Category Archives: Military Veterans

2023, Adoption, Military Veterans, Veterans

Veterans urged to adopt a pet from ACAS, compliments of FOTAS

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Young Lorenzo is calm, sweet and loves other dogs.
09
Nov

Today is Veterans Day, a national holiday that honors U.S. veterans for serving and protecting our country.

FOTAS strongly supports our armed forces and recognizes the benefits that veterans and active military personnel can experience from the company of a shelter cat or dog. We launched our Veterans Adoption Program in 2015 that allows U.S veterans and active U.S. military personnel to adopt a dog or cat from the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) for no charge, year-round. It is our way of showing gratitude to the people who serve our country and make sacrifices to defend our freedoms.

We just wish more veterans would take advantage of this offer. There are so many wonderful dogs and cats at the County Shelter who would make amazing pets for them (or any home), including:

Brolee is playful, cuddly, loves other dogs and will make a fantastic family dog.
Brolee is playful, cuddly, loves other dogs and will make a fantastic family dog.

Brolee. This four-year-old, 61-pound mixed breed is white with soulful blue eyes. He was rescued from a cruelty case but is one of the sweetest dogs at the shelter. Brolee loves other dogs and will make a terrific family pet.

 

Cutie-pie Groot is an active, medium-sized mixed breed who desperately needs a good home.
Cutie-pie Groot is an active, medium-sized mixed breed who desperately needs a good home.

Groot. Cutie-pie Groot has a soft white and black coat and a playful spirit. He is four years old, just 45 pounds and enjoys the company of other dogs. Groot is always up for an adventure.

Harriet & Nessie. This mama Tabby and her kitten are a bonded pair that needs a loving home together. Two-year-old Harriet and her seven-month-old daughter Nessie are housecats who have never been outside but do wonderfully indoors.

Kodak. Calm and cute, two-year-old, brown and white mixed breed Kodak is 50 pounds and adorable.

Kodak is a calm, sweet boy who will make an excellent canine companion.
Kodak is a calm, sweet boy who will make an excellent canine companion.

This poor dog was abandoned on a highway and rescued while dodging speeding cars. He likes other dogs and enjoys cuddling on the couch with volunteers.

Lorenzo. Handsome stray Lorenzo is just one year old and has a gorgeous bronze and white coat. He is 39 pounds, athletic, loves other dogs and walks wonderfully on a leash. This dog is a gem waiting to be discovered.

Reese. Red Retriever mix Reese is high energy, playful and loves other dogs. He is three years old, 53 pounds and enjoys car rides and visits to the park.

This is just a small sampling. There are so many more fabulous pets at the County Shelter in need of loving homes – a list too long to fit in the space allowed for this column.

If you are a veteran or active in the military, please take advantage of your complimentary adoption and help us spread the word about this program. The shelter is at full capacity and there are so many sweet pets desperate to find loving homes.

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

By the Numbers
During the month of October, the Aiken County Animal Shelter received 400 Aiken County animals, bringing the total to 4,006 Aiken County animals this year.

2022, Adoption, Military Veterans, Veterans

Adopted dog helps veteran overcome PTSD and depression

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
09
Dec

When Clade Tuttle visited the Aiken County Animal Shelter three months ago, he had no idea it would dramatically change his life for the better.

He went to the shelter to adopt a small dog for his 5-year-old son, Colton. But Colton found himself drawn to Tock, a 40-pound mixed breed with a mahogany brindle coat. Tuttle reminded his son that they were looking to take home a much smaller pup. But when two-year-old Tock curled up next to Colton and then got on his back for a tummy rub, Tuttle gave in and adopted the affectionate stray.

Tuttle, a marine who saw action in Iraq and Afghanistan, now works from home, so he and Tock started spending a lot of time together. Every morning, they would drop Colton off at school and run errands.

“At first, Tock would ride in the backseat and then he began joining me in the front seat,” Tuttle said. “He’d go everywhere with me.”

