Category Archives: Pibbles

2020, Bully Dogs, Chained dogs, Dogs, kennel stress, neglected pets, News, Pibbles

The Forgotten Aiken County Shelter Dogs: Colt, Loki & Lucy

Posted on by Bob Gordon
31
Aug

The Aiken County Animal Shelter has enjoyed some amazing adoptions in the past few months. People were home on quarantine, and it was the perfect time to adopt. But now adoptions are slowing down and the shelter has some cuties that have been waiting for homes for way too long. These sweethearts are in urgent need of good homes.

Colt meets a boy while on a Doggie Day Out.

Colt is a loving boy who has been on the adoption floor the longest. He has gone home with volunteers for overnights and we have learned that he is housetrained and grateful for all kindness given to him. Colt came to the shelter with bullet fragments in him! We don’t know why someone would want to shoot this sweet guy. We only know that he is lovable and very ready to find his forever home. He is beginning to show signs of depression from being in a kennel too long. This boy wants to be your TV-watching couch buddy.

Lucy is a squishy and sweet Boxer mix. Poor Lucy is afraid of thunderstorms, which we have had many of this month. We really need to get her into a home and make her more comfortable. She is the first dog walked by volunteers each morning as she is very housebroken (and like all the others listed) will not eat her breakfast until she goes out for a walk. When you make a kissing sound, she will sit and give you a kiss!

Loki arrived at the shelter starving.

Loki came to the shelter looking skeletal. He was so sad and hungry, and grateful for receiving our care. When the staff first brought him a large bed and a bowl full of food, in all honesty I think he was smiling. He is just the sweetest boy, and he will appreciate whoever gives him a good life! Dogs who have been neglected show such incredible love to those who save them.

Boxer mix Lucy desperately needs a home.

You may notice a theme here…there are no 10-pound dogs sitting at the shelter. The dogs who desperately need homes are on the larger side. You can be a grouchy, small dog and still find a home. But our medium to large dogs who often have the best manners and show so much affection, are the ones who seem to sit in kennels the longest, waiting to be chosen and adopted. Please help us find loving homes for these forgotten dogs.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2020, Adoption, Bully Dogs, coronavirus crisis, Dogs, Foster, FOTAS, Home-to-Home adoption program, News, Pibbles, shelter construction, surrendered pets

Adapting to Pandemic Crisis Leads to Positive Changes

Posted on by Bob Gordon
17
Jun

The Coronavirus crisis blindsided us all. Suddenly leaving our homes was dangerous, masks covering our nose and mouth became necessary, restaurants and small businesses were forced to shut down, and toilet paper turned into a priceless commodity.

But COVID-19 also forced us to think differently about the world we live in and adjust accordingly. Not only did social media become even more of a focus for us and vital to reaching potential adopters and fosters, but we also adapted our adoption process. To better protect citizens and our Aiken County Animal Shelter staff, we began doing adoptions outside and by-appointment only.

Sweet Angelica gets adopted during a May 22 appointment.

Since the shelter became closed to the public in March, we began asking potential adopters to view the available animals on FOTASaiken.org and then call the shelter for an appointment to visit with the ones they like. When folks arrive for their appointments, staff members greet them outside and then bring the pets out to visit. Following social distance protocol and wearing protective masks, staff members complete the adoptions curbside.

Michelle Vieyra adopted gray and white Pitbull mix Jules last month and brought one of her male dogs to meet her outside. After spending some time with Jules, she knew the feisty female was a good match.

Hunter finds the perfect home!

“Jules is doing well and learning how to fit into pack culture,” Vieyra said. “She is a bossy little thing, which is why I renamed her Sassy, but she is smart and catches on very quickly how things work around here. She learned how to sit after just one day, and we will be starting on commands like ‘lie down’ and ‘stay’ soon. She is also ridiculously cuddly.”

The appointment model for adoptions has been so successful and convenient for citizens, we plan to continue it even as we start accepting walk-in visitors again. Adopters enjoy the greater one-on-one attention and find they are less overwhelmed by so many pet choices when they arrive. In fact, most appointments are resulting in adoptions.

Similar to other service businesses such as hair salons, we will encourage appointments but also welcome walk-ins.

