Category Archives: Cats

Cats, essay, FOTAS, kittens, News, PetSmart cats, Uncategorized, Volunteers

Aiken PetSmart Cats Get Care and Comfort from FOTAS Volunteers

Posted on by Bob Gordon
24
Sep

“I like their purring – I love that sound,” says FOTAS PetSmart Volunteer Twylia Stewart as she strokes the fur of Kendi, a male black kitten who’s just arrived from the Aiken County Animal Shelter. “I also think they sometimes don’t get as much attention from people as dogs do. Everybody loves dogs, including me, but I think cats are sometimes seen as the second-class citizens of the pet world.”

Michelle Greene gets some help from kitten Bess while cleaning a PetSmart cat condo.

Stewart’s passion for felines is shared by all the members of the FOTAS volunteer team who take care of the cats at the Aiken PetSmart Store.

“We love what we do,” said Judy Albert, who leads this special team. “We want to help and make sure the cats are well-cared for and give these animals a second chance to live with a loving family.”

The Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) receives many unwanted felines in need of homes each month, but the partnership with PetSmart helps ease the load, providing a second location for cats to be showcased and adopted. While most of the adoptable adult cats and kittens are available at the County Shelter located at 333 Wire Road, PetSmart provides FOTAS with 10 cat condos at its Aiken store on Whiskey Road.

PetSmart has 10 cat condos at the back of the Aiken store that attractively display the Shelter cats.

Once ACAS staff transports the cats and all their medical records and paperwork to PetSmart, the FOTAS volunteers keep the felines watered, fed and clean. They follow a strict schedule, making sure that someone comes in to maintain the kitties’ condos and living area twice a day, every day. The volunteers also take notes on the cats’ behavior and special needs and most stay for hours to play with the felines, helping to socialize and prepare them for their future forever homes.

“Cats are funny and entertaining,” says Michelle Greene, who started volunteering three years ago because her 10-year-old daughter, Ansley, wanted to help and be around the PetSmart cats. “We enjoy working with them, try to make sure they feel comfortable around people and let the compatible ones play together. I like volunteering here because it’s something I can do once a week that benefits the animals and it’s also teaching my kids responsibility. We call it our ‘fuzz therapy.’”

FOTAS Volunteer Twylia Stewart cuddles PetSmart Calico kitten, Eileen.

Thank you so much to the FOTAS Pet Smart volunteers: Leader Judy Albert, Eileen Livesey Allen, Kathy Bissell, Meagan Boehl, Kayla Cox, Cheryl Dillinger, Lynn Edwards, Michelle Greene, Allison Hamilton, Leah Holt, Lauren Jennings, Diane Moore, Twylia Stewart and Emily Smith.

Thank you also to PetSmart, especially Aiken PetSmart Store Manager Steve Block, Assistant Store Leader Ken Gunter, Customer Engagement Leader Lauren Amundsen and the many store associates who assist customers.

It’s a team effort and a lot of work but the results speak, or rather, meow for themselves.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

 

 

Pets of the Week

EILEEN: Calico kitten, female, 4 months old, 4.5 pounds – $10 (available at Aiken PetSmart store)

 

TOOTOO: Terrier mix, female, 10 months old, 33 pounds – $35

2018, Adoption, Cats, essay, FIV positive felines, kittens, News

Feline FIV is a Virus, Not a Death Sentence

Posted on by Angel Hartline
20
Aug

Each day as I finish my rounds at the shelter, I leave a list of things to be done for our team of veterinary assistants (three of the hardest workers on the planet!) that includes testing our newest cat residents for Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).  When I come in the next morning, my heart would sink if they told me that anyone tested positive for either disease.  This had always meant euthanasia since these cats were considered unadoptable.  But over the last several years, that opinion has changed.

Becky was the first FIV positive kitten adopted under the Shelter’s new FIV adoption program.

FIV infection is transmitted primarily by bite wounds.  It is not transmitted sexually or through casual contact.  Infected cats may live a completely normal and long life. Or they may at some point succumb to the virus, which attacks the immune system and allows the cat to become vulnerable to other infections such as respiratory, mouth, bladder, skin, and eye infections.  Once the cat develops recurring infections, the disease is inevitably fatal. What allows some cats to live with the virus and develop no symptoms and some cats to become ill is unknown and therefore unpredictable.

