Category Archives: Pibbles

2025, Adoption, Pibbles

The Pure Pleasure of Pitties

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
20
Aug

For those who may be missing the companionship of a dog or for others who just want to offer their time and affection, the Aiken County Animal Shelter’s Doggie Days Out program is a fun opportunity to have a dog for an hour, an afternoon or overnight. How lucky are we to have the privilege of a shelter dog for a cuddle, a walk or a movie night at home? The dogs love to show that they have what it takes to be adopted as a forever friend.

There have been a few times since becoming a volunteer at the shelter, that I have taken a dog out for the day or home for the weekend. Before deciding which dog to take home, I feel as though I must trust them in a number of ways. They must be able to get in and out of the car politely. They must be able to walk on the leash politely. And, they must behave in my home (you guessed it), politely.

So it was to my surprise that all of the dogs I have selected for a Doggie Days Out have been Pitties [Pitbull Mix]. Previously, I had no experience whatsoever with Pitties, but they have quickly become my favorites.

We’re all aware of the “bad wrap” Pitties have received through no fault of their own. Whether it is by over-breeding, poor upbringing or lack of training their reputation is by no means a representation of the breed. On the contrary, I have found them to be incredibly affectionate, attentive, empathetic, silly and loving.

Whether it’s hanging out at home or on a long walk in the horse district, each one has proven to be the most wonderful companion. The Pitties are sturdy and strong, but love to have their faces scrunched and smooched. Their smiles will light up your day!!

Pitties are by nature eager for connection. If we could only bottle the pure gratitude they express for any of the experiences we can provide. Pauline was snoring away within minutes of settling into her comfy and quiet “at home” bed, Marley played enthusiastically with his toys, Lexi buried herself into the pillows, Ricky loved exploring on our long walks and Marty smiled ear-to-ear all day.

Pauline, Marley, Lexi, Ricky and Marty have thankfully been adopted. I am left with fond memories of cuddling with them and delighting in their appreciation of a warm comfortable bed to share. Some extra yummy treats didn’t hurt either.

Give a Pittie a chance. You won’t regret it!! Their lives are in our hands.

by Barbara Ambach FOTAS Volunteer

2023, adopter feedback, Adoption, Pibbles

Shelter Adoptions are Great

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
23
Feb

My son Wesley, after grieving over the loss of his chocolate Labrador Retriever, decided it was time for another dog. Instead of looking for a registered breed and being advocates and supporters of FOTAS/Aiken Country Animal Shelter we decided to pay the Aiken Country Animal Shelter a visit.

We made an appointment and on arrival Kathy took us on an adoption tour. It was immediately obvious that Kathy’s passion for these animals is surmount to just a job. Kathy patiently showed us the huge number of dogs ready to be adopted. The shelter was overflowing from the recent large intake of surrenders.

Although so overcrowded, we were very impressed with the cleanliness and how well maintained the entire facility was kept. Even more impressive was the care these animals were receiving no matter their physical condition, size, shape or breed. Each kennel has a detailed list of the animal’s condition, the treatment needed and thus far provided. Also, another post contained behavioral notes detailing any issues, a schedule for volunteers of when the dog had last been walked and details like leash trained, pulls when walks, jumper, etc.

After a lot of going back forth we finally picked out a medium size 2 year old Pibble (Pit Bull mix), Jelly Bean. Kathy got her out of the kennel. Wes got on the floor with Jelly Bean who quickly convinced Wes she was his dog.

Now three weeks later things could not be better. Jelly Bean came housebroken, out retrieves our yellow Lab mix (also an adopted stray) and loves the country life. No registered breed needed. Save those big bucks. For a modest adoption fee you can get a neutered/spayed, microchipped, smart, forever special and loving family companion.

Although already impressed with the entire adoption process at the shelter, we received this email:

“Good morning Ms Tyler! I am emailing you as you recently adopted Jelly Bean and we just wanted to see how everything was going. Behaving?? Eating well?/ Playing well with everyone?? Adapting well?? If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reply to this email or give as a call. We would love to see any pics you have to share! Thank you so much and we look forward to hearing from you!”

I’m not sure you would receive this level of care and concern from anyone else. It will always be the shelter for our next dog. PLEASE consider a PIBBLE. They are great dogs!

Our family sincerely thanks and appreciates all the FOTAS volunteers and staff that work at the shelter on a daily basis. Your efforts to help teach socialization skills to get these animals to their forever homes speaks volumes about your character and compassion.

