Category Archives: Dogs

2020, coronavirus crisis, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, News

Focusing on Foster Fun and Happiness During COVID-19 Isolation

Posted on by Bob Gordon
14
Jul

Times are so complicated right now and many are struggling with depression and anxiety. Even children are feeling the effects of social distancing. Summer break is normally a time filled with vacations, camps, sleep overs…all things that have been put on hold. Being away from friends and others in their age group can be so lonely.

As the number of coronavirus cases continue to rise in our area, that isolated feeling seems to be getting worse. Yet families that have fostered shelter pets during the pandemic have benefited from the experience.

Charlotte and Savannah Collen sandwich Aiken County Animal Shelter dog Hachi in their home.

Look at Savannah and Charlotte Collen, ages 11 and 5. Their family decided to start fostering this spring and what a difference it has made in not only in the lives of the dogs they have fostered, but in the children’s lives.

When fostering their first shelter dog, a large mixed breed named Joseph, mother Kamillah said, “We are having a wonderful time with Joseph. He follows the girls around pretty much all day. We feed him twice each day, and he is getting plenty of exercise and love. He’s pretty spoiled and they are learning responsibility. It’s a win-win.”

Charlotte and Hachi wear matching crowns.

Kamillah just emailed us pictures of their most recent foster, Hachi, noting, “I think he’s having fun!” These pictures brought tears to my eyes! Large, high-energy dogs like Hachi are not always seen as family dogs. But the photos showed him sleeping on his back on a rug, wearing a Princess crown with Charlotte, going on a dog walk with Savannah – and enjoying every second of it!

The great thing is that Hachi has a home waiting for him; he just needed a place to stay until we could get him there. So when the girls say goodbye, they know that he is going to another home filled with love. They don’t have to be sad; he just had the best vacation from the shelter with them. Plus, there are more homeless pets that need help. Maybe their next foster dog will be smaller and fluffier, or maybe one that wants to catch tennis balls.

Some families even keep scrapbooks with pictures of each foster pup, kitten or dog they help. It’s so fun to look back at all the lives made better, thanks to your family.

Hachi and Savannah go on a nature hike.

Whether you prefer kittens, puppies or adult dogs, we would love your help. The Aiken County Animal Shelter is currently undergoing a construction project which has us 30 kennels short for the summer. Now more than ever, we need foster homes so that we can create room for more homeless animals in need.

FOTAS provides food for foster pets as well as crates, if needed. The pets are flea treated and come with everything they need. All we ask is that you give them a safe place to stay and a little love.

Contact info@fotas.org or find our foster application on our website at fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.


–By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

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

2020, animal care education, Cats, Dogs, fireworks and pets, FOTAS, News

July 4th Celebrations Can Result in Terrified, Lost Dogs & Cats

Posted on by Bob Gordon
04
Jul

On the Monday following July 4th weekend, the phones at the Aiken County always blow up with calls from citizens who have lost their dogs or cats because the animals panicked and ran from the flashing skies and booming explosions around their yards.

“I can’t stress enough how important it is to bring your pets inside if you expect evening fireworks in your area,” said Aiken County Animal Shelter Manager Bobby Arthurs. “Animals can panic and feel like their lives are in danger, which results in them running from their homes, getting lost and going missing.”

To a cat or dog, the sound and flash of July 4th fireworks can seem like the end of the world.

A frightened dog may scale a fence they would not attempt under normal circumstances or might try to dig out of a pen in a panic. A terrified cat might jump out a window or even through a window screen.

Aiken County is not unique. Nationwide, more pets go missing July 4-6 than any other time of year. According to PetAmberAlert, a lost pet finder that helps four-legged family members find their way home, animal control officials across the nation report a 30%-60% increase in lost pets each year between these dates.

