They arrived with umbilical cords still attached, eyes closed, and desperate for care.

I reached out for help to our fosters and within two hours, three incredible women came to help.

Linda Cooper took two puppies, Beth Platt took two and Shana Pearsons took three.
These women were unbelievable! All asking immediately what to do and how to help them. They all had done research before coming, watched videos and knew the basics. I can’t tell you how heartwarming it was to see these women arrive at the shelter, calmly and confidently ready to help.

Shelter Staff Member Amanda Kaminski prepared pet carriers lined with fleece blankets and small beds. She also had bottles and puppy formula ready for each foster, along with detailed instructions.
Each of these women woke up every two to three hours during the night to feed these babies. It was no easy task as motherless puppies this young often don’t survive. Initially, they do not know how to drink formula from bottles. They are cold and need help staying warm.

“Bottle feeding puppies is certainly time consuming, exhausting and you spend lots of time worrying about them,” Beth Platt said. “However, it is also incredibly rewarding when they do well. It definitely has brought me back to when I had my babies and was up for very late-night feeds, but also a sweet time as well.”

“This was my first time bottle feeding pups as well,” added Shana Pearsons. “Wow, so cool to watch them progress!”

The women emailed back and forth, texted for advice and compared notes. They weighed the pups, took notes on potty times and kept track of how much they fed them. They worked hard to save them.
When Linda Cooper had to go out of town, Betsy Holmes took her puppies home to continue taking care of them. Betty Ryberg stepped up and took care of Shana’s pups when Shana had another obligation. It is a real community effort.

“The feeding schedule for these newborn pups has been demanding, as well as making sure they are peeing and pooping,” Linda Cooper said. “But this first-time experience has been very worthwhile, seeing the puppies grow and thrive against the odds and getting a second chance at life.”

Good news: all of the puppies found homes waiting for them through the shelter’s adopter wish list.

Currently, we are struggling to find foster homes for dogs (much easier to care for than puppies), puppies and soon kittens. Can you spare a week or two? Can you open a stall in your barn? Can you add one more dog to your home for five days? Questions? Call 803-514-4313 or email us at info@fotasaiken.org and we will answer any questions or concerns that you may have.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

In fact, we just hosted our first pet food assistance drive-thru event last Saturday. Local residents in need of food for their dogs and cats were invited to drive up to the shelter, where FOTAS volunteers placed bags and cans of pet food in the trunks of their cars. This event helped folks in financial need feed their pets and avoid surrendering them to the shelter during tough economic times. More such events are planned for the future. Thankfully, many generous people donate pet food to the shelter specifically for folks in financial need.

Another program FOTAS and the County Shelter provide to the community is Fido Off-the-Chain, which provides humane runners and tethering for people who don’t have fenced-in yards. When County Animal Code Enforcement officers visit homes where dogs are chained or tethered with limited mobility, they often provide runners that keep the dogs contained in the yard but allow them to run and play while ensuring their tether doesn’t get wrapped around a tree, post or other object.

“We’re not just working in the community,” said County Animal Code Enforcement Officer Rod Burks. “It’s our community, too. We love the animals, so it’s important for us to provide solutions and educate people about local regulations and responsible pet ownership.” FOTAS purchases these runners, and more are needed all the time.

FOTAS’s Home to Home program is another resource that helps county residents keep their pets out of the shelter’s kennels. It is provided for people to use free of charge – a marketing tool designed for pet owners who need to rehome their pet but do not want their dog or cat to endure the stress of being surrendered to the shelter. With Home to Home, residents can promote their pets on the FOTAS website and Facebook page and communicate with prospective adopters to find new homes for their animals safely and conveniently.

Programs like these, and others, help our community members and their pets in need. They also keep pets out of the shelter, where a surrendered dog or cat can sometimes endure emotional stress or even shut down. We will continue to develop community outreach programs that further establish the County Shelter as a helpful resource rather than just a destination for unwanted pets.

The shelter is currently full. We have wonderful pets who desperately need loving homes. So, please visit the Aiken County Animal Shelter, 333 Wire Road, and visit our homeless dogs and cats. To see all the pets available, go to FOTASAiken.org. Dogs are $35 and cats and kittens are only $10.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

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.”

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

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.

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.

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

I like folks. In fact, I’m so friendly, I want to talk with everyone we meet on our daily walks. That’s what gave Biz the idea that I might be able to help comfort people who could use a friendly canine hug.

You see, Annie and Biz were a therapy dog team for 9-1/2 years. Biz missed this activity. But once she got to know me, she knew I could be a great therapy dog. Thus, the training and work began. First, I ate lots of good food to put on more pounds and added coconut oil to enhance my fur coat. I got up to a healthy 102 pounds and my fur coat is soft and luxurious. Next, I attended school for six weeks of basic obedience training. Thank goodness I passed! (I can be a little stubborn.)

After the winter holidays, Biz contacted the tester/observer in our area to see when we could schedule the therapy dog test. We had to be together for six months before testing could occur. Finally, on February 26, we had the therapy dog test and we passed with flying colors! Next, we had to have three observations with the tester/observer in various places. Our first was at Tractor Supply Co. store, the second at Hitchcock Place Assisted Living and the third at Lowe’s. Again, we passed with accolades!

Now I have my Alliance of Therapy Dogs certification papers along with a red heart to wear on my collar. I’ve already visited two rehab facilities and two assisted living places. I love this job! Everyone wants to pet and love on me. Plus, I get to see lots of smiles.

Biz plans to take me to visit VA hospitals, children’s medical facilities, schools, nursing homes and anywhere else that allows therapy dogs. I can’t wait! I want to bring my doggie love to as many people as possible.

The County Shelter is at full capacity and has many wonderful dogs who, like Snowflake, can bring much joy and happiness into people’s lives. They just need a second chance at a good life. Come to 333 Wire Road in Aiken and we’ll help you find the dog that brings lots of smiles to you and your family.

— By Biz Mann, FOTAS Volunteer

This sweet boy didn’t have hope in his eyes when he arrived. He had all the signs of being a bait dog. Bait dogs are usually the canines that criminals cannot turn into fighters. The dog is too sweet and friendly. So instead, they use them to be savagely attacked, and often killed, by the dogs they are able to turn into fighters. Clearly mauled by other dogs, we eventually had to amputate two of Norman’s toes. They were so severely damaged.

The staff and volunteers immediately fell for him and wanted to earn his love and trust. He had only the best beds, the tastiest food and all the hugs he could handle. Within days, this dog started to come alive!

Norman (the kennel staff named him) learned quickly how to walk on leash and then he would jump up and hug his walkers! This boy left the past behind and met all new people with happiness and puppy-like excitement. We think he is around six years old, but you wouldn’t know it. After two weeks, his fur was shinier, he wiggled when he saw us and he was ready. This sweet dog gained eleven pounds in just two weeks. So much healthier!

Norman is one of the lucky ones. He was rescued and treated for his wounds, given everything to make him comfortable and recover from his past. This would never be possible without the generosity of our volunteers and supporters.

Norman is now in his forever home and will finally get the life he deserves.

–By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

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.

“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.

Their lives are in our hands.

— Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

“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.

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.

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

“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.

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

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.

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