Their lives are in our hands.

by Allison, Rhonda and Wesley Tyler, Aiken County Shelter Adopters

2022, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, Pibbles

A Dog Named Jolene

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
19
Aug

She arrived at the County Animal Shelter terrified and hungry. Her beige coat was filthy, and fleas covered her body. But even as she was brought into the shelter’s vet clinic for examination and medical care, Jolene managed to briefly show everyone a heartwarming smile. Despite her difficult past, this pretty Pibble was full of love.

A little over four years old and only 40 pounds, Jolene paled in looks compared to some of the other, more colorful shepherds, retrievers and terrier mixes at the shelter. But her sweet eyes and gregarious personality made her a gem waiting to be discovered. 

Enter Hayden Craft from Grovetown, GA. He visited Jolene at the shelter and both their lives changed forever.

“It all started when I moved to Georgia,” he explained. “I had gotten my own place, but something was missing. It always seemed empty. My brother had adopted a dog from the Aiken County Shelter, and it got me looking on the FOTAS website for a dog of my own, and I immediately became interested in Jolene.

“I took my lunch break and went up to the shelter to see her and it was love at first sight for both of us. The sweetest dog you could have ever asked for. They told me she had a heart murmur, but I couldn’t let that stop me. She deserved the best rest of her life, a forever home, with me.”

Since adopting Jolene, Hayden has seen her bloom into an amazing pet.

“She loves all other animals,” he said. “But there’s nothing she loves more than rubbing her back all over the ground and playing with stuffed toys at the same time. And for such a small dog, she takes up more of the bed than I do. I couldn’t train her to sleep on the floor If I tried!

“I thank FOTAS and Aiken County Animal Shelter every day for giving this girl a chance and giving me a chance to love her. Jolene is my first dog as an adult, and she’s so good, she makes me want another one.”

If you are ready to find your own furry BFF, please come to the County Shelter, 333 Wire Road in Aiken. There are so many more dogs and cats in need who need loving homes. To see all of our adoptable pets, check out our website: fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

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.
2021, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, Pibbles, SELECTING A PET

Consider adopting the dog who’s been at the shelter the longest

Posted on by Bob Gordon
03
Jan

A funny thing happened with two of the dogs we adopted from the Aiken County Animal Shelter that made us think that we are on to something. We like to have three dogs in our household and when one of them dies, we honor their memory by adopting a new dog as their replacement.

Brownie when he lived in the shelter.

We lost Yoda about two years ago and Buster just a few months ago. We decided to replace each of them with the dog that had been at the shelter the longest, a dog that apparently no one wanted.
So, we took a chance with Meadow a couple of years ago and adopted Blaze, who we renamed Brownie, about a month ago. These two dogs that, for whatever reason, nobody wanted are the sweetest, most loyal, most lovable, most obedient, and simply the nicest dogs we have ever owned. It’s as if they knew that we saved them when no one else would.

We had concerns when these two were adopted. How would they get along with the other two? There were male/female issues. Why weren’t they adopted?

We were confident we could make it work despite those issues.

We knew that our home, and any adopter’s home, is not the shelter filled with lots of animals stressing out in kennels, making lots of noise. A dog’s behavior at a shelter does not necessarily represent who that dog really is. Our home, your home, is the dog’s castle. The dog feels more secure and comfortable in its own real home.

Our dogs run free on our enclosed property, no leashes; but when we first bring a new dog home, we train it on a leash. We introduce them to the other dogs whose first reactions are to protect their territory. But they eventually accept them when they realize the new dog is staying for good. They share and enjoy the company of a new playmate as long as they still get lots of attention.

At first, we familiarized Brownie, as we did Meadow, with every part of our home and walked him continuously outside so he learned his boundaries. We let him off leash in a fenced-in area. We continuously taught him recall, that is training him to come when we call his name. We constantly praised his good behavior. Finally, we let him off leash out in the open and watched his behavior. He would pass that test when he comes when called and basically just runs around with the other two dogs. It took about a week of constant attention and training but now he is part of the family.

Brownie finds his spot on the Miller bed.

It did not happen by magic. We took charge, invested some time and effort to get these new dogs acclimated to us and our surroundings. But we are convinced that they immediately went out of their way to be good because they were so grateful for us finally rescuing them from the shelter and giving them a forever home. All they want to do is please their owner.

Adopt any dog from the shelter but consider adopting the one that has been there the longest. You’ll be amazed at the results.

Their lives are in your hands.

