Category Archives: FOTAS

2021, Dogs, FOTAS, Military Veterans, News, Service Dogs, Veterans

Working Together to Save Veterans and Homeless Dogs

Posted on by Bob Gordon
04
Aug

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

These military veterans are still in danger and need our help. So, FOTAS works closely with Veterans K9 Solutions to provide these men and women with service dogs that reduce their anxiety and improve their quality of life.
PTSD is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, night terrors and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. If the condition isn’t treated, it can lead to suicide.

Blue when he took service dog instruction.

“It’s so important for these veterans to get service dogs because the PTSD causes them to stay home and shut themselves off from people,” explained Jerry Lyda, who co-founded Veterans K9 Solutions with his son, Jay. “These dogs give them a ‘battle buddy’. When they’re depressed, the dog can relieve them of that pain and reduce their anxiety.”

Saving two lives at a time
In 2013, the United States Department of Veteran Affairs released a study which showed that roughly 22 veterans were dying by suicide per day, or one every 65 minutes. With the added anxiety created by COVID-19, that number will likely rise in 2020 and 2021.

But adopting and training a homeless dog to be a service animal can help this crisis and be the ultimate win-win.

“The dogs get a second chance for a good life and the veterans get a dog on which they can rely and trust. They can tell the dog all their problems and issues, and that loyal pet won’t judge them or let them down.” By focusing on the dog, the veteran also doesn’t think too much about their own situation. This helps improve their quality of life to a level we take for granted.

There have been many service dog success stories as a result of the FOTAS – Veterans K9 Solutions collaboration, but Jerry points to County Animal Shelter dog, Blue, as one of his most memorable canine students. Blue helped veteran Rev. Bill Klein get through some tough times and was his constant companion for years, until the veteran’s heart gave out on him. Even then, Blue stayed at Klein’s side in the hospital until he passed. Now Blue serves and comforts Klein’s widow.

FOTAS sponsors military/veteran adoptions
If you are a U.S. veteran or active in the U.S. military and need a service dog, please send a brief email to info@fotasaiken.org. There is no cost for the adoption or training. And remember, FOTAS proudly sponsors the adoption fees for all active U.S. military and veterans year-round.

County Shelter dog Blue with Bill Klein & his wife.

Their lives are in our hands.

— Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2021, Dogs, FOTAS, News, Volunteers

Couples Volunteer Together to Help Shelter Dogs

Posted on by Bob Gordon
07
Jul

Couples find volunteering at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) to be a powerful bonding activity and a deeply satisfying experience. They come in pairs to walk, socialize and pamper dogs, many of whom have never experienced such love and attention.

John & Judi Sauer spend time with pretty Pibble, Sally.

“We were looking for something to do together after retiring,” said Bonnie Martin, who joined FOTAS with her husband, Jeff nearly five years ago. “We enjoy interacting with the different dogs. And we like sharing our experiences with the different dogs with each other and the other volunteers and staff.” Jeff and Bonnie have two dogs of their own, Keegan and Miele. Both were adopted from the ACAS.

John and Judi Sauer are also familiar faces at the shelter. The couple, who joined FOTAS three years ago, loves walking and spending time with the dogs – and the camaraderie that comes with it.

“FOTAS is like a family, and the volunteers care deeply about having a part in the success of helping a frightened and sometimes ‘unruly’ dog transform into a happy, adoptable dog,” Judi said. “There is no greater satisfaction than being a small part of this process.”

John added, “The volunteers are all enthusiastic participants, and the very caring shelter staff provides the animals with everything they need to become pets in forever homes.”

John and Judi have four rescue pets at home. Three were adopted in Indiana, where they moved from in 2018, and one dog – Caroline – who they adopted from the ACAS.

Ahmed Samaha makes a new friend.

Becoming a shelter volunteer is easy and training is straightforward and quick. Just ask new volunteers Ahmed and Kathy Samaha, who joined FOTAS in February.

