Category Archives: kennel stress

2025, kennel stress, senior pets

Beautiful dogs who deserve better: Amelia & McIlroy

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
McIlroy is a shy dog waiting to be treated to the life that he deserves.
24
May

Some dogs do better than others in an animal shelter environment. The older and neglected ones, like Amelia have the toughest time. But young dogs who are timid and need socialization, like McIlroy, are a close second. Both of these special dogs have been on difficult journeys and now find themselves at the Aiken County Animal Shelter needing to find loving homes as soon as possible.

Senior sweetheart Amelia
Pretty tan and white mixed breed Amelia is 5 years old, 50 pounds and has lived a hard knock life. She was left to fend for herself. While battling the elements as a hungry stray, insects ravaged her, leaving her with a bacterial infection that is treatable with antibiotics. We’ve already started Amelia’s treatment and will provide the remainder of her medicine to her new family. Despite all of this strife, Amelia has remained the sweetest, most gentle soul. She deserves so much better.

Amelia is easygoing and amazing on a leash.
Amelia is easygoing and amazing on a leash.

Amelia is a volunteer favorite, winning every heart she meets. She’s loving, quiet, and calm. She adores people and does great with other dogs. She’s even potty trained.

“Amelia’s so easygoing and amazing on the leash,” said FOTAS Volunteer Amy Gardner. “Spending time with her just gets my soul right. She is patient, happy and wants to be where you are. Come and get this perfect girl.”

Amelia has seen her puppies get adopted to new homes but now it’s her turn to find a loving family. She would love to be with children and other dog companions. Please give this dog a new lease on life and show her there are good people in the world.

Young, magnificent McIlroy
He’s a stunning dog. Mixed breed McIlroy has a gorgeous blond and white coat, Bambi eyes and a natural smile. He loves to play and walks on a leash like a dream.

McIlroy is 2 years old, 63 pounds and desperately wants to be someone’s companion. He’s not used to human affection and shies away from being petted, but he wants to be near you – about one step behind. We think he will be a lot happier and feel more secure once he is out of the shelter.

McIlroy needs to be adopted to a home that has other dogs. One or more canine mentors will help him gain confidence and learn the ropes of being a socially confident pet. This boy would do well on a farm, where he can run and play. Or at a house with a fenced-in yard and doggy door.

“McIlroy is a sweetie waiting to be treated to the life that he deserves,” said FOTAS Volunteer Jody Clark. “Such a handsome boy – definitely a grand slam winner of personality, good looks, manners and love.”

If you would like to adopt Amelia, McIlroy or another homeless pet in need from the Aiken County Animal Shelter, please send an email to info@fotasaiken.org or call 803-642-1537, option 3. Or just stop by. We are located at 333 Wire Road in Aiken, SC.

Their lives are in our hands.
By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2025, Adoption, kennel stress

Rule of threes helps adopters prepare for new pet

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Some dogs, like 2-year-old Dutchess, are scared in a shelter environment, but will become more social once they find a loving home. But new owners must be patient and give their new pets time to adjust to their new surroundings.
21
Feb

The “rule of threes” for adopted animals, often called the “3-3-3 rule,” advocates that it takes a new pet three days to decompress and feel relaxed in their new environment; three weeks to start learning your daily routine, and three months to feel completely settled in and part of your family.
Many adopters aren’t sure what to expect when they add a new pet, and it certainly varies based on the animal’s personality background and age. However, the rule of threes effectively provides a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption.

Three days to decompress
Adopters need to take it slow when they bring their adopted pet home for the first time. While some pets immediately feel relaxed and at home, most of the time pets need time to adjust and get their bearings. Once dogs are away from the shelter, they often crash and fall asleep when they first arrive at their new home. They finally are in a quiet setting and feel like they can relax. They may not eat much and hide under the furniture or in their crate. Be patient. It takes some dogs a little time to feel secure in a new home.

During these first few days, your adopted pet is a flight risk, so you have to make sure they don’t escape through an open door or bolt out of your yard because you left them unattended. However, it is also important to give them space, be supportive and stay positive. You don’t want to force them to interact with you and your family members. Instead, calmly show them where they will be eating and sleeping; feed them twice a day and take them out every couple of hours until you know their signal for wanting to go out and potty.

Adopting a shelter dog like 3-year-old Sparrow is a rewarding experience that can be enhanced by following the 3-3-3 rule.
Adopting a shelter dog like 3-year-old Sparrow is a rewarding experience that can be enhanced by following the 3-3-3 rule.