Shelter launches construction of intake kennel enclosure
The needed construction project of enclosing the covered, open-air intake kennel wing began this week, and we are thrilled this important improvement is being made. This is an exciting project as 30 kennels will be enclosed in a temperature-controlled building, making the dogs in this wing more comfortable and better protected from severe weather. During the estimated 3-month project, the shelter will temporarily be without 30 kennels, so please if you can foster or adopt.

Gray and white Jules aka Sassy (right) is adopted by Michelle Vieyra during a late May appointment.

If you have to rehome your pet, please take advantage of FOTAS’s Home to Home program, which allows you to rehome your pet directly from your residence instead of surrendering them to the shelter (which can be so stressful for a pet).

To learn more about FOTAS’s many programs and/or to volunteer, go to the FOTAS website (fotasaiken.org) or call the shelter at (803) 642-1537.

Their lives are in our hands.


— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2020, Bully Dogs, Chained dogs, Dogs, FOTAS, kennel stress, News, Pibbles

Affectionate Shelter Dog Baya Is One Marvelous Mutt

Posted on by Bob Gordon
09
Mar

Mutts are a tribute to the creativity of nature, each one unique—a mix of physical and behavioral characteristics divinely inspired and executed. As a rule, thanks to a broader, more diverse gene pool, mutts live longer, healthier lives than their purebred canine pals. According to DogTime.com, mutts are the ultimate family dog:

“. . . the mixed breed excels where the purebred lacks . . . his intensity is softer than his pedigreed cousins, his drives and compulsions mercifully muted. The mutt’s loyalty, warmth, and deep desire to please, however, remain as fiercely intact as any dog you could choose to create.”

Pretty BAYA dresses up for St. Paddy’s Day photo.

We love mutts at the Aiken County Animal Shelter; we see thousands of them every year. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors: small and large; short-haired and rough-coated; spotted; dappled, and plain; muscular and petite; dignified and cute; yappy and quiet; energetic and couch potatoes; friendly and reserved. Some dogs are unbearably cute, but they are by far the minority at the shelter. Most of our mutts are graduates of the school of hard knocks, and while they may not represent the classic ideal of canine beauty, we are strong believers in “pretty is as pretty does.”

Baya is a perfect example. She lies on her blanket patiently and sits quietly in her kennel. She is the picture of good manners. Thanks to our Can I Crash on Your Couch? program, we also know Baya is housebroken, loves her crate, and knows basic commands. She is affectionate and loves to cuddle.

Yet, despite all of these lovely attributes, Baya holds the unfortunate distinction of being the shelter’s longest resident on the adoption floor. People walk by her kennel without a second look, day after day for the past two months, thanks to a number of factors that are not her fault. Her coat is black, and there is documented adoption bias nationally against black-colored dogs. She is older — County Shelter Veterinarian Dr. Levy estimates her age at about seven years old.

Sweet, big-hearted BAYA has been waiting for a home longer than any other pet on the Aiken County Animal Shelter adoption floor.

Baya has a square head, and even though the shape of her head is an accident of random gene selection and not indicative of behavior, many people are wary of dogs that look like bully breeds. Finally, she is defensive with other dogs (most likely because she was chained and tethered for long periods of time) and needs to be the only dog in the home.

It’s a shame—truly. Baya is as affectionate and loyal as they come. She loves children. She likes nothing more than a good walk and a tummy rub—maybe an opportunity to announce her presence to the dogs in the yard and return to your side to sit on your feet.

We live in a society that favors beauty and youth, but we know from experience that beauty is only skin deep. What really matters, in people and in dogs, is what’s in their heart. By that measure, we know Baya is, quite simply, one beautiful dog.

Please don’t wait. Baya needs a home. We are certain she will bring joy and love to the lucky family who claims her as their own.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

2019, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, FOTAS, Have a Heart, Save a Heart, Heartworms, News, Pibbles

No More Tears: Hamilton’s a Happy Dog and Facebook Star

Posted on by Bob Gordon
13
Jan

This is a story that began with a dog crying real tears when he was surrendered to the Aiken County Animal Shelter nearly a year ago.

FOTAS Programs Coordinator Kathy Jacobs described the dog, Hank, and his reaction to being separated from his owner in this weekly column space on Feb. 24, 2019.

Hamilton gets ready for a Georgia Bulldog football game on his birthday.