“You can volunteer at lots of different times and for any length of time,” Kathy said. “The dogs and staff are so appreciative of any efforts. You can pick which dogs to walk, or you don’t even have to walk them; sometimes they just need a human to sit and pet them. That’s the best!” Kathy and Ahmed have two rescue dogs at home, Blue and Willa. Blue was adopted from the county shelter.

Jeff & Bonnie Martin get ready to walk Bronson.

If you would like to join FOTAS and volunteer to help the shelter pets, please call, 803.642.1537 (option #3) or email info@fotasaiken.org. You can download a volunteer application at FOTASAiken.org. Or just stop by the shelter, 333 Wire Road, and we’ll help you get started.

“Just do it,” Jeff said. “It’s easy to find a time that fits your schedule since volunteers are needed seven days a week. Believe me, the dogs, and other volunteers will welcome you warmly.”

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2021, abandoned animals, Dogs, FOTAS, neglected pets, News

Hounds of Love at the County Animal Shelter

Posted on by Bob Gordon
02
Jul

Skin and bones. Found starving and scared with pressure sores on their bodies from lying on concrete for long hours at a time. Clearly neglected and possibly abused, the pair of dogs playing in the intake exercise yard would be forgiven if they were bitter and angry. But they show nothing but love. Despite their difficult journey and the pain that came with it, the alarmingly thin red hound and her tri-colored canine pal are sweet and affectionate to every person they encounter.

Hound mix Aiden was adopted, but more hounds need forever homes.

“The hounds cling to us for hugs and attention,” said FOTAS Programs Coordinator Kathy Jacobs. “We provided them with donated toys and big, comfortable dog beds for their bony bodies.”

These two female hounds recently arrived the shelter and are in stray hold for five days. The red dog has lacerations on her snout that had to be stitched up and both dogs’ ribs prominently show through their skin and fur.

“We don’t know their story,” Jacobs explained. “We can only speculate. Maybe they were potential hunting dogs and were abandoned or ran away. We just know they are safe now, getting well, and are so happy to be here.”

So happy, in fact, the red hound could not stop wagging her tail and within hours of getting to the shelter, made her kennel a bloody mess. She thumped her tail against the concrete walls of her kennel so many times, the blunt force trauma split the tip of it wide open. Her tail is wrapped now, and she’s fine. This “happy tail syndrome” in shelters is common with many breeds, including hounds. It is reflective of their personality: bright, energetic and super friendly.
These young females in intake are just two of the many hounds the shelter receives on a pretty consistent basis. Currently on the adoption floor is Aiden, a senior hound so affectionate, he puts his paw out to greet people and sometimes wraps his right front leg around your knee as you pet him. He has been waiting many weeks to find a good home.

These two female hounds were saved by county animal code enforcement officers and brought to the shelter. Since the hounds are strays, the staff does not know their history. But they were so skinny, it is likely they were strays for a long time or neglected by their owners.

So, please help our hounds at the shelter. Consider adopting one for your family. Hounds are known to be gentle, loyal and enjoy being around people. They rarely need grooming, come in all sizes, are smart and are usually great with kids.
To make an appointment to adopt Aiden, another hound or any other homeless pet at the county animal shelter, please call, 803.642.1537 (option #3) or email info@fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2021, FOTAS, News, shelter construction, Where your donations go, Where your donations go

County Shelter P.A.W.S. Center Is About to Become a Reality

Posted on by Bob Gordon
16
Jun

You have been looking for the perfect canine friend, and you think you finally found her on the FOTAS website—a lovely, white Pibble with a brown patch on her eye named Jewel. You saw her picture and thought, “Yes! She’s the one!” You call the Aiken County Animal Shelter and make an appointment. As you drive your car towards your dog destiny, you imagine all the things you and Jewel are going to do together when she comes home with you.

The new building will be next to the shelter’s feline facility.

When you arrive at the shelter, the adoption staff brings Jewel outside to meet you in the play yard. She’s excited to be out of the kennel. She races around the yard, sniffs the fence posts, barks at the other dogs, shows a keen interest in the cars in the parking lot. In fact, Jewel shows a keen interest in just about everything and everybody but you. Although you know in your head why she’s distracted—it’s a busy county shelter with lots of noise and people—your heart is broken. You leave the shelter disappointed and without Jewel.