The following are some tips for preparing your pets for fireworks activity taking place near your home:

1. Be sure your pet is microchipped and has your contact information on his collar in case he runs away.

2. If your pet is inside, close the curtains/blinds and play soothing music to mask the outside explosions.

3. Provide a hiding spot for your pet that they have access to at all times. Examples: under furniture, in crate, in quiet corner

4. If your pets must remain outside, stay with them and comfort them.

5. Walk your dog during the daylight hours and keep dogs and cats indoors when the fireworks are likely to be set off

6. Some dogs are calmed by “thunder shirts” and you can also reduce your pets’ anxiety with pheromone diffusers

7. Feed your pet a solid meal an hour or two before the fireworks are scheduled to start. He will feel more relaxed and content, like you do after a big meal.

If your panicked pet does bolt from your home and goes missing, be sure to post their photo, description, and when and where they went missing on Aiken Pets Reunited’s Facebook page. This site is consistently monitored by shelters, rescues and other animal advocates. Many pets have been found and reunited with their owners through this excellent website.

Pets can panic and bolt from their homes when fireworks go off nearby.

You can also call the Aiken County Animal Shelter and SPCA Albrecht Center to see if your pet was brought in as a stray. At the ACAS, you can fill out a lost pet report.

“Please secure your pets at home this holiday weekend and keep them on a leash if you take them out in the evening,” Arthurs said. “We would love to see less lost pets brought into the shelter this year and more dogs and cats remain happy and safe with their families.”

The ACAS is located at 333 Wire Road in Aiken, and open for adoptions Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, the ACAS will be closed for the July 4 weekend – both Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4 – reopening on Monday, July 6.

For more information, contact the ACAS, (803) 642-1537 or reach out to FOTAS at info@FOTASaiken.org. The FOTAS website is www.FOTASaiken.org.

— FOTAS Press Release

2020, Adoption, Bully Dogs, coronavirus crisis, Dogs, Foster, FOTAS, Home-to-Home adoption program, News, Pibbles, shelter construction, surrendered pets

Adapting to Pandemic Crisis Leads to Positive Changes

Posted on by Bob Gordon
17
Jun

The Coronavirus crisis blindsided us all. Suddenly leaving our homes was dangerous, masks covering our nose and mouth became necessary, restaurants and small businesses were forced to shut down, and toilet paper turned into a priceless commodity.

But COVID-19 also forced us to think differently about the world we live in and adjust accordingly. Not only did social media become even more of a focus for us and vital to reaching potential adopters and fosters, but we also adapted our adoption process. To better protect citizens and our Aiken County Animal Shelter staff, we began doing adoptions outside and by-appointment only.

Sweet Angelica gets adopted during a May 22 appointment.

Since the shelter became closed to the public in March, we began asking potential adopters to view the available animals on FOTASaiken.org and then call the shelter for an appointment to visit with the ones they like. When folks arrive for their appointments, staff members greet them outside and then bring the pets out to visit. Following social distance protocol and wearing protective masks, staff members complete the adoptions curbside.

Michelle Vieyra adopted gray and white Pitbull mix Jules last month and brought one of her male dogs to meet her outside. After spending some time with Jules, she knew the feisty female was a good match.

Hunter finds the perfect home!

“Jules is doing well and learning how to fit into pack culture,” Vieyra said. “She is a bossy little thing, which is why I renamed her Sassy, but she is smart and catches on very quickly how things work around here. She learned how to sit after just one day, and we will be starting on commands like ‘lie down’ and ‘stay’ soon. She is also ridiculously cuddly.”

The appointment model for adoptions has been so successful and convenient for citizens, we plan to continue it even as we start accepting walk-in visitors again. Adopters enjoy the greater one-on-one attention and find they are less overwhelmed by so many pet choices when they arrive. In fact, most appointments are resulting in adoptions.

Similar to other service businesses such as hair salons, we will encourage appointments but also welcome walk-ins.

Shelter launches construction of intake kennel enclosure
The needed construction project of enclosing the covered, open-air intake kennel wing began this week, and we are thrilled this important improvement is being made. This is an exciting project as 30 kennels will be enclosed in a temperature-controlled building, making the dogs in this wing more comfortable and better protected from severe weather. During the estimated 3-month project, the shelter will temporarily be without 30 kennels, so please if you can foster or adopt.