— By Peter Miller, FOTAS Volunteer

2021, Doggie Day Out, Dogs, FOTAS, News, Pibbles

Shelter Dog Seaver Will Dance His Way Into Your Heart

Posted on by Bob Gordon
04
Feb

Seaver is a dancing machine. No, really! When this handsome dog gets excited, his front two feet become a blur as he gracefully taps his paws on the ground like a canine Fred Astaire. When he anticipates going for a walk, receiving a treat or meeting a new person, his eyes light up, his tail slaps the floor and his white paws jump and glide while he smiles and prances in place.

Sweet Seaver arrived at the Aiken County Animal Shelter more than 6 weeks ago and is still looking for a forever home. If you would like to adopt this wonderful dog, please call the shelter, (803) 642-1537, option 5 or send an email to info@fotasaiken.org.

It is adorable to see 4-year-old, 64-pound Seaver express his joy this way and we thought posting a video of him in action would catch the attention of potential adopters. But despite getting thousands of views and many shares on social media, Seaver is still looking for a forever home.

Besides his great moves, Seaver is also an extremely good-looking dog. His black coat with white markings on his feet, face and chest combined with his soulful eyes make him a stunner. He’s also housebroken and walks well on a leash. And did I mention he loves children? He does and he instinctively knows to be gentle around little ones.

Seaver on a Doggie Day Out.

Yet, still this amazing dog sits in his shelter kennel, waiting for a home.
Seaver also loves to go on car rides. He’s been on numerous Doggie Days Out with volunteers and behaves himself, enjoying the scenery and human company. Nearly every time he returns from his Doggie Day Out adventures, the folks comment on what a terrific boy he is.

Seaver dances in place when he gets excited.

But despite these rave reviews, he’s on his second month of watching other dogs get chosen instead of him. So, what’s going on here?

We’re not sure but we think it is because Seaver does best being an only pet. He is not generally aggressive towards other pets and can be seen at the shelter giving kisses to dogs that walk by his kennel. But he doesn’t want to share his home with other animals and this limits his adoption opportunities.

However, if you are looking for just one awesome dog to be your best friend for life, Seaver is ready to dance his way into your heart. If you would like to adopt Seaver and can give him a loving home or know someone who would be a good match for this cutie, please call the Aiken County Animal Shelter, 803.642.1537 (option # 5) or email info@fotasaiken.org and make an appointment to visit him.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2021, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Chained dogs, Dogs, FOTAS, News, Pibbles, SOCIAL MEDIA

Hilde: One Special Shelter Dog Who Finally Found Her Dream Home

Posted on by Bob Gordon
26
Jan

In the seven years since the new Aiken County Animal Shelter opened, thousands and thousands of dogs have passed through its doors. Dogs of every shape, size, age, condition, breed, and mix of breeds—we’ve seen them all. So, it’s unusual for a particular dog to be indelibly imprinted into my mind (other than my own beloved rescues), but there is one—a beautiful blonde, golden-eyed, pit bull mix named Hilde, who first came to the shelter in 2016.

Hilde and her big, goofy smile.

Hilde was a volunteer and staff favorite, a 55-pound, people-lover with a big, goofy smile. Yet, by the end of January 2017, she held the unfortunate distinction of being the longest canine resident at the shelter. It was a mystery why someone hadn’t scooped up this bundle of love, but day after day, potential adopters walked past her kennel without a second look. After a while, the inevitable stress of shelter life took its toll on Hilde; the light began to fade from her eyes.

FOTAS leaped into action. We initiated Doggie Day Out for Hilde (a program still in effect today), packed her in a car, took her downtown, and paraded her through stores and coffee shops. We wrote about her and marketed her on social media. She spent weekend Doggie Overnights with Kelly, one of our volunteers.

Hilde being loved on by one of her little peeps.

Finally, our efforts paid off. A young family came to the shelter specifically to meet her, fell in love, and adopted her. For months, the family sent us photos of Hilde and the kids, snuggled up on the couch, stretched out on the bed. We were thrilled and relieved. Hilde had a home.

Imagine our horror when, a year later, the Lexington County Animal Shelter notified the shelter (thanks to her microchip) that Hilde had been picked up as a stray—weak, starving, flea-bitten, and terrified. One of the staff immediately hopped in the van to pick her up. When she saw her old friends at the shelter, her tail thumped with joy. We cried—shocked by her condition and profoundly touched by her recognition.

What happened? We never found out. Her “dream” family was not responsive to our calls. Time to start over. First order of business: get Hilde healthy. Second, find her a forever home—this time for real.

