Category Archives: Dogs

2019, animal abuse, Cats, County Animal Control, Dogs, FOTAS, injured animals, kittens, neglected pets, News, Spay/Neuter, surrendered pets, TNR Program, Uncategorized

Save Lives and Stop Needless Suffering by Fixing your Pets

Posted on by Bob Gordon
18
Feb

When people talk about our chronic dog and cat overpopulation problem, they usually focus on the overwhelming numbers – and rightfully so. Millions of pets lose their lives each year because people don’t spay/neuter their animals.

Stray dog Thaddeus arrived at the shelter with a gunshot wound so severe, his right back leg was turned to powder and had to be amputated.

Puppies and kittens will soon be pouring into the County Shelter because some citizens are not getting their pets spayed/neutered.

In fact, the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) takes in approximately 125 unwanted animals per week during the summer months. When you do the math, the total number of animals coming into the shelter is staggering and the only solution to the problem is spaying and neutering your pets.

It’s really easy and inexpensive to get your pets fixed now, thanks to the County’s spay/neuter voucher program and FOTAS’s Fix-a-Pet program. The SPCA Albrecht Center clinic and participating local veterinarians accept these vouchers, available at the County Shelter, which reduces the cost of fixing your pet to $15 or less.

Wagener, a young stray cat arrived at the shelter in severe pain because her birth canal was too small, and she couldn’t deliver her kittens. She was saved but some of her babies died inside her.

FOTAS and the County also offer a Trap, Neuter & Return (TNR) program for feral and community cats that is helping to reduce feline overpopulation in the area. Cats must be brought to the shelter in a trap, which you can borrow from the ACAS. Trapped cats can be brought to the shelter at 333 Wire Road in Aiken on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday mornings at 8 a.m. and picked up later the same day. Call the ACAS for more information, (803) 642-1537.

Mama dog Angeline was scared and exhausted when she was brought in with her starving puppies.

Last year, Aiken County and FOTAS paid for the spay/neuter of 1,287 pets owned by citizens in financial need and 1,099 community/feral cats.

Yellow Retriever Angeline and her starving puppies were brought to the ACAS by an animal control officer. The mama dog was suffering and freezing to keep her puppies alive. Exhausted and ribs visible, Angeline was afraid of human touch but she and her pups are now recovering with the care of FOTAS foster volunteers.

February is National Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, an ideal time to encourage people to have their pets sterilized before the spring and summer months, when there is a rampant overproduction of puppies and kittens. It’s also a time to recognize one other aspect of this issue: needless suffering. These animals not only are filling our shelters but when wandering on their own, searching for mates and food, they also can face horrible and painful consequences.

Thaddeus is a stray who was shot while homeless and searching for food.

So, we’re asking you to help us do better this year. Let’s spread the word about the importance of spay/neuter to our family, friends, acquaintances and even strangers.

Also, please join us in thanking the folks who are helping to fight this animal overpopulation battle. We thank the Aiken County Council for its support of the vital Spay/neuter voucher program; Code Enforcement Director Paige Bayne for the awesome management of the County Spay/Neuter voucher program; The ACAS vet clinic for their TNR work; and our FOTAS TNR veterinarian partners, Aiken Animal Hospital, Aiken Veterinary Clinic, Silver Bluff Veterinary Clinic and Veterinary Services of Aiken.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

By the Numbers
So far this month (Feb 1-15), the Aiken County Shelter has taken in 176 strays and surrendered pets.


Pets of the Week
REESE
Catahoula Leopard dog mix, male, 1 year old, 57 pounds – $35

WILLY
Domestic shorthair cat, male, 3 years old, 12 pounds – $10

2019, animal abuse, Bully Dogs, Chained dogs, Dogs, FOTAS, injured animals, neglected pets, News, Uncategorized

Abused and neglected dogs show true love and forgiveness

Posted on by Bob Gordon
11
Feb

When you volunteer at the shelter, you learn a lot about forgiveness. Dogs and cats come to us injured, neglected and abused – yet, they forgive. These are animals who have never known love but are desperate to provide it.