“I saw something that I had not witnessed before, something that I will never forget,” Jacobs wrote. “The black Lab had tears in his eyes, with some trickling down his face. His cheeks were puffing in and out and his breathing was rapid. It was like watching a child be taken from his parents. He was heartbroken.”

Meredith Anderson, a popular anchor and award-winning investigative reporter at WRDW News in Augusta, saw the column and photo of Hank on Facebook. She read how this poor, 2-year-old, 55-pound dog had been waiting for a new home for many weeks and was getting depressed from being passed over by potential adopters. The dog’s story touched her, so she drove to the ACAS to meet Hank on Feb. 25. Anderson was quickly smitten with Hank and took him home that afternoon. She already had a new name for this special dog: Hamilton.

“Hamilton was absolutely meant to be my family’s dog…no question,” Anderson said. “I love him so much. I am beyond happy he is part of our family.” While Hamilton is a charmer and an amazing dog, the Anderson family knew this sweet boy came with some challenges and responsibilities – all of which Meredith chronicles on her WRDW Channel 12 Facebook page.

Hamilton is “interviewed” about his DNA test.

“Hamilton initially took a lot of work, love, investment, and patience. All totally worth it…but I don’t want to give the impression this journey has been an easy one,” she said. “I just want to be a responsible dog owner…and I think part of that is making sure people know adopting a dog is a big decision that really does require a lot of thought.”

Since adding Hamilton to her family, Anderson has posted entertaining photos of him in various outfits, hats and glasses. Her latest post is a video of Hamilton vigorously shaking his favorite rope toy to the Outkast song, “Hey Ya!” She’s also celebrated Hamilton’s third birthday; revealed his DNA test results (mostly Staffordshire Terrier with some Beagle and other smaller breeds); and about a month ago announced he was heartworm-free.

WRDW Channel 12 News Anchor/Reporter Meredith Anderson and Hamilton

“Christmas came early this year,” she posted. “GREAT NEWS. Hamilton is officially heartworm negative!” FOTAS paid for and provided the treatment to cure Hamilton of this mosquito-borne infection, as it does for any heartworm positive dog at the ACAS through its “Have a Heart, Save a Heart” program.

“Last year, Hamilton was at the Aiken County Animal Shelter,” Anderson noted. “This Christmas, he posed with his presents. Turns out, he was just as much a gift to my family as we were to him.”

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

PETS OF THE WEEK

TURNER: Hound mix, male, 8 yo, black, 88 pounds – $35

SISSY: Domestic Shorthair, female, 4 mo, chocolate, 4 pounds – $10

2019, adopter feedback, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Chained dogs, Dogs, FOTAS, News, Pibbles

The Dog I Didn’t Want Might Just Be My Favorite

Posted on by Bob Gordon
11
Nov

The oldest of our three dogs, Yoda, died in August from cancer. My wife, Jennifer, wanted to honor Yoda’s memory by adopting another dog from the shelter. I was against the idea. Our other two dogs (Beethoven and Buster) are great dogs, best buddies with established routines, and our pet ownership experience was on autopilot. Why rock the boat?

MEADOW lived on a chain and was neglected before joining the Miller household.

We own a horse farm and allow our dogs to roam free. The dogs are well trained to stay within the boundaries of our property. A new dog would mean training those boundaries all over again, training it to be compatible with the horses, and introducing it to Beethoven and Buster—who I feared, even though they are the sweetest dogs, could develop a pack mentality and give a new dog problems.

I gave Jennifer all the excuses I could to avoid adopting another dog. She wasn’t buying it. Not only was she insistent that she wanted to adopt another dog, she wanted to adopt one that had been on the adoption floor the longest. Great! I was losing the battle.

Then one afternoon, Jennifer informed me she had found that dog and wanted me to go to the shelter to meet her. Her? A female dog? With our two boys? “Meadow,” said Jennifer. “She’s everyone’s favorite dog at the shelter.” Yeah, right.

Off we went to the shelter, and I met Meadow, a six-year-old, white pit bull mix, who was heartworm positive. She had lived outside on a chain most of her life and was obviously overbred as evidenced by the six hanging nipples. Housebroken? Working on it. Basic obedience? A work in progress.

