Category Archives: Transfer

The Joys of Fostering from an Expert

We began fostering puppies with FOTAS and Aiken County Animal Shelter shortly after seeing the conditions in the old shelter on Wire Road. In the almost 10 years since then, we have fostered more than 600 puppies, and our incredible new shelter was built. The only thing that hasn’t changed is that our shelter remains […]

FOTAS and 11 Years of Progress at the Aiken County Animal Shelter

On July 29, 2009, the South Carolina Secretary of State officially approved FOTAS as a charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to the care of the homeless, abandoned, and abused animals consigned to the County Shelter, kicking off the beginning of an extraordinary public/private partnership with the county and a new, comprehensive approach to caring for homeless […]

The Animals Just Keep Coming into the County Shelter

“A record number of animals surrendered to the Aiken County Animal Shelter this month.” We see this headline way too much. The story goes on and on. The shelter staff works tirelessly at warp speed to feed, care for, provide medical attention, and everything else necessary to keep the conveyor belt of overcrowding moving. The […]

Dog Days of Summer: County Shelter Population Doubles!

I used to love summer and particularly the 4th of July with all of its patriotic fervor, but now I dread it—not because I am less patriotic, but because I see so many pets whose lives are shattered through no fault of their own. The fireworks terrify many dogs, who then bolt from their homes […]

The Joy of Being a Camp Counselor for Dogs

Fostering dogs is like being a camp counselor. Every couple of weeks new friends arrive. Dogs that stay from five to seven days become more social, more trusting because they are cared for and loved. How does fostering work? We went to the Aiken County Animal Shelter and a FOTAS volunteer gave us a tour. […]

My pack does much of the fostering work

I foster because I love dogs, all dogs. The Aiken County Animal Shelter has a big need for short term fosters for dogs being transferred to a sister agency in the north. Fortunately, I can foster often because my own pack of dogs helps with all the work. There are five dogs in my pack, […]

FOTAS: Christmas spirit, gratitude and saving animals

Every Sunday, the ‘Aiken Standard’ allows us this space to tell you about the Aiken County Animal Shelter, FOTAS and the plight of the 5000 homeless animals consigned to the Shelter every year, and we are deeply appreciative for that opportunity. Over the years, we have used this column to tell you about initiatives designed […]

FOTAS needs your Christmas spirit

“Every charitable act is a stepping stone towards heaven.” Henry Ward Beecher It’s the time of year when the spirit of Christmas thrives. It’s a time for gratitude, for family and friends. It’s a time to rejoice our faith. It’s a time for love. It is also a time for charitable giving, and if your […]

An open Christmas letter from FOTAS

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President Every Sunday, the Aiken Standard allows us this space to tell you about the Aiken County Animal Shelter, FOTAS and the plight of the 5000 homeless animals consigned to the Shelter every year, and we are deeply appreciative for that opportunity. Over the years, we have used this […]