Recently, two particular dogs have stolen my heart.

Despite being neglected and locked to a chain most of his life, Walter is one of the sweetest, most loving dogs on the adoption floor.

James arrived at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) with scars all over his body. He had been attacked by dogs and he lay frozen with his eyes wide with fear. James had been found as a stray and was limping and covered in cuts, some needing to be stitched. When one of the trainers who helps evaluate the dogs put a leash on him to walk him, the terrified dog started to roll like an alligator biting at the leash. It was frightening and painful to watch. We gave him a bed and a meal and hoped for the best.

For two days Darling Rios, one of our canine coaches, sat with him, hand fed him and spoke softly to him. She then started leash walking him. This time, he just held the leash in his mouth while walking, almost for security.
After a week, James was allowing Darling to hug him and we introduced him to dogs and other people. The first time I walked him, he was hesitant because he didn’t know if I was going to hurt him. Luckily, after only a short time, he was sitting at my feet and thumping his tail.

James arrived at the shelter bleeding and terrified, but he’s now ready to love again.

This wonderful dog is now calm and enjoys sitting with people and watching the other shelter dogs. No one ever came looking for James, but he has forgiven. He is ready to love someone with all his heart, and we are doing all we can to help him find someone who will love him the same.

Walter was brought in with a severe injury. His neck was wounded from a chain that dug into his skin. Dr. Levy, the shelter’s veterinarian, treated him and he is healing fast! This poor dog lived his life on a chain that restricted his activity, keeping him from people and being nurtured.

We worried he would be aggressive. Little did we know that in a few days, after love from volunteers and staff members, he would be walking on leash, licking all visitors, playing with other dogs and acting like a family pet! He is embracing life again and now waits for his forever home where he will give his new family all of his heart.

The special thing about these dogs is their ability to love. If you purchase a puppy, you will get a cute, loving pet. However, if you adopt a dog that has never known love and you show them kindness, you will receive the most amazing gift ever! These are pets who are quick to bond, and they appreciate their owners in a special way. I promise you will never regret taking the time to show kindness to one of these pets. There is a connection that takes place, and it will change you both forever.

Please don’t pass by a dog or cat that has a few scars, a few gray hairs, or one that hides in the back of their kennel. Stop, talk to them softly and treat them with kindness. You may find they’re the missing piece to your heart.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director

2019, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, Donate, FOTAS, Have a Heart, Save a Heart, Heartworms, News, Uncategorized

Biscuit is Heartworm Free and Living the Good Life

Posted on by Bob Gordon
04
Feb

It is uplifting to see how happy Biscuit is now that he has a home with a family that loves him. This sweet 9-year-old mixed breed is one of those special dogs you never forget. In fact, Dr. Lisa Levy, the Aiken County Animal Shelter’s (ACAS) Veterinarian, said Biscuit is one of her favorite dogs to ever come into the shelter.

Biscuit gets a hug at home from young Trace, one of his four new human siblings.

Biscuit arrived at the ACAS with a severe wound to his head. The gash was terribly infected, and his recovery was in doubt. But Dr. Levy was able to stitch the wound closed and clear the infection with antibiotics. Throughout the long process, Biscuit wagged his tail and displayed an amazing spirit.

He was adopted by the Gallardo family in April and in late December, Biscuit reached another milestone well worth celebrating – he tested negative for heartworms. Thanks to FOTAS funding his treatment, Biscuit is now completely heartworm free.

“Biscuit is doing great,” said Brenda Gallardo, who teaches at Warrenville Elementary School. “He gets along with our other dogs, he likes to be loved on and he wants to be with everybody. He’s also taken over our couch in the TV room.”

