Category Archives: Bully Dogs

2018, Bully Dogs, Dogs, essay, FOTAS, injured animals, News, Pibbles, Spay/Neuter, surrendered pets

Intake Numbers Already Skyrocketing! Please Spay/Neuter Your Pets

Posted on by Angel Hartline
03
Jun

Yikes! It’s that time of year again. While the rest of the world dons shorts and sunblock, cranks up the grill for a family cookout, and settles into the sleepy rhythm of long summer days, intake at the Aiken County Animal Shelter is soaring—yes, soaring! Last month, the shelter took in 545 additional animals.

puppies on intake may 2018 (3)Think about it … 545 animals. Do the math—that’s more than 17 animals coming into the shelter every single day. And as good as we are at hustling and finding our animals homes locally or in sister shelters up north, we can’t re-home 17 animals every day. We just can’t; the number is too big. Quite frankly, it feels like sweeping back the ocean with a broom, especially during the summer months.

Petunia arrived at the shelter injured and scared. But after being fostered, she's strong and confident enough to be adopted.
Petunia arrived at the shelter injured and scared. But after being fostered, she’s strong and confident enough to be adopted.

Why does this happen?

There really is only one cause: irresponsible pet owners. People who won’t spay and neuter their animals and abandon their unwanted litters of puppies and kittens year after year, and people who surrender their pets to the shelter when they go on vacation rather than make proper arrangements for their care.

In either case, those pet owners make the rest of us pay for their failure to do the right thing because the shelter is funded through your tax dollars. It’s inexcusable. There is financial assistance available for folks who can’t afford the cost of fixing their pet. Also, surely with a little thought and planning, an owner could find someone—a family member, friend, neighbor—who would be willing to care for their pets while they vacation. Seriously.

How can you help?

Right now, we need someone to care for a single puppy or a single kitten for another week until they can get their final shots and be put up for adoption. Because they are babies with no litter-mates, these little fluff-muffins needs some extra TLC.

Second, will someone please, please adopt our newest miracle girl, the beautiful Petunia? Animal control picked up Petunia from the side of the road. She had been hit by a car and was so badly injured, her lung was protruding from her ribs. She was rushed back to the shelter, where Dr. Levy performed her surgical magic. Then she was sent to foster-care to recover. Now, Petunia is a ready to go home. This is one happy, happy girl. She will make someone a fabulous pet.

Petunia goes on a walk with adopted dog, Benny the Beagle.
Petunia goes on a walk with adopted dog, Benny the Beagle.

There are other ways you can help, and we really do need your help.

Volunteer, make a tax-free donation to the cause at www.fotasaiken.org, or become a foster family. Want an even shorter-term bit of canine-love? Take one of our great dogs out for the day or the weekend—they love and appreciate a little time away from the busy shelter.

Finally, please, please, please spay or neuter your animals, and talk your friends and family and your neighbors into spaying and neutering theirs. If you or they cannot afford the cost, you may be eligible for County or FOTAS financial assistance.

Call us at (803) 514-4313 or email us at info@fotasaiken.com and see how you can get involved.

Their lives are in our hands.

 — By Joanna Dunn Samson, FOTAS Vice President

 

paw_print_heart_stickers-r368b69be3802466f8feff0ba57adc012_v9w0n_8byvr_512By the Numbers

In the month of May, the Aiken County Animal Shelter received 545 stray animals and surrendered pets.

 


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Pets of the Week

 

MAVERICK

MAVERICK POTW JUNE 3 2018Mixed breed, male, 5 years old, tan & white, 46 pounds – $35

 

THOR

THOR POTW JUNE 3RD 2018Domestic Shorthair, male, 2 months old, Orange Tabby, 1.3 pounds – $10

 

2018, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Doggie Day Out, Dogs, essay, Foster, FOTAS, Uncategorized, Volunteer

No Time for a Dog? How about Some Dog Time!

Posted on by Angel Hartline
06
May

Every Saturday afternoon, after the volunteers have gone home, after the animals have been fed and the kennels cleaned, as staff attends to the paperwork of another adoption week at the Aiken County Animal Shelter – that’s when Kelly Meyers comes to the shelter. He stops in the lobby and asks Bob Gordon at the front desk, “Who should I take this time?”