Kittens may test positive if born to an FIV positive mother but that is most likely due to transfer of antibodies and most of these kittens will test negative within six months.  True FIV infections in kittens are possible but not common.  Because of this, the Aiken County Animal Shelter has decided to adopt out FIV positive kittens.  We will retest these kittens in six months at no charge.  The adopter must understand that we can in no way guarantee these kittens will test negative, although statistics show that most kittens will become negative.

In the case of adult cats, things are a little trickier.  We have no way to predict the outcome for these cats.  We recently adopted out our first two FIV positive cats, Rowan and Martin.  They were adopted by someone who already has an FIV positive cat, so they posed no threat to spread the virus – an ideal placement.  Any home with no other cats would also be a great option.

Adoptable FIV positive kittens are now available at the County Shelter for just $10 each, including (left to right): Becky, Analeese and Tillie.

We are often asked if this infection is contagious to people or dogs, and the simple answer is no.  But if any member of the family is immunocompromised or on immunosuppressant drugs, to be safe we don’t recommend exposure to these cats.

All FIV positive cats should be kept indoors to prevent the cat from being exposed to other diseases.  They should also be kept inside to prevent the possibility of exposing other neighborhood cats to the infection through “cat fights” as we know cats are fiercely territorial.

I know that we are asking a lot of someone to adopt a cat that may have a shorter than normal life span.  But the way I look at it is that God made the majority of “pet species” with shorter life spans than ours.  So, we will inevitably experience the heartbreak when we lose them after 10-15 years.  These cats develop FIV through no fault of their own, but just by acting in the true nature of a cat.  Does this mean they shouldn’t experience a loving home for the time they do have on this earth? 

We always end this column with the words, “Their lives are in our hands,” and never has this been more true.  If you are selfless enough to consider adopting one of these cats, please let us know so we can contact you the next time we see that dreaded positive result on a test.

— By Dr. Lisa Levy, Aiken County Animal Shelter Veterinarian

2018, Adoption, barn cats, Cats, essay, FOTAS, kittens, News

Tips for Choosing the Purr-fect Shelter Feline

Posted on by Angel Hartline
06
Aug

Adding a cat to your home can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences. They are terrific companions and easier to care for than dogs. Plus, most felines are great cuddlers, playmates and entertainers (there’s a reason cat videos dominate the Internet). Studies have even shown their purrs can improve your health and lower your risk of a heart attack.

Volunteer Hannah brushes Lydia after the young cat jumps in her lap.

If you come to the Aiken County Animal Shelter, you can adopt a cat or kitten for just $10 – this fee includes their vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery and microchip. So, are you ready to adopt a cat or kitten? If so, here are some tips for choosing the best feline for your home:

Select the right cat for your lifestyle. Are you looking for a lap cat? Or is a playful, high-energy cat more your style? What about fur length? Longhair or shorthair? Do you like a chatty cat or one that’s quiet and shy? These are some of the questions you need to answer when selecting a cat. Talk to a FOTAS volunteer or staff member about the available cats. They are familiar with each cat’s traits and can help you identify the feline that best fits your personality and lifestyle.

Cats vs. kittens. Kittens are cute – that’s why they usually get adopted so quickly. But they also need extra nurturing and demand more of your time. If you do decide to adopt a kitten, consider getting two. Why? Because the little ones usually have loads of energy and need to burn it off. Their need to exercise is easily satisfied if they have a littermate to play with.

Let the cat choose you. Dogs love it when you walk up to them and immediately start petting them, but cats prefer a subtler approach. Let them come to you. Some cats will run up to you right away or

FOTAS Volunteers Jan and Jerry Tankersley come to the ACAS every Tuesday to help socialize cats and kittens.

even put their paws on your shoulders. But most will first assess whether they trust and like you before approaching. To greet a cat, stick your hand out, palm down, about a foot away from his face and let him sniff it. He will usually step forward and “butt” your hand, which is his way of saying, “Hello,” and marking you with his scent. This is the cat’s way of telling you he trusts and likes you — and you can now pet him and rub under his neck. 