Three weeks to learn the routine
At this point, your adopted pet is settling in and getting used to your routine. They’ve caught up on their sleep and are feeling more confident. Their personality is starting to bloom. With added confidence, some dogs may begin to test boundaries, so you’ll want to give your pet clear directions and reward good behavior. Remember, consistency and patience are crucial during this period. It’s a learning process for both of you, and it takes time to get to know each other.

Three months to feel at home
Now your dog is fully settled into their new home and feels like part of the family. They understand and follow your routines. They’ve developed a deep bond with you and are comfortable being themselves. No longer do they wonder if this is just a temporary place to stay. They know they are truly home.

If you are looking to adopt a pet, call the Aiken County Animal Shelter, (803) 642-1537, ext. 3765, or email info@fotasaiken.org and make an appointment with an adoption expert. They will give you personalized customer service and have pets ready to show when you arrive. Walk-ins are also welcome. We’re open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and located at 333 Wire Rd., Aiken, SC.

Their lives are in our hands.
By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2025, abandoned animals, Adoption, Foster, kennel stress

Welcoming 2025

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
In the first 12 days of 2025, the Aiken County Shelter has received 150 unwanted dogs and cats.
20
Jan
Bindi, found alone and freezing in our donation bin.
Bindi, found alone and freezing in our donation bin.

Well, we were hoping to turn over a new leaf, to have a fresh start to 2025 but in the past twelve days we received 150 dogs and cats, 60 of those being puppies, five of those being puppies that require bottle feeding, five so scared we can’t touch them.

One puppy was found in our donation bin. Poor Bindi, now in foster, was left on one of the coldest nights in a donation bin without warmth or protection.

We are encountering new challenges and doing our best to adapt.

Every kennel is full and we are getting more and more emails from people needing help.

How do we help?
For those who are financially struggling and needing help to feed their pets, we hold a monthly Community Pet Food Drive Thru. The need is greater than ever and we make sure each vehicle, household, gets a bag of dog or cat food that FOTAS purchases. This program allows people to keep their pets and not surrender due to financial difficulties.

Home to Home. Our Home to Home program gives people options for rehoming their pets – dogs, cats, guinea pigs, birds, etc., – free of charge. Pet owners can upload pictures of their pets with details on personality and why they can no longer keep them. We in turn post these pets on our Facebook page and website. This helps pets by keeping them out of the shelter and finding new homes.

Aiken County offers residents spay and neuter vouchers. If you qualify (based on income) you can apply for a spay and neuter voucher at the Aiken County Government Center. This voucher assists with the cost of spay and neuter surgeries at local veterinary establishments on the voucher list of which the County needs more. As a community we have to cut down on the unwanted litters of puppies and kittens.

The point is, we are full! We cannot possibly find homes for all these pets without the help of our community.

Spay and Neuter your pets!
Adopt – You do not need to go to a breeder, there are far too many wonderful pets that need you!
Foster – Give a dog, puppy, cat or kitten a safe place to thrive until we can find them a home.

Their lives are in our hands.

by Kathy Cagle FOTAS Programs Coordinator

Adoption, bonded pets, group dog play, kennel stress

Parker & Skye: arrived as strangers, left together as family

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Parker (left) and Skye met at the shelter, became friends and were adopted together.
15
Nov

When Skye arrived at the Aiken County Animal Shelter as a stray, she instantly became a staff and volunteer favorite. With her winning smile and huge personality, nothing seemed to bother this stout, six-year-old mixed breed. She loved everyone, and everyone loved her.

During her first playgroup session, Skye was a standout. She was friendly with the other dogs and firmly corrected the overly pushy pups. She quickly established herself as a greeter dog in group play and mentored newbies and her more timid peers. Skye was just as comfortable with the playgroup staff, often rolling on her back in the middle of play to beg for a tummy rub.

Parker, a two-year-old mixed breed who arrived at the shelter about a week before Skye, was progressing slowly in playgroup but still painfully shy, especially with people. He was wary when potential adopters visited his kennel and sometimes cowered when dogs barked loudly in his direction.

As vastly different as these two dogs were – Skye the fearless social butterfly and Parker the nervous wallflower – they began to pair up in playgroup. Parker felt safe around Skye, and she enjoyed his attention. In a short time, they became close friends.

The Perfect Pair
FOTAS Dog Walking Volunteer Sue Payne got to know Skye and Parker pretty well, and suggested her daughter, Haley, visit each of them. Haley and her boyfriend, Jonathan, were looking to add a dog to their new home and wanted to adopt from the shelter.