Then something happened. Tock began leaning into Tuttle when he felt his new owner was stressed, upset or angry.

“Sometimes I would be tense and he could sense it,” said Tuttle, who has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and fights depression as a result of his wartime experiences. “Tock put his paws on my lap, so I rubbed his head and behind his ears. He wouldn’t move until I calmed down. He does it every time I’m feeling anxious.”

Tuttle said he was in a “dark place” before Tock entered his life. He thinks the unfortunate events that occurred during the United States exit from Afghanistan was the catalyst for his latest bout with depression. He fought in Operation Enduring Freedom but was back home when the U.S pulled out its troops. “We needed to get out of there,” he said. “But the way we did it, it hurt.”

Thankfully, with Tock’s help, Tuttle is feeling better now. And Tock is loving his new life. He just finished a three-week off-leash training course and has a new canine sister, Lexi, a miniature pinscher.

“Tock came along when I was in a deep, dark hole,” Tuttle said. “There was a lot of stuff in my head eating me up. But he rescued me. Not the other way around. This dog is one of the best things that’s ever happened to me.”

The County Animal Shelter is full this holiday season and has many more wonderful dogs and cats in need of homes. Now is the perfect time to adopt a new best friend and give the ultimate present to this pet — a forever home. This Saturday, Dec. 17, is our Home for the Holidays adoption event. The adoption fee for all available animals will be $0 and Santa will be there to pose for photos with you and your new pet!

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2022, Adoption, Military Veterans, Veterans

Veterans can adopt a pet for free at the County Animal Shelter 

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
11
Nov


This past Friday, November 11, was Veterans Day, an important holiday that honors U.S. veterans for serving and protecting our country.

FOTAS strongly supports our armed forces and recognizes the benefits that veterans and active military personnel can experience from the company of a shelter cat or dog. We launched our veterans adoption program on Nov. 11, 2015 and it continues today. U.S veterans and active U.S. military personnel can adopt a dog or cat from the Aiken County Animal Shelter for no charge, year-round.

It is our small way to show gratitude to the people who serve our country and make sacrifices to defend our freedoms.

Vietnam veteran Bill Redfield adopted mixed breed Amos from the County Shelter seven months ago, and the 3-year-old, 55-pound dog has proven to be an outstanding companion.

“I take him to Odell Weeks every day and people stop to pet him and watch him do tricks,” Redfield said. “Sometimes they even take a selfie with him.” Amos is a charmer who can sit, shake hands, high-five, roll over and give kisses on command. When he rolls over, he usually gets a nice tummy rub from his admirers.

“He’s just a big mush,” Redfield chuckled. “I’ve always had small dogs like Yorkies. But when I met Amos at the shelter, I knew he was coming home with me.” Redfield said he was surprised and honored when FOTAS paid his adoption fee, but still insisted on donating $50.

Nicolas Whitt, who is in the National Guard, adopted Lucky after he helped rescue him. He and his cousin found him in the woods. The poor dog had been hit by a car. But despite two broken legs and losing blood fast, the butterscotch mixed breed found the strength to drag himself from the road to safety. Whitt called for help and a County Animal Code Enforcement Officer picked Lucky up for emergency treatment at the shelter.

“He wagged his tail when he saw us” Whitt said. We gave him some water and tried to stop the bleeding. He was such a trooper.”

It was touch and go for a while. Lucky’s left rear leg was shattered and had to be amputated but his right rear leg was saved by using pins to set the bones in place. Whitt called the shelter nearly every day to see how Lucky was doing. When he got the good news that Lucky was going to recover, he and his wife, Debra, decided to adopt him.

“He’s still recovering but doing well,” Whitt said. “He’s gentle with our four-month-old son, Jackson, He licks his feet and cuddles with him. I think the way Lucky entered our life, it was just meant to be.”