Spend time with the cat before making your final decision. Once you find a cat you like, and who likes you, spend some time with him. Ask to take the cat to an adoption room, where you can further study his personality and confirm you have a bond with the kitty.

Keep the cat indoors. If you adopt a cat, please keep him inside. The average lifespan of an indoor cat is 18 to 20 years, while an outdoor cat’s usual lifespan is just 5 years. If you must have your pet outdoors, the Shelter often has barn cats to adopt. These are cats that have lived outside most of their lives and can’t be happy as housecats.

There are so many cats at the shelter looking for homes right now. Please stop by and find “the one” for you.

Their lives are in our hands.

— by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

By the Numbers
In July, the County Animal Shelter received 554 stray animals and surrendered pets.

 

 

Pets of the WeekLARISSA: Retriever mix, female, 1-1/2 years old, tan & black, 59 pounds – $35

 

MISTY: Domestic Shorthair, female, 3 years old, black & tan Tabby, 10 pounds – $10

Cats, essay, Foster, FOTAS, injured animals, kittens, News, Volunteers

Fostering Kittens is a Proud Tradition for Windsor Family

Posted on by Angel Hartline
17
Jun

“You get the love from the kittens and when you see one that you raised get adopted to a good home, it’s one of the best feelings in the world,” says Fran Bush, explaining the rewards of fostering homeless shelter pets.

FOTAS Foster Volunteer Angela Poe bottle-feeds kittens at home.
Fran Bush with Nuka

She should know. Fran and her husband, Don, are top volunteers for FOTAS and the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) and have been fostering kittens and other homeless animals in their Windsor home for many years. Before retiring and volunteering for FOTAS, they owned Booklovers Bookstore in Aiken and customers, knowing their love for animals, would bring the couple strays to nurture and place in homes.

Don Bush with healing foster kitten, Nuka.

It’s a proud family tradition. Fran’s mother took in stray cats and taught her how to care for them and Fran’s daughter, Angela Poe, and her husband, Derrick, have fostered about a dozen ACAS kittens so far this year – some of them only days old.

“I used to joke to my friends that I had to share my cradle with kittens,” Angela said. “But it’s what you do…take care of these animals that are helpless on their own.”

It’s a noble cause and the work of these fosters is vital to FOTAS and the ACAS. While the Shelter provides all the care it can – and extraordinarily committed staff members even take kittens to their own homes for bottle feeding – the flood of orphaned fur babies is too much to handle for any rescue or shelter facility. Until they are at least 3 weeks old, kittens must be bottle

Nuka recovering from her upper resperatory illness.

fed every two hours and manually stimulated to defecate and urinate – and they must be cared for 24 hours a day. If the kittens are brought in with their momma cat, she can take care of these tasks. But most litters arrive at the shelter without their mother and the kittens need nourishment and care. Older kittens need fostering, too. Before being put up for adoption, they must be socialized and learn to trust humans.

Nuka gives some love to fellow foster kitten Mischief.

Fran and Don have fostered four litters of kittens in the last year, but they also take in “singlets” or kittens that are found alone. Recently, they saved a kitten named Nuka. Nuka was just 2 or 3 weeks old when he was found on the side of the road, weak and suffering from a sever upper respiratory infection. He also had difficulty standing on his own. Fran took in the kitten and the ACAS gave him antibiotic to treat the infection. His condition was touch and go, but eventually he recovered. The probable scenario is that Nuka’s back leg was injured when he was dumped from a moving vehicle.

“We are so grateful that Fran and Don stepped up to save this kitten’s life,” said ACAS Adoption Coordinator Hillary Clark-Kulis. “They gave him the one-on-one, 24-hour care needed to recover from his illness and injury.”

Now, Nuka is happy, healthy and best buddies with Mischief, another foster kitten saved by Fran and Don.  But with more than 200 strays and surrendered pets arriving at the shelter in just the first two weeks of June, it won’t be long before another kitten arrives that desperately needs their help.

If you can help foster for FOTAS, please call (803) 514-4313.

