Category Archives: Events

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)

2018, donations, essay, Events, FOTAS, Fundraisers, News, Volunteers

Leadership & Teamwork Make FOTAS Golf Tourney a Signature Event

Posted on by Bob Gordon
09
Oct

FOTAS just held its Fifth Annual Playing Fore the Pets Golf Tournament and Helicopter Ball Drop on Oct. 1. The event was bigger than ever, with 176 golfers participating in the tournament and 996 ball drop raffle tickets sold.

A golf tournament participant checks out the prizes and gift baskets provided by sponsors.

In just five years, this special event has become the biggest FOTAS fundraiser of the year. It’s quite an achievement but such success doesn’t happen by accident. The event has grown and progressively raised more money to benefit the homeless pets at the Aiken County Animal Shelter due tostrong leadership and a lot of hard work.

The leadership? Sandy and Ross Staiger, co-chairs of the event. When Ross retired in 2011, the couple moved from New Hampshire and made their home in Aiken. Sandy joined FOTAS in 2012 as a dog-walking volunteer and soon put her photography skills to good use, taking high-quality pictures of shelter dogs to promote their availability and use in their profiles. She helped out at various FOTAS events, including the organization’s annual Woofstock festival, and

On tournament day, Sandy Staiger reviews final details with a representative from The Reserve Club at Woodside.

thought adding a golf tournament to the FOTAS schedule of events could be a nice fit.

Never one to sit quietly when she has a suggestion, Sandy shared her idea to start a golf-themed fundraising event with FOTAS President Jennifer Miller. The event would include their signature attraction, a helicopter hovering 300 feet in the air, dropping hundreds of numbered golf balls onto a target below. Each ball would represent a $10 raffle ticket and the person whose ball landed closest to the target would win $1,000. Miller and the FOTAS Board liked the idea and held the premier Playing Fore the Pets fundraiser in 2014.

“The goal of this event is not only to provide a fun time for amateur golfers and raise money for the animals, but also to build awareness of the needs at the County Shelter and inform the community about FOTAS’s many helpful programs that help these unwanted pets,” Sandy said.

The hard work of planning and executing the tournament is done by the Playing Fore the Pets event committee. According to the Staigers, this group is the “heart” of the tournament’s success. No outside contest experts are hired. No consultants provide support. It’s up to this small unit to minimize expenses and do all the leg work. FOTAS volunteers fill the role of the event’s service staff on tournament day.

During the helicopter golf ball drop event, nearly 1,000 golf balls are released from 300 feet onto a target below.

The committee includes: four-year veterans Karen Loughran, Sharon Johnson and Connie Jarzmik; two-year vets Jan Barker and Cori McCorkle; and Cindie Davidson, who joined the committee this year. These women start organizing and seeking sponsors in May and their work doesn’t let up until the day of the tournament and golf ball drop.
This year, sponsorship signs, banners, and beautiful prize baskets dominated the tournament grounds more than ever — all due to the work of committee members and the generosity of both long-time and freshman sponsors.

“The best part for Ross, me and the committee is seeing the result of our efforts,” Sandy said. “It’s all about benefiting the County Shelter animals.”

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

 

By the Numbers
In the first four days of October, the County Animal Shelter received 120 strays and surrendered pets – an average of 30 animals per day!

 

Pets of the Week

TULIP
Domestic Shorthair, female, tortoiseshell, 1 year old, 7.2 pounds – $10

ALLEN
Retriever mix, male, brindle, 1 year old, 52 pounds – $35

2018, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, essay, Events, FOTAS, News, Pibbles

Year of the Dog: FOTAS honors canines with adoption events this Saturday. July 28

Posted on by Angel Hartline
23
Jul

Dogs and the experience of adopting them should be celebrated. At least, we think so. That’s why FOTAS, the Aiken County Animal Shelter and Mellow Mushroom are co-hosting Year of the Dog events this Saturday, July 28.

Hilde will make a terrific family dog.
Emma has a cute smile and loves people.

According to the Chinese calendar, 2018 is the Year of the Dog, a zodiac sign that symbolizes loyalty and honesty. To celebrate our canines at the shelter, from 11:00 to 4:00 we’ll be adopting dogs for just $35 – and serving hot dogs and fortune cookies to all visitors. Plus, everyone who adopts, signs up to be a volunteer or donates to FOTAS on this day will receive a $5-off Mellow Mushroom coupon. 

FOTAS will also be bringing adoptable dogs to Mellow Mushroom restaurant, located in downtown Aiken. From 11:30 to 2:00, you can adopt a dog on-site. Mellow Mushroom will provide discount coupons to everyone who gives a dog a forever home, donates to FOTAS, or completes a volunteer or foster application. Eating pizza while spending time with dogs – how can you resist that combo?