But what if there had been a quiet place indoors, away from distractions, where you could meet Jewel—just you and her, maybe one of the adoption staff to oversee the introduction? Odds are, based on our experience, Jewel would have crawled into your lap and given you one of those big, goofy Pibble smiles. In that case, you would have left the shelter with a full heart and Jewel in the back seat.

The addition of meet and greet rooms where potential adopters can get to know a new dog, away from the frenzied environment of the kennels and the distractions of the outside play yards, is on top of the Shelter’s wish list. In addition, the Shelter also needs an indoor room with no distractions for training and socialization of shelter residents. Most shelter dogs have never been taught basic obedience skills, which are important for a new dog to become a good family member. An indoor training room could also provide a space for indoor dog play groups, for introducing the new dog with a potential adopter’s existing dog, as well as for holding educational events for children, Junior FOTAS after school clubs and camps, community organizations, as well as training for staff and volunteers.

Although the original plans for the shelter included meet and greet, adoption, and training rooms, there simply wasn’t enough funding at the time. Finally, thanks to the generosity of the Aiken community, FOTAS fundraisers, and two recent, substantial legacy estate donations, we are pleased to announce that FOTAS and the Shelter are developing plans for the P.A.W.S. Center (Primary Learning, Adoption, Wellness, Socialization). The addition would also include a new, stress-free cat room and patio for our feline residents.

The P.A.W.S. Center will be a wonderful addition to the county shelter.

In short, the P.A.W.S. Center will help us make our animals more adoptable and reduce their length of stay. That’s a win-win for everyone.

Thank you for your support and for making us part of your estate plans. Your generosity makes it possible for the Shelter to take the Center off its wish list and make it a reality. We’ll keep you posted as the plans unfold.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Jennifer Miller & Joanna Samson, FOTAS

2021, Adoption, Bully Dogs, County Animal Control, Dogs, FOTAS, injured animals, News, surgeries

Shelter Dog Spirit Overcomes Adversity, Hopes for a Forever Home

Posted on by Bob Gordon
05
May

The 27-pound mixed breed female that hobbled out of the roadside woods to greet Patrick Miller, Animal Control Officer, was bringing a lesson to share.

Patrick suspected a hit and run with the number of cuts in her body and the skew of her bloodied jaw. Her ribs were defined under white and brown fur with the last good meal long forgotten. The left eye also seemed cloudy. It would take a vet to confirm and repair her broken hip, but Patrick knew she was in pain even without an aggressive reaction to his touch. She was one more of the many good dogs that tugged him back to work, day after day, patrolling Aiken County for the lost, abused, and injured. Each case saddened him but rewarded him as well with the chance to help and be part of a success story. And that’s what this is.

Spirit went through surgery to recover from her hit & run injuries.

Dr. Mike Wells, a veterinarian helping the Aiken County Animal Shelter and Dr. Lisa Levy, DVM for the shelter, surgically reset the broken hip and sutured the cuts. The empty sockets of teeth that had been knocked out would heal with the support of antibiotics. Dr. Levy says, “She is one of the most physically challenged dogs we have seen but her spirit has never wavered. The jaw muscles have atrophied and she can only open her mouth enough to eat canned food.”

Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator, adds, “She is all love and never stopped fighting. We call her Spirit. Dogs like Spirit are the reason FOTAS is so committed to the shelter.”

When Kathy introduced me to Spirit, I knelt on one knee with my camera bag at my side. Spirit without hesitation sat on the bag of this stranger, and leaned into my leg, turning her head to look up at me, nuzzling into my hand. On the exhale of a deep breath, I murmured, “Good dog. What a sweetheart. An inspiration.”

Perhaps that is the lesson Spirit came to the shelter to share… to live for today with joy unburdened by pains and sorrows of yesterdays.

Dr. Levy estimates Spirit is 2 years old. Kathy says Spirit walks well on a leash, appears to be housetrained, but like most trauma dogs, needs personal care and time to adjust.