If you are active in the military or a veteran, please take advantage of your complimentary adoption. The shelter is at full capacity and there are so many wonderful pets desperate to find loving homes.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director


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

2019, Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS, Military Veterans, News, Therapy Dogs, Veterans

Memorial Day: A Time to Reflect with an Adopted Pet at your Side

Posted on by Bob Gordon
27
May

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

Bonding closely with a pet can be a powerful and healing experience. It is with this in mind that each month, FOTAS proudly sponsors the adoption fees for five active military and veterans. Paying for these Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) adoptions is our small way of thanking the men and women who protect and serve our country.

“It’s awesome that you offer this program,” said Steven Vandiver, who adopted a kitten from the Aiken County Animal Shelter in January. “It’s important because having a pet is comforting and reassuring to the vets who come back from overseas, especially if they are suffering from anxiety or PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Having an animal to focus on tends to make things easier for them.”

Memorial Day can be an especially emotional time for veterans as they think about their peers who didn’t make it back safe, but instead made the ultimate sacrifice.

Each month, FOTAS pays for five adoptions of County Shelter animals to vets and active military personnel. The special program is in its third year.

“I look upon the day as a time to reflect on your friends who didn’t make it back,” said Stephen Guidry, who took advantage of the FOTAS sponsorship by adopting Duke, a skinny German Shepherd who’s since filled out into a hearty weight. Guidry served in the military from 2010 to 2018, which included tours in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Veterans often come to the County Animal Shelter to find a therapy pet or service animal. Dogs and even cats help them transition back into a normal day-to-day life. When a veteran connects with the right pet, it can change both their lives for the better. The pet gets a loving forever home and the veteran receives unconditional love and support, which reduces stress, depression, loneliness and anxiety.

Jim Santa Maria, who adopted two Retriever puppies from the ACAS through the FOTAS veterans sponsorship program, has been fortunate to have never sustained the scars of war, but during his two decades in the Air Force he’s seen a number of his peers suffer PTSD and other emotional problems. Santa Maria and his wife, Patti, live in Ohio but each month he works one week at the Air National Guard base in McEntire.

Steven Vandiver, a veteran who served 15 years in the U.S. Army, adopted Wesley as a kitten through the FOTAS Veterans and Military Adoption Program. Now a year old, the gray and black Tabby still likes to greet Steven and his daughter, Jade, by climbing on their shoulders

“I think for our men and women who serve in the desert and then come back to the States — some of them going on three or four deployments during their service — connecting to an animal can provide comfort and make them feel like they belong here,” he said. “Pets can help them make that difficult adjustment back into civilian life.”

If you, a family member or a friend are a veteran or currently serving in the military, be sure to visit the Aiken County Animal Shelter and find a furry companion. The shelter is located at 333 Wire Road in Aiken. Our new hours are 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 THE NUMBERS

In April, the County Animal Shelter received 335 strays and surrendered pets. As of May 23, the shelter has already taken in 373 homeless animals this month.

PETS OF THE WEEK

FANCY
Boxer mix, female, 1 year old, 46 pounds – $35


ANNIKA
Domestic Longhair, female, 2 months old, black & gray Tabby, 1.5 pounds – $10

Adoption, Dogs, Foster, FOTAS, Military Veterans, Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs

Service dog Blue brings blessings to veteran who adopted him

Posted on by Angel Hartline
08
Dec

Wherever Reverend Bill Kline goes, Blue is close by his side. A veteran who suffers from many health problems, Kline adopted the four-year-old, 62-pound Siberian Husky just three months ago from the County Shelter. However, the pair quickly developed a strong connection and now Kline can’t imagine being without his large canine companion.

“Blue’s my lifeguard,” Kline said. “It’s amazing how he can tell if I’m not feeling well. If I’m down in the dumps, he’s always right there to comfort me. He even knows when my blood sugar level is too low or too high. He’ll lick my hand and let me know that I need to check it.”

Blue, who was adopted from the Aiken County Animal Shelter, is in training to be a service dog for a local veteran.
Blue, who was adopted from the Aiken County Animal Shelter, is in training to be a service dog for a local veteran.

Kline was a medic in the Navy for 41 years, but his major health issues began only a year ago when he had a stroke, developed diabetes and was diagnosed with heart problems. His wife, Julia, is his “rock” and helped him through this difficult time. But he is still recovering and requires the physical strength that a dog like Blue can provide.

Blue is in training to be Kline’s service dog, helping him to get around and assisting him with tasks such as picking up items dropped on the floor, bringing him bottled water and fetching his diabetic kit. He’s also learning how to alert people if Kline falls or gets hurt, as well as how to use his body to help his owner get back to his feet. Blue attends classes offered by Veterans K9 Solutions and is expected to graduate early next year.

Named for his stunning eyes, Blue arrived at the County Shelter as an injured stray. He had been shot in the face and a bullet was removed from his chin. But once Blue recovered from his wound and was added to the adoption floor, it became increasingly apparent that he was a special kind of dog. Not only was he extremely calm and confident, but he also showed a natural drive to help and protect people.

Jerry Lyda of Veterans K9 Solutions is an expert at finding service dog talent and has worked closely with FOTAS and the County Shelter to find animals to assist folks who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other war injuries. When he visited the County Shelter and saw Blue, he knew right away that this Husky was a star in the making. He also had a hunch Blue would be perfect for Reverend Bill Kline.

“Blue and Reverend Bill are doing awesome,” Lyda said. “The bond between those two is amazing. I knew Blue was a winner – thank you so much for treating his injuries and making him available for adoption.”

FOTAS and the Shelter are proud to support veterans and active military personnel by helping to provide Veterans K9 Solutions and other organizations with service dog candidates. FOTAS also sponsors free adoptions for veterans as well as men and women currently serving in the U.S. military.

Their lives are in our hands.

above Article by Bob Gordon, FOTAS  Director of Communications

By the Numbers

December Specials – dogs/puppies $35, cats/kittens $10

Saturday, Dec. 16 – Adoption event:

free photos with Santa Claus and your new pet!

Pets of the Week

THOR POTW DEC 10
THOR: Mixed breed, male, 8 months old, brown and white, 32 pounds – $35

POTW TINY TIM
TINY TIM: Domestic shorthair cat, male, 2 months old, orange Tabby, 1.8 pounds – $10

Adoption, Cats, Dogs, FOTAS, Military Veterans, Service Dogs, Veterans

Every day is Veterans Day at the Aiken County Animal Shelter

Posted on by Angel Hartline
11
Nov

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

This Friday, November 11, is Veterans Day, a time for us to pay our respects to those who have served in our military. For a 24-hour period, Americans stand united in honor of our veterans and the good work and sacrifices they have made for our country.
But Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS) wanted to honor and help out these patriots every day. So, this year we launched our year-round adoption discount for veterans and active military personnel. Adoption fees are half-price for all U.S. military services men, women and veterans who adopt a dog or cat at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (dogs $35, cats $15).
To date in 2016, our veterans discount program has helped 36 veterans adopt 25 dogs and 11 cats.
“I think it’s a great idea,” said Taylor Heimann, a marine who adopted Heidi, a black Retriever puppy, with her boyfriend, Tom Buchanan, also a marine. “It’s been a great advantage to us because we were able to put the extra money we saved toward Heidi’s crate, toys and other things she needed.” The young couple lives in Augusta and takes their new pup to Fort Gordon Veterinary Clinic for her healthcare.
In the past, FOTAS has held one-month specials for veterans and military personnel, but early this year the FOTAS board of directors agreed on a permanent veterans/military personnel discount.
“A lot of veterans out there are hurting and have post traumatic stress and could use the help because they can’t afford the cost of getting and training a service dog,” said Eddie Hill, a veteran who served in Kuwait during the Gulf War.