Bruno gives his new sister, MEADOW, her daily grooming — these two instantly bonded.

Jennifer had found her perfect unwanted dog.

I relented and we took Meadow home. The introduction to the other two dogs was okay; they didn’t kill her. The next day, Susie Cohen, shelter dog trainer extraordinaire, came to our home to assess the situation. When our alpha dog, Beethoven, raised his hackles, Susie was worried. But both Buster and Beethoven began to accept her, and we breathed a sigh of relief.

Next, we took Meadow to the barn on a leash to test her reaction to horses. We introduced her to our horse, Bruno, and Meadow sat down in front of him, intensely curious. Then the most amazing thing happened. Bruno bowed his head, sniffed her, and began to lick her all over, the way horses groom each other. Meadow sat still and savored his affection. It was precious. They were in love!

MEADOW (center) gets cozy on the bed with her new canine siblings, Buster and Beethoven.

Soon, Meadow fit right in with our family. She is the boss of the boys and we don’t need to leash her anymore. Her manners and her housebreaking continue to improve, and she has discovered our soft, cushy furniture – plus she sleeps in our bed with Beethoven and Buster. She also is a great athlete, as evidenced by the time she jumped on the counter, grabbed a plateful of people cookies, and threw it to the floor. All three dogs wolfed down ten cookies before we could intervene. Every day she becomes a happier, more well-adjusted dog.

Don’t tell Beethoven and Buster, but I think Meadow is now my favorite. Go figure.

— By Peter Miller, FOTAS Volunteer

BY THE NUMBERS
Monday, November 11 is Veterans Day. FOTAS sponsors (pays for) Aiken County Animal Shelter adoptions year-round for U.S. veterans and active military personnel.

PETS OF THE WEEK

SYDNI
Lab mix, female, 3 years old, black w/white, 65 pounds – $35

SIMBA
Domestic Shorthair kitten, male, 2 months old, bronze Tabby, 2 pounds – $10

2019, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, FOTAS, kennel stress, News, Pibbles

The Power of Social Media Saves Sweet Tiffany

Posted on by Bob Gordon
18
Oct

Adoptions have been slow. Kids are back in school, families are busy with activities and people just aren’t coming out to adopt. This is disheartening for the many adoptable dogs and cats at the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

Tiffany in the County Shelter play yard.

Recently, our sweet Tiffany was shutting down and losing hope. When people look to adopt, they want the pet to look at them and get excited. They want to feel an instant connection. But when we showed Tiffany to potential adopters, she no longer wagged her tail or carried one of her toys to show off. Instead, this brindle and white mixed breed now ignored people or ran to the corner of the play yard to hide. After waiting more than two months on the adoption floor, she no longer believed anyone would actually take her home.

Desperate to help Tiffany, we posted a video on our FOTAS Facebook page of her sitting in her kennel. It captured her depression, showing how she sulked and avoided eye contact.

Within hours of posting it on Facebook, people responded – more than 900 shares of her video! People were calling from Wisconsin wanting us to send her to them. Our amazing social media community started calling and coming to visit her! We showed her to multiple people, and then she found her match: a fabulous Aiken resident, Tina Watson, who fell in love with Tiffany and gave her a forever home.

Tiffany goes home with her adopter, Tina Watson. She saw a video of the depressed dog on Facebook and fell in love.

What still gives me goosebumps as I write this, is the number of people that cared about this dog from just seeing 20 seconds of video. In that brief clip, they could see and feel her loneliness.

What I hope people remember is that Tiffany is not alone. While we do everything to make their time at the shelter a happy and loving experience, at the end of the day these homeless pets are in a kennel. They are not at home.

Tiffany was lucky because people online responded to her sadness. But there will always be others having difficulty living in a shelter environment. There’s Chloe, a 6-year-old sweetheart who pines in her kennel. There’s Porter, a young mixed breed, who jumps in his kennel because he is stressed. And then there’s Sydni, a beautiful female Lab mix who is getting depressed from waiting so long for someone to adopt her.

Poor Chloe has been at the shelter for too long!

We will continue to reach out to our Facebook friends – they always seem to come through. But if you have room in your heart and in your home, please come to the County shelter, located at 333 Wire Road in Aiken, and ask the staff who really needs saving, is shut down and feeling hopeless. That dog or cat will fill your heart in a way that is indescribable.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director

BY THE NUMBERS

In the first 10 days of October, The Aiken County Animal Shelter took in 172 strays and surrendered pets – an average of 17 animals per day. Please spay/neuter your pets!