“Her tongue slips out occasionally through the missing teeth, but no harm, she’ll pull it back or give you kiss,” Kathy said. “Spirit will be as loyal as a pet can be to the lucky people who adopt her.”

If you want to take a short walk with Spirit or quiet get-acquainted time to consider her lesson, call now to schedule a visit: 803-979-2634. If you’re not ready to adopt, visit the County Shelter anyway to feel good, donate, and volunteer.

Their lives are in our hands.

Editor’s Note: Spirit was adopted by a wonderful Aiken family shortly after this column was published by the Aiken Standard.

— by Vince Verrecchio, FOTAS Volunteer

2021, adopter feedback, Adoption, Cats, Dogs, FOTAS, kittens, News

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

Posted on by Bob Gordon
02
May

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

Cody is the first County shelter dog who joined the Vaughn family.

“While this probably sounds like a small zoo to most people, this is actually the smallest number of pets we have had in a long time,” Robin said. “The horses are all older, so they are pretty much just living the life, grazing and waiting for us to bring them breakfast and dinner. During the day, Bella and Cody share the front yard with two of the horses and Clyde, the rooster. Clyde free-ranges and Cody and Bella serve as his protection detail. Where they go, he goes.

“The kittens are indoors only,’ she added. “They have the run of the house and play all day. When they aren’t chasing one another, they are dragging toys from one room to another. For most of the day, it looks like a Toys ‘R’ Us exploded in our home and at the end of the day, we pick it all up just so they can have fun dragging it all back out again tomorrow. They get their exercise and so do we!”

Black and white shepherd mix Cody is the first ACAS pet the Vaughns adopted. They brought him home in early 2018 and he fit in well with their family. Two years later, they adopted kittens Charlee and Ripley; and three months ago, they made another trip to 333 Wire Road to take home Bella, a white and gray border collie mix.

All the animals get along well – but this harmony among dogs and cats from different backgrounds did not happen right away. As each animal was introduced to the group dynamic, the Vaughns used positive reinforcement, leash work and socialization techniques to help them adjust to their new surroundings.

“The best advice I can give is to be patient,” Robin said. “It takes time for these animals to acclimate to their new home and new family, so it is important to help them adjust. The ACAS adoption staff is there to help along with the shelter trainers. Use these resources, if needed, to ensure the best outcome for you and your new pet.”

Robin Vaughn with the furry family pets (l to r): Charlee, Ripley, Andy, Cody & Bella. The Vaughns just adopted their fifth ACAS pet, a black kitten named Pepper.

The Vaughns feel strongly about rescuing homeless pets and saving animal lives. They have always adopted their pets from local rescues and shelters—and will continue to do so in the future.

“I would encourage anyone who is looking to add a pet to their family to consider adoption from a shelter,” Robin said. “I think if they take the time to visit the ACAS facility, talk to the staff, and meet some of these amazing animals, they will find the pet they are looking for.”

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2021, abandoned animals, Dogs, FOTAS, News, senior pets, surrendered pets

Sweet Savannah Wants To Be Your One and Only Pet

Posted on by Bob Gordon
28
Apr

Have you ever known someone who is funny, clever and exceptional around their friends but turns into a stammering, nervous individual when meeting new people? They become a shell of their true personality and shut down in front of strangers?

Savannah

Well, that can be true of dogs, too.

Savannah, a stunning, smart dog at the Aiken County Animal Shelter, is fun, playful and affectionate with people she knows. But when she first meets people, she becomes fearful and unsure of herself. She gets nervous, paces back and forth and sometimes hides behind the staff member introducing her to potential adopters.
It’s so frustrating. Savannah has all the goods but doesn’t do well in her interviews. We think this is the main reason she’s been waiting for a home longer than any other dog on the adoption floor.

Poor Savannah arrived at the shelter because her owners surrendered her when they moved. She was shell-shocked to find herself in a kennel among so many other dogs. She is also 10 years old and doesn’t like to share her home with other pets.

But if you want just one great pet in your life to be your loyal companion, Savannah is the perfect dog for you. She walks wonderfully on a leash. She’s athletic, goofy — and cuddly once she knows she can trust you. When she feels safe with you, Savannah gives you all of her love.