Unfortunately, heartworm infection is common in this area. The warmer weather makes dogs more susceptible to getting bitten by mosquitos and the infection getting transferred into their bloodstream and heart. It’s easily prevented with prescribed monthly chewable pills, but you only have to miss one month to make your dog vulnerable to infection. Heartworm disease is very curable but the medication for treating it is not cheap. That’s why it’s such a godsend to have FOTAS funding the treatment for every heartworm positive dog on the adoption floor.

Biscuit gets adopted and starts his new, better life with the Gallardo family.

In 2017 and 2018, FOTAS saved 470 heartworm positive dogs by funding their treatments. In the past, these dogs, adoptable and otherwise healthy, would have been euthanized because the County didn’t have the funds to treat them.

But since FOTAS started its “Have a Heart, Save a Heart” program two years ago, the community has donated enough money for every heartworm positive dog at the shelter to be saved and treated.

“We weren’t hesitant at all to adopt a heartworm positive dog like Biscuit,” Brenda said. “There was no stress or difficulties because the shelter staff made it easy and explained everything.”

“Biscuit is such a great dog and so loving with the kids – I wouldn’t hesitate to do it all over again,” she added.

For more information on heartworm treatment, please go to fotasaiken.org. You can also donate to the FOTAS “Have a Heart, Save a Heart” Fund to help treat heartworm positive dogs at the ACAS.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

 

By the Numbers
In 2017 and 2018, FOTAS saved 470 heartworm positive dogs by funding their treatment.


Pets of the WeekUNO
Retriever/Hound mix, male, 7 years old, 48 pounds – $35

GRAVY
Domestic longhair kitten, male, 9 months old, 5 pounds – $10 

 

 

2019, Adoption, animal abuse, County Animal Control, Demodex, Dogs, Events, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, neglected pets, News, Uncategorized, Volunteer, Volunteers

Neglected Puppy Coco Makes Amazing Recovery

Posted on by Bob Gordon
28
Jan

In early November, a stray puppy was brought into the Aiken County Animal Shelter by one of the animal control officers. I have seen a lot of neglected dogs enter the shelter but this one instantly brought tears to my eyes. We could all feel her pain. Her face was dripping blood, she had no fur, and she was just a baby!

COCO was hairless and in severe discomfort when she was brought in to the Shelter

This sweet little girl didn’t make a peep. She lay in the medical clinic on a blanket, eyes wide with fear, while allowing Dr. Levy and her kind-hearted assistants to clean and treat her. The puppy had a condition called Demodectic mange or “Demodex”, a very treatable and non-contagious skin condition that we see in neglected, malnourished or stressed dogs. This was just the most severe case I had ever seen.

We called Paula Neuroth, one of FOTAS’ most dedicated foster moms, and told her what just came in. Paula came in the next day and picked up the frightened pup. She and her husband, Rod, named the puppy Coco. During the next four weeks she healed beautifully. Paula called and said she thought Coco was some kind of Spaniel or Hound, and when her fur came in, she had a beautiful white coat with brown spots.

Paula Neuroth holds COCO, who through excellent medical and foster care, made a full recovery and regained her beautiful coat.

“Coco is a very brave little girl who has been through a lot,” Paula said. “From the moment we brought her home she was gentle and so sweet. We just showed her a lot of love and she learned it is okay to have fun, eat without fear, and to trust people.”

We have many dogs that come to the shelter with Demodex and they need foster care. Some just have patches of fur missing while others, like Coco, temporarily lose their entire coat. The recovery time is so much less when they are in a home environment, away from the stress of the shelter.

Coco is already in her forever home and living her dream life. Paula continues to foster those that need her, but we need more foster volunteers who can help. Currently we have other dogs with very treatable medical conditions that need a safe place to recover. These dogs are so grateful, they will love you more than any other.

Please consider fostering a puppy or dog in need. It is one of the most rewarding experiences you will have.

Their lives are in our hands.