2019, adopter feedback, Adoption, Cats, Dogs, FOTAS, Home-to-Home adoption program, kittens, News, Pibbles

Follow-Ups Help Ensure Adopters and Their Pets Are Content

Posted on by Bob Gordon
13
Aug

When you adopt a homeless pet from the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) and walk out the door with your new furry companion, we don’t just file your paperwork, wave good-bye and wish you good luck. We make sure you and your pet are happy and doing well.

FOTAS volunteers and the shelter staff contact new pet owners within a week to 10 days of their adoption to see how they are doing. Is the dog or cat adapting well to his new environment? Is he eating okay? Playing well with others? Adopters also get a chance to share any concerns or questions they have about their new pet.

Kitten Kevin resting in his new home.

Following up with new adopters not only helps ensure they are satisfied with their pets, but also provides us with great stories and information that could help us in future adoptions. The best feedback includes photos of the shelter pets loving life in their new homes.

Here are examples of emails and notes we’ve received from recent adopters (some have been edited for space):

NORA IS ADJUSTING WELL
Nora is doing great! We think she likely had a rough life before the shelter and being adopted. She was extremely terrified of everything. My husband and I could not move without her flinching. She’s been to see our vet now and has gotten some meds and some pointers on how to help her feel more comfortable. It’s working! She’s opening up and becoming so playful and loving. She has such a happy and funny personality. We adore Nora and are so happy to call her ours!

Cassandra Newcomb

COUNTY SHELTER IS THE BEST
Thank y’all for all that y’all do for the fur babies waiting for forever homes. I wish we could have adopted more than just Reuben. Unfortunately, we have a small home and couldn’t accommodate more than the two we now have. I have been raving about y’all to friends and co-workers, for when they are ready to adopt. Your facility is so clean, everyone is so nice, and I feel like the adoption went smoothly and very securely. I am impressed by the background checks done for all adopters and the professionalism displayed was exceptional. Pat yourselves on the back. You all deserve it!

Amiee N. Hinton

Catherine Will with pretty Roo Roo.

BLESSED TO HAVE ROO ROO IN OUR FAMILY
Roo Roo is doing great! She is an absolute angel. We love her so much! She gets along with everyone, including our cat. We are blessed to welcome Roo into our family.

Catherine Will

BROOKE IS FITTING RIGHT IN
Puppy Brooke is fitting right in with the family! She is growing like a weed and doing well with house training. We absolutely love her!

Linda Duffy

KEVIN IS ALMOST PERFECT
Kevin has been loving his new forever home. He’s a very affectionate and playful kitten. He’s been eating well and growing so fast! My fiancé and I love him so much! We are very glad we adopted him. Other than being rambunctious and a little mischievous sometimes, he’s absolutely perfect!

Marilyn Hall

Beagle Nora stretches out at her forever home.

HOME TO HOME IS A GREAT SERVICE
The new adopter came and met my dog, Midi, and decided to take her home. Home to Home is a great service. Thank you so much! (FOTAS’s Home to Home Program helps pets move directly from one home to another.)

Julie Bean

JOSIE IS BEING SPOILED
Josie is doing great! She’s spoiled and her personality shines more every day. She has started to play with her toys and understands that they are hers and nobody is going to take them. She’s eating well, starting to gain a little healthy weight. She goes everywhere with us and even has her own Instagram account, josietherescueshepherd.

Mary Hanna

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2019, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, fostering, FOTAS, kennel stress, News, Pibbles, Training

Amazing Dogs Struggle to Find Homes Due to Kennel Stress

Posted on by Bob Gordon
22
Jul

Last week I walked over to see the new dogs on the shelter’s intake wing. When I see the dog in kennel 8, my heart breaks. He is so scared. He is a larger dog, white with a gorgeous brown spot on his eye. He can’t make eye contact with me; he just turns and tries to hide.

RAMSAY is having a tough time adjusting to life in the County Animal Shelter.