Shelter dog Garrett enjoys sleeping at Kelly's house one April weekend. Since the photo was taken, Garrett has been adopted and is now living with a loving family.
Shelter dog Garrett enjoys sleeping at Kelly’s house one April weekend. Since the photo was taken, Garrett has been adopted and is now living with a loving family.

The “who” Meyers is referring to is whichever dog in the shelter needs a little help, is a little stressed, and is feeling the effects of too-long at the shelter. Sometimes a dog has been identified; sometimes Kelly just walks through the kennels and picks a dog that looks sad or scared. Once the choice is made, Kelly loads the lucky dog in his car and off they go for a fun-filled weekend. On Monday morning, Kelly returns his canine visitor back to the shelter, happy and relaxed.

Last week the lucky dog was Garrett. “As I write this, says Meyers in his email, “Garrett is laying at my feet. At the shelter, he was barking non-stop for attention. A quick car ride later, some tennis ball tosses in the backyard, and a walk around the block, and he is chilled out!

Says Kathy Jacobs, the FOTAS Program Director: “At first I worried the dogs would be upset when they came back to the shelter, but it’s just the opposite! The break in routine, the chance for extended human attention, and the opportunity to socialize makes all the difference in the world to these dogs. They come back refreshed, a little worn out, and ultimately better adoption prospects.”

Most recently, Kelly took Hilde home to foster over the weekend.
Most recently, Kelly took Hilde home to foster over the weekend.

Meyers treats his canine guest like his own. He takes them out into the community to give them public exposure. Recently Jacobs ran into Meyers on a Saturday night in the Alley downtown, lounging on a bench with a dog named Raven, showing her off to the public. Raven was basking in the glow of all the attention.

“It kind of choked me up,” says Jacobs, “seeing her so happy.”

The experience also provides staff and volunteers facts that are hard to sort out in a busy shelter: Is the dog housebroken? A barker? Friendly to strangers? All useful information for a potential adopter.

I’ve had dogs all my life,” says Meyers, “but it’s just not possible for me to have one these days because I live alone and travel all week for work. This is a great opportunity for me to get a canine-companion fix—there is something about the unconditional love of a dog that is unmatched in this world. Plus, the satisfaction of helping those dogs overcome the fear of the unknown, such as the inside of a house or a walk down the street, is so rewarding.

If you are a dog-lover but a full-time commitment isn’t possible, a Doggie Day Out or a Doggie Sleepover is a great way to scratch that itch (pardon the pun) and show some deserving dog a really good time. You’ll both be better for it.

Call us and we’ll set you up.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

paw_print_heart_stickers-r368b69be3802466f8feff0ba57adc012_v9w0n_8byvr_512By the Numbers

May 1-2: The County Shelter received 45 strays and surrendered pets in the first two days of month.

 

Pets of the Week

JACKSON POTW 050618 (2)JACKSON: Hound mix, male, 4 years old, tan, 21 pounds – $35

CHELSEA POTW 050618 (2)CHELSEA: Domestic Shorthair, female, 1 year old, grey & white, 8 pounds – $10

2018, Bully Dogs, Dogs, Events, FOTAS, Fundraisers, News, Pibbles, Woofstock

Introducing Woofstock’s Awesome, Adoptable VIPs

Posted on by Angel Hartline
29
Apr

This Saturday, FOTAS is hosting Woofstock, our biggest family event of the year. The celebration will take place at Citizens Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and once again feature many contests, including the Doxie Derby and other canine races and contests. Everyone is invited to join in the fun and pet dogs are welcome, too!

Bo is a senior but has the energy of a much younger dog.
Bo is a senior but has the energy of a much younger dog.

In fact, there will be a variety of furry VIPs from the Aiken County Animal Shelter in attendance. These special dignitaries will be easy to spot with their designer “Adopt Me” scarfs and vests. You can visit with these canine celebrities and, since FOTAS volunteers will be doing adoptions on-site, even take them home with you.

