Category Archives: Dogs

Consider adopting the dog who’s been at the shelter the longest

A funny thing happened with two of the dogs we adopted from the Aiken County Animal Shelter that made us think that we are on to something. We like to have three dogs in our household and when one of them dies, we honor their memory by adopting a new dog as their replacement. We […]

The incredible power of social media saves lives

Our social media platforms are vital to finding good homes for the pets in need at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS). Through our Facebook, Instagram and other online marketing channels, we can reach thousands of people locally—and all around the country – who are looking to adopt homeless pets. This ability to post photos […]

Adopted dog Snowflake is now a certified therapy dog

I am a Great Pyrenees. On July 14, 2020, I was adopted by Biz and Eddie Mann from the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS). At that time, I was way too skinny at 84 pounds and thought to be 3 years old. My fur was matted and short, but they thought I was lovely. They […]

Bait dog Norman overcomes past cruelty, now has good life he deserves

Norman was picked up by Animal Control in May 2021. He arrived weak, shut down and lifeless. Scars on his face, mangled feet, ribs showing and his teeth filed down. As much as we do not want to believe that such cruelty occurs in our community, this dog proves otherwise. This sweet boy didn’t have […]

Working Together to Save Veterans and Homeless Dogs

Memorial Day is a holiday to honor the more than one million men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. However, it is also a time to think about the people who made it home but are struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other war-related mental health conditions. These military […]

Couples Volunteer Together to Help Shelter Dogs

Couples find volunteering at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) to be a powerful bonding activity and a deeply satisfying experience. They come in pairs to walk, socialize and pamper dogs, many of whom have never experienced such love and attention. “We were looking for something to do together after retiring,” said Bonnie Martin, who […]

Hounds of Love at the County Animal Shelter

Skin and bones. Found starving and scared with pressure sores on their bodies from lying on concrete for long hours at a time. Clearly neglected and possibly abused, the pair of dogs playing in the intake exercise yard would be forgiven if they were bitter and angry. But they show nothing but love. Despite their […]

Group Play Can Work Wonders for Shelter Dogs

Paddy, a handsome white and black Border Collie mix, slinks into the play yard, his head down, tail between his legs. He backs away from the humans in the yard, wary of their intentions. Then Graham, a black retriever mix, is let in and everything changes. Paddy’s ears perk up and he slowly approaches the […]

Shelter Dog Spirit Overcomes Adversity, Hopes for a Forever Home

The 27-pound mixed breed female that hobbled out of the roadside woods to greet Patrick Miller, Animal Control Officer, was bringing a lesson to share. Patrick suspected a hit and run with the number of cuts in her body and the skew of her bloodied jaw. Her ribs were defined under white and brown fur […]

Four Furry ACAS Alumni Are Living the Good Life with One Family

Over the last three years, Robin and Bobby Vaughn have adopted four homeless pets from the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS). This quartet of two kittens, Ripley and Charlee, and two dogs, Cody and Bella, are enjoying the good life on the Vaughn family farm with a stray cat, five horses and a rooster. “While […]