Gray and white Jules aka Sassy (right) is adopted by Michelle Vieyra during a late May appointment.

If you have to rehome your pet, please take advantage of FOTAS’s Home to Home program, which allows you to rehome your pet directly from your residence instead of surrendering them to the shelter (which can be so stressful for a pet).

To learn more about FOTAS’s many programs and/or to volunteer, go to the FOTAS website (fotasaiken.org) or call the shelter at (803) 642-1537.

Their lives are in our hands.


— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2020, coronavirus crisis, Dogs, FOTAS, Home-to-Home adoption program, News

Home to Home Program more critical than ever during coronavirus crisis and kennel enclosure project

Posted on by Bob Gordon
01
Jun

These are strange times we are all living in, with organizations adjusting to uncharted waters — and the Aiken County Animal Shelter is no exception. Adoptions are by appointment, taking place outside and paperwork is completed curbside.

Animal enforcement officers are bringing in strays and we are urging owner surrenders to take place through our Home to Home program. Using a special website, this program allows citizens to rehome their pets directly from their homes, avoiding the stress of their pets having to go to a kennel in the shelter. It is free to use and free to adopt.

In just 16 months, well over 200 pets have been placed through the FOTAS Home to Home program. Citizens adopt out pets directly from their homes.

As our Home to Home Program enters its 16th month in Aiken County, its value continues to grow. During these hard times, we have had some wonderful success stories. A recent one that touched my heart was Cooper, a 13-year-old Cairn Terrier whose owner died. When his owner was in the hospital and nursing home, his mother regularly took Cooper in. But after her son passed, she could no longer take care of the senior canine.

The owner’s sister, Debra Foutch, placed Cooper on Home to Home, hoping the right loving person would come forward and adopt him. You could tell this was heartbreaking for a family who only wanted the best for this sweet dog. She wrote a wonderful write-up to let potential owners know about Cooper’s journey. I placed him on Home to Home and on FOTAS’s Facebook page, where thousands of followers saw the post. Hours later, I received an email from Debra that Cooper had found a good home. Debra said, “I’m sure my brother is smiling down from heaven knowing Cooper has a new forever home.” I am sure he is too, Debra.

Cooper, a senior Terrier who found a new home through the FOTAS Home to Home website.

In the coming months, Home to Home will become an even more vital tool for owner surrenders. The Aiken County Animal Shelter will be enclosing our rear intake kennels during the months of June-August, as part of the Capital Project Sales Tax funding. During severe weather, the animals in these kennels have little protection from rain, wind, severe cold, or intense heat. We are thrilled that these 30 kennels will be enclosed by the end of the summer, but that is 30 intake kennels we will not be able to use during that time, limiting our intake of animals.

We encourage owners who need to surrender an animal to consider using Home to Home. This program is a much kinder way to rehome pets, who are often traumatized by being surrendered into noisy kennels and unfamiliar surroundings. We have found loving homes for over 230 animals in a little over a year, without using shelter resources.

And if you are looking for a new pet, besides checking the listing of animals available at the shelter, check those available at fotas.home-home.org. Any questions about using the program, please email ellencpriest@gmail.com . As always, thank you for your support of the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Ellen Priest, FOTAS Board Member and Home to Home Coordinator

2020, Adoption, coronavirus crisis, Dogs, FOTAS, News, SOCIAL MEDIA, Therapy Dogs

Maggie’s Wagging Tail and Furry Face Are a Balm for Difficult Times

Posted on by Bob Gordon
25
May

If it’s true miracles happen when they’re least expected, maybe it’s not so surprising what happened to a Pointer-mix named Maggie. How, with the whole world hijacked by the COVID crisis, she was rescued off the streets and brought into the Aiken County Animal Shelter. How she was then adopted by a 49-year-old fitness guru who’d never had a dog.

Shelter dog Sophia has a new home, a new name — Maggie, and a new job helping people.

The life Maggie has now, however, no one saw coming.

She’s got a hashtag #MascotMaggie. She’s got a weekend name, Mountain Maggie. She’s got a best friend, Tambra Wilkerson. What’s more, she’s got a mission.