Woofstock’s canine guests of honor can be yours for only $35 each. Although there will be many available, here are some of the top shelter celebrities who would love to walk the red carpet all the way to your front door:

OTIS: A two-year-old Corgi mix, Otis is playful and loves to play fetch. He’s 5 years old and acts like a pup. He arrived in bad shape, with a lot of fur missing from a skin infection, but now he’s got his rich red coat back and ready for a forever home.

Hilde is a special girl who needs to find a good home ASAP.
Hilde is a special girl who needs to find a good home ASAP.

MASON & CHEVY: These two big, sweet guys arrived at the shelter together as strays and really should be adopted as a bonded pair. Mason is 4-1/2 years old, Chevy is 2 and each weigh about 70 pounds. The mixed breed bosom buddies need a home with lots of love and a fenced-in yard.

Bell is an alpha dog who's both goofy and smart.
Bell is an alpha dog who’s both goofy and smart.

JACKSON: This shy but sweet Hound mix is 4 years old and will make a perfect addition to anyone’s home. Handsome and athletic, Jackson loves other dogs and is friendly, gentle and calm. His best friend at the shelter is Vinny. They met for the first time at 333 Wire Road and became instant BFFs.

BELL: One ear is always up and the other down, giving 2-year-old, mixed breed Bell a very cute look. Her personality is even better. She’s lovable, funny and very smart. Give her a belly rub and she’ll love you forever!

Otis is a happy, playful Corgi mix.
Otis is a happy, playful Corgi mix.

BO: Ten years old with the playful energy of a puppy, Bo is a staff and volunteer favorite. This wonderful black Beagle mix needs to find a home as soon as possible. 

HILDE: An apricot-colored Retriever mix, Hilde is a true gem. She loves people and walks well on a leash. She’s one of the smartest dogs at the shelter but also has a goofy side. She’ll make some lucky adopter very happy.

So, come visit these canine celebrities at Woofstock on May 5 or – even better – visit them at the Shelter tomorrow! If you adopt one (or two) of these wonderful dogs, they can still attend the Woofstock festival as VIPs, but with you, their new friend and owner, at their side.

Their lives are in our hands.

— by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

paw_print_heart_stickers-r368b69be3802466f8feff0ba57adc012_v9w0n_8byvr_512

By the Numbers

April 1-28: 331 stray and owner surrendered pets were brought to the County Shelter

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Pets of the Week

malissa looking upMALISSA: Wire-haired Terrier mix, female, 3 years old, light brown, 62 pounds – $35

 

lizzie POTWLIZZIE: Domestic Shorthair, 8 years old, tan & black Tabby, 9 pounds – $10

 

2018, Bully Dogs, Dogs, FOTAS, Heartworms, News, Pibbles

The Mystery of Hilde

Posted on by Angel Hartline
15
Apr

Hilde is a beautiful blonde with a big, goofy smile, and eyes as gold as her heart. She was always a favorite among FOTAS volunteers and the Aiken County Animal Shelter staff – everyone wanted to spend a little “me” time with Hilde. She is one of the sweetest, people-craving, kid-loving dogs we’ve ever known, and we’ve known a lot of dogs.

By January of 2017, Hilde held the unfortunate distinction of being the longest canine resident at the Shelter. We were baffled she’d not found a home, and shelter life was beginning to wear on her. She lost the pep in her step and her sweet, gold eyes were sad.

Hilde and her friendly tongue.
Hilde and her friendly tongue.

FOTAS sprang into action. We took her for car rides, organized “Doggie Day Outs,” paraded her up and down Laurens Street. We took photos, wrote articles, put our favorite social media star, Martha Anne Tudor, on the case.

Eventually the extra effort paid off. One Saturday morning in February of 2017, a young couple with two young children drove to the shelter to meet Hilde. It was love at first sight … for everyone.

We cried with joy when Hilde found her forever home. For some time afterwards, the family shared photos of Hilde sleeping on the couch with the baby, or Hilde sleeping on the bed between the two kids, happy and relaxed. We applauded her good fortune and thanked God for hearing our prayers.

Three weeks ago, Hilde was picked up as a stray by animal control in a neighboring county. She was painfully thin and covered with fleas. The officers read Hilde’s microchip and made repeated, unsuccessful attempts to contact her owners. She was close to being euthanized by the time they contacted the Aiken County Shelter. As soon as Randy, one of the shelter’s super staff, learned they were holding our beloved Hilde, he promptly hopped into the van to pick her up and bring her home.