The two dogs love to ride in the car and go on long walks downtown and in local parks.
The two dogs love to ride in the car and go on long walks downtown and in local parks.

When Haley and Jonathan met Skye, they fell in love with her. But Parker pulled on their heartstrings as well. During their discussion with the adoption counselor, it came up that the two dogs got along well with each other during playgroup. Both dogs had been at the shelter for weeks and desperately needed a chance for a better life. That’s all Haley needed to hear. She said it “just felt right” to adopt both dogs, and the couple took Skye and Parker home.

“They’ve made the perfect addition to our family,” Haley said. “They sleep in the same bed and Parker is learning a great deal from Skye. He follows her lead. I don’t think he would have progressed as quickly if he didn’t have her, and Skye would not have done as well without him because she needs constant attention to be happy.”

The pair of dogs enjoy going on long walks, car rides, going to downtown restaurants, and taking trips to Chick-fil-A on Fridays to split an ice cream.

“I cannot put into words how thankful I am that we got both of them together,” Haley said.

The shelter is full and there are many more wonderful pets who need loving homes. Please go to fotasaiken.org to see them or stop by and visit the dogs and cats at 333 Wire Road. Dogs and puppies are $35; cats and kittens are $10. All of our adoptable pets are vaccinated, microchipped & fixed.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2024, Adoption, kennel stress

Boo Boo’s long, difficult journey ends with a loving home

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Boo Boo leaves the County Animal Shelter with his new mom, Shannon.
16
Sep

With thousands of homeless animals coming through the Aiken County Animal Shelter each year, it is hard to remember them all. But the special ones stand out. Ones like Boo Boo.

Boo Boo was adopted Aug. 9 and is doing well in his new, quiet home. His new “mom” is making sure his golden years are good ones.
Boo Boo was adopted Aug. 9 and is doing well in his new, quiet home. His new “mom”
is making sure his golden years are good ones.

Boo Boo is only 7 years old, but he looks ancient — probably due to how hard some of his years have been and the health issues he’s experienced. He first arrived at the County Shelter as a 3-year-old stray in the spring of 2020. He had scars on his face and his head tilted a little to the left. His ears were infected and he tested positive for heartworms. But despite his difficult past, this blond, white and black mixed breed had a sweet, goofy grin and was a charmer.

“Boo Boo was the first dog I got attached to here,” said County Shelter Lead Kennel Tech Brandi Dobbins. “He looks like a cartoon character, has the sweetest personality and I love the way he talks…everyone here just fell in love with him.”

In late July, Boo Boo was adopted. Everything was going wonderfully for him in his new home until three months later, when his adopter had to move and couldn’t take Boo Boo with her.

Boo Boo was disappointed when he returned to the shelter, but he kept smiling and talking like always. His grunts, short barks, mumbles and whines echoed through the kennels, letting us all know he was back. While it was good to see our old friend, we knew we had to find him a loving home as soon as possible.

In November, the shelter was over capacity and Boo Boo still had no prospects. While Boo Boo’s strong personality and charm are great qualities, he didn’t get along with most dogs and was competing with younger, prettier pups. Plus, he was now our longest resident. Not a good spot to be in. We went into overdrive on social media to put the word out that Boo Boo was in desperate need of a home, and an older gentleman, Curtis Boseman of North Augusta, came to his rescue.

“Getting Boo Boo was one of the best things I have done in this life of mine,” he said. “I love him so much and he loves me right back. All my family members and friends are constantly coming by to see him. Every move I make in my house he goes right with me. I think he rescued me more than I rescued him.”

For four years, Boo Boo had the best life with Curtis. They went on walks, drove to the store, went on errands together and spent quality time at home. They were inseparable.

But two months ago, Curtis passed away. His son brought Boo Boo back to the shelter.

Boo Boo was devastated. He was no longer talking but crying out in agony for Curtis. His goofy grin was gone and he didn’t want to do much of anything. Now a senior dog, Boo Boo had arthritis in his back legs and could only go on short walks.
Poor Boo Boo was depressed and going downhill fast. Again, our team went into action, posting about his dire situation. He needed a small miracle.

On Aug. 9, he got one. Georgia resident Shannon Overton came to Boo Boo’s rescue and adopted him. She sent us a picture of Boo Boo in his new forever home, looking cozy and content in a big dog bed surrounded by blankets. If you look closely, you can see a hint of his goofy grin returning.