— by Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director

By the Numbers
From January 1 to 23, the County Animal Shelter took in more than 300 strays and surrendered pets.


Pets of the Week

MARKUS
Mixed breed, male, 6 years old, 73 pounds – $35

HOLLY
Domestic Shorthair Dilute Tortoiseshell cat, female, 4-1/2 years old, 6.5 pounds – $10  (at Aiken PetSmart store)

2019, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, News

Fostering Shelter Pets Is Rewarding and Saves Lives

Posted on by Bob Gordon
20
Jan

Our family welcomed a temporary house guest over the Christmas holidays. We were joined by Tillie, a six-month-old, partial Mini-Pinscher puppy that we “fostered” on behalf of the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

The Bunker children enjoyed their time with Shelter pup Tillie.

Tillie was scheduled to join her new “forever” family in Rhode Island after the New Year, but in the meantime the little stray was scared and miserable in the shelter. For such a tiny puppy, the loud barking, big dogs and strange surroundings were intimidating. She needed time to socialize. FOTAS (Friends of the Animal Shelter) and the animal shelter staff saw that a foster family would help her.

Tillie was nervous when she came home with us. On the first day, her skinny frame trembled. She cowered under the dining room table, her tail between her legs and her appetite low. Tillie wasn’t too sure about her new surroundings.

We were pleasantly surprised as we watched her socialize over the next two weeks. With warmth and attention, she ate, frolicked with our other dogs, and learned how to be a puppy. Before long she was rolling around with the other dogs and chasing, and being chased by, them. Charging up and down the stairs, and running around the back yard, her energy and confidence returned.

Aiken County and FOTAS established the foster care program for adoptable dogs and cats outside of the shelter. This program ensures that they experience a healthy environment, and it frees up limited shelter space for other adoptable animals.

County Council Chairman Gary Bunker holds foster puppy Tillie, who has since been adopted to her forever home.

Fostering saves lives. It’s simple as that. When a volunteer fosters a shelter dog, it prepares the dog for his new home. It also opens a kennel on the adoption floor, giving another dog a chance to be seen by a prospective adopter. This in turn frees up space in intake, allowing the shelter to accept another stray or surrendered pet.

Short-term fosters for five to ten days typically involve animals scheduled to be transferred to no-kill shelters in other parts of the country or for whom an adoption is pending. Foster families caring for moms with puppies (or kittens) usually do so until they’re weaned, roughly 12 weeks from the date of birth.

In too many instances, animals come in with injuries from abuse or negligence that require medical treatment, followed by fostering in a home to recover. The shelter is currently in urgent need of “medical” fosters.

Would you like to foster a dog or cat? Contact FOTAS at (803) 514-4313. Or fill out a form at fotasaiken.org and fax to FOTAS at (803) 643-4006. FOTAS will select the animals available for foster based on need, temperament, and the resources and environment of the foster home. FOTAS provides food and medical care for the foster dogs, if necessary.

For us, our fostering of Tillie was over all too quickly. After the holidays, she returned to the animal shelter just in time for her journey to her new adoptive home. We’ll miss her, but we’re sure she will make one special family happy for a long time to come. And thanks to the foster program, we were able to positively impact her life.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Gary Bunker, Aiken County Council Chairman

By the Numbers
From January 1 to 15, the County Animal Shelter took in 210 strays and surrendered pets.


Pets of the Week

TRUMAN
Mixed breed, male, 1 year old, 43 pounds – $35

FALLYN
Domestic Shorthair Calico kitten, female, 3 months old, 3 pounds – $10

2019, Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS, News, Service Dogs, Uncategorized, Veterans

County Shelter dog Kira was ‘something special and rare’

Posted on by Bob Gordon
14
Jan

Maybe the most amazing thing about Kira was how ordinary she seemed at first. A stray Shepherd/Boxer mix brought into the Aiken County Animal Shelter in 2012, she was vulnerable and helpless like so many others coming through the door.

Kira was a superstar service dog who had great instincts.