How did this happen? The last we knew, Hilde was sprawled out with her peeps on a soft, warm bed, so why was she wandering the streets, hungry and scared, in a different county?

We don’t know. We may never know.

What we do know, however, is that our gal Hilde is the same adorable, people-craving, kid-loving, beauty she always was—a little thinner, more mature, in need of some extra TLC. She remembers her many friends at the shelter, plays with her favorite toys, wags her tail a lot—happy to be loved and back in a safe place.

Okay, maybe her head’s a little square and her tongue’s a little long, and maybe she’s picky about her dog friends—but still … we don’t get it.

I'm seriously adorable. Just ask anyone.
I’m seriously adorable. Just ask anyone.

What we do get is that Hilde needs a new home. She needs humans to love, kids to protect. She’ll lounge by your side while you binge-watch every single episode of Breaking Bad. She’ll love you through bad-hair days; she’ll love you when you’re on top of your game. She’ll give back so much more than she gets—that’s just who she is.

All she needs is a chance. Please don’t wait, call the shelter the first thing tomorrow morning — (803) 642-1537—and tell the front desk you’d like to meet Hilde.

Her life is in our hands.

PS: Look, we get it. Sometimes life goes sideways, and good people are forced to make hard decisions about their canine family members. If that happens, please know this: we can help. Our animals can always come home to the Shelter—no judgments, no shame. We’ll find them another home. That’s what we do.

— Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

 

 

animal abuse, Bully Dogs, Dogs, essay, FOTAS, injured animals, News, Pibbles, Uncategorized

A Challenge Named Biscuit

Posted on by Angel Hartline
09
Apr

I recently faced my most challenging case since I started working at the shelter.

Biscuit was a “neighborhood dog.” The woman who brought him in said he showed up every few days and she would feed him. She had not seen him for three days when he showed up that Tuesday morning. She called the shelter in distress thinking he had been shot in the head. When she brought him in, I examined him and determined he had not been shot but had been attacked by another dog.

Volunteer Anne Morgan gives Biscuit some couch time.
Volunteer Anne Morgan gives Biscuit some couch time.

His wounds were extensive. The damage to his right ear was so severe that the entire ear flap, as well as a large area of skin around the ear, had actually died. Infection had also set in giving off a terrible odor. I have been in practice for more than 30 years and very little can still gross me out. But this smell was so bad, we had to keep the doors to the clinic open to let in fresh air. Through all of this, Biscuit sat on the exam table wagging his tail. I wasn’t sure I could save him, but I was going to try.

Surgery was challenging. All the dead tissue needed to be removed, leaving a huge open area that was extremely difficult to suture closed. I was able to close most of it, but it remained to be seen how it would heal. We kept him on antibiotics to fight the infection, and over a period of about three weeks the wound did heal! It wasn’t pretty, but it healed.

Biscuit lost an ear when he was attacked by a dog.
Biscuit lost an ear when he was attacked by a dog.

Biscuit was adopted by an Aiken family and now has a canine brother named Bear.
Biscuit was adopted by an Aiken family and now has a canine brother named Bear.

During Biscuit’s recovery, we noticed that he held his right rear leg out to the side and limped a little. X-rays revealed that he had an old fracture of his femur just above the knee that had not been treated and therefore didn’t heal properly. There was also some degeneration of his hip joint. These injuries are consistent with being hit by a car. Unfortunately, he also tested positive for heartworms, an all too common occurrence for strays in our area.

One thing that stood out to me about Biscuit is that when he came into the shelter he was already neutered. That means he belonged to someone. At some point he was somebody’s dog. How did he end up like this? Was he lost? Was he abandoned? Did someone try to find him?

Through it all, Biscuit has shown an amazing spirit. He loves everyone, is ecstatic when we pet, or even better, scratch him, and his tail never stops wagging. He may not be the prettiest to look at, but he is truly one of my favorite dogs ever to come into the shelter. He deserves a great home, and we will do everything we can to find it for him.