Their lives are in our hands.
By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

Adoption, kennel stress, surrendered pets

German Shepherd Jaxx settles in nicely to new home

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Lisa says Jaxx “could not be doing better” in his forever home.
16
May

When 3-year-old, Jaxx was surrendered to the Aiken County Animal Shelter, the skinny, black German Shepherd with tan legs was heartbroken. Jaxx’s owners said he was “a perfect dog” but they didn’t want him anymore because they were undergoing a lifestyle change.

Jaxx was understandably anxious and sad when he first found himself in a shelter kennel, surrounded by other homeless dogs and separated from his owners. He was far from ready to meet potential new suitors. However, each successive day he got more used to his new routine of playing with other dogs during morning playgroup sessions and going on walks with volunteers and staff members throughout the day. He became more relaxed and even cuddled a little with some of the kennel staff.

Once Jaxx became more open to trying to bond with new people, the staff began showing him to potential adopters. At first, he didn’t do too well during his meet and greet appointments. He was oversensitive, timid and barked in fear at his visitors. But then Trenton resident Lisa Whitaker arrived with her three dogs for a meet and greet with Jaxx, and he immediately bonded with her and accepted her pack.

“My friend sent me a screenshot from the FOTAS Facebook page, and I saw his photo and story,” Lisa said. “My dogs all got along well with him, and I knew he was a winner.”

When she took Jaxx home, the first step was to introduce him to her husband, David. Despite being more fearful of men than women since being surrendered to the shelter, Jaxx accepted David right from the start.

“He has settled in like he belongs here,” Lisa said. “Last night, he slept in our bed with his front paws wrapped around my arm. He loves his long walks. When I turn on the kitchen faucet, he runs to the sink to drink from the faucet. He’s funny, loving, attentive and so wonderful. My heart needed this boy.”

Lisa said Jaxx is one of the best dogs she’s ever had, and she’s had a lot of them in her 68 years, including two German Shepherds who passed away from old age. She said she’s been around dogs since she was born.

“Jaxx is well behaved, listens so well, and he loves his hot pink nubby ball. He gets three to four long walks down in the pasture and then I train him off leash in the back. He has seven acres to explore, and his boundless energy can handle it. Every night at bedtime, he bounds up the stairs hops in our bed and has his cuddle and snuggle time. Then he hops down onto his bed and goes to sleep.”

“Jaxx went on his first vet visit, and they loved him and admired how well behaved he is,” Lisa added. “He has gained 11 pounds and is the picture of health. He is a joy and lifesaver. I feel safe and loved by this beautiful creature sent from God. Thank you to your wonderful team! We could not be happier.”

Their lives are in our hands.
By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2024, abandoned animals, kennel stress, surrendered pets

Owner surrendered pets have a difficult time in shelter

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Pretty Dixie is getting over the trauma of being left at the shelter by her owner.
15
Mar

It is so hard on them. Pets surrendered to the Aiken County Animal Shelter by their owners desperately struggle to understand their situation. Suddenly finding themselves in a strange place with strangers and other scared and confused animals is a shock to their system. One minute they are secure and cozy in their home with their favorite human(s); the next minute they’re being led on a leash to a kennel, not knowing their fate.

Some surrendered pets adjust to their new surroundings fairly quickly, but many go through a mourning period and initially can’t accept their new reality.

Dixie, a 10-year-old, white, mixed breed recently surrendered by her owner, barks weakly at visitors when she is in her kennel. Scared and upset to be here, she expresses her displeasure to anyone who will listen.

However, once she is out of her kennel, Dixie calms down and becomes more social with both people and other dogs. She is slowly becoming more comfortable at the shelter and we’re confident she will be a wonderful canine companion once she finds a new home.

Jalapeno was heartbroken when his owner died and he was brought to the County Shelter.
Jalapeno was heartbroken when his owner died and he was brought to the County Shelter.

Most dogs and cats are surrendered because the owner’s circumstances change, not because there is anything wrong with their pet. In some cases, people can no longer afford to care for their pet; they need to move and their new housing does not accept pets; or they no longer have the time to spend with them. Sometimes owners pass away, and their pets are surrendered to the shelter by a family member or friend.

That is what happened to 7-year-old Jalapeno. This handsome black and white mixed breed’s owner unexpectedly died, and he had no place else to go. When he first arrived at the shelter, he was despondent and vocal in his kennel. But once he got to know the volunteers and staff, he began to relax and adjust to his new environment. He is ready to find his forever home.