May needs a home ASAP.

As most are aware, this summer has been tough, with the County Shelter receiving a monthly average of 532 strays and surrendered pets at 333 Wire Road. In July, the flood of animals continues, with well over 300 unwanted pets already added to intake kennels.

Raylyn is good with children.

These Year of the Dog events will provide greater exposure for these animals in need and make your search and selection for a furry companion even more fun!

Here are some of the wonderful dogs to look for on Saturday:

  • Emma: Beautiful, 2-year-old Emma is sweet as can be, but sad she hasn’t found a family of her own yet. This mixed breed is 46 pounds and perfect for a smaller home.
  • Hilde: Full of personality and affection, this 6-year-old, apricot-colored Retriever mix deserves a great home
  • May: Sweet May is a pretty, 2-year-old Retriever mix who needs a home ASAP. She’s very affectionate but doesn’t like to share her humans with other pets.
  • Raylyn: So sweet and friendly! Brindle, 1-year-old Raylyn is a mixed breed with a lot of energy. She’d make a great jogging or workout buddy!

 Their lives are in our hands.

— by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

2018, Bully Dogs, Dogs, Events, FOTAS, Fundraisers, News, Pibbles, Woofstock

Introducing Woofstock’s Awesome, Adoptable VIPs

Posted on by Angel Hartline
29
Apr

This Saturday, FOTAS is hosting Woofstock, our biggest family event of the year. The celebration will take place at Citizens Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and once again feature many contests, including the Doxie Derby and other canine races and contests. Everyone is invited to join in the fun and pet dogs are welcome, too!

Bo is a senior but has the energy of a much younger dog.
Bo is a senior but has the energy of a much younger dog.

In fact, there will be a variety of furry VIPs from the Aiken County Animal Shelter in attendance. These special dignitaries will be easy to spot with their designer “Adopt Me” scarfs and vests. You can visit with these canine celebrities and, since FOTAS volunteers will be doing adoptions on-site, even take them home with you.

Woofstock’s canine guests of honor can be yours for only $35 each. Although there will be many available, here are some of the top shelter celebrities who would love to walk the red carpet all the way to your front door:

OTIS: A two-year-old Corgi mix, Otis is playful and loves to play fetch. He’s 5 years old and acts like a pup. He arrived in bad shape, with a lot of fur missing from a skin infection, but now he’s got his rich red coat back and ready for a forever home.

Hilde is a special girl who needs to find a good home ASAP.
Hilde is a special girl who needs to find a good home ASAP.

MASON & CHEVY: These two big, sweet guys arrived at the shelter together as strays and really should be adopted as a bonded pair. Mason is 4-1/2 years old, Chevy is 2 and each weigh about 70 pounds. The mixed breed bosom buddies need a home with lots of love and a fenced-in yard.

Bell is an alpha dog who's both goofy and smart.
Bell is an alpha dog who’s both goofy and smart.

JACKSON: This shy but sweet Hound mix is 4 years old and will make a perfect addition to anyone’s home. Handsome and athletic, Jackson loves other dogs and is friendly, gentle and calm. His best friend at the shelter is Vinny. They met for the first time at 333 Wire Road and became instant BFFs.

BELL: One ear is always up and the other down, giving 2-year-old, mixed breed Bell a very cute look. Her personality is even better. She’s lovable, funny and very smart. Give her a belly rub and she’ll love you forever!

Otis is a happy, playful Corgi mix.
Otis is a happy, playful Corgi mix.

BO: Ten years old with the playful energy of a puppy, Bo is a staff and volunteer favorite. This wonderful black Beagle mix needs to find a home as soon as possible. 

HILDE: An apricot-colored Retriever mix, Hilde is a true gem. She loves people and walks well on a leash. She’s one of the smartest dogs at the shelter but also has a goofy side. She’ll make some lucky adopter very happy.

So, come visit these canine celebrities at Woofstock on May 5 or – even better – visit them at the Shelter tomorrow! If you adopt one (or two) of these wonderful dogs, they can still attend the Woofstock festival as VIPs, but with you, their new friend and owner, at their side.

Their lives are in our hands.

— by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

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By the Numbers

April 1-28: 331 stray and owner surrendered pets were brought to the County Shelter

saveapetlogo

Pets of the Week

malissa looking upMALISSA: Wire-haired Terrier mix, female, 3 years old, light brown, 62 pounds – $35

 

lizzie POTWLIZZIE: Domestic Shorthair, 8 years old, tan & black Tabby, 9 pounds – $10

 

Adoption, Children, Dogs, Events, FOTAS, Fundraisers, Woofstock

A Happy Day in Aiken: The FOTAS Woofstock Doxie Derby Festival Returns

Posted on by Angel Hartline
04
May

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President and Edie Hubler, FOTAS Board
Yikes! What is the world coming to? So many troubles in the world: terrorist attacks in France, nuclear bomb testing in North Korea, chemical attacks in Syria, political marches and protests, screaming “expert” panelists on the news — the list goes on and on.
Yet things in our neck of the woods are pretty amazing. Spring is in full bloom, and best of all? FOTAS’ 6th Annual Woofstock Doxie Derby Festival is being held this Saturday, May 6th, at Citizens Park in Aiken, to benefit the Aiken County Animal Shelter. That means hours of free fun for you and your family.
The popular Doxie Derby is back, and if the sight of all those little wiggly wittle wiener dogs wacing for the roses doesn’t make you laugh, well then, there’s no hope for you. No fast wiener dogs in your family? That’s okay, because there’s also a small dog, any breed contest.
Then there are the dog contests—Best Trick, Best Costume, Best Kisser, and our personal favorite, Best Look Alike—guaranteed to make even the crankiest scrooge smile.
Loyal fan and our favorite celebrity journalist, John Hart, from WJBF News Channel 6, will again be on hand to serve as the Master of Ceremonies. Brad and Jayne Williams will be playing the hits all day long on their super sound system.
So, leave the troubles of the world behind and come on over with your human and canine family. Grab a bite to eat from the Sugar Bear caterers or Marco’s Pizza and top it off with some Flanigans’ ice cream. Many exhibitors with pet related products and services will again be joining us this year — and of course, the Woofstock mascot Frank ‘en Bun will be on hand to help everyone have a good time!
Then there’s the raffle. For a $10 or more donation to FOTAS, you can get your raffle tickets on-line at fotasaiken.org/woofstock-doxie-derby-2017/, or you can purchase your tickets prior to the event at Downtown Dog and Herbal Solutions. The winner will be announced at the end of the day, but you don’t need to be present to win.
Participate in a silent auction by Doc Holly’s group (Veterinary Services of Aiken). Herbal Solutions will give you and/or your doggie a cupcake for a donation to FOTAS, so please be sure to visit their booth.
While you are there, let us introduce you to some of the Shelter’s adoptable pets who will also be at Woofstock—after all, isn’t that what it’s all about? If you happen to fall in love, guess what? Adoption prices will be slashed in half – $35 for dogs and $15 for cats.
A tightly-knit community of caring people and businesses—Auto Tech, Herbal Solutions, Hollow Creek Animal Hospital, The Willcox, Tyler Brothers, Veterinary Services of Aiken, the Aiken Animal Hospital, Atlantic Broadband, the Aiken Standard, Downtown Dog, Aiken Saddlery, the Aiken Veterinary Clinic, Carolina Real Estate Company, Chime Bell Fence, the Dog & Hound, and scores of volunteers and supporters—all come together on this happy, festive day to make life better for the thousands of homeless animals of Aiken County.
Now that makes our hearts sing.
Their lives are in our hands.

Frank 'en Bun -- Woofstock mascot

The FOTAS Woofstock Doxie Derby Festival is Saturday, May 6th

Cats, Dogs, Events, FOTAS, Fundraisers, Woofstock

A happy day in Aiken: The FOTAS Woofstock Festival and Doxie Derby

Posted on by Angel Hartline
11
Nov

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

I am, by nature, an optimistic person, but recently my cheery nature has been put to the test.

The nastiness of the presidential election is depressing. The violence in the Middle East is escalating. North Carolina pig farms are polluting the environment. Cholera has broken out in Haiti. Bobby Vee, the early 60’s pop artist who crooned “Take Good Care of My Baby” has died. Brad and Angelina have called it quits.

Yikes! Is there no end to this misery?

Yes, my friends, there is. This Saturday, November 5th, the annual FOTAS Woofstock Festival & the Doxie Derby is being held at Citizen’s Park to benefit the Aiken County Animal Shelter, and that means hours of free fun for you and your family.

The popular Doxie Derby is back, and if the sight of all those little wiggly wittle wiener dogs wacing for the roses doesn’t make you laugh, well then, there’s no hope for you. No fast wiener dogs in your family? That’s okay, because there’s also a small dog, any breed contest as well.

Then there are the dog contests—Best Trick, Best Costume, Best Kisser, and my personal favorite, Best Look Alike—guaranteed to make even the crankiest scrooge smile.

Loyal fan and our favorite celebrity journalist, John Hart, from WJBF News Channel 6, will be on hand to serve as the Master of Ceremonies. Brad and Jayne Williams will be playing the hits all day long on their super sound system. Aiken Balloon Creations will be painting faces and making animal balloons all day for a donation to FOTAS.

So leave the troubles of the world behind and come on over with your human and canine family. Grab a bite to eat from the Sugar Bear caterers or Marco’s Pizza and top it off with some Flanigans’ ice cream. Wander around the Exhibitors tables and maybe give the family dog a quick manicure at the Nails ‘N Tails table.

Buy a raffle ticket from Doc Holly (Veterinary Service of Aiken) to win an Apple Watch, or bid on the Labyrinth Quilt made by Aiken artist Jackie Hill. Want to express your creative side? Enter our “Name the Mascot” contest and win a $50 gift card to Fatz Cafe (you can enter any time beforehand at Herbal Solutions, Bone-I-Fide Bakery or the Screenprint Factory).

While you are there, let us introduce you to some of our adoptable pets on site—after all, isn’t that what it’s all about? If you happen to fall in love, guess what? Adoption prices will be slashed in half–$35 for dogs and $15 for cats.

A tightly-knit community of caring people and businesses—Auto Tech, Herbal Solutions, Veterinary Services of Aiken, VIP Petcare, Atlantic Broadband, the Aiken Standard, Downtown Dog, Aiken Saddlery & Supply, the Aiken Veterinary Clinic, Dog & Hound, Fox Nation, Hollow Creek Animal Hospital, Larlee Construction, Pan American Veterinary Corp, The Willcox, and scores of volunteers and supporters—all coming together on this happy, festive day to make life better for the thousands of homeless animals of Aiken County.

Now that makes my heart sing.

Their lives are in our hands.

Artie
Artie
Cats, Dogs, Events, FOTAS, Fundraisers, Woofstock

A happy day in Aiken: The FOTAS Woofstock Festival and Derby

Posted on by Angel Hartline
30
Oct

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

I am, by nature, an optimistic person, but recently my cheery nature has been put to the test.

The nastiness of the presidential election is depressing. The violence in the Middle East is escalating. North Carolina pig farms are polluting the environment. Cholera has broken out in Haiti. Bobby Vee, the early 60’s pop artist who crooned “Take Good Care of My Baby” has died. Brad and Angelina have called it quits.

Yikes! Is there no end to this misery?

Yes, my friends, there is. This Saturday, November 5th, the annual FOTAS Woofstock Festival & the Doxie Derby is being held at Citizen’s Park to benefit the Aiken County Animal Shelter, and that means hours of free fun for you and your family.

The popular Doxie Derby is back, and if the sight of all those little wiggly wittle wiener dogs wacing for the roses doesn’t make you laugh, well then, there’s no hope for you. No fast wiener dogs in your family? That’s okay, because there’s also a small dog, any breed contest as well.

Then there are the dog contests—Best Trick, Best Costume, Best Kisser, and my personal favorite, Best Look Alike—guaranteed to make even the crankiest scrooge smile.

Loyal fan and our favorite celebrity journalist, John Hart, from WJBF News Channel 6, will be on hand to serve as the Master of Ceremonies. Brad and Jayne Williams will be playing the hits all day long on their super sound system. Aiken Balloon Creations will be painting faces and making animal balloons all day for a donation to FOTAS.

So leave the troubles of the world behind and come on over with your human and canine family. Grab a bite to eat from the Sugar Bear caterers or Marco’s Pizza and top it off with some Flanigans’ ice cream. Wander around the Exhibitors tables and maybe give the family dog a quick manicure at the Nails ‘N Tails table.

Buy a raffle ticket from Doc Holly (Veterinary Service of Aiken) to win an Apple Watch, or bid on the Labyrinth Quilt made by Aiken artist Jackie Hill. Want to express your creative side? Enter our “Name the Mascot” contest and win a $50 gift card to Fatz Cafe (you can enter any time beforehand at Herbal Solutions, Bone-I-Fide Bakery or the Screenprint Factory).

While you are there, let us introduce you to some of our adoptable pets on site—after all, isn’t that what it’s all about? If you happen to fall in love, guess what? Adoption prices will be slashed in half–$35 for dogs and $15 for cats.

A tightly-knit community of caring people and businesses—Auto Tech, Herbal Solutions, Veterinary Services of Aiken, VIP Petcare, Atlantic Broadband, the Aiken Standard, Downtown Dog, Aiken Saddlery & Supply, the Aiken Veterinary Clinic, Dog & Hound, Fox Nation, Hollow Creek Animal Hospital, Larlee Construction, Pan American Veterinary Corp, The Willcox, and scores of volunteers and supporters—all coming together on this happy, festive day to make life better for the thousands of homeless animals of Aiken County.

Now that makes my heart sing.

Their lives are in our hands.

Cats, Dogs, Events, Fundraisers

‘Polo Under the Stars’ Raises Thousands for Shelter Animal Needs

Posted on by Angel Hartline
30
Oct

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director and Volunteer

It was a perfect night for combining fun, excitement, camaraderie and giving to a good cause. On the evening of Friday, October 9, Dennis Freeland and his wife, Janice, hosted “Polo Under the Stars” at their picturesque FireStar Arena, with all of the event’s proceeds going to FOTAS and the orphaned animals at the County shelter.

About 550 people attended Polo Under the Stars, which was as much a party as it was a sporting event. Besides the main attraction of the arena polo match, the event featured music, great food and an open bar. FOTAS set up an information tent along with the main corporate sponsors: Wagener Polo Club, Aiken Housing Center Superstore and The Aiken Horse newspaper. Former 5-goaler Billy Raab, director of Wagener Polo Club, served as the match announcer and provided his unique polo perspective.

Admission was a $20 donation per car, but folks were feeling extra generous this special evening. “We had a lot of people pay more than the $20,” Dennis said. “At the gate, a number of attendees pulled out a $50 bill and said, ‘Keep the change.”

That generosity resulted in a total of $5,000 being donated to FOTAS.

“We are so pleased and honored to be chosen as the beneficiary of this charitable event,” said FOTAS President Jennifer Miller. “FOTAS will put this money toward our spay/neuter programs as well as our exercise yard improvement project at the shelter.” The ground in the fenced dog exercise yards has eroded due to flooding and needs to be re-seeded and properly graded with new drain systems to prevent standing water.

It is fitting that this event was held in Wagener, the community where FOTAS first piloted its spay/neuter assistance programs. Since focusing on this hot spot, FOTAS has funded hundreds of spay/neuter surgeries for community cats and pets owned by citizens in need of financial assistance. County Councilwoman Kathy Rawls, a Wagener resident and early proponent for FOTAS and its programs, was in attendance at Polo Under the Stars, once again showing her strong support for the shelter.

This was the first of many night polo events the Freelands plan to host in coming months.

“Our goal is to promote and help local charities and also provide more exposure for polo in the area, since it is a sport near and dear to our hearts,” Dennis said.

FOTAS thanks everyone who came out and supported us for this event, and hopes this seamless blend of philanthropy and festivity becomes an annual occasion.

To learn more about FOTAS and its activities, including our spay/neuter programs, go to www.fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands…

Photo Caption:

A check for $5,000 is presented to FOTAS. Pictured from left: Billy Raab, Shana Ryberg Pearsons, Janice Freeland, FOTAS President Jennifer Miller, FOTAS Vice President Mary Lou Welch and Ellie Joos.

 

Events, Fundraisers

Playing Fore the Pets Golf Tourney Results in Key Funding for Shelter

Posted on by Angel Hartline
01
Oct

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director and Volunteer

One thousand yellow golf balls fell from the sky onto a green at Houndslake Country Club late Monday afternoon at the Second Annual Play Fore the Pets Golf Tournament. Wave after wave of dimpled spheres, each numbered to match a ticket issued for a $10 donation, poured out of a helicopter high above a crowd watching with anticipation. Some landed with a soft thud, while others bounced high into the air before finally resting on the manicured grass, but only one ball, #753, dropped into the hole, making Bill Haynsworth a lucky winner and one grand richer.

The helicopter ball drop, sponsored by Prime Steakhouse, Chesterfield Court, Chesterfield Design and in Memory of Latham C. Burns, was the climactic conclusion to FOTAS’s benefit golf tournament, which also included a four-person Captain’s Choice team golf match, an exploding golf ball challenge, individual skill competitions and numerous raffles for prizes.

Other winners included:

1st place team: Peter Miller, Lito Salatino, Andy Grim and Antonio Galvan

2nd place team: Chuck Easters, Jeff Hennen, Dan Sheehan and Rick Donaldson

Closest to the flag: Eric Holmes (won a two-night stay at the Houndslake Inn)

Longest drive: Chas Masters (won a Yeti Cooler donated by Milton Ruben Toyota)

Playing Fore the Pets was a great success thanks to the co-chairpersons of the event, Sandy and Ross Staiger. They—along with their committee of Sharon Johnson, Karen Loughran and Jim Johnson—started working in March to organize and manage the day-long affair. In addition, a legion of FOTAS volunteers worked together on Monday to ensure all the activities ran smoothly.