Epilogue: Shortly after Dr. Levy submitted this column, Biscuit was adopted by an Aiken family. He is enjoying a fresh start at his new home with a small poodle mix named Bear. As with all adopted heartworm positive County Shelter dogs, FOTAS is paying for Biscuit’s treatment through its “Have a Heart, Save a Heart” program.

 – By Dr. Lisa Levy, ACAS Veterinarian

paw_print_heart_stickers-r368b69be3802466f8feff0ba57adc012_v9w0n_8byvr_512Pets of the Week

RavenRAVEN: Terrier mix, female, 1 year old, 21 pounds – $35

 

OREO POTW APRIL 8OREO: Domestic Shorthair, declawed, female, 9 years old, 8 pounds – $10

Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, essay

Hidden gems still waiting for forever homes at animal shelter

Posted on by Angel Hartline
19
Mar

Kane is smart and athletic.
Kane is smart and athletic.

(Note: Since this post was published, most of these dogs have been adopted. As of March 19, the only dogs still available are Callista and Kane.)

The Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) has five wonderful dogs – Bain, Callista, Kane, Marcelle and Rallie – who need loving homes as soon as possible.

These dogs are favorites of the staff and volunteers, yet they still wait to be adopted. They watch the animals around them get selected and wonder why no one has chosen them.

We wonder, too.  After all, Kane is the most handsome dog on the adoption floor. Bain and Marcella are the sweetest. Rallie is a lovable, goofy guy and Callista shakes her whole butt when she wags her tail to greet visitors.

We consider these five dogs hidden gems – animals that are special and have loads of love to offer a person or family. Each of them is sponsored, which means their adoptions fees have already been paid by FOTAS donors. They are $0 if you can provide them with a loving home.

  • Bain loves people and is great with children, plus he’s housebroken. He also rides well in a car and is a great athlete. If you have no other pets, please consider adopting this 4-year-old Retriever mix.
  • Callista has a lot of energy and loves to play outside, but her favorite activity is laying her head on your lap while you stroke under her neck and chin. This mixed breed, brindle beauty is just 1 year old and weighs 44 pounds.
  • Kane is 1-1/2 years old and about 50 pounds of love and energy. He’s a Terrier/Boxer mix who’s housebroken, very athletic and extremely intelligent — but needs an owner who can spend time with him. He would love to be your jogging buddy or play fetch with you!
  • Marcelle looks like a puppy and is just as cuddly. But she is 1-1/2 years old and has good leash manners. She’s very playful and likes to get her belly rubbed.
  • Rallie snuggles, sits on command, and wants to be your pal. He arrived at the shelter with wounds on his back, but they’re healing fast. Rallie is 1 year old, 57 pounds and housebroken. He loves people but doesn’t like other dogs, so needs to be the only pet in your family.

Callista is sweet and has a lot of energy.
Callista is sweet and has a lot of energy.

Come to 333 Wire Road in Aiken and go on a Doggie Day Out with one of these fantastic dogs. Get to know them by taking them to the park or downtown for an hour or two. They love the one-on-one interaction and the time away from being in a shelter, and you just might fall in love and give an extraordinary dog the home he/she deserves.

Their lives are in our hands.

 – by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

dog_paw_print_heart_notepads-r22f45a827e9b4626b52cbabfd1c7f8b4_amb08_8byvr_512

Pets of the Week

ARTEMIS
potw artemis 031818Dachshund mix, male, 1 year old, tri-color, 20 pounds – $35

 

COREY
potw corey 0318Domestic Shorthair declawed cat, male, 1 year old, gray & white Tabby, 11 pounds – $10

Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, FOTAS, Pibbles

Adopted Pit Bull mixes find love and give it back in spades

Posted on by Angel Hartline
30
Sep

by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

The American Pit Bull Terrier or “Pit Bull” was America’s dog during World War I and their photos were used in military posters. Because of their popularity, “Bullies” or “Pibbles” were often used in advertising, including the Buster Brown shoes campaign. In fact, the first famous dog to star on TV was a Pit Bull. Remember Petey, the white dog with the black ring around one eye who starred in the Our Gang comedies in the 1930s? Yep, the cute canine who often joined the Little Rascals in their fun-filled adventures was a Pit Bull.