Cutie Stevie shut down after being abandoned by her owner, but now she’s ready to move on and begin a new life with an adopter.
Cutie Stevie shut down after being abandoned by her owner, but now she’s ready to move on and begin a new life with an adopter.

Because of the anxiety they experience from being left at a shelter, owner surrendered pets can shut down or act out, making them less adoptable.
Stevie, a cute one-year-old, white and brindle Retriever mix, was abandoned by her owner. She was rescued by an Aiken County Animal Code Enforcement officer and brought to the shelter. Terrified and shaking uncontrollably when she first arrived, Stevie has steadily gained confidence and now goes on walks and snuggles with our volunteers. She is ready to find a new, better home.

While we understand that life happens and can become overwhelming, especially during difficult times, there are alternatives to surrendering your pet. Instead of putting your pet through the trauma of being in a loud, packed shelter, try our Home to Home program available free of charge on our website, fotasaiken.org. Or ask your family members and close friends if they can help.

If you cannot afford to feed your pet due to personal economic challenges, FOTAS holds a Community Pet Food Drive-Thru once a month for Aiken citizens in need of assistance. Our next Pet Food Drive-Thru event is Saturday morning, April 13.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2022, Foster, fostering, kennel stress

FOTAS Doggie dates and sleepovers help reduce kennel stress

Posted on by Bob Gordon
15
Feb

Kennel stress can wear heavily on a shelter dog. Enduring the echo of barking dogs, getting out for limited walks and playtime, and having to look out at the world through metal bars is tough on animals used to being free or with their owners.

Adoptable Bell with Volunteer Lisa Raphaela before heading to Lisa’s home for a sleepover.

The Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) has some of the best facilities you can find: indoor/outdoor kennels, water bowls that refill automatically, soothing music pumping through and central air conditioning and heat. But even with such wonderful facilities and our volunteers and staff spending as much time as possible with these homeless animals and running playgroups every day, there is no way to duplicate the love and security of a home.

That’s why we are asking County residents to participate in our Doggie Dating and Overnights program.

“Overnights take them out of the four walls,” said Marie Gunter, who has taken six different dogs home for sleepovers over the last few months. Four of them — Christopher, Orion, Thatcher, Ducky — were adopted shortly after their home experience with her. She and her husband, Harvey, adopted their fifth doggie guest, Bowie, who they renamed Zeus. The sixth, Hayward, is still looking for a good home.

“The dogs come in and get hugs and kisses from us and get to know our four dogs,” Marie said. “I think spending even a brief time in a home helps them become more relaxed.”

The Simons have been taking in County Shelter dogs overnights for many years. Olga and her daughter, Nicole, often come to the shelter to take brilliant photos of the shelter dogs for Facebook and other promotional materials. They often take a shelter dog home with them to spend the night or weekend. Not only is this break from the shelter a relief for the dogs that bunk with them, but the Simons family also can see and record how their furry guests get along with their dogs and cat. When they took in Romero for an overnight stay, they discovered the injured dog got along with their kitty. That valuable tidbit of information helped Romero get adopted to a forever home, where he now lives with two cats.

Volunteer Lisa Raphaela also is a veteran of County Shelter dog sleepovers. She and her five dogs have hosted overnights with a number of shelter canines and they’ve all found great homes.

Adoptable Ducky with Marie Gunter.

“So far, I’m batting a thousand,” Lisa said with a grin. “They learn to use my doggy door to go out and potty with the other dogs and develop better social skills. It also gives them a bonding experience with one human they can trust. I think all these home experiences help build their confidence.”

If you can help by taking a dog home for a sleepover, stop by the shelter, 333 Wire Road, or call 803.642.1537, option 3. What better time to take a shelter pet on a Doggie Day Date or Doggie Sleepover than Valentine’s month?

“Just try it,” Marie said. “Bringing these dogs home does as much for me as it does for them. “I love animals and it gives me the satisfaction of helping an animal in need without actually adopting them.”

2022, Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS, kennel stress, News, Pibbles, Shelter staff, SOCIAL MEDIA, Volunteers

Longest shelter resident Christopher finds his dream home

Posted on by Bob Gordon
18
Jan

Christopher had us worried. The two-year-old, 66-pound, mixed breed known for his soulful eyes, mahogany brindle coat and sweet personality was showing signs of kennel stress. He was sleeping too much during the day, refusing to greet visitors and seemed to be sinking into depression.

Christopher: loved by everyone including volunteers.