Joseph and Brandie Henry, both U.S. Navy veterans diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), saw her cute face and hoped the 10-month-old pup could help with their daily struggles.

It didn’t take long, however, to recognize greatness.

“Kira was something special and rare,” said Jerry Lyda of K-9 Veterans Solutions Inc. in Augusta, who trained Kira for the Henrys. “She took to PTSD Service Dog training naturally and fully embraced every role asked of her.”

Lyda has trained hundreds of veteran-dog pairs since forming his nonprofit six years ago, pulling dozens from the Aiken shelter. (FOTAS sponsors free adoptions for veterans every month.) Kira is his first service dog death.

Hit hardest, however, are the Henrys. Both Joseph and Brandie depended on Kira to get through the night and wake them from nightmares. She reintroduced them to the society they’d withdrawn from, staying by their side in public places, providing confidence and safety to leave home. When they got confused or overwhelmed, she led them to their car or house. She created safe space and responded to panic attacks.

When the Henrys moved to Nevada, Kira made every transition easier and doable. She kept Joseph and Brandie from falling, using her body as a lift if they did. She accompanied Joseph to his job at Tesla Gigafactory 1. Brandie depended on Kira to socialize and develop friendships – things that had seemed out of reach since PTSD – and mobility issues ravaged every area of her life. Brandie returned to school to study dietetics, an impossible goal before Kira came along.

When son Patrick was born two years ago with health problems, Kira instinctively took on more work without waiting to be asked. She guarded him diligently, alerting the Henrys he was about to choke with a sixth-sense awareness.

When Kira died, Veteran Joseph Henry honored her by draping his battle field American flag over her body.

“She’s irreplaceable,” said Brandie. “Service dogs are trained to help one person, but Kira helped our whole family.”

When Kira was diagnosed with a brain tumor last year at age 7, the Henrys were devastated. When she died last month, they were shell-shocked.

“We didn’t know what to do,” said Joseph. “Then I pulled out my battle field flag that had gone with me on every deployment and returned me safely home — so that we could send her safely home.”

Joseph sat with Kira awhile in the backyard, her body under his flag, trying to imagine life without her. Brandie doesn’t know if she can continue school, Joseph doesn’t know how he’ll survive nightmares, and Patrick knows she died but asks for her daily. They had Kira cremated and when Spring arrives, they’ll spread her ashes at a nearby beach where she loved to swim.

“She loved us like we loved her,” Brandie said. “She’ll be impossible to replace.”

Our shelter dogs are amazing. Even the most ordinary dog can work miracles for the people who adopt and love them.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Martha Anne Tudor, FOTAS Volunteer

2018, Adoption, Cats, Chained dogs, community cats, County animal laws, County tethering ordinance, Dogs, Donate, donations, Foster, FOTAS, Fundraisers, Heartworms, News, PetSmart cats, Pibbles, Spay/Neuter, Stray hold requirements, surrendered pets, TNR Program, Volunteer, Volunteers

The Christmas Spirit of Gratitude and Charity

Posted on by Bob Gordon
24
Dec

The Christmas season is upon us. It’s a time of festivity, bright lights, family, goodwill, and faith. It’s also a time to count our blessings. As we at FOTAS look back over the past nine years, it’s also a time to reflect upon our profound gratitude for our friends and supporters in the Aiken community.

FOTAS Volunteer John Berk with Cleo, who was adopted to a good home this year.

We’ve come a long way together. With your help, we successfully lobbied the County Council to build a new shelter and partnered with the county to raise money to fund the architectural design and construction-ready plans.

Once the new shelter opened in early 2014, we recruited and trained an army of volunteers to work at the shelter, performing the equivalent of eight to 10 full-time jobs. We funded training programs for county personnel. We developed and funded exciting new programs with the county to increase adoption rates. We created a network of transfer partners in the northeast that take animals we can’t adopt locally, along with a system of foster care for dogs and cats who have been accepted for transfer or have special needs. We also supplement adoption fees for military personnel and veterans.