The County Shelter takes in a lot of stray and surrendered Pit Bull mixes, so we’re familiar with the positive attributes of this breed. Smart, goofy, athletic, high-energy and very loving, these are some of the best pets available for adoption.

Unfortunately, starting around the mid-80s, Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixed breeds started to get a bad rap in the media. Dog fighting surged in popularity and criminals chose the breed due to their physical strength. These villains nearly destroyed the rich history of the Pit Bull and sullied the breed’s reputation through their cruel and illegal actions.

But FOTAS and the Shelter are working to help these dogs and reestablish their honorable reputation by prudently preparing them for adoption and finding them loving homes.

Young Raymond and his mother, Darling Rios, fostered Gloria, helping the dog gain confidence before going to the Shelter’s adoption floor.
Young Raymond and his mother, Darling Rios, fostered Gloria, helping the dog gain confidence before going to the Shelter’s adoption floor.

For example, Gloria, a 2-year-old Pibble who arrived at the Shelter scared and shy, was fostered by Darling Rios and her family. At first, Gloria was too scared to leave the house. But slowly she began to trust her foster family and learned to relax and play by interacting with the other dogs living at the Rios household.

“All we did was give her love and provide a place where she felt safe,” Darling said. “Gloria built confidence after weeks of attention and came out of her shell.”

Once she was put on the adoption floor, Gloria didn’t last long. She was adopted by Shannon Wilhelm of Graniteville and is doing great!

Gloria is adopted from the County Shelter by the Wilhelms.
Gloria is adopted from the County Shelter by the Wilhelms.

Another Bully mix was adopted by Jude and Kerwin Iglesias of Aiken. They took home one-year-old Doxter, a white and brown cutie who is very protective of his new family. When he thinks they have been swimming for too long, the young dog gets worried and dives into the family’s pool, gently gripping them by the hand to pull them out of the water!

 

Ripley at home with his adopter, Amanda Brown of Augusta.
Ripley at home with his adopter, Amanda Brown of Augusta.

Ripley, a fawn and white Pibble, arrived at the Shelter as a stray and tested positive for heartworms. Bo and Amanda Brown fell in love with the big boy and adopted him, FOTAS paid for his treatment and now he is expected to be heartworm free by next month.

claressa at home
Newly adopted Claressa makes herself at home on Corbin Goodwin’s bed.

And then there’s Claressa, a 10-month-old, tan and white Bully mix. She was shy and having difficulty dealing with the noisy environment of the Shelter. But Brian and Gina Goodwin of Aiken adopted her and turned her life around. 

“At first, she was terrified of everything!” said Gina. “But after about three days, she was a completely different dog. We love her so much and I’m pretty sure she feels the same.”
The County Shelter always has some wonderful Pibbles available for adoption, and this week is no exception. Three standouts include Bailey, Ranger and our dog of the week, Toffee. Come visit them!

Their lives are in our hands.

 

By the Numbers

Jan. through Aug.:
FOTAS organized and paid for the spay/neuter surgeries of 292 community cats and pets owned by citizens in need of financial assistance.
October Adoption Special: Cat and kittens $10, dogs and puppies $35

 

Pets of the Week

 

TESSA: Domestic shorthair cat, female, 4 months old, Tortoise shell, 3.6 pounds - $10
TESSA: Domestic shorthair cat, female, 4 months old, Tortoise shell, 3.6 pounds – $10

TOFFEE: Pibble mix, female, 2 years old, gray and white, 46 pounds – $35
TOFFEE: Pibble mix, female, 2 years old, gray and white, 46 pounds – $35

Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, FOTAS, Heartworms

A Cinderella Story: The adoption of Xena, The Warrior Princess

Posted on by Angel Hartline
07
Jul

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

Blossom wasn’t the prettiest dog in the County Shelter, not by a long shot. Her muted gray brindle coat was dull and ratty; her skin was rough; and her teats were saggy from indiscriminate breeding. Overall, Blossom had the haggard look of a dog that had been neglected, abandoned and forgotten. By early May, Blossom held the unfortunate distinction of being the Shelter’s longest-term resident. What’s worse, not a single person had taken a second look at her in her kennel.