FOTAS sponsored Eddie’s adoption of Jenelle, a young, German Shepherd. However, Jenelle turned out to be a little too high-energy for Eddie’s apartment, so she was given to another veteran and now Eddie is going to receive Peggles, a two-year-old Boxer mix, who came to the shelter with a leg shattered by a bullet. Even though Peggles had to have her back right leg amputated to maintain her mobility, she is still graceful and as loving and trusting as ever. Jerry Lyda, of Veterans K9 Solutions, Inc., trains many service dogs for vets and is working with Peggles so she will be a great companion for Eddie, who still suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The 63-year-old vet enjoys quiet activities, like fishing or going to church on Sunday. But he can get nervous in crowds or when too much activity is going on around him.
“That’s what PTSD does to you”, Eddie said. “But with an animal, you love them, they love you. You can trust them and they can trust you.”
If you are a veteran or currently serving in the armed forces, please visit us and take advantage of the half-price adoption discount that FOTAS provides. As always, the County Shelter has some amazing dogs and cats on our adoption floor that desperately need loving homes.

Their lives are in our hands.

 

Marines Tom Buchanan and Taylor Heimann with their adopted dog, Heidi
Marines Tom Buchanan and Taylor Heimann with their adopted dog, Heidi

Veteran Eddie Hill with Jenelle
Veteran Eddie Hill with Jenelle

Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS, Military Veterans, Service Dogs, Veterans

County Shelter animals give comfort and aid to U.S. Veterans

Posted on by Angel Hartline
31
May

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

“There is a special bond that dogs and humans share,” says William Collins, a local U.S. veteran who served overseas.  “A dog can make a huge difference in a person’s life.”

The dog that changed William’s life is a four-year-old, shepherd mix named Buddy that he adopted from the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS). The calm canine goes everywhere with William and helps him to cope with the long-term, after effects of war.

“Buddy has changed my life for the better,” William says.  “He has allowed me to live a healthier, more functional and fuller life.  Buddy is a safe place for me and I depend on him to help me with some of the difficulties and challenges I face on a daily basis.”

Because it recognizes that servicemen and women can benefit from the companionship of a shelter cat or dog, FOTAS has decided to make its half-price adoption discount for U.S. veterans and active U.S. military personnel a year round program. FOTAS sponsors half the adoption fee, so dogs are $35 and cats just $17.50. The discount was launched on Veteran’s Day of last year and due to the positive response, FOTAS decided to make it a permanent offer.

It is a small way for us to thank the men and women who serve our country.

FOTAS also helps find service dogs for veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other health issues that can result from military service. Working with dog training specialists like Veterans K9 Solutions Inc. in Augusta, FOTAS has provided service dogs to about 15 veterans over the past few years.

“These people [veterans] are my heroes, and any help they can get from FOTAS and the shelter is very much appreciated” says Jerry Lyda, co-owner and founder of Veterans K9 Solutions in Augusta. Jerry is a veteran himself and started his nonprofit training organization after he saw his buddies come back from Vietnam with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other war-related ailments. He focused on training canines from shelters to assist veterans “because it saves two lives – the person and the dog.”

Luckily, most veterans don’t suffer from PTSD or other war-related illnesses. They just come to the Shelter to add a furry companion to their home. But for those that do, the dogs can be a godsend.

Joe Shaia, another local war veteran, adopted Laila, a two-year-old, Shepherd/Retriever mix, from the County Shelter two months ago. Joe was stationed in Afghanistan and came back with severe PTSD. But since training and spending time with Laila, he’s finding it easier to cope with his illness. Joe has difficulty being in areas with a lot of people, but Laila acts as a buffer and always has his back.

“She means a lot to me,” Joe says. “She helps me get out in the public and out of my safe zone and gives me something positive to focus on.”

For more information about the U.S. Military Services/Veteran Half-Price Adoption Program at the ACAS, please go to www.fotasaiken.

Their lives are in our hands.

William Collins with his service dog Buddy

Laila goes everywhere with Veteran Joe Shaia