopted at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. “Lonely hearts are waiting for you,” she always wrote at the end of her Facebook posts. One of those lonely hearts kept appearing on her posts – a German Shepherd/Carolina Dog/Heeler mix rolled into a striking chocolate-colored dog with antennas for ears, appropriately named Surprise.

I thought she’d be adopted quickly, but the posts kept coming. In Surprise, I saw something extraordinarily special, but nobody was coming forward. She had been in the shelter for over four months, and it was wearing on her.

This year has been especially hard on dogs and cats. So many animals were left in shelters or abandoned when families went back to work and school post-COVID 19. In addition, as prices rise, more and more families are giving up their pets. It is heartbreaking. I already had many animals, but I couldn’t sit on the sidelines waiting for someone else to step up.

I live in Columbia, but I go to Aiken every week. I stopped at the shelter to meet Surprise. She was frustrated in her kennel and exhibiting real signs of shelter stress. She spun in circles, chewed down her toenails, and had a hard time connecting with people. Questions about her adoptability hung in the air. And yet I could see that she was a great dog in a terrible situation. I decided to test my hypothesis.

I became certified as a FOTAS volunteer so that I could walk Surprise. I took her on 40-minute walks, letting her take her time. I expected absolutely nothing in return from her, and yet, each time, we would have a moment of connection. I started going to Aiken more to work with her, and she recognized me and wagged her tail. I’d cry all the way back to Columbia after I put her back in her kennel.

I began going to Aiken more just to see Surprise. She’d jump up and gently place her paws on me. It was deeply moving. I volunteered to be her trainer in the canine citizen class they offer to shelter dogs. For a second, I got her to focus on me and not on all the shelter stress. It was an amazing moment. For three weeks, I went to the shelter and worked with Surprise, and we got comfortable with each other. Then one day, I took her home. I cried all the way home, but this time the tears were of happiness and relief.

Surprise is one of the kindest, most responsive, cuddly dogs I have ever met. She is in the top one percent of dogs I have known. My partner and I work with her to build her confidence and help her adjust, and Surprise has responded faster than I could have imagined. She is the best surprise of my life!

By Gabi Kuenzli, FOTAS Volunteer and Pet Adopter