Category Archives: DOGGIE DATES

DOGGIE DATES, Doggie Day Out, Foster, fostering

Doggy Dating vs Human Dating

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Sweet Rio is available for adoption.
06
Feb

We’ve made it through the holidays—phew! As wonderful as the season is, all the hustle and bustle can be exhausting, and it’s nice when things finally slow down. Then you walk into a store and realize Valentine’s Day has exploded everywhere.

For some, Valentine’s Day is filled with love and excitement. For others, not so much. It can be a lonely and dreaded day for many. But there’s a much better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day—with a shelter dog.

Sweet Madeline is available for adoption.
Sweet Madeline is available for adoption.

“Doggy Dating” is a fun and heartwarming program offered through the Aiken County Animal Shelter. All you have to do is call the shelter and ask to take a dog out for an hour or two. You can visit a local park, stroll downtown for coffee or a treat, or even enjoy a cozy afternoon at home watching Netflix.

Shelter dogs won’t bore you with stories about themselves. They won’t give awkward affection or ask you to split the bill. They simply look at you with love in their eyes and are happy to be by your side. They offer unconditional love and ask for nothing in return.

Why are dogs better than boyfriends or girlfriends? Simply put—less drama. They walk with you, listen without judgment, and never complain. You can eat anywhere you want. Watch anything you want. They’re just happy to be included.

So why haven’t you done this before? The good news is—you can now.

The Doggy Day Out, also known as the Doggy Dating Program, is open to all Aiken County residents. To schedule a date with a shelter pup, call the Aiken County Animal Shelter at (803) 642-1537, ext. 3, and set up a time to pick up your new best friend for the day.

Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

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

2021, Adoption, DOGGIE DATES, Doggie Day Out, SELECTING A PET

Why you should adopt your next dog or cat from the County Shelter

Posted on by Bob Gordon
29
Dec

The Aiken County Animal Shelter takes in more than 4,000 pets a year and these homeless dogs and cats need community members to adopt them and save their lives. But we understand there are other shelters and rescues out there. With so many options, it can be difficult to choose where to get your pet. Here is a short Q&A to help you make your decision.

Why should you consider adopting from the Aiken County Animal Shelter?
1) Because we care. We go the extra mile to make sure your future pet has been tested with people, other animals, and we do our best to learn about their behaviors, whether positive or negative.

This sweet dog is the perfect pet for his new home.


2) We do our best to match the best pet for your individual needs such as:
• What breed do you prefer?
• What pet fits your lifestyle?
• How much time do you have to spend with the pet?
• Do you have any other pets?
• Do you have children?
• Do you live in a home? apartment? farm?

What kinds of things do we do to learn the most we can about these pets?
1) Each Saturday, from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. we have a training class in which our volunteers work with shelter dogs on basic training, leash work and obedience. We love to have potential adopters come and witness how eager to please and successful these dogs are! Who doesn’t want a dog that is already good on leash, knows how to sit, stay and be respectful?

2) We have a monthly program in which young people come to the shelter and read to shelter pets. We know pretty quickly which dogs and cats enjoy children and have the desire to be with them.

3) Monday through Saturday we hold play groups so the staff will know how each dog behaves with other dogs. We can tell their play style, whether they prefer to be with playful dogs, calm dogs, female dogs, etc. These play groups also help our more timid dogs build confidence and come out of their shells.

4) Our Doggy Day Out program allows Aiken County residents to take shelter dogs to the park or even home for the night to give the dogs a break from shelter life. We learn so much about their home behavior this way. You might even find the perfect pet this way!

Gus (left) in his forever home.

What does it cost to adopt a pet from the Aiken County Animal Shelter?
1) We keep our adoption fees very low to make it affordable. Our dogs and cats come to you spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Dogs are only $35 to adopt, cats only $10.