The fans are blowing – cooling the kennels – and he is clearly unsure of the noise. He has a ring around his neck where the long chain was taken off of him. He was dragging it along the ground when found lost and confused by a shelter volunteer. I step into the kennel and he jumps back. When I sit down, he tries to bury his head between my back and the wall. Each sound frightens him. He looks around nervously trying to figure out what is happening. I decide he needs some time, so I lie down with him in the kennel and he finally closes his eyes. I am now invested and must find a way to help this poor boy.

Imagine you live all your life outside on a chain and now you are confined. It has to be a struggle. Over the next couple of days, he gains confidence with each leash walk but frantically digs at the concrete floor when put back into his kennel. A large, donated Nylabone helps him calm down. The right toys can be hugely comforting.

Now on adoption and named Ramsay, he is being overlooked because he is so uncomfortable in the kennel space. If adopters could only take him out and see how incredibly sweet he is! He’ll melt against your leg just wanting to be loved.

LUKE is such a sweet dog away from the shelter.

Fosters Yvonne and Colin Brookes have been working with a dog similar to Ramsay, a beautiful boy named Luke. Luke struggled in the kennels, so the couple started taking him to the park. They noticed that he relaxed as soon as he left the shelter but needed some training as no one had ever had him on a leash or taught him any obedience.

He has been in foster with them for weeks and now knows so much! Great with other dogs, he is crate trained and loves to go to Dunkin’ Donuts and sit on the bench. Colin rides his bicycle and Luke trots right next to him; it’s his favorite exercise.

When Luke comes back to the shelter for adoption opportunities, he reverts back to his old behaviors. He starts jumping, barking and chewing at the leash as soon as he gets out of the car. It is so painful for Yvonne and Colin to see the dog they know is so great away from the shelter turn into a completely different creature when he hears the barking of the other homeless dogs. He is almost frantic.

LUKE enjoys going to the park with FOTAS foster volunteer Colin Brookes.

There are so many amazing dogs that struggle to find homes due to kennel stress. If we could only encourage adopters to look at the dog outside of the kennel and not judge them by their behavior while in confinement. Trust me, we would not be ourselves if we were in that position.

Please spread the word about these amazing dogs and take a chance on the underdog. You will find that no pet ever loved you as much as they do.

Their lives are in our hands.

— by Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director

2019, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, News, Pibbles, surrendered pets, Training, Volunteer, Volunteers

Fostering Prepares Pets for Adoption and Saves Lives

Posted on by Bob Gordon
25
Jun

The need for foster homes is greater than ever. The Aiken County Animal Shelter is full of puppies, dogs, cats and kittens who are confused and afraid. So far in June, we have taken in more than 400 animals in just three weeks. There are only so many places to put these animals.

Yvonne Brookes works with her foster dog, WALTER, who since has been adopted.

Fostering saves lives and is rewarding beyond words! It gives strays and surrendered pets time to decompress, heal and thrive and when people temporarily take them into their homes, it makes room for more animals at the shelter. We choose foster pets that are easy to rehome and often need only a week in your care. Puppies and kittens need a bit longer — two to four weeks.

Young Boxer mix FANCY enjoys her stay with the Brookes family while waiting to be adopted
Senior Beagle ERNIE arrived at the shelter with a serious wound but healed in a foster home and then was adopted to a great family.

Fancy, a young female Boxer mix now available for adoption, has enjoyed spending time at the home of FOTAS fosters Colin and Yvonne Brookes.

“Fancy is the most amazing little house dog,” Yvonne noted. “Calm and polite, she is a joy to have around. Loves to play with her toys and fetch balls. She is housebroken and adores travelling in the car with you. She is good with adults, children and most dogs. She will sit on command and is very trainable – always eager to please. Come give this girl some sugar and a forever home … she will love you forever in return.”

Ernie, a senior Beagle, came to us with a large wound and needed time in foster care. After being in a foster home for a week, he was adopted and his new mom reported back, “He is the best — absolutely perfect! I have been looking for a dog for three years and I am so glad I waited.”

Volunteers often write notes to the people who adopt their foster animals. Here are some examples:

“These young dogs are so fabulous. They love to play together and keep each other company. They were skittish and fearful at first, but we walk twice a day in the woods and at every turn they run back to me. We have really enjoyed watching them blossom!” – Foster Betty Ryberg

“This Southern Doll Baby is stout, sturdy, wiggles when she walks and just adorable. She plays well with her foster brother. She is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Does not bark. Enjoy her as we have.” – Fosters Gary and Toni Urben

FOTAS Volunteer Gary Urben has been fostering ACAS dogs for a long time.