LUCY gets some lovin’ from young FOTAS volunteers.

We provided fencing to create exercise yards, bought a new van to move animals locally to outside adoption events, and installed a storage shed. We pay for toys, blankets, treats, flea and tick meds, cat condos, a doggie treadmill to rehabilitate and socialize dogs, and humane runners for folks who need to take their dogs off of chains.

We funded the construction of an isolation pod to separate shelter animals with temporary infectious diseases, as well as a host of necessary medical equipment and supplies. Through this assistance, we’ve made it possible for sick and injured animals to have a second chance. A total of 450 heartworm positive dogs have been saved through our funding. We also pay for outside veterinarian services when necessary.

FOTAS PetSmart Volunteer Twylia with feline Mabel.

Our funding has made it possible to attack overpopulation of pets at the source. Last year, the county and FOTAS paid for the spay/neuter of over 1,300 citizen-owned pets and 1,120 community feral/cats.

Has all this effort made a difference? You bet it has. In 2009, the old county shelter often took in more than 6,000 animals a year; only 5% made it out alive. This year, the shelter will have taken in 4,200 animals, and 90% were saved. Hands down, FOTAS and the county save more animals than any other rescue agencies in the country.

It couldn’t have happened without a lot of hard work, dedication, and support from you, the Aiken community.

Adopted dog HILDE in her forever home December 2018.

We and Aiken’s homeless animals are blessed to have your support.

But there is still so much to do. In the last two months, a whopping 1,000 animals were surrendered to the shelter. Please consider an end-of-the-year donation to FOTAS, either by mail to FOTAS, PO Box 2207, Aiken SC 29802 or online at FOTASAiken.org.

By the way, since FOTAS was recognized by South Carolina as one of the 10 most efficient and effective charity “Angels” in the state, you can be certain that your hard-earned dollars are spent on our mission.

Thank you and God bless your family this Christmas season.

Their lives are in our hands.

 

— By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice-President

 

By the Numbers
Since October 1, the County Animal Shelter has taken in well over 1,000 strays and surrendered pets. Please spay/neuter your dogs and cats.
 
Pets of the Week
ANGIE: Retriever mix, female, 3 years old, brindle and white, 50 pounds – $35

 

BEE BEE: Domestic Shorthair cat, female, 1-1/2 years old, black and white, 6.5 pounds – $10
2018, Adoption, Dogs, essay, FOTAS, News

Surrendered Pets Desperately Want to Be Home for Christmas

Posted on by Bob Gordon
17
Dec

With more than 1,000 strays and surrendered pets arriving at the shelter over the last two and a half months, there are going to be adoptable animals who get lost in the crowd and take longer to find their forever homes.

Zeus is an amazing athlete and loves to play fetch.

But here are three hidden gems who will make wonderful companions for you and your family. All of these dogs were surrendered by owners facing dark times. These people gave up their dogs for such reasons as financial loss and personal health issues. One owner had to move into special care housing that prohibits pets.

Hoppy has a lot of energy and is very affectionate!

Difficult situations all – but ones these dogs don’t understand. All they know is that they were at home, loved and happy – and then suddenly a car ride turned into a nightmare when they were left in an animal shelter with strangers.

If you’re looking to add a dog to your home, please take a look at these adoptable candidates. They have already proven to be terrific pets. Now, they just want a second chance at a good life with another person or family.

Hoppy: This 5-year-old Boston Terrier mix is happiest when he’s running and playing, but also will sit patiently while you stroke him under his chin and behind his ears. Hoppy tends to jump a lot when he’s on a leash, so he’s not the ideal dog for a family with young children. But he’s a terrific pet for people who are active and want a dog to match their lifestyle. Hoppy is available to an approved home for no charge – his adoption fee has been paid for by FOTAS.