But don’t take my word for it. Here are some testimonials from FOTAS volunteers:

“Savannah is a beauty inside and out,” says Jody Clark. “She is very loving and will richly reward her forever family with endless devotion and affection. We volunteers will so happy when Savannah is chosen by her lucky someone!”
“I walk Savannah every morning,” says Jackie Edel. “As soon as she sees me, her tail starts wagging. Right after she relieves herself, she is delighted to play and be petted.”

“Savannah is a gem,” exclaims Jennifer Jotblad. “Do not let her age fool you. She is a fun and energetic lady. She loves to be brushed, will flop over anytime for a good belly scratch, and chases tennis balls with gusto. She is super sweet and once she knows you, her true, fun-loving personality shines.”

Savannah gives Nicole Simons a kiss.

So, if you don’t have any pets but are looking for one dog to be your best buddy, come see Savannah. Take her on a Doggie Day Out or even have her sleep over. Once you spend some time with this special girl, it won’t be long before you see her true personality and fall in love with her.

To meet Savannah, please call the Aiken County Animal Shelter, 803.642.1537 (option # 5) or email info@fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2021, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, kitten season, kittens, News, Uncategorized

ACAS Is Your Chief Resource for Upcoming Kitten Season

Posted on by Bob Gordon
09
Apr

A flood of kittens is about to hit the area. It happens every year, starting in April, peaking in July and August, and sometimes continuing into November. Feline babies of every color, fur length and breed type will soon be popping up throughout the country – including Aiken County.

A kitten is bottle-fed by a foster volunteer.

Here is what you can do to help.

Remember that mama knows best
Before you pick up any kittens, determine if the kittens’ mother is around. Kittens do best when they are with their mother, who instinctively knows how to nurture and protect her young, ensuring they grow up strong and healthy. The mother’s milk is crucial to providing the kittens powerful nutrients for their immune systems. If the kittens are underage (less than 2 pounds or younger than eight weeks old) and mom is still around and taking care of them, leave the kittens where they are until they are weaned. To help the mama cat, you can provide shelter and put out food nearby.

If the kittens’ mom is not around, wait at least two hours to see if she comes back. If she doesn’t return, foster the kittens (or find someone who is willing to foster) until they are at least two pounds. This is done through bottle-feeding the kittens until they are ready to eat on their own.

Foster orphaned kittens until they are old enough to be adopted
FOTAS provides “kitten kits” containing supplies you need to take care of the kittens until they are old enough to come to the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS).

While kittens under four weeks old need to be bottle fed, older kittens just need a little of your time to nurture and socialize them, as well as make them feel loved.

“Even if you have just 20 minutes twice a day to be with your foster kittens, it is more than we have the capacity to do at the shelter,” explained ACAS Adoption Coordinator Hillary Clark-Kulis. “If you can help us by fostering, we will make sure they are adopted to loving homes.”.

Wisp, Willow, Breezy and Bubbles were found wild and dirty. But after a few weeks in a foster home, they were healthy, social and adoptable.

If you are unsure of the kittens’ age or care needs, you can bring them to the shelter for assessment and we can help you decide on a plan for adoption or direct you to other options, such as our TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return), which is free to Aiken County residents, or the spay/neuter voucher program. You can also call the shelter for counsel.

Fosters are needed for kittens in 2021
Because citizens are sometimes unable to bottle feed and socialize the kittens they find, we have a small team of FOTAS fosters who take in babies and give them the care they require. These amazing volunteers save many feline lives each year. To join this special team, please 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

2021, abandoned animals, Bully Dogs, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, kennel stress, News

More Fosters Needed as County Animal Shelter Fills Up

Posted on by Bob Gordon
22
Mar

The need for foster homes is great. The Aiken County Animal Shelter is filling up as it does every spring. This causes us to run short on room but also increases the stress level in the kennels.

I have been fostering dogs and puppies for six years and absolutely love it! My dogs are more socialized because they have met and played with so many others. My son is more compassionate because he has met some of the greatest dogs that others abandoned.