Their lives are in our hands.

By the Numbers

From June 1-14, the ACAS received more than 200 strays and surrendered pets.

 

Pets of the Week

PHANTOM

Mixed breed, male, 2 years old, black & white, 50 pounds – $35

 

PENNY

Domestic Shorthair kitten, female, 2 months old, orange/white Tabby, 1.5 pounds – $10

 

 

2018, Cats, community cats, FOTAS, News, Spay/Neuter, TNR Program, Uncategorized

Free TNR Program Saved Community Cats and Made Life Better

Posted on by Angel Hartline
20
May
It started when a good neighbor needed to move. He left his feral cat colony, so my husband began feeding them. But years later, we found ourselves with more than 30 cats in two colonies. We knew we had to do something soon! Last fall, a viral infection or inbreeding caused uncountable and horrible kitten deaths. We reached out to FOTAS for help and they informed us of the County’s Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program.  It’s a free program supplemented by FOTAS that benefits homeless felines and the community. You can trap feral or community cats, get them fixed and their ear tipped (the universal sign of a sterilized cat), and then return them to their outdoor home. We borrowed four humane traps from FOTAS and friends, then got a purchase order number to start the TNR program with the veterinarians on FOTAS’s list.
The TNR program allows community cats to remain outside but keeps their population down.
The TNR program allows community cats to remain outside but reduces their population via spay/neutering.
Initially we took four to eight cats in to get spay/neutered each week by appointments with veterinarians and the Aiken County Animal Shelter, where two are allowed with no appointment. The goal was to get this done prior to spring mating time. We would trap on Monday and Wednesday from 3 p.m. to dusk (so we didn’t trap night wildlife), using several teaspoons of canned food in the trap. We checked the traps every 15 minutes because the trapped cats are terrified until the trap is covered with a beach towel. We then moved the trapped cats to an enclosed building for the night.  If two were caught, they would go to the veterinarian appointment in the morning; and if there were more, they would go to the Aiken County Animal Shelter between 8-9 a.m. The vets did early surgery with same day return while the County had pick-up the next morning. The County Shelter offers their TNR spay/neutering on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Connie Jeffcoat of Wagener picks up two community cats she had spayed at the County Animal Shelter.
Connie Jeffcoat of Wagener picks up two community cats she had spayed at the County Animal Shelter.
We captured most of the cats in 30 days, but then we had to get more creative to trap the smarter cats. We photographed them for easy identification and watched their afternoon habits for better trap placement. We also upgraded the food to sardines (heated slightly) and camouflaged the traps. It worked, and now that all the cats are fixed, we can relax and just enjoy watching the barn and deck colonies. With no more additions to the group, there’s no fighting, yowling and spraying. We are so happy!  Both colonies guard their territory, so no new cats are moving in and that means no kittens to take to the shelter. Thank you to FOTAS and congratulations for getting the State Angel Award for non-profit organizations. Thanks also to all the volunteers, donors, the Aiken County Animal Shelter and Veterinary Services. Everyone we met during this adventure was very kind and helpful. Whether you are feeding one community cat or many more, it is important to stop the population problem. Please help FOTAS meet their goal: no more homeless animals. Working together, we can do this! If you live in Aiken County and want to participate in the TNR program, please call the County Shelter, (803) 642-1537.

— By Lynn Carty

paw_print_heart_stickers-r368b69be3802466f8feff0ba57adc012_v9w0n_8byvr_512

By the Numbers

May 1-16: The County Shelter received more than 300 stray animals and owner-surrendered pets in just two weeks.

 

saveapetlogo

Pets of the Week

mia pet of the week (2)

MIA: Mixed breed, female, 2 years old, black & white, 36 pounds – $35

AMANDA PET OF THE WEEK

AMANDA: Domestic Shorthair, female, 1 year old, tan & black Tabby, 7.5 pounds – $10

Cats, FOTAS, News, Uncategorized

Kitten overcomes hawk attack to win second chance at life

Posted on by Angel Hartline
04
Mar

A 2-month-old kitten vs. a hungry hawk or other raptor is hardly a fair fight and, barring a miracle, results in a quick, gruesome death for the feline.