“She has exceeded my expectations,” says Wilkerson, who walked away from her job at Savannah River Site in 2017 to follow what she says was a calling to work fulltime with patients of neurological issues such as Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and stroke.

Along with her husband, Steve, she founded the non-profit Day One Fitness, providing therapeutic boxing classes out of a gym in Beech Island, SC. With certification as a personal trainer specializing in neurological conditions, Wilkerson continues to expand her programs, spending a lot of hours on the job. When the pandemic suspended in-person classes, she worked to keep clients connected and active, developing online exercise sessions and virtual social gatherings. Still, her schedule was much lighter than usual.

Sophia aka Maggie was a staff favorite at the shelter due to her sweet personality.

“The shelter’s Facebook posts capture my heart every time I see them.,” she said. “I love dogs, but I never felt I had the time a dog deserved. I thought maybe I’d get a dog in my retirement. But during COVID-19, I realized I did have time.”

Using the shelter’s appointment system for socially-distanced adoptions, Wilkerson emailed the staff and scheduled a visit. They brought out Maggie, a shy and skittish stray who wouldn’t look people in the eye. Until now. She seemed to know this was the family she’d waited for her whole life. Wilkerson describes their bond as exceptional.

“Second to my husband, Maggie is my best friend. She’s by my side all the time. Her loyalty draws my heart in even more.”

Maggie and Wilkerson are partners in work and play. When it’s time for a Zoom exercise class with Parkinson’s patients, Maggie joins in. When it’s time for Wine Down Wednesday with Day One clients, Maggie is there for a virtual game of Pictionary or a client’s Facetime tour of his chicken coop.

At a time of fear and uncertainty, Maggie’s wagging tail and furry face are a balm for difficult times. She brings laughter, and the reminder life is good.

Maggie “on the job” at Day One Fitness in Beech Island, SC

“She’s such an asset to my mission. She’s my faithful sidekick.”

Wilkerson takes Maggie on weekend excursions, too. Those usually include trips to north Georgia, where Wilkerson and her husband work on their mountain house while Maggie explores and plays.

“She’s just fantastic. Smart, well-behaved, sweet – she has it all,” Wilkerson said.

Their lives are in our hands.


— By Martha Anne Tudor

2020, adopter feedback, Bully Dogs, Cats, coronavirus crisis, Dogs, FOTAS, kittens, News

Successful Pet Adoptions Are Made During Pandemic

Posted on by Bob Gordon
19
May

Despite the coronavirus crisis, the Aiken County Animal Shelter continues to adopt out homeless animals in need. The shelter is temporarily closed to the public, but folks can visit and adopt pets by making an appointment and completing paperwork curbside.

Baya cuddles with one of the Laufer children

Here are some of the latest emails and notes we’ve received from people who have given homeless animals a second chance at a great life:

Baya is getting more comfortable each day
Thank you for checking in! Baya is doing great. She is behaving and eating well. She loves to play and is careful with our small children. So far, she is adapting better than expected and getting more comfortable every day. We love her so much!

Andrea Laufer

Penny adjusting well to her new family
Penny is doing great, loves her treats and has a hearty appetite! Loves playing with her tennis balls, rope and dinosaur. She has adjusted very well and is a great addition to our family!

John Grayson

Penny is a great addition to her new family

Kittens Frick & Frack have new names and a better life
Since adoption, Frick and Frack have been given the new names of Rajah and Bagheera! My fiancé and I are big Disney fans, so we decided to name them after Disney cats, the tiger from Aladdin and black panther from The Jungle Book. We are so impressed with their behavior. No scratching at all, use the litter box well, haven’t nipped or clawed either of us, and eat just fine! We have enjoyed the entertainment during this quarantine watching them play with all of their toys and each other. We are so glad we had the opportunity to adopt these two sweet and loving girls!

Cody and Heather Hayden

Frick and Frack with their new “parents”

Louis is bonding with new sister, Pippa
Louis (renamed Neville) is doing fantastic. He is slowly becoming less shy and more playful (at least around us). He gets along great with our other dog, Pippa, and keeps a safe distance from Stinky the cat. He usually eats well and has gained some weight since he arrived last month.