Flash forward to late June: Blossom (who is now referred to as Xena, the Warrior Princess) participated in her first canine obedience class, and by all accounts, Xena is now a rock star.

 

FullSizeRender 2
Xena sits at attention with Janice.

I sat down with Xena and her favorite human and new owner, Janice Freeland (who as it happens, is one of FOTAS’ favorite humans and long-time volunteers as well*) to chat about Blossom’s breathtaking transformation from ugly duckling to canine superstar.

ME: Xena! Look at you! You look, well, just plain gorgeous—all sleek and shiny, and so trim! What’s your secret?

Xena wags her tail and breaks into a radiant pibble smile, all mouth and a tongue a mile long, and gives Janice a great big slobbery kiss.

XENA: It’s all because of Janice! She loves me and feeds me good food, and I have a soft place to sleep and two dog pals, and treats! Oh my gosh! So many treats!

FullSizeRender
Xena with one of her dog pals

Xena gives me a big slobbery kiss, too. I wipe my face and continue.

ME: Janice, how did you find Blossom, I mean, Xena?

JANICE: Total fluke, right? I was taking photos for FOTAS at the annual Woofstock Dog & Cat Festival in May, and I happened to mention I had lost a dog and that my other dog was very lonely. The next thing I knew, a volunteer brings around this kind of happy, saggy, ratty looking dog, and she tells me—this is Blossom, the sweetest, greatest dog, and she’s been at the Shelter way too long, and she really needs a home. I thought, Why not? I mean, after all, us gals need to stick together, don’t we Xena?

Wag, wag. Thump, thump. Pant, pant.

JANICE: AT first, my husband and I were anxious about adopting a Pit-cross, but Xena is, hands down, the best dog we’ve ever had. She may’ve looked kind of ragged, but she makes up for it in spades with a whopping personality. She loves people, particularly children and other dogs. She’s just so willing, eager and smart. We are lucky to have found her.

Xena rolls on her back and wiggles in ecstasy.

ME: What would you say to folks looking for a companion at the County Shelter?

JANICE: Don’t just walk by the dogs with the square heads and long tongues, the dogs who look beat up and used, the dogs who many not present well in the kennel. All they need is a little love, security and care to blossom into a blessing. Give them a chance, and they will give you a lifetime of love and devotion.

Their lives are in our hands.

*Janice Freeland organizes Polo under the Stars for the benefit of FOTAS, which will be held in October.

 

Pets of the Week

RIGBY PET OF THE WEEK JULY 9
RIGBY: Hound mix, male, 3 months old, tan and black,         24 pounds – $35.00

 

RALPH: Domestic Shorthair Cat, male, 2 years old, black/gray Tabby, 6.5 pounds - $15
RALPH: Domestic Shorthair Cat, male, 2 years old, black/gray Tabby, 6.5 pounds – $10.00

 

By the Numbers
July Adoption Special: Dogs/Puppies $35, Cats/Kittens $10

Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, FOTAS

Sweet shelter dog Hannah ends her adopter’s nightmares

Posted on by Angel Hartline
20
Mar

By Martha Anne Tudor

John Jackson can’t talk about his rescue dog Hannah without getting emotional. Little wonder, considering how life has opened up since she came into the picture.

John, 23, struggles with challenging health issues, including Asperger’s and a brain tumor. The Belvedere resident says he’s used to people getting frustrated and impatient with him. Interactions with others often cause him anxiety. Nightmares happened every night, and he’d given up hope years ago anything could stop them.

Until Hannah.

From their first night together, John hasn’t had a single nightmare. No one knew that was even possible. He also now has someone to tell his dreams to. Hannah always listens, John says, and never gets irritated with him “like people do.” John says Hannah makes him feel calm, safe, and less anxious.

His grandmother, Beverly Boniewicz of Edgefield, calls it a miracle.

But last December, Hannah didn’t look much like a miracle worker. Scarred and beat up from dog attacks and other hardships of life on the streets, she was just another sweet-faced mixed breed at the Aiken County Animal Shelter, hoping life wasn’t at an end.

Hannah had been at the shelter longer than any other dog. For days, she patiently waited in her kennel as time and again potential adopters passed her by. She didn’t attract attention, with heartworms and her hair missing in places. But she kept giving visitors kisses and mustering all the hope she could.