You couldn’t blame him for losing hope. As a huge favorite of the staff and volunteers, we had promoted him endlessly on our Facebook and Instagram pages, illustrating his calm and loving disposition with videos and photos. There were videos of him chasing tennis balls, getting his chest and tummy rubbed as well as photos of him hugging volunteers and cuddling staff members.

Volunteers Jen Jotblad and Kathy Samaha each shot their own special videos, expressing why they thought he would make a wonderful pet. Samaha took Christopher home for a weekend to give him a break from the noisy shelter. So did Olga and Nicole Simons. Just about every FOTAS volunteer spent extra time walking him or giving him cuddles. Jotblad put extra time into teaching him commands and enrolled him in her dog training class for volunteers. We even had a “Christopher Day” on Nov. 13 to try to attract prospective adopters. No one on our team was going to give up on this special dog.

Still, more weeks passed and no one was calling about Christopher. By far the longest resident of the shelter, he was growing tired of waiting and hardly any prospects were coming to visit him.

Then, on Dec. 3, George Straub and his family walked into the shelter lobby and asked to see Christopher.

“We saw Christopher on the FOTAS page and fell in love,” said Elizabeth Farthing, George’s significant other. “When we met him, he walked directly to my 9-year-old daughter, Rae-Ann, and then George. We spent months trying to find the perfect addition to our family. We contacted so many people and other shelters about dogs and for one reason or another, none worked out. But with Christopher, we felt like it was just meant to be. He knew we couldn’t leave there without him.”

Christopher gets selected!

Now Christopher has a real home and loving family as well as a new name, Glock. He follows Elizabeth everywhere and she considers him a “Velcro dog who loves to cuddle.” Glock spends most of the day with Rae-Ann during her home schooling and sleeps on 17-year-old Chase’s bed most nights. When the family is at the dinner table talking or playing board games, Glock puts his head in George’s lap.

“I’m glad other people passed on him because I love him to death,” George said.

The shelter is full now and there are many hidden gems, like Christopher. So, please visit the Aiken County Animal Shelter, 333 Wire Road, and visit our homeless dogs and cats in need. To see all the pets available, go to FOTASAiken.org. Dogs are $35 and cats and kittens are only $10.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

Christopher is loved in his new home.
2022, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, kennel stress, News, Volunteers

Fostering saves lives, helps homeless pets get adopted

Posted on by Bob Gordon
17
Jan

When you put a leash on Little Bit, he wouldn’t move. The 28-pound, tan Terrier mix just shook and gazed up at you with a forlorn look on his face. The poor dog was overwhelmed with being on the Aiken County Animal Shelter’s adoption floor and just wanted to curl up in his kennel and be left alone.

After a couple of days, Little Bit began to trust the staff and volunteers enough to walk a short distance before stopping and resisting the leash, his eyes pleading to be picked up and carried back to his kennel. Each day, he was progressing – but very slowly.

Little Bit gets comfy before going home.

Despite Little Bit’s shyness and poor leash etiquette, visitors to the shelter began asking to see him. His smaller size and cute looks drew potential adopters. However, when he backed away or flinched when they tried to pet him, they either asked to see a different dog or left the shelter disappointed.

Then Rob and Stacy Wagner took Little Bit home to foster him during the four-day Christmas break. This time, the change of environment did him good. Being away from the noise and stress of the shelter helped him to relax and build confidence. He was a new dog when he returned to the shelter on Dec. 27, walking on his leash with confidence, greeting people and looking so happy! The result of his newfound poise and self-confidence? Little Bit was adopted that day.

Crypto is another dog who benefitted from fostering over the holiday break. Yvonne and Colin Brookes took the 48-pound mixed breed home and used the four days to help him decompress and learn to wait, sit and offer his paw on command. Like many of our fosters, Yvonne posted photos and videos of Crypto’s training and other activities on social media. Such promotion of shelter dogs thriving in a home often helps them get adopted.

“Crypto’s been at the shelter for so long…he keeps getting overlooked yet he’s a huge softy and lives for cuddles,” Yvonne posted on her Facebook page. “He is perfectly housebroken, sleeps in his crate all night long, and loves car rides and woodland walks. He is a very quick learner and just wants to please.” Since returning from his fostering experience, Crypto is in higher spirits and doing well. He can be adopted to a loving home for just $35.

Crypto loving life with his foster mom, Yvonne Brookes.

If you live in Aiken County and would like to become a FOTAS foster, please email info@fotasaiken.org or call us at (803) 514-4313. Or just stop by the shelter, 333 Wire Road in Aiken. It is easy to sign up and get paired with a shelter dog!

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director