It took some time, but Hilde’s a survivor. She got lots of medical attention, exercise, and affection, plus weekends off with her pal, Kelly. When she was ready, we wrote another article about her. Enter Kathy and Greg Bowman. It was a match meant to be.

Hilde shares her toys with her human sister.

But Kathy’s daughter? Not so much. She was worried. A pit bull mix? Would her kids—Kathy’s grandkids—be safe? It didn’t take long to convince her of Hilde’s inherent gentleness and her love for people, particularly children. She witnessed it firsthand: her kids loving on an ecstatic Hilde, snuggled up together on the bed, napping happily away, romping through the yard.

Finally, after all these years and misadventures, Hilde has found her forever home. She deserves it. She even has her own Instagram page: Hilde the Rescue Dog. Check it out!

Godspeed, Hilde. Godspeed.

Their lives are in our hands.

–By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

Hilde fast asleep on Christmas day 2019
2021, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, FOTAS, neglected pets, News, Pibbles, Volunteer, Volunteers

Local News Anchor Joins FOTAS, Adopts and Promotes Shelter Dogs

Posted on by Bob Gordon
25
Jan

WRDW TV News Anchor and Investigative Reporter Meredith Anderson and her daughter, Ella, have joined FOTAS, and we could not be more pleased to have them on our team. They visit and help socialize the homeless pets at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) and both take photos of dogs that Meredith then posts on her popular social media channels.

The Anderson’s Three Musketeers nap on their masters’ bed: Eliza, Mulligan & Hamilton

“With COVID restrictions, social media is their best chance,” Anderson said. “It’s good for my heart because it makes me feel like I am making a real difference. Social media is a powerful thing, and I am thrilled my daughter gets to see it being used for good.”

Added Ella, “I absolutely love volunteering for FOTAS. The best part about it is getting to meet so many adorable, sweet and playful dogs and cats.”

In less than two years, the Andersons went from having no dogs at all to adopting three dogs with special needs from their past abandonment and abuse. The family’s love for shelter dogs began in February 2019, when they saw a big, black pit bull mix named Hank on the FOTAS Facebook page. When Hank was surrendered to the shelter, he shook in fear and had tears in his eyes. The Andersons saw his photo, read his story and couldn’t stop thinking about him. They took Hank home, committed to helping the troubled dog start a new, better life. They hired a trainer and Hank, renamed Hamilton, slowly learned he was loved and became less anxious.

Meredith Anderson takes her adopted dogs to the vet for their check-ups

This year, two more rescue dogs joined Hamilton: Eliza, a huge, gray pit bull, and young Mulligan, a black and white mixed breed that Ella fell in love with while volunteering at the shelter. Eliza is a dog that was shot but refused to leave the spot where someone drowned her puppies. Mulligan, a dog who faced abuse in her past, became a family member in November of 2020.

“It’s been a process for sure,” Meredith posted on her Facebook page shortly after adopting Mulligan. “It took a lot of love, patience and work, but I truly believe this was meant to be.”

Adopting Mulligan has made Eliza happy. While she loves Hamilton, he doesn’t like to play as much as she does, and Mulligan fills that role nicely.

“Mulligan is a runner, so she and Eliza spend the entire day running and playing,” Meredith explained. “It has given Hamilton some peace and quiet. He’s happy to walk away and watch the girls when he’s had enough. We never imagined how this dynamic would benefit all of them so much. “

Ella hugs Mulligan, a dog she bonded with while volunteering at the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

Becoming a FOTAS volunteer is a great way to spend time with animals, and who knows? You might fall in love and add a pet in need to your home, like the Andersons did. Please go to FOTASAiken.org to learn more about volunteering and download an application.

“What I say to people who are planning to volunteer or adopt is, ‘Thank You, that’s very kind of you to think about these poor animals,’” Ella said. “’Never lose that sense of kindness.’”

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

Bosom buddies Mulligan (left) and Eliza.


2020, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, News, Pibbles

Christmas Miracle: Fate Brings Family and Dogs Together

Posted on by Bob Gordon
28
Dec

Sometimes things happen that cannot be explained. My wife, Jennifer, and I recently experienced such an event.

About 15 months ago we adopted Meadow, a white Pitbull mix, from the Aiken County Animal Shelter. We had just lost our favorite dog and wanted to honor him by adopting a dog from the shelter that nobody wanted. Meadow was about 5 years old and overbred. Everyone passed her kennel at the shelter without even looking at her.

We were concerned how our two male dogs would respond to a new female dog entering their lives. We also have horses and didn’t know how Meadow would react to them.