I love how the Wagner family says it: “You get a new dog every week!! Free! How could you beat that?”

Breanne Maraman has been fostering dogs with us for years now and shared her view on our foster program:

Marlow plays with other pets in his foster home.

“I love being able to foster dogs through the FOTAS program. Getting them out of the shelter, if even for just a few days, is such an asset to their adoption journey. Once in a more relaxed environment out of the shelter you really get to see each dog’s personality blossom. This really helps us prepare their potential adoption family to what they’ll be like once in a new home.

“The FOTAS program is great because there are so many fostering options. You can choose short- or long-term placements based on your availability, work schedule, prior commitments, etc. There is never any pressure for me to take a foster if it’s not the right time for me personally. The staff also knows each of their foster families personally, what their homes are like, and what dogs will work best for them. It’s such a well-tailored and executed program that’s able to help countless animals find their forever homes.”

Not all of us foster dogs the same way. Some of our foster families have farms and use open stalls to house dogs as well as mother dogs and puppies. Their foster pups sleep in a stall and get regular walks/exercise throughout the day. The dogs are so grateful to be out of a kennel and in a safe place.

There is no expense to you. FOTAS will send food, toys and a crate, if needed. Anything you need we will provide. We just ask that you pick up a great dog, give them a safe place and some kindness. You will not regret it.

Marlow was fostered by Breanne Maraman.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2021, adopter feedback, Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS, News

Never Say Never: An Adoption Success Story

Posted on by Bob Gordon
18
Mar

Never say never. That’s something I’ve learned over the years, and it’s something that came into full realization when Hitch entered my orbit.

“I saw the cutest little Chihuahua mix at the animal shelter today,” is how my fiancé’ Hallie started the conversation.
Chihuahua? Cute? Wait a second. That’s a little dog, isn’t it?

Years ago, my wacky aunt would often – and unexpectedly – show up at my family’s suburban home with a teacup dog emerging from her shoulder purse. While the dogs would change every few years, her effusive attention to the latest canine couture always remained front and center… as were the impromptu fashion shows she presented to my parents’ fixed smiles and internal eyerolls.

HITCH on the ACAS adoption floor.

So, as much as I wanted a dog, my parents felt that my aunt’s visits adequately satisfied their desire to have one. My opportunities to bond with a dog of my own would have to wait until years later.

When I met Hallie later in life, I knew she was nearly-exclusively connected to large animals, and my life with her was woven with horses and giant-breed Scottish Deerhounds. So, when she surprised me with this new addition to our family, the rush of ancient memories of my aunt returned.

I think Hallie knew that I needed a little guy. Then Hitch began to pour his own magic into our home.
Practically hairless from flea allergies, Hitch had wild tufts sprouting from his chin and eyebrows. But this little guy was also soulful and confident. A mix between a Chihuahua and Yoda with some Terrier in there, and a little bit of Mr. Miyagi from “The Karate Kid” as well. I could tell that life on the street had taken its toll. But it had also made him a very observant and patient little fellow. I doubted he had experienced many dress-up days with humans in the past.

As he checked out his new digs and weaved his way between the long-legged Deerhounds in the house, he often stopped in his tracks to try to make eye contact with me. I did not dare return his long gazes. Who does this little guy think he is, anyway? He may have won over Hallie with that stuff, but I was never going to be a little dog pushover.
Well, that didn’t last long. Before I knew it, he was finding his openings to jump in my lap and curl up with his eyes tightly closed before I could react. Clearly, he knew I was overdue for some little dog love. So, I surrendered the fight.

But I won the game.

HITCH at home with Hallie Glennie

Hitch has become the absolute heart of the family. His coat has grown full and shiny, and his disposition is one of enthusiasm and joie de vie. When the Deerhounds run in the Hitchcock Woods at breakneck speed, he sprints around them, like a referee at an NBA basketball game. He constantly checks on me, making sure that I know he’s there for that special little dog heart connection.

Remember when I said never say never? I have one exception to that rule. I never want Hitch to leave my side.

— by Rip Russell