Category Archives: fostering

2020, Demodex, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, kennel stress, neglected pets, News

Fosters Needed for Shelter Dogs with Demodectic Mange

Posted on by Bob Gordon
17
Feb

They arrive at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) with patches of fur missing – and sometimes even completely bald, with red, scaly skin — but through fostering and treatment, transform into handsome, furry canine companions.

BLITZ arrived at the shelter with Demodex and, following treatment, is now available for adoption.

These are dogs with demodectic mange or “demodex”, a typically easily treatable condition that is not contagious to humans or other dogs. Demodex is caused by a mite, a normal inhabitant of every dog’s skin. In low numbers, these mites cause no symptoms and may serve an important role as part of a dog’s normal skin (similar to the way healthy bacteria is important in digestive health). However, when dogs have a compromised immune system, the mites can multiply unchecked, which leads to demodectic mange and itchy skin.

Demodex is fairly common in strays and neglected pets because through malnutrition or injury, their immune systems have often been weakened. In fact, the shelter currently has six dogs with this condition.

Now, if these dogs stayed in the stressful conditions of a shelter, their treatment could take a long time. Living in a strange kennel as dozens of unfamiliar and often scared dogs bark and different strangers walk you and feed you is not conducive to a healing environment. But when demodex dogs are able to go to a quiet environment of a foster home, where they feel safe and loved, they usually experience a speedy recovery.

Demodex dog ARCHER bloomed into a handsome dog and is now ready to be adopted at the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

“Stress inhibits their healing process,” said Jeri Wesner, who has fostered nine demodex dogs with her husband, Joe, since becoming a FOTAS foster. “But when we bring them into our home, they immediately feel more relaxed and get to experience what it’s like to have a family. Seeing these dogs gain back their confidence along with their fur is so heart fulfilling!”

Most recently, Jeri and Joe fostered a puppy named Lizzie who had a severe case of demodex and was completely hairless with cracked skin all over her body. But they, along with their adopted dogs, Ruby and Jack, welcomed Lizzie into their home and watched an amazing metamorphosis occur in just over a month. Jack, their Hound mix, took 10-month-old Lizzie under his wing and Pitbull mix Ruby treated her like her own. In only a month, Lizzie tested negative for demodex and her beautiful, dark tan coat had grown back in.

“Fostering a demodex dog is one of the most wonderful experiences you can have,” Jeri said. “It is so great to see them bloom into beautiful animals and to know that just by giving them a temporary home, you made them better and prepared them for their next step – to be adopted and go to their forever home.”

The ACAS has recently had a high influx of malnourished, neglected dogs with demodex – and we need your help. If you are interested in fostering for us, please call the Aiken County Animal Shelter, (803) 642-1537 or contact FOTAS at info@fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2020, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Can I Crash on Your Couch? Program, Doggie Day Out, Dogs, fostering, FOTAS, kennel stress, News

County Animal Shelter Dog Jay Shares His Adoption Story

Posted on by Bob Gordon
05
Feb

My name is Jay. I was recently adopted from the Aiken County Animal Shelter and have a story to tell.

I never wanted to end up at the shelter but, when it happened, I had no choice. The shelter isn’t such a bad place; it’s clean and healthy. I got food, shelter and medical care. The people were nice, too… but it still isn’t the same as being in a real home.

Jay in his shelter kennel before being adopted.

I was hoping for a short stay but became concerned when I saw other dogs getting adopted while I was still stuck in the shelter. I’m a good dog but have a big, wide head and was concerned that people who passed by my kennel weren’t giving me a second look.

I got stressed out as day after day passed and I was still stuck at the shelter. Even though volunteers came and walked us every day, I admit that I got anxious from being in my kennel and my behavior was starting to concern some people.

Just when I was feeling my lowest, this great guy named Kelly took me to his home for a weekend. It turns out he travels for his work during the week but takes a dog longing for companionship, like me, home for weekends. We took car rides, chilled out, watched TV and I got used to his comfortable couches. He told me I was becoming a couch potato, whatever that means.

Then it happened. A family came to the shelter looking to adopt a dog and they chose me! The staff called Kelly and he rushed to the shelter and met this family, the Martins, as they were filling out the adoption papers. He bragged about me to them and offered to drive me to their home and help me settle in with them to make sure everything was cool.

After Kelly left their home, the Martins called the shelter to tell them that they took me outside and I immediately did my business and then went into the house and hopped up on one of their comfortable couches. It took a few days for us to get to know each other but they are great owners (with great couches). I have everything I need.