A hawk attack couldn’t stop Feather, but she’s one of the lucky ones.
A hawk attack couldn’t stop Feather, but she’s one of the lucky ones.

Meet Feather, the Shelter’s miracle kitten, who somehow survived such an attack. She was brought to the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) with gashes to her neck and severe head trauma. The Good Samaritan who brought the injured kitten to the shelter said he thought a hawk had attacked Feather. Upon examination, it was confirmed the kitten’s wounds matched such a scenario and the Shelter’s medical team went into action to treat her.

“When Feather first got here, she was barely holding on,” said ACAS Veterinarian Assistant Betty Erikson. “She was in shock and very weak, and we weren’t sure she’d make it through the night. But the next morning, she really surprised us – she was bright, alert and greeted us with meows.”

Feather continued to improve and get stronger each day. Although her injuries left her with neurological damage, she could walk with a wobble. Sometimes she walked in circles and her head tilted to the left, but she was determined to reach her desired destination. Whether she needed to get to her food bowl or into the arms of the nearest human, nothing was going to stop this kitten from reaching her goal.  If she fell, she got right back up and kept going. The Shelter staff began to understand how Feather had managed to beat the odds and escape the hawk.

Although she continues to improve and was just added to the adoption floor, Feather may never be completely “normal”.  But she is as vocal, loving and energetic as any kitten you’ll meet. Plus, when she fearlessly leaps into your arms, begins purring and nuzzles your face, she will instantly win your heart.

Just try to stop her.

Feather was adopted to a good home shortly after becoming available.
Feather was adopted to a good home shortly after becoming available.

REMINDER: Every pet kitten should always stay indoors. They are helpless outdoors on their own and easy prey for not only hawks and owls, but also coyotes, foxes and raccoons. While adult cats are better equipped to protect themselves outside, they also can be attacked and killed by wild animals. In fact, on average, cats who are permitted to roam outdoors often don’t live to see age five, while cats who are always kept

indoors can live to be 18 to 20 years old. So, please keep all your pet felines inside with you, especially at night. If your cats must explore the outdoors, know the dangers and make sure they are spayed/neutered.

Their lives are in our hands.

 

By the Numbers

Last week, 25 dogs were surrendered to the County Shelter in just one day!

dog_paw_print_heart_notepads-r22f45a827e9b4626b52cbabfd1c7f8b4_amb08_8byvr_512Pets of the Week

BALOR

BALOR POTW March 4Chihuahua mix, male, 3 years old, tan & white, 10 pounds – $35

ADORA

POTW Adora March 4Domestic Shorthair, female, 6 months old, brown and black Tabby, 5.5 pounds – $10 (available at Aiken PetSmart store)

 

Adoption, barn cats, Cats, essay, FOTAS

Adopting a barn cat eliminates mice, saves unwanted felines

Posted on by Angel Hartline
04
Feb

Most of the cats at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) are sweet, laidback and cuddly. They do best inside – playing with their cat toys on the floor, sleeping on your bed or purring on your lap as you watch TV.

But occasionally the shelter receives barn cats. These felines are more aggressive and often unsocialized. They haven’t had much contact with humans and, as a result, don’t like to be held or pampered. They are extremely independent and usually have a bit of an attitude.  However, it’s this brashness that makes barn cats such good hunters and ideal for getting rid of mice and other pests.

“Callie is perpetual energy,” said Diane Mansur, referring to the 1-year-old, medium hair Calico cat she and her husband, Raymond, adopted from the ACAS. “She’s inquisitive and always chasing and hunting mice on our property. We’re really pleased with how well she’s fitting in he

Adopted barn cat Callie gets comfy in her new digs, always ready to pounce on any mice that dare to wander onto her new owners' farm.
Adopted barn cat Callie gets comfy in her new digs, always ready to pounce on any mice that dare to wander onto her new owners’ farm.

The Mansurs adopted Callie after they spotted mice around their horse farm in Windsor. So far, she has hunted down at least six mice. Sometimes she eats them but usually she proudly drops the “gifts” at her adopters’ feet. During the day, Callie roams the farm and often hangs with the horses, but at night she’s safe inside a large equipment shed.