Hannah Strobel

Louis (right) and Pippa nap together


— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2020, ANIMAL CRUELTY, Chained dogs, County Animal Control, Dogs, Dr. Lisa Levy, FOTAS, injured animals, neglected pets, News

Animal Cruelty: If You See Something, Say Something

Posted on by Bob Gordon
12
May

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 ignorance and pet owners never learning the basic needs or proper care of an animal.

Magnolia, who was tied to a tree deep in the woods and left to die, is now healthy, safe and loved by her adopter, Rachel.

Magnolia was left in the woods to die
Recently, a beautiful German Shepherd was rescued from certain death when kids playing in the woods found her tied to a tree. The collar around her neck was embedded into her skin and she was weak from lack of food and water. The kids alerted their parents, who immediately called Aiken County Animal Enforcement. Officer Patrick Miller brought the injured Shepherd to the Aiken County Animal Shelter, where she could be cared for and treated for her deep neck wounds.

The shelter’s veterinarian, Dr. Lisa Levy, had to surgically remove dead tissue to close the deep gash in her neck. The sweet dog was named Magnolia and quickly became a staff favorite. As soon as she was healthy enough, Magnolia was moved to the adoption floor. She was adopted to a young Smyrna, GA woman who drove 185 miles to get her.

“We go on a lot of walks and Magnolia likes to just chill and cuddle when we’re home,” said Rachel Zeisel. “She’s my girl.”

Lois arrived at the shelter so emaciated, she could not stand and walk on her own.

Lois arrived too weak to walk
A starving, seven-year-old hound mix was rescued by Animal Enforcement Officer Mark Graham. He had to carry her into his truck because she was so weak. She had so little muscle in her hip muscles due to lack of nutrition and exercise, she could not walk on her own. Based on pressure sores on her body, this poor dog was likely chained and slept on concrete.

The staff named her Lois and started her on a diet of at least three meals per day. She now has a soft bed in her kennel and is able to stand on her own. Lois is making great progress. But the wounds from her abuse are still healing, so she’s not quite ready for adoption.

If you see animal neglect or abuse, call the authorities
If you see something, say something. Call your local animal control agency as soon as possible if you witness suspected cruelty to animals. If you live in Aiken, call (803) 502.9000, extension 3704. Or email enforcement@aikencountysc.gov.

Lois has been through hell, but she’ll soon be ready for adoption and can look forward to a new, better life with people who will love and protect her.

Document the case as well as you can with dates, times, specific details and, if possible, video footage and photographs from a cell phone. All of these things can help appropriate agencies during an investigation they do of the suspected cruelty.

Their lives are in our hands.


— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2020, Adoption, Children, Dogs, fostering, FOTAS, Junior FOTAS, News, Volunteers

Job Shadow Day at the Shelter with Logan Heath

Posted on by Bob Gordon
06
May

One of my favorite programs offered within the Aiken County School System is Job Shadow Day. Students are encouraged to follow an adult at work to learn first-hand what they do each day. This was the first year that a local student asked to shadow me at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS). I was so excited!

Logan Heath prepares for his Shadow Day with FOTAS Programs Coordinator Kathy Jacobs.

Logan Heath, a member of our Junior FOTAS after-school program at Tall Pines STEM Academy, arrived at 8 a.m. and we had plenty to do. I explained that we needed to walk the shelter and take inventory. We had to visit all the new dogs and cats and start making plans for them. It also meant preparing them for foster homes, calling foster families, flea-treating dogs, bathing puppies and making sure all adoptable pets were walked and shown love.

I noticed Logan’s eyes get big when he saw a new mother dog and her puppies. He had never seen puppies that little before. The mother dog was so sweet and let me take out a puppy for Logan to hold. We then called super foster mom Girl Conger-Wolcott to come pick up this litter.

