Category Archives: senior pets

On The Bright Side

Wendy and hospice cat Bethany

This has been an incredibly difficult year with so many unwanted pets pouring in. So many people wanting to surrender pets for truly selfish reasons.

We get so tired of that and many staff members suffer from compassion fatigue, not able to stay optimistic when we see the never-ending flow of unwanted pets coming to the shelter.

This week, we saw some great things. One story in particular gave us so much hope!

Bethany, a cat on hospice
Bethany, a cat on hospice

A few weeks ago, a stray cat came to us that staff members named Bethany.
Bethany is a senior cat that was picked up by animal control. The cat appeared injured and in need of help.

Once she arrived it was clear that there was something wrong with her. She was matted and had scars on her face, her ear swollen and appearing to be infected but wow, she was sweet! Bethany was already spayed so at some time she was someone’s pet. What happened? Why was she surviving on her own and in bad condition? We just don’t know.

Dr. Rodriguez and the shelter’s veterinary staff could have euthanized her, she was in bad shape. We have more medical cases and surgeries than ever. They chose to go the extra mile.

A mass removed, a sample taken from her ulcerated ear and sent for lab testing. FOTAS supplements the county by paying all laboratory fees to help save every adoptable pet. The lab reports were not what we hoped, it was aggressive cancer and likely to return.

We decided to ask the public if anyone was willing to take a hospice cat. This senior, black, matted, scarred cat didn’t have much ‘curb appeal’ next to the many kittens available. We called in the help of Martha Anne Tudor who helps to tell the story of our homeless pets on social media. Within hours of the post we had multiple people wanting to save her. It was truly inspiring!

When the shelter opened on Saturday morning, a wonderful woman named Wendy Johnson arrived that wanted to save Bethany. The sweet cat is now loved and in the arms of someone that chose love, not longevity.

“I just knew when I saw the post about her, that I had to try to get her. If I could, I’d adopt all the cats. But she seemed special, like God knew we could help one another.” – Wendy

Sometimes we forgot the many people that want to help. The shelter staff members that go the extra mile, the people that donate so we can run needed laboratory testing, the adopters that come and save the forgotten.

Their lives are in our hands.

by Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

Two Lovely Dogs Homeless After Their Owners Passed Away

Boo was brought to the shelter on June 6th after his owner passed away.

Boo and Monroe are two dogs that came to the Aiken County Animal Shelter recently when their owners passed away. They came from separate homes and reminded us that it really is important to have a plan for our pets in case something happens to us.

The shelter is full with so many young puppies and gorgeous dogs right now. Boo and Monroe are older, larger dogs, and those are much harder to find homes for. I wish I knew why? Personally, an older, bigger dog to cuddle with is way more appealing than young, barky puppy!

Boo was brought to the shelter on June 6th after his owner passed away.

He is seven years old, not exactly a senior by any means, but he is past his puppy stage for sure. He had a dog buddy that was quickly adopted and now he is by himself. This has been very difficult for Boo. He is a big hippo and loves to cuddle! He is house trained and knows commands. He is not a fan of the food at the shelter, but he was a little chubby when he arrived! He would love a home where he could get a few table scraps and a soft bed to lay on. Boo is playful for short bursts but then wants to chill on the couch with the volunteers. He hates being alone in his kennel. It’s so noisy right now, we have no kennels open and the non-stop barking is tough on a dog that had a good home for seven years. Boo has big eyes and when you walk by him he makes eye contact, desperately asking for love. It is so hard seeing him there.

Monroe came to us just one day before Boo did, on June 5th.

Photo by Christine Harmel, “Monroe’s Breakfast Face”
Photo by Christine Harmel, “Monroe’s Breakfast Face”

Monroe was found by a neighbor after his owner passed away. This sweet dog is easy to walk and easy to love. He is so gentle and loves to give soft kisses. Never an accident in his kennel, it must be so hard for him to be in a kennel waiting for volunteers to let him out. Monroe may be eleven years old but he still has much to give. He loves to go walking on the trails, he gets excited when we give him treats!

Recently one of our volunteers Christine took Monroe home for an overnight, she has a soft spot for the seniors, “He came for a sleepover last night and he is so wonderful! Cute, quiet, calm, doesn’t mind thunder, loves peanut butter, 80s music and walking.”

If you have considered adopting a pet, please consider Boo or Monroe. These dogs had owners, they were loved, and now they are alone.

Their lives are in our hands.
By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

Beautiful dogs who deserve better: Amelia & McIlroy

McIlroy is a shy dog waiting to be treated to the life that he deserves.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sad Eyes No More

No More Sad Eyes

His eyes tell a story. A sad story of abuse, neglect, and desolation. An innocent soul who never asked for too much – food, water, and love. An animal’s ability to endure their entire lives with none of these is a testament to their spirit and will to live. How they have endured cruelty and neglect, yet still have love to give, and hope to feel, is unfathomable.

Each passing day, that hope may diminish slightly, but he perseveres. Each time someone walks by his kennel, he desperately yearns that they will pick him. He doesn’t know that his face is crooked from being hit by a car. Or that his tongue falls out of the side of his mouth because he has no teeth. Or that the combination of his skeletal appearance, stitches under his eye, and bandaged leg gives the impression that his days are numbered. And maybe they are. But all he hopes for is that one day, he too can feel what it is like to want for nothing. To not be hungry, thirsty, shivering, or discarded on the road like garbage. He has never felt these things before – but he deserves better.

Unfortunately, animals cannot advocate for themselves. So, who is there to advocate for them besides us? When you adopt a senior pet, you are single handedly changing a life for the better. You are giving a living breathing being the life they always deserved, and something to live for. The resilience and forgiving of dogs are unmatched. This senior dog we adopted, who lived a life of abuse and neglect, only has love to give. His tail wags nonstop. He yearns for constant pets and affection. And while his body remembers the pain, and his brain carries past trauma, there is now life in his step.

Dogs do not comprehend the future. They understand the past, and they understand the present. How many tomorrows he has left may be something that you will ponder, but it hasn’t crossed his mind once. What he cares about now is that he has food, a cozy bed, and most importantly, love. His eyes are sad no more. They look at you with love. With gratefulness. Sometimes they are tired from going on a long walk around the farm, with a body that has endured more bad than good. But these eyes are no longer sad, and they will never be again.

So many people pass over the seniors because they do not know what the future holds, or how many tomorrows they have left. But adopting a senior is a selfless act that fulfills the faraway dream when the only thing left is a little bit of hope.

Their lives are in our hands.
by Sarah Berkowitz, FOTAS Board Member

Cancer victim’s beloved dogs desperately need new home

Ghost (left) and Phantom’s owner died from cancer, so these sweet senior dogs need a new loving home.

Recently a woman contacted us from out of state and informed us that her brother, an Aiken County resident, had passed away from cancer. He left behind two dogs that he loved, and his parents were driving from far away each day to feed them.

We tried to find them a home together by posting them on Home to Home, a rehoming online service that we offer on our FOTAS website. Unfortunately, weeks passed and the dogs still had not found a home – so a family member brought the bonded pair to the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

These dogs are amazingly sweet! They are so grateful for the love and care given by the volunteers and staff members. They are older which doesn’t help their adoption chances. They are also larger dogs, which doesn’t appeal to some adopters. The thing is…they are spectacular dogs and they deserve better. Their owner loved them, and we can see why. These two just want to please people. They are gentle and loving and we are hoping to find them a home (or homes) soon.

This is the description the woman, Kathy, wrote about the two dogs:

“Phantom and Ghost are really sweet dogs needing a new loving home now. Phantom is about 11 years old. He loves to love on people and is easily excited to see you, though a bit softer in his golden years. Ghost is about 8 years old. She is a happy and energetic one.

They take commands of sitting and staying well, and respond great to treats, particularly tuna and chicken. They both take quickly to strangers and have a lot of love to give.

When my brother lived in his house, they were inside/outside dogs. My parents have been doing what they can to provide food and water during this difficult time, but cannot sustain this and are unable to provide them with the long-term love and attention they need and deserve as precious beings.

My brother rescued them years ago, at different times, when they were younger and gave them a lot of his love. He shared with me how much he loves his ‘pups’ about a week before he passed. I told him I was going to make sure they would be well-cared for, which seemed to soothe his mind a lot. I want to honor this moment with my brother. I live far away, so at this time I am working with FOTAS (an incredible organization!) to find these sweethearts a beautiful, forever home, where they will be cherished for as long as they live.

Phantom and Ghost have been through a lot and deserve a new home that supports them the best. They are sweet companions. This is a difficult process to go through, and a lot gets stirred up for many people, but right now I am needing to give my energy and trust to them having a beautiful home together.

We are willing to transport Phantom and Ghost outside of the Aiken, SC/Southeast area, depending on location and circumstances. We would really love them to be adopted together, for their overall health and well-being.”

Please stop by the County Shelter to meet Phantom and Ghost. If you have any questions or need more information about them, call (803) 642-1537 or email us at info@fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

Senior pets are loving and home-ready for the holidays

Senior dog Milburn is sweet and easygoing.

This is the time of year when we enjoy being with our families and resting inside on long, dark, cold evenings. We are getting ready to celebrate the holidays by sharing meals and gifts with loved ones.

That is why shelter staff and volunteers are really hoping to help a group of senior pets that linger at the shelter. These are older pets that get passed over by potential adopters due to their age.

As an adopter of an older dog that was considered a “hospice” dog, I have to tell you that saving an older pet is the absolute best, most rewarding experience! I enjoyed years with a senior shelter pet that sat for months in a kennel. Each and every day she was with us, she showed such a deep love and appreciation. Puppies don’t give you that.

This Christmas season, we would like for you to consider adopting a pet that comes to you already trained, socialized and home-ready.

These three don’t deserve to be in a kennel this Christmas.

Gwyneth. Oh my goodness, we adore this chubby, snuggly and housebroken girl!

Gwyneth dressed as Mrs. Claus.
Gwyneth dressed as Mrs. Claus.

We have to walk her first each day as she would never even consider having an accident in her kennel. Yes, she loves to eat.

But honestly, who doesn’t? She just wants a person or family that will let her sit by them while watching Netflix, and maybe drop a couple pieces of popcorn and give her some love. You will never feel more loved than from our friend.

Milburn. This graying 8-year-old boy (see photo above) was found wandering Beech Island, and he is precious! Calm and sweet, Milburn appears to be blind in one eye. He appreciates the warm blankets that people have donated, but needs a home, not a kennel. Our sweet friend is easy. He doesn’t require trips to the park or a lot of grooming. You won’t even notice him, well except that he will watch you in adoration.

Noah. This Tabby is the chubbiest boy that loves to knead his paws on you or the nearest blanket. At 10 years old, Noah was surrendered to the shelter

Chubby 10-year-old Noah is a love bug.

because sadly, someone in his home became allergic to cats. This big boy weighs 18 pounds! That is the coolest! There is nothing better than a big, huggable cat! I was shocked when I met him in the noisy shelter. He was calm and appreciated me rubbing him and even putting my forehead to his. What more can you ask for?

Senior pets still have a lot of love to give. They are the easiest ones and these three are all sponsored to good homes.

Let’s remember that it is the season of giving. Giving love, not giving presents.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

Sweet Savannah Wants To Be Your One and Only Pet

Have you ever known someone who is funny, clever and exceptional around their friends but turns into a stammering, nervous individual when meeting new people? They become a shell of their true personality and shut down in front of strangers?

Savannah

Well, that can be true of dogs, too.

Savannah, a stunning, smart dog at the Aiken County Animal Shelter, is fun, playful and affectionate with people she knows. But when she first meets people, she becomes fearful and unsure of herself. She gets nervous, paces back and forth and sometimes hides behind the staff member introducing her to potential adopters.
It’s so frustrating. Savannah has all the goods but doesn’t do well in her interviews. We think this is the main reason she’s been waiting for a home longer than any other dog on the adoption floor.

Poor Savannah arrived at the shelter because her owners surrendered her when they moved. She was shell-shocked to find herself in a kennel among so many other dogs. She is also 10 years old and doesn’t like to share her home with other pets.

But if you want just one great pet in your life to be your loyal companion, Savannah is the perfect dog for you. She walks wonderfully on a leash. She’s athletic, goofy — and cuddly once she knows she can trust you. When she feels safe with you, Savannah gives you all of her love.

But don’t take my word for it. Here are some testimonials from FOTAS volunteers:

“Savannah is a beauty inside and out,” says Jody Clark. “She is very loving and will richly reward her forever family with endless devotion and affection. We volunteers will so happy when Savannah is chosen by her lucky someone!”
“I walk Savannah every morning,” says Jackie Edel. “As soon as she sees me, her tail starts wagging. Right after she relieves herself, she is delighted to play and be petted.”

“Savannah is a gem,” exclaims Jennifer Jotblad. “Do not let her age fool you. She is a fun and energetic lady. She loves to be brushed, will flop over anytime for a good belly scratch, and chases tennis balls with gusto. She is super sweet and once she knows you, her true, fun-loving personality shines.”

Savannah gives Nicole Simons a kiss.

So, if you don’t have any pets but are looking for one dog to be your best buddy, come see Savannah. Take her on a Doggie Day Out or even have her sleep over. Once you spend some time with this special girl, it won’t be long before you see her true personality and fall in love with her.

To meet Savannah, please call the Aiken County Animal Shelter, 803.642.1537 (option # 5) or email info@fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

Abandoned Senior Cat Snowball Deserves So Much Better

She was devastated when they didn’t return home. Beautiful, 7-year-old house cat Snowball was abandoned and left outside to fend for herself when her owners moved away.

For six months, this senior white cat was on her own, braving the elements and foraging for food. Luckily, a kind neighbor eventually noticed her wandering outside and fed the hungry feline. But the neighbor was allergic to cats and couldn’t keep her; so when the temperatures started dropping in mid-November, they brought Snowball to the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

Snowball was saved by a neighbor of the owners who abandoned her.

When Snowball first arrived, she was scared and did not want any attention. She was clearly confused, upset and not ready to trust again. We put her in a cat condo located in the front lobby, where she remained quiet and glued to her bed. Staff and volunteers periodically visited her and pet her. She allowed people to stroke her fur briefly but then, in a moment of uncertainty, she gently swatted their hand away. It was heartbreaking to see her so sad and distressed.

We moved Snowball to our cat facility – a building that features two big rooms, where cats can run around, play and perch on tall cat trees. When temperatures are milder, the facility also allows the cats to relax in an enclosed, outdoor “catio”. The combination of Snowball enjoying more living space and receiving consistent human affection broke her out of her despair. She now loves it when people visit her and purrs happily when petted. She’s ready to find her forever home.

So, if you are looking for a wonderful kitty to keep you company, make an appointment to visit Snowball. Despite having so much love to give, senior cats like her are often the last to get adopted. However, they make great pets because they understand what it means to be rescued and are most thankful for a second chance at a good life. Senior cats also are already litter box trained and less likely to misbehave. They love to relax as much as you do and make great couch companions! Snowball is happiest when she is napping with you or perched by the window, watching what’s going on outside.

Snowball is a senior housecat who became depressed when she was brought to the shelter. But once she got her bearings, she began to trust again and once again became a loving, affectionate feline.

If you would like to adopt Snowball for only $10, please make an appointment to see her by calling the Aiken County Animal Shelter, 803.642.1537 and choose option #5. Or send a short email to info@FOTASAiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

Power of Social Media Saves Bonded Senior Shelter Dogs

A woman from Ohio saw two bonded, senior Beagle mix siblings, Benson and Aggie, posted on Facebook and, with a little help from some FOTAS friends, adopted them and had them in her home in less than 24 hours.

That’s the power of social media and a great example of how it saves homeless pets’ lives every day. When you share a FOTAS Facebook post or create your own post about a dog or cat available at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS), that pet’s face and description reaches more people than any advertisement or print media – and often results in a successful adoption.

Benson and Aggie make themselves at home.

For Benson and Aggie, their journey to a new home began when Martinez, GA resident Steve Wall saw Martha Anne Tudor’s Facebook post about the two dogs in need and decided to share it on one of his favorite Facebook community pages, called “I love my Beagle.” Cindy Lejeune of Cleveland, Ohio saw Steve’s post and commented that she missed her two late Beagles who had recently died from cancer less than two months apart. From there, Cindy contacted Steve on Facebook messenger and a dialogue began.

After communicating with Steve, Cindy wanted to learn more about the dogs, so she called the ACAS and talked to FOTAS volunteer Joanne Goble. Joanne answered all of Cindy’s questions and told her that the Benson and Aggie had been on the adoption floor for a long time. Joanne also explained that their previous owner had passed away and that’s how the poor senior dogs had ended up in the shelter.

Aggie & Benson were staff and volunteer favorites but they kept being overlooked by potential adopters until a woman in Ohio saw their picture and story on Facebook.

“Everyone was so helpful and friendly,” Cindy said. “But I wasn’t sure how I was going to get them here. To be honest, I was a little afraid of driving all the way to Aiken and back by myself.”

Then Steve Wall made a very generous offer. He said he could transport Benson and Aggie part of the way. If they met at Beckley, WV – the halfway point between Aiken and Cleveland – it would cut her trip in half.

Steve Wall and ACAS shelter dogs Benson & Aggie meet Cindy Lejeune in West Virginia.

“I told her we shouldn’t let 675 miles stop these dogs from finding a good home,” he said.

Cindy agreed and on Saturday, Feb. 22, Steve picked up Benson and Aggie for their ride to a forever home. Shelter staff members and FOTAS Program Coordinator Kathy Jacobs processed the dogs and got them ready, so Steve could pick them up first thing in the morning.

At 3:30 in the afternoon, Steve and the dogs met Cindy at a BP gas station in Beckley. Steve also passed along their paperwork, medical records and toys. By 8:30 p.m., Benson and Aggie were safe and sound in their new home.

“They’re such sweet dogs,” Cindy said. “Benson jumped up on the bed right away and made it clear he was sleeping there and Aggie, who’s a real sweetheart, slept with her head on my shoulder.”

–By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

Coco & Mia’s Owners Moved Away Without Them

Coco would not eat or even groom herself. The 6-year-old, long-haired, gray and white beauty just slept or watched visitors with a suspicious eye when they approached her cat condo at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS).

COCO (left) looks out for her bestie, MIA.

But then we moved Mia, the 2-year-old gray Tabby Coco was surrendered with, into Coco’s condo and everything changed. Coco started strutting around and stretching, ate some food and cleaned and groomed her coat, making it gorgeous again. She even took some cat treats from a staff member’s hand. It was then we knew that Mia and Coco were bonded and needed to be adopted together.

Poor Coco and Mia were surrendered by their owners, who didn’t include them in their moving plans. So, now they only have each other.

While not uncommon, bonded adult animals at the shelter tend to take longer to adopt out since people are often seeking one pet to join their other, established pets at home. But Coco and Mia would be perfect for a person or family who doesn’t have any cats and want to add some furry indoor-only felines to their home. Double the cats, double the love! Both Coco and Mia are spayed and can be adopted for just $20.

COCO (left) and MIA are bonded indoor-only kitties who need to be adopted together.

SHELTER HAS EXTENDED ADOPTION HOURS TUESDAY & THURSDAY
Don’t forget! The ACAS now has extended adoption hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The shelter is open for adoptions until 7 p.m. twice a week to make it more convenient for you to visit and select a homeless pet for your family. The shelter’s adoption hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday — 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday — 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. And on Saturday the shelter is open for adoptions from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

REGISTER TO RUN IN FIRST FOTAS FURRY 5K RACE
Register to run in first FOTAS Furry 5K race A race to benefit the homeless animals at the ACAS is scheduled for Saturday, February 1 at Generations Park in Aiken.

Logo for the First Annual FOTAS Furry 5K

The First Annual FOTAS Furry 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run will feature adoptable dogs from the county shelter and FOTAS will be accepting dog and cat food donations as well as toys, treats and other goodies at the event. Participants can bring their own furry friend to run with them and are encouraged to dress up their dog for the canine costume competition.

The special event is being organized by 2 Girls and a Clock Racing & Timing Services and registration can be done on runsignup.com through Jan. 28. Late comers can also register in person on the day of the event.

The 1-Mile Fun Run starts at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K race begins at 9 a.m. Winners of the 5K will receive awards and prize raffles will be held following the race. For more information about this event, please go to fotasaiken.org.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

PETS OF THE WEEK

PIPPA
Mixed breed, female, 4 years old, red, 56 pounds – $35

ARCHER
Domestic medium-hair, male, 2 months old, Tabby, 2 pounds – $10