“We have dogs and other animals, so we didn’t want to put poison out and we’ve tried mouse traps, which sometimes work but can get messy,” Raymond said. “Frankly, we’ve always found cats to be the best way to control mice and protect our feed, so we’re very happy with Callie.”

As instructed by the shelter staff, the Mansurs kept Callie confined for three weeks before letting her roam the property. The barn cat must first learn that the farm is her home and source of food and care, or she is likely to run away.

Diane Mansur with her adopted barn cat and super mouser, Callie.
Diane Mansur with her adopted barn cat and super mouser, Callie.

Elwood likes to do his own thing, so he's the perfect barn cat.
Elwood likes to do his own thing, so he’s the perfect barn cat.

Another recent barn cat adoption was Elwood, a large, 2-year-old, black feline with a penchant for being mischievous. He sometimes plays a little rough with his human caregivers.

“My sister and I brought in food, treats and blankets to donate to the shelter and he was there in the lobby,” explained Elwood’s adopter, Suzy Lee of Wagener. “We have five acres and once he gets the lay of the land, he should make a good barn cat for us.”

Elwood has only been at his new home for a week, so he hasn’t explored the property yet. But he seems to like his new digs.

“I think adopting these barn cats is a good thing to do,” Suzy said. “It’s well worth the effort to give an unwanted cat a home.”

Barn cats at the ACAS are free to good homes. If you are interested in adopting one or more, please call the shelter at (803) 642-1537.

Their lives are in our hands.

by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

paw_print_heart_stickers-r368b69be3802466f8feff0ba57adc012_v9w0n_8byvr_512

 By the Numbers

Feb. 7 to 14: Give Love Valentine’s Special: Dogs & puppies $14, cats & kittens $7

Pets of the Week

callista with susi (3)CALLISTA
Mixed breed, female, 1 year old, brindle and white, 44 pounds – $35

POTW KATLA AND CORDELIA

KATLA & CORDELIA
Domestic Shorthair, females, 9 months old, Calico, each is 7 pounds – $0 (bonded sisters are barn cats)

Adoption, Cats, essay, FOTAS, News, Volunteer, Volunteers

FOTAS volunteer Leah Holt gives unwanted cats a second chance at health and happiness

Posted on by Angel Hartline
28
Jan

Over the last 16 months, FOTAS Volunteer Leah Holt has given three unwanted cats the happiness and security that comes with having a forever home. She adopted all three from the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS), including Boots, a young, scrawny black cat; Footie, an 11-year-old, chunky Tuxedo cat; and Nutmeg, a six-month-old, blind Siamese kitten.

“When I retired and moved to Aiken, I made the decision to take care of animals and devote my time to making their lives better,” she said.

Boots and Nutmeg were strays, and Footie was surrendered by his owner because taking care of the large feline was “too much responsibility.” Holt gave Boots to her great granddaughter, who immediately changed his name to “Black Tiger”, and Footie and Nutmeg live with Holt and her two toy Poodles, BJ and Chrissie.

The quartet of furry friends sleeps on Holt’s bed. Footie dozes by her head, Nutmeg curls up between her stomach and knees, and the dogs are on either side of her, snoring under the covers. “I have to be careful when I roll over,” she jokes.

Leah Holt at home with her adopted County Shelter cats Footie and Nutmeg, and dogs Chrissie and BJ.
Leah Holt at home with her adopted County Shelter cats Footie and Nutmeg, and dogs Chrissie and BJ.

Before retiring, Holt managed a drug store, co-owned a wholesale food franchise with her husband and, during the last 15 years of her working life, took care of hospice patients.

Holt has been around animals and owned pets since she was a child. But when her dog, BJ, was nearly killed by a motorcycle in 2014 and she committed months toward nurturing him back to good health, she came to a new realization.

“That’s when I understood how I could have a positive impact and make a difference by helping animals, “she said. “That’s what we’re put here for –to help those in need.”

Now Holt volunteers at the shelter by walking the dogs and spending time with the felines in the cat facility, and every Saturday evening she takes care of the ACAS cats being showcased at the Aiken PetSmart Store on Whiskey Road.