What are you waiting for?
Come and adopt a wonderful pet from the Aiken County Animal Shelter now! It is the best decision you will make.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2021, Can I Crash on Your Couch? Program, DOGGIE DATES, Doggie Day Out, Dogs, FOTAS, kennel stress, News, Volunteer, Volunteers

Doggie Days Out: Win-Win Program for Four-Legged and Two-Legged!

Posted on by Bob Gordon
03
Mar

When FOTAS and the Aiken County Animal Shelter launched our Doggie Days Out Program, we had no idea just how beneficial it would be for the dogs. Turns out to be great for the volunteers as well!

Shelter dogs can shut down due to kennel stress. Some will cower in a corner, some will spin in circles, others will bark and jump. It is hard to watch a pet suffer in this way. This is why Doggie Days Out, away from the shelter are so important.

Promotional flyer/ad for Doggie Day Out.

We have a growing number of Aiken County residents who are taking advantage of this program. They take a dog for an hour or two, or even overnight. Many are former dog owners; others just enjoy the company during this pandemic.

“When I started volunteering at FOTAS, I came over weekly to walk your sweet doggies. Then I read your article about taking one home for the afternoon and I have loved this. I have noticed such a difference since I have started taking one home with me for a few hours. Our time together is invaluable for both of us. I get my personal doggie fix and they get undivided attention from us versus sharing us with other dogs.

“Also, having a chance to walk and play outside of their typical environment relaxes them and allows them to unwind. Many times, after walking them, I will let them run freely through my house and they seem to love this new freedom, away from their cage. I really have noticed such a difference in each of the sweet doggies after we have shared an afternoon. Their constant licks tell me that they have enjoyed the afternoon as much as I have and yet when we get back, they are always happy to see shelter staff. I have had my special doggie fix for the week and look forward to next week.” – Frère Miller

Laura Nearhoof returns to the shelter with Uki, who has since been adopted. The Doggie Days Out program is vital to reducing kennel stress and socializing dogs, making them better prepared for their forever homes.

“The best part about a Doggie Day Out is watching the dog and its behavior. We always start with a walk around the pond and then go back to our house, take their leash off and watch them run around in our fenced yard. From the time we pick them up to the time we bring them back, we get to see the dogs come out of their shell and enjoy just being a dog. We have had a couple that started off timid but by the time we took them back they couldn’t give us enough hugs and licks. We had to put our 17-year-old dachshund down in May of 2020 and, for now, are just not ready to commit fulltime to another dog. Doggie Days Out is helping us and we take joy in knowing we are helping the dogs socialize, feel loved, and find their forever home. If anyone asks if taking a dog for a walk or for an overnight is worth it, I would say it’s 1,000% worth it.” –Michael and Laura Nearhoof

We would love to see our dogs get more time away from the shelter. If you are interested, please call FOTAS, (803) 514-4313 or email us at info@fotasaiken.org. It is very easy to set up a pickup and drop off time. We will select a dog that fits with the activity you choose.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2020, Can I Crash on Your Couch? Program, coronavirus crisis, DOGGIE DATES, Doggie Day Out, Dogs, FOTAS, News, Volunteer, Volunteers

Pure Bliss: Take a Shelter Dog on a Short Field Trip or Sleepover

Posted on by Bob Gordon
28
Aug

Pure bliss. That is what a shelter dog feels when he gets a chance to spend time away from the shelter for a night, a weekend or even just a couple of hours.

So, three years ago we launched the FOTAS Doggie Days Out program, which allows citizens to take a dog from the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) for a few hours to go for a walk, a trip to the park or another exciting activity. The program is especially beneficial to dogs who are anxious or suffering from kennel stress.

Shelter dog COLT enjoys some deep sleep while crashing on a volunteer’s bed.

“It’s a fabulous program because the dogs get to go on an adventure with you and they get excited by the new sites and smells,” said Valarie Trapp, a local teacher who has taken many different ACAS dogs out this summer. “It’s also a great way to help socialize the dogs — by nurturing, loving and getting to know them.”