Theia’s adoption fee has been sponsored and paid for by Coldwell Banker Realtor Erika Ramsey.

Theia: When you visit Theia, you’re likely to see her with a Nylabone in her mouth. She picks it up and shows it off to anyone who stops by her kennel. This gorgeous Pibble is 2 years old and 57 pounds. She loves people but doesn’t like to share, so she must be the only dog you own. If you can provide her with a loving home, Theia’s adoption fee will be waived. She’s been sponsored by a FOTAS donor.

Zeus: Such a regal dog! Zeus is a Rottweiler/Boxer mix with magnetic eyes – one light and one dark. He’s 1-1/2 years old and 83 pounds. One of the most athletic dogs ever to grace the shelter, Zeus needs a home with a fenced-in yard that will allow him to run and play. He’s very smart and will make a great companion for the right home. Zeus is available for $0 – his adoption fee has been paid for by a generous FOTAS sponsor.

Stop by and see these wonderful dogs and the many other animals who need homes. The County Animal Shelter is located at 333 Wire Road in Aiken. You can also call the Shelter at (803) 642-1537 and speak to a staff member or volunteer. They’d be happy to answer any questions and help you find a pet!

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2018, Adoption, Dogs, essay, FOTAS, microchipping, News

Reunited by a Microchip — Eight Years Later!

Posted on by Bob Gordon
12
Dec

This is a story with a happy ending, one that spans eight years, six states, and a dog named Beanie.

In 2010, the Wilson* family found a hungry and scared shepherd puppy on the side of the road. They took her home, fed her, and cleaned her up. They actively searched for her owners, but no one claimed her. After some time had passed, they named her Beanie, took her to the vet, had her vaccinated and microchipped, and found her a home with a couple who lived up north.

This past October, Kate Wilson, who now lives in Delaware with her family, was contacted by the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Beanie had been picked up as a stray by animal control officers, who found the Wilson’s contact information through their original microchip registration.

A microchip is only the size of a grain of rice but it can be the lifeline to your pet.

The Wilsons were stunned. How could this have happened? Certain that Beanie was just lost and not abandoned, they searched for the family who had adopted her, but the contact numbers from eight years before were disconnected. Then they posted Beanie’s information on “lost pet” sites all over social media, but by the end of the shelter’s mandatory “stray” hold period, no one had claimed her.

In the meantime, the Wilson family couldn’t stop thinking about Beanie. The decision to rehome her eight years before had been a hard one. At the time, they already had family pets as well as another stray puppy they were trying to place, so when they found Beanie what they thought was the perfect home, they reluctantly let her go, but they never forgot about her.

I spoke and texted with Kate often during the week Beanie was held at the shelter. Both Kate and her husband had come to see the hand of God in this unexpected reappearance of Beanie in their life, and they made the decision to bring her home—so long as she was kid-friendly and could get along with their other two dogs. We tested Beanie at the shelter with both children and other dogs and she passed with flying colors—the sweetest dog ever! We arranged for Beanie to catch a ride north with one of our transfers, and Kate met the truck on the side of the road at 3 a.m. to pick her up and take her home.

The reunion was magic. Beanie was happy to see Kate and her husband, and she bonded immediately with the children and the two dogs. She even sleeps with their little pug, who can be prickly with other dogs. “It’s like she’s always been here,” says Kate, “part of the family—like she never left.”

Beanie’s microchip helped her find a forever home and two canine BFFs.

Meant to be? Hand of God? Works for me.

There are so many lessons to be learned from this story, but here’s the most important: microchips are an inexpensive, effective way to keep your pet safe when the worst happens and they get lost—all you have to do is keep your microchip contact information current. Microchips can be inserted quickly and painlessly by your vet or a local clinic.

Beanie was lucky; her microchip got her home. Will your pet be that lucky?

Their lives are in our hands.

*Name changed at the family’s request.

— by Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director

 

 

By the Numbers

Over the last two months (Oct 1 to Dec. 5), the County Animal Shelter has taken in 927 strays and surrendered pets! Please spay/neuter your dogs and cats.

 

Pets of the Week

JACKS: Shepherd mix, male, 2 years old, white, 80 pounds – $35

 

FROST: Domestic Shorthair kitten, male, 2 months old, orange and white Tabby, 1.7 pounds – $10

 

 

 

2018, Adoption, Doggy Treadmill, Dogs, essay, FOTAS, Junior FOTAS, News, Training, Volunteers

Doggy Treadmill Works Wonders at the County Shelter

Posted on by Bob Gordon
19
Nov

Working out on the treadmill helped TORI build back her confidence.

When someone suggested to FOTAS a few months ago that using a doggy treadmill at the Aiken County Animal Shelter would help our shy, scared dogs and overly-energetic dogs to adapt faster, I was skeptical. But when I spoke with Susi Cohen, an amazing dog trainer who helps us with behavioral issues, she was all for it.

So we thought, why not? If it can help us save more dogs, let’s give it a try.

Susi located (and FOTAS paid for) a canine treadmill and trained seven volunteers how to work with the dogs on the treadmill. Besides being great fun, I was stunned at the results.

For example, Tori, one of our shyest dogs (and the longest resident on the adoption floor) cautiously stepped on the treadmill, lured by a treat. Susi started the equipment slowly. At first, Tori stumbled, then she walked, but she still wouldn’t make eye contact. As we increased the speed, she had to focus, and then she relaxed. Amazing! She was engaged; she was responding to praise, to us. She was becoming … a pet!

HANK, now adopted, was one of the first Shelter dogs to use the doggy treadmill.

Or take Nero, who was admitted to the shelter with a collar embedded in his neck. For two weeks, he sat motionless in his kennel, unresponsive, unable to make eye contact. After a bit, he attached to one of our intake volunteers (she is a dog whisperer—they all fall for her eventually), who was able to coax him out of his shell. Once he took that step, he emerged as a high-energy bull in a china shop—pulled on the leash, distracted by dogs, squirrels, you name it. He was a happy boy, probably for the first time in his short life.

Junior FOTAS students meet and read to NERO during their recent visit to the Animal Shelter.

Could time on the treadmill help big Nero calm down and focus on us? I wasn’t certain. Nero started working on the treadmill on Monday, and I missed his first three sessions. On Thursday morning, I took him for a walk first thing (he’s housebroken—he waits), and Whoa! What a difference!

Nero and I had just started on our walk when Pat, a friend and volunteer, stopped me to chit-chat. As we were talking, Nero sat patiently on my foot. He didn’t pull. He didn’t bark. He just sat, relaxed and behaved. I was floored! I walked him straight into the lobby and announced the amazing transformation in this dog thanks to the treadmill, the volunteers, and lots of praise.

This past Saturday, after our Junior FOTAS group finished reading to the dogs (our Dog Ears Reading Program), I brought Nero out to meet the kids. They all ran to him and hugged him, and he rolled into their arms, gentle and snuggly. I have to confess, I cried.

Nero and Tori still need a forever home (they are such great dogs now!) All of us — FOTAS volunteers and shelter staff—are so grateful for our generous supporters that make it possible to purchase tools, like the treadmill, that help transform a scared, abandoned dog into a pet. We are also grateful for the dedicated volunteers that convince those lost and unloved animals that humans aren’t so bad, so that one day they will be able to return that love to a new family in a forever home.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Coordinator

 

By the Numbers
From Nov 1 to 15, the Aiken County Shelter received more than 200 stray animals and surrendered pets.

 

Pets of the Week
SKYE
Retriever mix, female, 2 years old, tan, 58 pounds – $0 (adoption fee paid for by FOTAS donor)

 

GIBLET
 Domestic Shorthair, male, 2 months old, gray Tabby, 1.5 pounds – $10