As Hannah’s time wound down, one more push was made on social media to find her a home. She had become a favorite among shelter volunteers, who wouldn’t give up on her. “She’s my favorite dog,” said FOTAS Board Member and Volunteer, Ellie Joos.

Just a few hours after Hannah’s final plea was posted, Beverly scrolled through Facebook, as she often does. She saw Hannah’s story and called John, who often got lonely living by himself. He headed for the car to go meet Hannah.

Witnesses to their meeting describe it as watching two halves come together.

“Will she mind if I talk to her a lot?” John asked shelter workers. Hannah seemed to realize her biggest wish had come true.

She jumped in John’s car, where she still loves to ride. John likes their drives too, and says he loves showing her off. Hannah sleeps every night in John’s bed, though he made a bedroom just for her if she wants it. When she’s not right beside John, she enjoys sitting in the sunshine in their backyard.

The dog nobody wanted, the dog who’d never had a chance, is now the center of attention. She has her own Himalayan salt candle, her own “CD for Dogs,” a bunch of dog toys, and her own blanket. But her favorite thing is John. She even jumps over the back of the couch to give him kisses.

“It is really a miracle – for all of us,” said Beverly, who sometimes babysits Hannah and considers her part of the family. “She is the perfect fit for John.”

john hugs hannah

John Jackson adopts Hannah at the County Animal Shelter john hugs hannah

Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, FOTAS, Heartworms, Pibbles

The Magic of Shelter Pets

Posted on by Angel Hartline
25
Sep

By Joanna D. Samson, Vice President, FOTAS

My husband David swears that shelter dogs are grateful, that they know they have been saved and that you saved them, and that their love and devotion are expressions of that gratitude.

Now I can’t say for sure that our Maggie dog’s love is an expression of gratitude rather than a reciprocal response to our love and care, or that the depth of our terrier mutt Jack’s devotion to us is somehow greater than, say, a pedigreed poodle’s devotion to its owner.

But I can say this: every one of our shelter dogs has brought us indescribable joy. No matter what the circumstances of their unfortunate history that brought them to the shelter, whether neglect or abuse or both, they bonded with us seamlessly and with no hesitation. As always, love transformed them, and in return, they transformed us, enriching our lives in ways that we could not have imagined on the day we brought them home.

David Stinson is a dog-lover, and for the past 10 years, he has resided with 4 large dogs in his lovely little cottage on Newberry Street. When old age and cancer took two of his dogs, David was uncertain whether he wanted to add another dog to his remaining aging brood. Maybe, he thought, the inevitable aging-out of his canine pack would free him to travel more or pursue his many hobbies in more depth.

Then along came a pretty red and white Pibble named (by the Shelter staff) Snickers, who was picked up as a stray, clearly abandoned by her negligent owners. Snickers wore the tell-tale marks of neglect bordering on abuse. Her neck bore scars of a chain, suggesting she had been tethered to a stake. She showed signs of repeated breeding, and her front teeth had been filed, indicating a life as a breeding bitch for fighting dogs. And of course, she had early stage heartworm disease.

I met Snickers when she was introduced to a play group at the Shelter. Despite her background, she was an unapologetic, enthusiastic, fervent people-lover. I was smitten, and when I introduced her to David, he was smitten, too. He took her home, renamed her “Lady Edith of Newberry,” befitting of her regal nature, and the rest, as they say, is history.

“This morning,” says David, “Lady Edith is riding in the passenger seat of my car wearing her seatbelt. We stop at Popeye’s and share a sausage biscuit. She spent the first part of the day washing the faces of my old hound dogs at home. Now she is on her way to my office, where she will spend the morning with me. I have to keep her moving along; otherwise, she will linger to play with every dog and human we meet on the way.”
Now that is the happiest of endings.

Your destiny may be waiting for you right now at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Maybe it’s an adorable puppy, a goofy dog or a regal cat. Please consider adopting your new pet at the Aiken County Animal Shelter – it’s a choice you won’t regret.

Their lives are in our hands.

Lacy Edith of Newberry poses in her new home.
Lacy Edith of Newberry poses in her new home.