“Doggie dating” at the shelter also helps promote the dogs and expose them to a larger audience. Adam Poore and his mom come to the shelter every Friday to take a dog out for a few hours. When Adam walks them or stops by a restaurant to buy them a snack, he takes photos and makes short videos of the experience. One of his videos of handsome, gray and white Harrison was posted on the FOTAS Facebook page and caught the eye of Ashley Harris, who adopted the sweet dog.

“Some people might be apprehensive about spending time with the shelter animals because they think it will make them feel bad when they bring them back,” Poore said. “But it doesn’t make you feel bad; it makes you feel really good. With your help, these dogs have gotten away from the shelter noise, enjoyed a snack and had a good time.”

Wendy Hirsch enjoyed her first doggie date last week and posted photos of her time with older dog Graham on Facebook.

“I like the fact that it is so easy to sign up,” Hirsch said. “You just complete a one-page form, the staff makes a copy of your driver’s license, and you take the dog out for a trip downtown, Citizens Park or just a calming car ride.”

WYNONA enjoys some couch time after a Doggie Day Out with FOTAS Volunteer Valarie Trapp.

This year, FOTAS introduced a program that allows citizens to take a shelter dog home overnight or for a weekend. With this “Can I Crash on Your Couch?” program, shelter dogs get to spend time in a real home so they can get much-needed sleep and one-on-one attention. A shelter, no matter how nice, can be a stressful place with barking and other environmental elements making it difficult for pets to sleep. When a shelter dog returns from an overnight, he is full of joy. This experience helps them become better prepared for their future family.

If you would like to participate in the Doggie Day Out and/or Can I Crash on Your Couch? programs, please call the ACAS at (803) 642-1537, option #5, or send an email to info@fotasaiken.com. Or just stop by the shelter, 333 Wire Road, and we’ll get you started!

Our homeless dogs will be waiting for you.

Their lives are in our hands.

.
— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director


2020, Can I Crash on Your Couch? Program, DOGGIE DATES, Doggie Day Out, Dogs, FOTAS, kennel stress, News

Give a Dog a Short Break from Shelter Noise, Stress

Posted on by Bob Gordon
06
Jul

Scrappy, a lovable and social dog, exhibited a new behavior that worried us at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS). This dog, who loves people, stopped coming to us in the play yard. We called him but he just ran away and sat as far from us as possible. You can imagine how this would make a potential adopter feel (totally unwanted). But then the volunteers and staff realized Scrappy wasn’t being anti-social at all. He just didn’t want to go back in his kennel. He was tired of watching and waiting for his turn as other dogs played in the grass and fetched tennis balls. So, he was trying to dodge us!

The Williams family takes adoptable dog ACE for a Doggie Day Out on July 4th.

I decided that he needed time away. So, I walked to the gate closest to my car and said “Scrappy, car ride!” He ignored me until I started my car and opened the door. He got excited and ran to me. We drove around and he lay down on the back seat, still holding the tennis ball in his mouth. He relaxed and dropped the ball, put his head down and closed his eyes. How sad! He was exhausted from the stress at the shelter (loud barking, trucks and cars in the parking lots, kennel doors closing).

Scrappy woke up when we pulled up to McDonald’s for a treat. Between us, I don’t think our amazing veterinary team would appreciate me getting him chicken nuggets. But would a couple of nuggets really be that big of a deal? I explained to Scrappy that what happens in my car stays in my car – and no throwing up the evidence. I laughed, he drooled.

When we got back to the shelter, he happily went to his kennel to drink some water and take a nap. What only took me a half hour made his entire day better! Now when he sees my car, he pulls me to the door. I can’t give him junk food every time, so we go to Citizens Park for a quick walk or a car ride with the windows down. The point is, he doesn’t care where we go. He just wants one-on-one time away from the shelter.

We call this our Doggie Days Out program and we are asking you to try it. If you live in Aiken County, call the ACAS to make an appointment to pick up a dog, (803) 642-1537, ext. 5. When you arrive to pick up the dog, we have a super short form to fill out.

Adoptable dog SCRAPPY enjoys a Doggie Day Out.

Even better, how about a Doggie Night Out, also known as “Can I Crash on Your Couch?” You can borrow a shelter dog for an overnight and let them catch up on real sleep. It is so rewarding! If you don’t have a pet or you don’t have time for one, this is perfect! All it takes is completing an application and we will give you a flea-free, sweet, and grateful dog.

Please take an hour out of your week, or even a night, and make a shelter dog happy!

Their lives are in our hands.


— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2019, Adoption, Bully Dogs, DOGGIE DATES, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, News, Pibbles, Training, Volunteers

Doggie Dates and Sleepovers Help Shelter Pets Relax, Find Forever Homes

Posted on by Bob Gordon
04
Jun

Did you know you can go on dates with dogs who are waiting to be adopted at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS)? You can! If you live in the County, FOTAS has a program that allows you to take homeless dogs out for an hour or two, on a day-long field trip or even overnight.

And the dogs love it. Getting out of the shelter for even a short car ride can work wonders to reduce their stress, build trust and boost their confidence.

“The biggest value of the Doggie Days Out and sleepovers is how they reduce the dogs’ anxiety,” said FOTAS volunteer Kelly Meyers, who often takes ACAS dogs home for the weekend. “Currently I’m working with Bastian, and he goes from amped up to chilled out as soon as he gets in my car. The experience gives them a break from the stress of shelter life and a chance to decompress. “

BASTIAN, a terrific 7-year-old Retriever mix currently available for adoption at the County Animal Shelter, enjoys some down time at Kelly Meyers’ house. The time away from the shelter helps make dogs more confident and ensures more successful adoptions.

The experience also provides staff and volunteers with critical information about the dog’s personality traits, strengths and weaknesses. Is the dog housebroken? Does he get along with cats? Is he friendly to strangers? Answers to such questions provide key data for successfully matching them with potential adopters.

“It’s good to give these dogs some quiet time, so I take them on walks downtown or bring them to a local horse farm,” said FOTAS Volunteer Donna Dring. “Sometimes I take them for a walk in the woods or bring them to my home for an hour just to unwind and get some sleep.”

Going on a doggie date or hosting a doggie sleepover can also give citizens greater insight about a dog they are interested in adopting. Marti Healy recently took black Lab mix Cooper home for a sleepover to see how he would mesh with her pets. Her dog, Quincy, became quick friends with Cooper but her cat, Tuppence, didn’t fare as well. The feline liked Cooper but he couldn’t help himself from chasing her around the house.

LADY, who has since been adopted to a great home, enjoys some cuddling with FOTAS Volunteer Donna Dring during a Doggie Day Out.

Although Healy was disappointed Cooper wasn’t the right match for her family, she was thankful for the experience.

“Getting the chance to see how Cooper got along with my animals in a relaxed setting was a huge help,” she said. “I would have felt bad if I had adopted him and then had to take him back.” Her experience also let the shelter know that Cooper bonds well with other dogs but needs to find a home without kitties.

In the summer, the need for doggie daters is at its greatest because thousands of animals are received during the hot months, the shelter is usually at capacity and we are short on volunteers as some go on vacation. When citizens take these homeless pets on walks or field trips, it’s greatly therapeutic for them, especially the dogs who are shy or scared.

If you would like to take an ACAS dog on a date, please come to the shelter, located at 333 Wire Road, and we’ll set you up. All you need is your driver’s license and a love for dogs.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

PETS OF THE WEEK

BOLT
Mixed breed, male, 3 years old, 42 pounds – $35

JADA
Domestic Longhair, female, 2 months old, 1.5 pounds – $10