Her reward for volunteering? Seeing unwanted and discarded animals placed in good homes. Plus, when she returns to her house at the end of the day, she gets a boisterous welcome from her growing gang of adopted pets.

“I think shelter animals truly appreciate their home more,” she said. “In the shelter they’re scared and confused. But when they come out, they don’t have to worry so much, and they’re very thankful for another chance at a joyful life.”

Their lives are in our hands.

by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

By the Numbers

In 2017, 198 Heartworm Positive dogs received at the shelter were saved and successfully adopted with incurred treatment costs paid by FOTAS. Please remember to give your dogs monthly heartworm preventative.

Pets of the Week

bain high energy dogBAIN: Retriever mix, male, 4 years old, tan and white, 51 pounds – $0 (adoption fee has been paid for by FOTAS donor)

Sapphire POTW JAN 24SAPPHIRE: Domestic Shorthair, female, 9 months old, gray/black Tabby, 1.8 pounds – $10 (available at PetSmart Store in Aiken)


Adoption, Cats, Dogs, Donate, Foster, FOTAS, Heartworms, Spay/Neuter, Volunteer

Resolving to do better by our animals

Posted on by Angel Hartline
29
Dec

It’s that time again—the end of one year and the promise of a new one. Most of us (myself included) resolve to be better—to exercise more, lose weight, spend less time on our cell phones—and although our resolve is genuine, our willpower and attention span are, shall we say, less than perfect.

My own New Year’s resolutions fail because they are “self” centered, involving changes to my own behavior. When my resolve wavers, so what? Do those extra five pounds matter to anyone but me?

My theory is this: resolutions to take action for the greater good—to help make a life a bit better, happier, easier—are easier to keep and harder to abandon.

There are so many worthy ways to spend your time, but if you happen to love animals the way we do at FOTAS, then we can resolve, collectively, to do better by the thousands of homeless animals in Aiken County.

Let’s resolve to spay or neuter our animals … all of them.

If our own animals are fixed, then let’s lobby our friends, relatives, and neighbors to fix their animals.

Imagine … a spring and summer at the Aiken County Animal Shelter when staff and volunteers are not inundated with, literally, hundreds of unwanted puppies and kittens.

Imagine the Shelter with empty kennels because no new unwanted babies were born to fill them up.

Imagine a world where every home has a pet, and every animal has a home.

It is possible to do; it’s been done in many other communities. Why do you think our sister rescue agencies in other parts of the country have the space to take our unwanted animals? Because everyone fixes their pet as a matter of course.

It’s the right thing to do.

Let’s resolve to volunteer our time at the Shelter.

There are so many ways to help—greeting visitors, walking and socializing dogs, loving-up the cats, fostering animals approved for transfer or providing a safe, healthy home for mamas and their babies, working off-site adoptions, social media, and fundraisers.

The list is endless. Tell FOTAS what you want to do, and we’ll find a place for you. Volunteering at the Shelter is a great way to spend your free time and make friends, and at the end of the day, you will have made a difference in the life of some unfortunate animal.

Let’s resolve to vaccinate our animals and make certain they are protected from fleas, ticks and worst of all, heartworms. Too many animals suffer needlessly, particularly when treatment options are so affordable.

Let’s resolve to adopt all of our pets from the Shelter.

The Shelter takes in over 4600 animals every year—they all need homes. Other rescue agencies can close their doors when they are full, but the County shelter cannot; it is obligated by law to take all comers.

FOTAS and Shelter staff go the extra mile with attention, exercise, training and medical care to make every adoptable animal happy and more sociable, because we know those animals will be better pets and family members when they go home with you.

No other rescue organization in the County saves more lives than FOTAS … none.

These are resolutions worth keeping. Let’s do them together.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

 

Some Recent Happy Adoptions at the Aiken County Animal Shelter

 JESSICA STORY OF GRANITEVILLE ADOPTED GOLDIE DEC 23    RUDOLPH THE PUPPY WAS ADOPTED BY THE DOWLING FAMILY, AIKEN    BEAGLE MIX MARLIN WAS ADOPTED BY THE WILLIAMS FAMILY , AIKEN ON DEC 23

By the Numbers
54 Adoptions between December 18 and December 23! Thank you.