“Blake is a super happy and beautiful dog. He wags his tail vigorously at the sight of his people. He is crate-trained, walks off leash with other dogs easily, comes when called, sits on command, and is eager to learn. Blake enjoys playing with other dogs, shares food and toys well. We really loved having him in our life for the week.” – Foster Shana Pearsons

Foster parents help get these pets ready for forever homes and the adopting families are so grateful. They love their rescue dogs and love to know that someone else loved them, too.

If you are interested in fostering, please contact FOTAS at info@fotasaiken.org or (803) 514-4313. You can also come to the County Animal Shelter at 333 Wire Road and fill out a short application.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director

PETS OF THE WEEK

NIGELLA
German Shepherd, female, 4 years old, 65 pounds – $35

OLIVIA
Domestic Medium-hair kitten, 2 months old, 1.5 pounds – $10

2019, Adoption, Bully Dogs, DOGGIE DATES, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, News, Pibbles, Training, Volunteers

Doggie Dates and Sleepovers Help Shelter Pets Relax, Find Forever Homes

Posted on by Bob Gordon
04
Jun

Did you know you can go on dates with dogs who are waiting to be adopted at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS)? You can! If you live in the County, FOTAS has a program that allows you to take homeless dogs out for an hour or two, on a day-long field trip or even overnight.

And the dogs love it. Getting out of the shelter for even a short car ride can work wonders to reduce their stress, build trust and boost their confidence.

“The biggest value of the Doggie Days Out and sleepovers is how they reduce the dogs’ anxiety,” said FOTAS volunteer Kelly Meyers, who often takes ACAS dogs home for the weekend. “Currently I’m working with Bastian, and he goes from amped up to chilled out as soon as he gets in my car. The experience gives them a break from the stress of shelter life and a chance to decompress. “

BASTIAN, a terrific 7-year-old Retriever mix currently available for adoption at the County Animal Shelter, enjoys some down time at Kelly Meyers’ house. The time away from the shelter helps make dogs more confident and ensures more successful adoptions.

The experience also provides staff and volunteers with critical information about the dog’s personality traits, strengths and weaknesses. Is the dog housebroken? Does he get along with cats? Is he friendly to strangers? Answers to such questions provide key data for successfully matching them with potential adopters.

“It’s good to give these dogs some quiet time, so I take them on walks downtown or bring them to a local horse farm,” said FOTAS Volunteer Donna Dring. “Sometimes I take them for a walk in the woods or bring them to my home for an hour just to unwind and get some sleep.”

Going on a doggie date or hosting a doggie sleepover can also give citizens greater insight about a dog they are interested in adopting. Marti Healy recently took black Lab mix Cooper home for a sleepover to see how he would mesh with her pets. Her dog, Quincy, became quick friends with Cooper but her cat, Tuppence, didn’t fare as well. The feline liked Cooper but he couldn’t help himself from chasing her around the house.

LADY, who has since been adopted to a great home, enjoys some cuddling with FOTAS Volunteer Donna Dring during a Doggie Day Out.

Although Healy was disappointed Cooper wasn’t the right match for her family, she was thankful for the experience.

“Getting the chance to see how Cooper got along with my animals in a relaxed setting was a huge help,” she said. “I would have felt bad if I had adopted him and then had to take him back.” Her experience also let the shelter know that Cooper bonds well with other dogs but needs to find a home without kitties.

In the summer, the need for doggie daters is at its greatest because thousands of animals are received during the hot months, the shelter is usually at capacity and we are short on volunteers as some go on vacation. When citizens take these homeless pets on walks or field trips, it’s greatly therapeutic for them, especially the dogs who are shy or scared.

If you would like to take an ACAS dog on a date, please come to the shelter, located at 333 Wire Road, and we’ll set you up. All you need is your driver’s license and a love for dogs.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

PETS OF THE WEEK

BOLT
Mixed breed, male, 3 years old, 42 pounds – $35

JADA
Domestic Longhair, female, 2 months old, 1.5 pounds – $10