Jay, aka Max, loves his new family and home.

They changed my name to Max and I kind of like it. I heard Mrs. Martin say that I keep them entertained and it was great to bring laughter back into their home. I am now definitely a part of their family.

I have Kelly to thank for my new, wonderful life and FOTAS is fortunate to have him as a volunteer.

I understand that after Kelly left the Martin home that first night, he went right back to the shelter. Why? To bring Gabriel home, Kelly’s next doggie overnight buddy.

Please consider volunteering like Kelly and participating in our “Can I Crash on Your Couch?” program. You can take home a shelter dog in need for a sleepover, giving him extra TLC and much-needed relaxation. The dog will be so grateful for a break from the daily stress of an institutional environment. Call (803) 514-4313 for more information.

— By Jay aka Max, Ex-shelter Dog

2019, Bully Dogs, Dogs, donations, Events, fostering, FOTAS, Fundraisers, News, surrendered pets, TNR Program, Volunteers

The Christmas Season of Kindness and Hope

Posted on by Bob Gordon
30
Dec

The good doctor was on his way to work in Augusta when he spotted two large bully dogs on the Aiken-Augusta Highway. Concerned about their safety on the busy, four-lane road, he pulled over and coaxed the dogs—who were healthy, well-behaved, and in good shape—into his car. Figuring they had to be someone’s pets, the doctor turned around and headed for the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

A young volunteer reads to a shelter dog to help socialize him and keep him company.

Bobby Arthurs, the shelter manager, was on site when the doctor arrived with the dogs. He agreed with his assessment that the dogs were well-cared for, so he scanned them for a microchip. Turns out, they were microchipped, and in short order, Bobby had identified the owner and a contact number. The owner, who was at work, was both alarmed his beloved dogs had escaped their yard and relieved they were safe.

Wait—the story gets better. The good doctor offered to drive the dogs to their owner even though he was late to work. First, he called the hospital; then he loaded the dogs into his car (again) and drove back to Aiken to reunite the dogs with the owner.

We often fill these pages with stories of hard luck and sadness—distressed, baffled dogs surrendered to the shelter by their owners or dumped on some county road—and we are often pleading for help to relieve overcrowding at the shelter or to save a particularly special dog. But today I want to celebrate the many acts of kindness and sacrifice, both large and small, that make it possible for FOTAS and the shelter to save thousands of dogs every year.

Dasher was fostered by the Simons family during the Christmas holiday, and shortly after he was adopted to a good home.

Whether it’s a volunteer making calls for one little lost dog, or Bobby Arthurs organizing a pre-dawn pickup to feature adoptable animals on the local news at 6 a.m., or the shelter adoption coordinator giving up a day off during the busy holiday season, or FOTAS volunteers taking dogs to a special event on a hot summer day, or someone who fosters a hard–to-place dog who has been on the adoption floor for a long time, or school children who pool their allowances to buy much-needed supplies for the shelter, or kind citizens who bring in community cats for TNR or adopt senior dogs or foster medical-needs dogs or the folks who bring in wishlist donations on their own time. . . the amount of effort expended to save these animals breathtaking.

FOTAS volunteers bring shelter dogs to USC Aiken Pet-a-Pup event.

What is Christmas but the season of good will and hope?

Here’s to hoping for the day that all pets are fixed, no dogs are tethered to logging chains, no animals are dumped by the side of the road, no boxes of abandoned puppies and kitties are dropped off at the shelter, and every pet is a cared-for, cherished family member.

Thank you and God bless you and your family this Christmas season.

By the way, if the Christmas spirit moves you to adopt your next pet, now’s the time!

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice-President

BY THE NUMBERS

The Aiken County Animal Shelter has greatly reduced and waived adoption fees through Jan. 1. The shelter is full, so now is the perfect time to adopt a dog or cat.

PETS OF THE WEEK

TANNER: Retriever mix, male, 1-1/2 years old, 73 pounds – $35

BIRDIE: Domestic Shorthair cat, female, 2 years old, 14 pounds – $10

2019, Bully Dogs, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, News, Shelter staff, Uncategorized, Volunteers

Sick Puppy Saved Through FOTAS/ACAS Teamwork

Posted on by Bob Gordon
03
Sep

Brindle and white mixed breed Tiffany arrived at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) with three puppies that were barely one week old. We had no foster volunteers available, so the pups had to stay at the shelter and endure the loud barking of a nearly full intake area.

Tiffany was a great mother and very protective of her pups. We learned by walking her that she is a sweet, loving girl but just a little shy around people she doesn’t know. Her three pups were weaned and put into foster. They were fat and ready. However, one pup suddenly stopped eating. Still wagging his tail and begging to be petted, the little one just would not eat, even he was hand fed.

TIFFANY, the puppy’s mama, is still waiting for someone to adopt her from the ACAS.

When the puppy started to weaken, the foster brought him back to the shelter for medical attention. He was slowly deteriorating but tests didn’t reveal any underlying reason for his refusal to eat. He yearned for human interaction but looked hollow, which is very unusual. Dr. Levy and her team gave him fluids and kept him warm with a heat lamp. But he still would not eat.

The medical staff kept him under intense observation for days and days. I personally was not optimistic about his chances. But then he somehow managed to eat a small amount of baby food and drink a bit of puppy formula. Even though the odds for survival were still not in his favor, I asked to take the puppy home and foster him.

The puppy was still so fragile but when I gave him some chicken and broth, he lapped at it. It was so rewarding to see him eat! The little guy cries whenever I put him down. He’s still eating and now even runs and plays. He chases my dogs, bites my fingers, barks for attention. Things are finally looking up for this cutie, but he has a long way to go.

TIFFANY’S puppy would not eat but his strong drive to live, extra human attention and good medical care saved him.

His mom, Tiffany, is still with us at the shelter and available for adoption. The poor girl has spent nearly two months at the shelter and still has no forever home. But thanks to her foster dad Kelly, at least she gets to go to a quiet house each night and sleep in bed with a person who cares.

FOTAS and the Aiken County Animal Shelter work well together. The staff strives hard to give the best medical care and comfort to those that come to them, with FOTAS purchasing any supplemental medicines and equipment needed. Volunteers and foster families make such a difference with the needed follow-up care and attention.

Tiffany and her pups were saved, but the ACAS shelter has so many other animals waiting for homes. When you receive more than 500 homeless pets a month, it can become overwhelming and we need volunteers to help.

Please join us and be part of our life-saving team. There is nothing more rewarding!

Their lives are in our hands.

–– By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director

BY THE NUMBERS
The Aiken County Animal Shelter took in 509 strays and surrendered pets from Aug. 1 to 29. This marks an unprecedented fourth month in a row the shelter has taken in 500 plus unwanted animals in 2019. Please adopt!

PETS OF THE WEEK


JESSICA
Shepherd mix, female, 11 years old, 50 pounds – $35

WYNTER
Domestic Shorthair, female, 3 months old, white and black, 2 pounds – $10

2019, Demodex, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, injured animals, kittens, neglected pets, News, Volunteers

Fostering Medical Needs Pets Brings New Challenges, Many Rewards

Posted on by Bob Gordon
19
Aug

This has been a long summer at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS). Kittens thrown from car windows, dogs starved, puppies abandoned in the woods…we’ve seen all these scenarios come through the door again and again.

FELICITY is no long in the shelter but is instead recovering from her condition in a FOTAS volunteer’s comfy, quiet home.

Shelter staff and FOTAS volunteers work so hard to help the many pets that are surrendered or found as strays. But look at the numbers: 500 plus animals per month, forty dogs and cats in one day. Where are we expected to put them? So many of these homeless pets need time to heal properly from neglect and abuse. To save them, we need community involvement. We need foster homes.

Luckily, we have a terrific group of foster volunteers. We just need to add to our team.

Today Gary Ly is picking up Felicity. Gary is one of those special foster dads who gives our medical needs dogs a safe and happy home for a month, or even two. We never even have to ask; he will call and tell us he has time for another long-term foster. How awesome is that!

Thanks to FOTAS Foster Gary Ly, Demodex puppy FELICITY is getting the quiet environment and socializing time she needs to regain her fur.

Felicity is a one-year-old, reddish, medium-sized cutie who longs for attention. She came in mostly bald due to Demodectic Mange or “Demodex”. Demodex is very common to any shelter and we never have enough foster homes to manage all the cases. It’s not contagious, but it can worsen from stress like that caused by being in a loud, strange environment. Felicity just needs a quiet place away from the shelter to heal. When 50 other dogs are barking, it is not an ideal place to recover.

She will go home with Gary and we will provide all her food and medicine while he provides her with love and time. Felicity will come back furry, happy and home ready!

We also had a litter of seven puppies, only a few pounds each. When young puppies are scared and without vaccinations, they are susceptible to getting sick. This litter came in and received their first vaccinations but needed a foster home for two weeks, until they could get another vaccination and be ready for adoption.

Thankfully, Anne Laver was available. Anne is one of those loving people who always has a horse stall free for a litter of pups. After she took them in, they came back so happy and socialized!

When we can’t find fosters, often members of the staff step up and take care of the animals. Gibson, a sweet Tabby kitten, was brought to the shelter with a severe hip injury. His hip is expected to heal but only if he can enjoy some extra TLC in a quiet environment. ACAS Adoption Coordinator Hillary Clark-Kulis, as she has done for so many infant felines, brought Gibson home to nurse him back to health. She has been fostering him for about a week and the hope is that he’ll fully recover from his injuries by the end of the month.

Medical needs kitten GIBSON with his foster mom, ACAS Adoption Coordinator Hillary Clark-Kulis.

Because there is always demand for special needs fosters, we are asking for your help with this specific type of situation. But we also have a need for short-term fosters for healthy animals ready for adoption. If you could just try fostering one time, we think you would see how amazingly rewarding it is!

To give fostering a try, please call FOTAS at (803) 514-4313, email us at info@fotasaiken.org or stop by the ACAS located at 333 Wire Road.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director

2019, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, fostering, FOTAS, kennel stress, News, Pibbles, Training

Amazing Dogs Struggle to Find Homes Due to Kennel Stress

Posted on by Bob Gordon
22
Jul

Last week I walked over to see the new dogs on the shelter’s intake wing. When I see the dog in kennel 8, my heart breaks. He is so scared. He is a larger dog, white with a gorgeous brown spot on his eye. He can’t make eye contact with me; he just turns and tries to hide.

RAMSAY is having a tough time adjusting to life in the County Animal Shelter.

The fans are blowing – cooling the kennels – and he is clearly unsure of the noise. He has a ring around his neck where the long chain was taken off of him. He was dragging it along the ground when found lost and confused by a shelter volunteer. I step into the kennel and he jumps back. When I sit down, he tries to bury his head between my back and the wall. Each sound frightens him. He looks around nervously trying to figure out what is happening. I decide he needs some time, so I lie down with him in the kennel and he finally closes his eyes. I am now invested and must find a way to help this poor boy.

Imagine you live all your life outside on a chain and now you are confined. It has to be a struggle. Over the next couple of days, he gains confidence with each leash walk but frantically digs at the concrete floor when put back into his kennel. A large, donated Nylabone helps him calm down. The right toys can be hugely comforting.

Now on adoption and named Ramsay, he is being overlooked because he is so uncomfortable in the kennel space. If adopters could only take him out and see how incredibly sweet he is! He’ll melt against your leg just wanting to be loved.

LUKE is such a sweet dog away from the shelter.

Fosters Yvonne and Colin Brookes have been working with a dog similar to Ramsay, a beautiful boy named Luke. Luke struggled in the kennels, so the couple started taking him to the park. They noticed that he relaxed as soon as he left the shelter but needed some training as no one had ever had him on a leash or taught him any obedience.

He has been in foster with them for weeks and now knows so much! Great with other dogs, he is crate trained and loves to go to Dunkin’ Donuts and sit on the bench. Colin rides his bicycle and Luke trots right next to him; it’s his favorite exercise.

When Luke comes back to the shelter for adoption opportunities, he reverts back to his old behaviors. He starts jumping, barking and chewing at the leash as soon as he gets out of the car. It is so painful for Yvonne and Colin to see the dog they know is so great away from the shelter turn into a completely different creature when he hears the barking of the other homeless dogs. He is almost frantic.

LUKE enjoys going to the park with FOTAS foster volunteer Colin Brookes.

There are so many amazing dogs that struggle to find homes due to kennel stress. If we could only encourage adopters to look at the dog outside of the kennel and not judge them by their behavior while in confinement. Trust me, we would not be ourselves if we were in that position.

Please spread the word about these amazing dogs and take a chance on the underdog. You will find that no pet ever loved you as much as they do.

Their lives are in our hands.

— by Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director

2019, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, News, Pibbles, surrendered pets, Training, Volunteer, Volunteers

Fostering Prepares Pets for Adoption and Saves Lives

Posted on by Bob Gordon
25
Jun

The need for foster homes is greater than ever. The Aiken County Animal Shelter is full of puppies, dogs, cats and kittens who are confused and afraid. So far in June, we have taken in more than 400 animals in just three weeks. There are only so many places to put these animals.

Yvonne Brookes works with her foster dog, WALTER, who since has been adopted.

Fostering saves lives and is rewarding beyond words! It gives strays and surrendered pets time to decompress, heal and thrive and when people temporarily take them into their homes, it makes room for more animals at the shelter. We choose foster pets that are easy to rehome and often need only a week in your care. Puppies and kittens need a bit longer — two to four weeks.

Young Boxer mix FANCY enjoys her stay with the Brookes family while waiting to be adopted
Senior Beagle ERNIE arrived at the shelter with a serious wound but healed in a foster home and then was adopted to a great family.

Fancy, a young female Boxer mix now available for adoption, has enjoyed spending time at the home of FOTAS fosters Colin and Yvonne Brookes.

“Fancy is the most amazing little house dog,” Yvonne noted. “Calm and polite, she is a joy to have around. Loves to play with her toys and fetch balls. She is housebroken and adores travelling in the car with you. She is good with adults, children and most dogs. She will sit on command and is very trainable – always eager to please. Come give this girl some sugar and a forever home … she will love you forever in return.”

Ernie, a senior Beagle, came to us with a large wound and needed time in foster care. After being in a foster home for a week, he was adopted and his new mom reported back, “He is the best — absolutely perfect! I have been looking for a dog for three years and I am so glad I waited.”

Volunteers often write notes to the people who adopt their foster animals. Here are some examples:

“These young dogs are so fabulous. They love to play together and keep each other company. They were skittish and fearful at first, but we walk twice a day in the woods and at every turn they run back to me. We have really enjoyed watching them blossom!” – Foster Betty Ryberg

“This Southern Doll Baby is stout, sturdy, wiggles when she walks and just adorable. She plays well with her foster brother. She is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Does not bark. Enjoy her as we have.” – Fosters Gary and Toni Urben

FOTAS Volunteer Gary Urben has been fostering ACAS dogs for a long time.

“Blake is a super happy and beautiful dog. He wags his tail vigorously at the sight of his people. He is crate-trained, walks off leash with other dogs easily, comes when called, sits on command, and is eager to learn. Blake enjoys playing with other dogs, shares food and toys well. We really loved having him in our life for the week.” – Foster Shana Pearsons

Foster parents help get these pets ready for forever homes and the adopting families are so grateful. They love their rescue dogs and love to know that someone else loved them, too.

If you are interested in fostering, please contact FOTAS at info@fotasaiken.org or (803) 514-4313. You can also come to the County Animal Shelter at 333 Wire Road and fill out a short application.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director

PETS OF THE WEEK

NIGELLA
German Shepherd, female, 4 years old, 65 pounds – $35

OLIVIA
Domestic Medium-hair kitten, 2 months old, 1.5 pounds – $10

2019, animal abuse, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, injured animals, neglected pets, News, Spay/Neuter

Good Samaritans rescue discarded, distressed puppies

Posted on by Bob Gordon
10
Jun

On Friday, May 31, Lisa Brucchi walked out of her Windsor home into the blistering heat to check her mailbox. She was expecting an important letter from her mom and was eager to see if it had arrived. But as she walked up to her mailbox, she noticed a box on the ground. At first, she thought someone had just left some garbage there but as she got closer, she saw someone had done something much worse. Inside the box were nine puppies covered in their own feces and urine, panting heavily and crying for help.

“When I saw them, I just burst out crying and didn’t know what to do,” Brucchi said. “How could someone leave them out there like that?”

Nine overheated puppies were rescued by a nice couple and are recovering and being fostered back to health by a FOTAS volunteer.

She got them into the cool air conditioning of her home and called her fiancé, Glen Morrow. They brought the distressed pups to the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS), where they were put into some cool water to bring their temperature down. At first, the 3-week-old pups couldn’t open their eyes and their tongues were hanging out, but they slowly came around.

After the veterinary staff fully examined and treated them, a FOTAS foster took them into her home for extra care and monitoring. Being so young, the puppies aren’t quite out of the woods. But their prognosis is good – and Brucchi and Morrow’s quick actions are the reason they have a chance of surviving and living happy lives.

