In the seven years since the new Aiken County Animal Shelter opened, thousands and thousands of dogs have passed through its doors. Dogs of every shape, size, age, condition, breed, and mix of breeds—we’ve seen them all. So, it’s unusual for a particular dog to be indelibly imprinted into my mind (other than my own […]
Category Archives: Chained dogs
The Aiken County Animal Shelter has enjoyed some amazing adoptions in the past few months. People were home on quarantine, and it was the perfect time to adopt. But now adoptions are slowing down and the shelter has some cuties that have been waiting for homes for way too long. These sweethearts are in urgent […]
At a time when we might feel helpless in a world out of control, Kai’s story reminds us we can still make a difference. His fear also hits home. There’s a lot of scary going on. Maybe that’s why this traumatized dog with a broken heart became a social media celeb in just one day. […]
While catching up on paperwork early Thursday morning, Patrick Miller, Supervisor of Animal Control in Aiken County’s Code Enforcement Division, is asked what he likes most about his job. “Helping people is the most rewarding part of what I do,” he says. “It’s just human nature to feel good from giving back to the community […]
Animal cruelty comes in many forms and is more common than we want to believe. It can be seen in such diverse ways as physical abuse, neglect of basic care, abandonment, dog fighting, and animal hoarding. It can be as blatant and evil as intentionally hurting or torturing an animal, or as a result of […]
“We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.” — Immanuel Kant Last month, a very kind couple arrived at the shelter with a litter of puppies. They explained that they had been caring for the five-week-old pups for a week or so. We were all saddened to hear that someone […]
Mutts are a tribute to the creativity of nature, each one unique—a mix of physical and behavioral characteristics divinely inspired and executed. As a rule, thanks to a broader, more diverse gene pool, mutts live longer, healthier lives than their purebred canine pals. According to DogTime.com, mutts are the ultimate family dog: “. . . […]
Help! Strays and owner-surrenders are pouring into the county shelter — 47 animals in the first three days of December! While the good citizens of Aiken County embrace a Christmas season of festivities, family, and hope, the shelter is experiencing the kind of intake numbers normally reserved for summer—the kind that keep us up at […]
The oldest of our three dogs, Yoda, died in August from cancer. My wife, Jennifer, wanted to honor Yoda’s memory by adopting another dog from the shelter. I was against the idea. Our other two dogs (Beethoven and Buster) are great dogs, best buddies with established routines, and our pet ownership experience was on autopilot. […]
In the seven months since FOTAS started our Home to Home Program, we have found homes for more than 110 animals. That is 110 dogs and cats that did not come through the Aiken County Animal Shelter’s doors. That’s 110 animals who went from a loving home that could no longer provide for them or […]
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