Next, we saw a new puppy that looked so sad all curled up in a bed. We called Betsy Holmes and asked if she would foster him. She immediately said yes and was on her way. Logan and I bathed the puppy, found some food and toys and got ready for Betsy to arrive. Logan asked if he could name the puppy Alex, so we did. It suited him!

Tall Pines STEM Academy student and Junior FOTAS Volunteer Logan Heath bonds with Derry.

Logan has a dog but no cats, so he really wanted to spend time with a kitty. We had a super snuggly cat that enjoyed playing and getting some couch time. We talked about how playing and getting human attention can help a pet be more adoptable and less fearful of new people.

We then went to the kennels to meet the adoptable dogs. He really wanted to walk a cute dog named Derry. When we put the leash on, she rolled over and smiled. I told Logan she is what we call “perfection on paws.” Derry and her puppies were found dumped on the side of the road. How could a dog go through so much and still be so sweet?

Logan said his grandmother was picking him up after we were done and she was looking for a canine companion. When his grandmother arrived, he asked if he could show her a dog. He walked into the kennel and got down on the ground with Derry. His grandmother asked why he thought she should adopt her and Logan said, “Because she is amazing.” Without hesitation, she replied, “Okay then, let’s bring her home.”

Logan and his grandmother, Kimberly Parker, adopt Derry — a dog that was found dumped on the side of the road with her puppies.

We are hoping to put all this social distancing behind us soon. We miss our Junior FOTAS volunteers! Young people like Logan make a huge difference in the lives of the shelter pets. We hope that children in Aiken County will stay connected with us by emailing lists of their favorite pet names, sending videos reading to their pets and submitting fun animal-themed pictures or videos that we can share with our Facebook followers. (Please send your submissions to info@FOTASAiken.org.)


— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2020, Bully Dogs, County Animal Control, Dogs, Dr. Lisa Levy, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, neglected pets, News

A Tale of the Crooked Little Puppy

Posted on by Bob Gordon
27
Apr

Animal Control brought in a puppy one morning and said there was something wrong with his front legs. I was in surgery so could not look at him immediately but thought to myself, “Maybe he has some hair loss, maybe a cut or, at worst, a broken leg.”

When I was ready to examine him, I wasn’t prepared for what I saw. His front legs were so deformed, I was surprised he could walk. His bones were somewhat curved, but worse were the ligaments in his joints, particularly the wrist. It looked like the top bone was pointing in one direction and the bottom one in another.

When puppy Ricky arrived at the County Animal Shelter, his legs were so twisted, Dr. Levy was surprised he could walk at all.

The puppy had rickets, which is due to a nutritional deficiency of calcium from lack of proper care. I had never seen such a bad case of front limb deformity, and most of what I had seen were in puppies younger and smaller than he was. I really wasn’t sure we could fix him.

We started him on calcium supplements and splinted both his front legs. When he walked, the splints made a “clicking” sound like someone walking in high heels. He stole everyone’s heart and we named him Ricky.

I wanted to put Ricky into foster care because his recovery might take weeks or even months, and the exercise he could get outside the shelter would benefit him. But I was hesitant as I know foster families get attached and I couldn’t be sure of a positive outcome. Foster extraordinaire Jeri Wesner stepped up and promised me she would understand if he didn’t improve but wanted to give him the best life she could until we knew his final outcome. Ricky proved to be a handful, chewing up his splints and going full throttle all the time.

Foster Jeri Wesner brings Ricky in for an appointment with ACAS Veterinarian Dr. Levy

I consulted with Dr. Bogner at Aiken Pet Fitness & Rehabilitation, and she recommended splints on for a few weeks and then leaving them off a few days at a time to strengthen Ricky’s ligaments. After a few weeks, his left front leg looked pretty straight, so we left the splint off. A week later, we removed the second splint but the right leg was still very crooked. We left if off for the weekend, and when he came back Monday, the right leg was straight and he was running normally. It was nothing short of amazing!

Ricky continued to improve and quickly found a forever home. Special thanks to Jeri and all of our fosters whose help is invaluable in the recovery of these special cases.


— By Dr. Lisa Levy, ACAS Veterinarian