Missed our Christmas adoption specials? No worries! 
January Adoption special – dogs/puppies $35, cats/kittens $10

Pets of the Week

LACEY POTW DEC 31
LACEY: Retriever mix, female, 2 years old, black, 63 pounds – $35

CLARENCE POTW DEC 31

CLARENCE: Domestic shorthair kitten, male, 3 months old, black & white, 3 pounds – $10

Adoption, Cats, Dogs, Donate, Foster, FOTAS, Spay/Neuter, Transfer, Volunteer

FOTAS: Christmas spirit, gratitude and saving animals

Posted on by Angel Hartline
21
Dec

Every Sunday, the ‘Aiken Standard’ allows us this space to tell you about the Aiken County Animal Shelter, FOTAS and the plight of the 5000 homeless animals consigned to the Shelter every year, and we are deeply appreciative for that opportunity. Over the years, we have used this column to tell you about initiatives designed to save the lives of more animals and to report on our progress. We have written about the special people who have made a difference in the lives of the Shelter animals, and we have showcased particular dogs or cats who had captured our hearts and needed a little extra “ink” to find them that perfect home.

This Christmas Eve, however, we are not going to use this space to report or convince or to ask you for help; instead, we are simply going to thank you … all of you:

Chairman Gary Bunker and the County Council, County Administrator Clay Killian, and Assistant County Administrators Ashley Jacobs and Brian Sanders for being responsive and responsible public partners;

Councilwoman Kathy Rawls, believed in our mission from the very start and helped us build the successful public/private partnership between the County and FOTAS;

Paige Bayne, Director of Aiken County Code Enforcement, and our beloved Bobby Arthurs, Chief Animal Control Officer and Shelter Manager, who directly oversee and manage the Shelter operations with thoughtful and dedicated attention to the welfare of the animals;

The County Shelter staff—the intake administrators, adoption coordinators, vet assistants, kennel techs and custodians—who make certain that all of those animals are properly documented and cared for with compassion and efficiency;

Dr. Lisa Levy, the Shelter Vet, whose medical prowess and big heart has saved the lives of hundreds of animals who arrive at the Shelter abused, mangled and injured, giving them a second chance;

The FOTAS volunteers, who work on bookkeeping, social media, and special fundraising events; who work with FOTAS Fix-a-Pet and curbing the population of community cats; who organize and work on special fundraising and on-site events; who foster mamma dogs and cats and all their progeny, who care for animals designated for transfer; who shuffle animals to off-site adoption events; who greet the public and man the front desk, walk the dogs, love up the cats, work with play groups, and show animals to potential adopters—the dramatic and steady increase in the Shelter’s live release rate since 2009 (84% so far this year) is directly related to their efforts; and

Last but not least, you, the Aiken community, who have supported our efforts with enthusiasm and generosity, adopted your pets from the thousands of deserving animals who end up in the Shelter, and who are working to end the excessive population of homeless animals by spaying and neutering your animals—you have designated the Shelter as your community shelter, and we could not be prouder.

The Board of Directors of FOTAS—Jennifer Miller, Mary Lou Welch, Edythe Hubler, Frank Townsend, Dr. Charlie Timmerman, Caroline Simonson, Ellie Joos, Ellen Priest, Grant and Heather Wiseman, Shanna Ryberg Pearsons, Jeri Barrett, Allison Tyler, myself, and FOTAS Program Director Kathy Jacobs, wish you and your family Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

By the Numbers

December specials – dogs/puppies $35, cats/kittens $10

January through November: FOTAS and the Aiken County Animal Shelter saved 3,706 dogs and cats.

Please adopt and help us save 4,000 by the end of 2017!

Pets of the Week

MARIELLE: Shepherd mix, female, 3 years old, black w/white, 31 pounds –$0 (adoption sponsored by FOTAS donor)

MARIELLE POTW DEC 24 2017

MILA: Domestic medium-hair cat, female, 1 year old, gray, 6 pounds – $0 (adoption sponsored by FOTAS donor)

MILA POTW DEC 24 2017