Meadow (left) and Chloe are best buddies.

The dogs accepted her, and she soon became the boss. On her first day, we brought our horse, Bruno, into the barn and introduced him to Meadow. We held our collective breaths when, suddenly, Bruno began to groom Meadow like horses groom each other. We had never seen a horse groom a dog! The grooming sessions became a daily ritual. Since then, Meadow and Bruno have been featured in the paper, our local Channel 12, and the story went viral on Facebook.

Meadow is a star; maybe the best dog we’ve ever owned.

The story doesn’t end there. Sadly, one of our male dogs passed away from cancer this past summer, and Jennifer was determined to adopt another dog in his honor.

This is where the plot thickens. In late November, we adopted two-year old Chloe from the shelter who, like Meadow, is a slightly smaller, overbred, white Pitbull mix. Like Meadow, she has the same soft coat and black spots subtly spread over her body. But, unlike Meadow, Chloe has a stunning black circle around one of her eyes. Except for that black spot, it’s hard to tell them apart.

Meadow and Chloe have become best buddies. They play together, cuddle, constantly kiss each other, and are inseparable. Like Meadow, Chloe immediately commandeered a spot on the most comfortable chairs and couches. Like Meadow, Chloe refused her crate and insists on sleeping on our bed.

Like Meadow, Chloe insists on sleeping on the bed.

They have many of the same habits, traits, and characteristics. We have begun to think maybe it’s more than a coincidence.

Think about it! Meadow was overbred; we know she had several litters of puppies, but we don’t know what happened to any of them. Could it be? Was it fate or some higher power that had us adopt Meadow 15 months ago? Was it fate or some higher power that brought Chloe and Meadow together this past November?

Who’s to say? So, we have made our own happy determination: Chloe is Meadow’s daughter.

That’s our Christmas story and we’re sticking to it! How lucky are we to have three, loving, goofy, happy, affectionate Pitbull mixes to make our home a joyful place? Maybe it’s time for your family to adopt the first, the second, or even a third dog and share that Christmas joy. You won’t be sorry.

FOTAS wishes you and your family a Happy Holiday Season. This year the shelter, once again, saved more than 4,000 animals, thanks to our community’s support. Thank you and God bless.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Peter Miller, FOTAS Volunteer

2020, Bully Dogs, Doggy Treadmill, Dogs, FOTAS, kennel stress, News, Pibbles, Training

Shelter Treadmill Training Saves Shy and Stressed Out Dogs

Posted on by Bob Gordon
20
Sep

So many of our shelter dogs come from situations of neglect. They have not had training and do not have polished manners, which leads us to the task of teaching them. Dogs thrive on learning and pleasing us. Sometimes though, they have a hard time focusing in a shelter environment. Some feed off the barking of others, some cower in the corner. The treadmill has been an incredible tool to help both types of dog.

Lars is ready and eager to find a loving home. He’s a great dog who loves to go on walks and car rides.

For a scared dog or a shy dog, the motion of walking on the treadmill helps them relax. As they walk, they loosen up and start to focus on us while we praise them and encourage them. I was a huge skeptic when we started using this method. But then I saw many soothed and relaxed by this exercise tool. Dogs that were petrified, dogs that we had to carry to the treadmill, only days later were wagging their tails and trusting us!

Take adoptable dog Lars. He came to us with a dirty ring around his neck and a large scar under his chin, evidence of being tied up or chained. We think the only human touch he received was when he was hit. This poor dog closes his eyes and ducks when you raise your hand.

After five days at the shelter, Lars was acting like a puppy! So happy, so excited to have people love him. However, he also started to get mouthy, jumpy and wanted to wrestle with his walkers. This is typical puppy behavior except Lars is no pup. He is 2 years old and 62 pounds. He shows no aggression but when you are a bully breed and full of muscle, those behaviors can really turn off an adopter. Therefore, we started Lars on the treadmill. Fifteen minutes of walking on the treadmill wore him out enough that he could then focus on learning good behavior. Now, after more training and socializing with staff and volunteers, Lars is ready for adoption and longing for a home of his own.

Lars is 2 years old, 62 pounds and has a lot of love to give. Treadmill training at the shelter has helped to reduce his kennel stress.

Thanks to donations from our supporters, we are able to continuously invest in tools to help our shelter pets. We want the best for them and work hard to make them adoptable and to be successful in their new homes.

In 2020, from January until July, the shelter adopted out 1,395 animals! Our treadmill training is a key program that helps make this possible by keeping our dogs mentally and physically active.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator