Category Archives: surrendered pets

2024, Adoption, Purebred, surrendered pets

With so many top pets at the ACAS, now is the time to adopt and save a life

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Chocolate colored retriever mix Chip is ready to go home with you.
19
Jun

We have been seeing many signs around town recently, “German Shepherd Puppies for Sale,” “Labrador Retriever Puppies for Sale,” and from our perspective it’s just sad. We have so many AMAZING shepherds, huskies, labs, Chihuahuas, beagles and more at the shelter right now.

Do people purchase these dogs as puppies from breeders and surrender them once they realize too late that the breed isn’t right for their household? Probably.

So, let’s just look at the amazing dogs we have at the Aiken County Animal Shelter and what their breeds are known for:

Petite husky Nova is not only beautiful, but also loves playing with other dogs.
Petite husky Nova is not only beautiful, but also loves playing with other dogs.

Sierra and Nova are two of the many huskies we have received lately. We had four huskies brought in last week. These dogs are wonderful, smart and are known for being explorers. They are sweet and lovable dogs, but they are known to be working dogs. Now you don’t need a sled to pull, but they do need training, exercise and mental stimulation.

The shelter takes in countless Chihuahuas, and they make amazing companions! Many people needing service dogs want Chihuahuas because they bond so quickly and like to be close. They are very protective of their families and their home so not always best for an active home with children running around. But again, that depends on each dog.

Shepherd Chamoy is stunning, smart and playful, yet she arrived at the County Animal Shelter as a stray.
Shepherd Chamoy is stunning, smart and playful, yet she arrived at the County Animal Shelter as a stray.

Check out our shepherds; lately, they just keep pouring in! Chamoy is incredible! When she arrived, we noticed right away that she knew commands such as “sit,” “shake” and “stay.” She is super smart, stunning but was found as a stray. This is happening more and more. Record numbers of gorgeous young German Shepherds are coming to the shelter as stray dogs. If you want a German Shepherd, do your research on the breed before you get them – and please don’t purchase a puppy. Adopt from a shelter and save a life.

Recently there was a tent on Whiskey Road selling Labrador retriever pups. Seeing this is heartbreaking as we walk by sweet dogs like Chip. This chocolate-colored, housetrained, sweet boy is sitting waiting for a home. He is stellar with other dogs and home ready!

Puppies, Puppies, Puppies. If you want a puppy, you won’t get a better deal than ours. Thirty-five dollars for a puppy with a microchip, spayed/neutered and vaccinated. We have so many right now! Brown, black, white…big, small…all CUTE!

The bottom line is this: we are full and have just about every kind of dog to fit your needs and lifestyle. Please adopt, don’t shop. Do not encourage breeders when the County Shelter has more than 4,000 homeless animals coming through the shelter each year.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

By the Numbers: The Aiken County Animal Shelter took in 127 stray and surrendered animals from June 1 to 12. The shelter is over capacity and in desperate need of fosters and adopters.

Adoption, kennel stress, surrendered pets

German Shepherd Jaxx settles in nicely to new home

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Lisa says Jaxx “could not be doing better” in his forever home.
16
May

When 3-year-old, Jaxx was surrendered to the Aiken County Animal Shelter, the skinny, black German Shepherd with tan legs was heartbroken. Jaxx’s owners said he was “a perfect dog” but they didn’t want him anymore because they were undergoing a lifestyle change.

Jaxx was understandably anxious and sad when he first found himself in a shelter kennel, surrounded by other homeless dogs and separated from his owners. He was far from ready to meet potential new suitors. However, each successive day he got more used to his new routine of playing with other dogs during morning playgroup sessions and going on walks with volunteers and staff members throughout the day. He became more relaxed and even cuddled a little with some of the kennel staff.

Once Jaxx became more open to trying to bond with new people, the staff began showing him to potential adopters. At first, he didn’t do too well during his meet and greet appointments. He was oversensitive, timid and barked in fear at his visitors. But then Trenton resident Lisa Whitaker arrived with her three dogs for a meet and greet with Jaxx, and he immediately bonded with her and accepted her pack.

“My friend sent me a screenshot from the FOTAS Facebook page, and I saw his photo and story,” Lisa said. “My dogs all got along well with him, and I knew he was a winner.”

When she took Jaxx home, the first step was to introduce him to her husband, David. Despite being more fearful of men than women since being surrendered to the shelter, Jaxx accepted David right from the start.

“He has settled in like he belongs here,” Lisa said. “Last night, he slept in our bed with his front paws wrapped around my arm. He loves his long walks. When I turn on the kitchen faucet, he runs to the sink to drink from the faucet. He’s funny, loving, attentive and so wonderful. My heart needed this boy.”

Lisa said Jaxx is one of the best dogs she’s ever had, and she’s had a lot of them in her 68 years, including two German Shepherds who passed away from old age. She said she’s been around dogs since she was born.

“Jaxx is well behaved, listens so well, and he loves his hot pink nubby ball. He gets three to four long walks down in the pasture and then I train him off leash in the back. He has seven acres to explore, and his boundless energy can handle it. Every night at bedtime, he bounds up the stairs hops in our bed and has his cuddle and snuggle time. Then he hops down onto his bed and goes to sleep.”

“Jaxx went on his first vet visit, and they loved him and admired how well behaved he is,” Lisa added. “He has gained 11 pounds and is the picture of health. He is a joy and lifesaver. I feel safe and loved by this beautiful creature sent from God. Thank you to your wonderful team! We could not be happier.”

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

2024, abandoned animals, kennel stress, surrendered pets

Owner surrendered pets have a difficult time in shelter

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Pretty Dixie is getting over the trauma of being left at the shelter by her owner.
15
Mar

It is so hard on them. Pets surrendered to the Aiken County Animal Shelter by their owners desperately struggle to understand their situation. Suddenly finding themselves in a strange place with strangers and other scared and confused animals is a shock to their system. One minute they are secure and cozy in their home with their favorite human(s); the next minute they’re being led on a leash to a kennel, not knowing their fate.

Some surrendered pets adjust to their new surroundings fairly quickly, but many go through a mourning period and initially can’t accept their new reality.

Dixie, a 10-year-old, white, mixed breed recently surrendered by her owner, barks weakly at visitors when she is in her kennel. Scared and upset to be here, she expresses her displeasure to anyone who will listen.

However, once she is out of her kennel, Dixie calms down and becomes more social with both people and other dogs. She is slowly becoming more comfortable at the shelter and we’re confident she will be a wonderful canine companion once she finds a new home.

Jalapeno was heartbroken when his owner died and he was brought to the County Shelter.
Jalapeno was heartbroken when his owner died and he was brought to the County Shelter.

Most dogs and cats are surrendered because the owner’s circumstances change, not because there is anything wrong with their pet. In some cases, people can no longer afford to care for their pet; they need to move and their new housing does not accept pets; or they no longer have the time to spend with them. Sometimes owners pass away, and their pets are surrendered to the shelter by a family member or friend.

That is what happened to 7-year-old Jalapeno. This handsome black and white mixed breed’s owner unexpectedly died, and he had no place else to go. When he first arrived at the shelter, he was despondent and vocal in his kennel. But once he got to know the volunteers and staff, he began to relax and adjust to his new environment. He is ready to find his forever home.

Cutie Stevie shut down after being abandoned by her owner, but now she’s ready to move on and begin a new life with an adopter.
Cutie Stevie shut down after being abandoned by her owner, but now she’s ready to move on and begin a new life with an adopter.

Because of the anxiety they experience from being left at a shelter, owner surrendered pets can shut down or act out, making them less adoptable.
Stevie, a cute one-year-old, white and brindle Retriever mix, was abandoned by her owner. She was rescued by an Aiken County Animal Code Enforcement officer and brought to the shelter. Terrified and shaking uncontrollably when she first arrived, Stevie has steadily gained confidence and now goes on walks and snuggles with our volunteers. She is ready to find a new, better home.

While we understand that life happens and can become overwhelming, especially during difficult times, there are alternatives to surrendering your pet. Instead of putting your pet through the trauma of being in a loud, packed shelter, try our Home to Home program available free of charge on our website, fotasaiken.org. Or ask your family members and close friends if they can help.

If you cannot afford to feed your pet due to personal economic challenges, FOTAS holds a Community Pet Food Drive-Thru once a month for Aiken citizens in need of assistance. Our next Pet Food Drive-Thru event is Saturday morning, April 13.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2023, abandoned animals, Home-to-Home adoption program, surrendered pets

The shelter is not a drop off point for unwanted pets

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Sweet black Lab mix Onyx is 1-1/2 years old, 90 pounds and wonderful with other dogs. Yet his owners left him behind when they moved away.
10
Aug

When you walk through the kennels at the Aiken County Animal Shelter, it is easy to pick out the owner-surrendered dogs. The stray dogs are more at ease as they are happy to have regular feedings and a safe spot. The owner surrenders, however, are typically in the back of their kennels shaking, vomiting, and sometimes spinning uncontrollably from stress.

They are scared, confused and their chances of finding homes are lower. In fact, due to the anxiety they experience from being left at a shelter, owner surrendered pets often become unadoptable.

Please do not take your pet to the shelter. Instead, rehome them on your own by using our Home to Home program, which features a website that helps you market your pet and adopt them out directly from your residence.

The shelter is designed to help with stray, neglected and otherwise hopeless animals. It is not meant to be a drop off center for unwanted pets. The shelter is a resource, not a destination.

Misconceptions about surrendering pets
Many citizens believe we can find great homes for all the pets we take into the shelter. But we cannot. The shelter takes in more than 4,000 dogs and cats a year. Do the math; it is impossible. While FOTAS and the Aiken County Animal Shelter work tirelessly to find homes for adoptable animals, we also ask people to show compassion and fulfill their responsibility to their own pets.

We are saddened by the number of calls we receive from people wanting to surrender their pets. The reasons given are often problems that can be solved with a little time and dedication.

Here are some of the reasons given:

We have made the tough decision to surrender our dog so he can find a family that has more time and patience to work with his behavioral issues.

If your dog has behavioral issues, please contact a trainer. The shelter is consistently overwhelmed and there is limited time to work on those issues in a facility filled to capacity.

We are moving.

Take your pet with you! Look for a pet friendly rental.

He has become food aggressive towards our other dogs.

Try feeding the dogs separately. Have you considered getting a crate to feed him in? It is extremely difficult for us to adopt out a dog with any kind of aggression and he will be at risk of being euthanized if he comes to us.

She chases cats and runs off because she has a high prey drive.

We cannot adopt out animals with a high prey drive. Imagine the risk in a shelter environment with all the other animals. If she is escaping your yard to run, there are ways to keep pets contained.

What to do if you must rehome your pet

Instead of putting your pet through the trauma of being in a loud, full shelter, try our Home to Home program available free of charge on our website, fotasaiken.org. Or ask your family members, neighbors and friends if they can help.

If you cannot afford to feed your pet due to personal economic challenges, we can help. FOTAS holds a Community Pet Food Drive-Thru once a month for Aiken citizens in need of assistance. Our next Pet Food Drive-Thru event is Saturday morning, Aug. 19.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2022, Adoption, senior pets, surrendered pets

Senior pets are loving and home-ready for the holidays

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Senior dog Milburn is sweet and easygoing.
16
Dec

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

2022, Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS, surrendered pets

Old FOTAS friend adopts, brings happiness to senior dog

Posted on by Bob Gordon
27
Feb

When 14-year-old, 70-pound, Buster was brought in earlier this month, it was sad for all. Buster’s owner had health issues and could no longer care for him. No one was at fault here; just bad circumstances.

Buster was examined by the County Shelter’s vet staff and put into a kennel. I went to check on him and found his kennel soaking wet. He was so nervous, he was lapping up water as fast as he could and shaking in fear. It was so sad; we immediately took his picture and were going to reach out to the public to find help. I wasn’t super hopeful as most people don’t want senior dogs, especially large senior dogs.

Just as I was about to post his picture, I had a visit from an old friend.

I looked over my shoulder and there was John Berk.

John Berk at home with Buster, his newly adopted, 14-year-old canine companion.

John was a daily volunteer with FOTAS and a friend to us all. Just over three years ago, we were all shocked and surprised when John fell for Hobbes (then Milton). Hobbes was a senior dog with fur loss and little “cage appeal.” John started to take him out for overnight visits and doggie days out and realized that the poor old soul never had much happiness. John adopted Hobbes and gave him the absolute best life any dog could have. He was his constant companion. We saw John and Hobbes all over town, best buddies.

When John arrived for a visit, it didn’t take long to see the tears in his eyes. His friend had passed away at home the day before. John wore the pain on his sleeve and yet asked me if we had a senior dog that needed help. How unselfish is that?!

Ok…so these things don’t just happen! I am a big believer that God had his hand in this.

I told John that I had only just met this older lab named Buster less than an hour ago, but he needed help. John took the leash and walked him to his car. He said he wanted to give it a try. It was a little tough for Buster to get in the car, so John pulled out the steps that he had used to help Hobbes get up into the passenger seat.

John and his amazing wife, Sally, have cats and another small dog that they rescued recently, so I wasn’t completely sure this would work. But it just seemed to me there was a plan in play.
Two days later I received a text from John: “Sweet dog and starting to settle in.” Then I started getting pictures of Buster on the bed, at the dog park, in John’s car. It wasn’t a week that passed before John came to the shelter to make it official.

“We’ve made one dog very happy, thank you for picking him for me,” John said.

Some may think that a 14-year-old dog won’t adapt to a new owner or a new home. Some worry about adopting a senior and not having a long time with them. But think of what John does. He takes these older dogs that are scared and homeless, and he gives them friendship. He doesn’t think about how long he has; he thinks about how great the time will be.

This story just touches me more than most. To see Buster’s adoption unfold was inspirational.

In Memory of Hobbes.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2021, abandoned animals, Dogs, FOTAS, News, senior pets, surrendered pets

Sweet Savannah Wants To Be Your One and Only Pet

Posted on by Bob Gordon
28
Apr

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

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, Adoption, bonded pets, Cats, Dogs, FOTAS, making care-giving arrangements for pets, News, SOCIAL MEDIA, surrendered pets

Bonded Dog and Cat Saved After Owner Goes into Assisted Living

Posted on by Bob Gordon
16
Apr

Everything fell apart for Fergus and George when their owner’s health deteriorated, forcing him to move into an assisted living facility. Broken-hearted, Robert Toole brought Fergus, a 2-year-old, tan Chihuahua, and George, an 11-year-old cream-colored cat, to the Aiken County Animal Shelter on Jan. 8 and tearfully said goodbye to his sweet pets.

Fergus snuggles with Mia, the Usrys’ Golden Retriever,

Since Robert was able to provide their medical records, the pair became available for adoption immediately. Terrified and wondering why they were at the shelter, Fergus and George huddled together and it quickly became clear to the shelter staff that these two pets needed to be adopted to the same home.

FOTAS friend Martha Anne Tudor posted pictures of Fergus and George on her Facebook page along with their sad story. The post was shared by thousands, including WRDW-TV News 12, which did an on-air feature about the bonded dog and cat.

On the morning of January 9, before the shelter had even opened its doors, Lynn Usry was waiting outside, ready to adopt Fergus and George.

“My friend forwarded me the Facebook post and their eyes just spoke to me,” Lynn said. “As soon as I saw the two of them in their kennel, I knew they would be perfect for our home.”

Lynn Usry hangs out with her Chihuahua crew — Bert, Fergus and Ernie.

Lynn brought them home to meet her husband, Mark, and their other pets – and the transition could not have gone smoother. George started hanging out with the couple’s other senior cat, Mojo, and after about a week, Fergus and Mia, their Golden Retriever, were inseparable. Fergus and George also get along with the Usrys’ other Chihuahuas, Bert and Ernie, and Marley, their male Golden Retriever.

“We all hang out together,” Lynn explained during a phone interview last week. “Right now, Bert and Ernie are sitting in one recliner and Fergus is on my lap underneath his favorite red blanket. He’s a spitfire and fits right into our group. He often curls up with Mia and uses her as a pillow.”

Lynn offered to bring Fergus and George for visits to their old owner, Mr. Toole. But when the shelter staff reached out to him on her behalf, he declined. He said the experience would be too painful for him.

Bonded pets Fergus (left) and George were devastated when their owner had to go into an assisted living facility — where they weren’t allowed to join him.

The Usrys have a small farm with goats and chickens and Lynn said she’s finding great comfort being with her pets during the COVID-19 crisis. She’s a retired OR nurse and Mark is currently the director of University Hospital’s biomedical department.

“The adoption process was wonderful,” Lynn said. “Everybody was very kind. I took the babies home and they didn’t have any issues. I think God just meant it to happen…to have everything fall into place.”

Their lives are in our hands.

Note: Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the ACAS is closed to the public. If you are interested in adopting a pet, please call the ACAS, (803) 642-1537 for an appointment. Adoption fees are waived until further notice.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2020, Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS, News, senior pets, SOCIAL MEDIA, surrendered pets, Volunteers

Power of Social Media Saves Bonded Senior Shelter Dogs

Posted on by Bob Gordon
03
Mar

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