The same afternoon these nine pups were fighting for life in the hot sun, another good Samaritan, Tristan Stone, was driving to a business meeting when he saw two puppies walking along the side of the road. The pups looked confused and were nearly furless from mange. Stone took them to the ACAS and was informed that someone had reported eight puppies in the same area. He volunteered to go back and spotted three more – these were in better shape and from the same litter.

Stone’s girlfriend, Hannah Williams, met him at the Shelter and she volunteered to foster the five pups until they recover and gain strength. They are about 3 months old and look like Beagle/Retriever mixes. Thanks to this caring couple, these babies are getting healthy and will be adopted in no time.

One of the nine pups abandoned in a box on a scorching day recovers after a cool bath.

The shelter received these 14 puppies in just a one-hour period. On the same day, it received 27 other strays and surrendered animals. This was during a short Memorial Day week in which the shelter took in 126 homeless pets.

Please spay/neuter your pets. If you live in Aiken County and need financial assistance, you can get vouchers at the ACAS, located at 333 Wire Road. If you can help us foster, please call the FOTAS hotline, (803) 514-4313. Also note our new adoption hours: 11:00 to 5:00 Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 11:00 to 7:00 on Tuesday and Thursday; and 11:00 to 4:30 on Saturday.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

BY THE NUMBERS
In the first week of June, the ACAS received more than 150 strays and surrendered pets. This follows receiving 519 homeless pets during the month of May.

PETS OF THE WEEK

LUKE
Mixed breed, male, 3 years old, brindle, 57 pounds – $35

BROOKE
Domestic Shorthair female, 2 years old, orange Tabby, 6 pounds – $10

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

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

Posted on by Bob Gordon
04
Jun

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

PETS OF THE WEEK

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

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

2019, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Cats, Dogs, fostering, FOTAS, Home-to-Home adoption program, News, surrendered pets

Home-to-Home Program Reduces Stress for Pets and Owners

Posted on by Bob Gordon
21
May

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

Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS) is constantly looking at best practices for the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Recently we discovered the Home-to-Home program and thought it would be a perfect way to reduce the number of animals being taken in by the shelter each year. By the way, that number was 5,000 in 2018. Mind-boggling, isn’t it, that 5,000 unwanted animals made their way to the Aiken County Animal Shelter last year?

The Home-to-Home program allows owners, who can no longer keep their pet, a way to rehome them to another family by creating a profile on a specially created website and uses FOTAS’ Facebook page to promote the animals. By using this tool, it reduces owner surrendered numbers, and stress for both the animal and the owner.

When animals come from a home to the shelter, they are often so confused and shaken, they shut down. Volunteers will find them shaking in their cages, confused by the noise and the unfamiliar surroundings. These highly adoptable animals cower in their cages, not interacting with prospective adopters and become unadoptable.

One of the many Home-to-Home postings on the FOTAS Facebook page.

Since we started the program the beginning of February, we have had 89 listings. Fifty pets have been adopted, seven were eventually surrendered to the shelter, and the rest are still looking for homes. That is 50 pets that didn’t come to the shelter in the last three months, freeing up space for strays and injured or abused animals. And we’re just getting started.

As we get word out, we hope to have more rehoming success stories, with a pet going from one loving home to another.

Carrolanne reached out to us recently. She had just lost her husband of 35 years suddenly. Richard stayed at home with their two beloved fur babies, while Carrolanne took care of her elderly mother, who had suffered a stroke. With Richard’s sudden passing, Carrolanne was faced with leaving her mother’s side to run home to take care of the dogs, and get back to her mother before the home health worker left. She could not bring the dogs to her mother, who would need wound care if a dog accidentally jumped on her. She was faced with the heartbreaking decision to rehome her beloved Penny and Ginger Snap.

The Ergles were thrilled to welcome Ginger Snap and Penny into their family through the new Home-to-Home adoption program FOTAS started incorporating this year.

Carrolanne contacted the shelter and we got her girls listed on Home-to-Home. The next day, I received a call from Carrolanne, who, choking back tears, said a nice family had come to see Penny and taken elderly Ginger Snap, too, when they saw how bonded the pair were. She said, “I truly don’t know what I would have done without your help and this program.”

Ginger Snap and Penny are now getting the love and attention of the Ergle family, and while Carrolanne is missing them terribly, she has our assurance that when the time is right, we’ll help her find a new pet to love. Visit fotas.home-home.org for more information, and to see available pets.

Their lives are in our hands.