Category Archives: Volunteer

When you volunteer at the Aiken County Animal Shelter, it’s acceptable to have more than one “boyfriend” at a time. And by “boyfriend”, I mean one of the male shelter dogs I walk every day. Luckily, most of the dogs are adopted out fairly quickly, but alas, new dogs arrive daily. Inevitably there are a few dogs that each of the volunteers is drawn to, spending just a little bit more time walking, throwing the ball or cuddling on the bench.

When I meet a few that I really like, I call them my “boyfriends” because they are the best companions, confidants and co-pilots. They are everything you want in a good boyfriend without the “mess”. All in good fun … if they act up, you can put them back in their kennel. If they talk back, you can tell them to shush! If
they jump on you, you can tell them to sit.

Just this past week, Titan, Cody and Macaroni have been my “boyfriends”. They all happen to be the most beautiful and adoring Pitties. Titan is the strong, silent type. He loves to be close to you while guarding against would-be competitors. You’ll always be safe with Titan. Cody is always happy to see you. He loves to take a stroll through the woods and will give you big kisses and hugs. You’ll always have a best friend with Cody. Macaroni is another Pittie, playing the role of Labrador. He’ll bury his head into your lap and calmly keep you company while appreciating every ounce of your affection. You’ll always
feel special with Macaroni.

And of course, it goes without saying that I couldn’t do without a few canine “girlfriends”, like Faye, Josephine and Lita who love to get the dirt (literally) on all the boys.

The shelter has a myriad of wonderful breeds available for adoption. From Shepards to Hounds to Labradors – from puppies to seniors, whatever your  reference, coming to the ACAS is your chance to fall in love with your next boyfriend or girlfriend.

Each dog is an individual with its own personality and history. It is up to us to recognize them for who they are and try to accommodate them in this unfamiliar and sometimes stressful environment. Giving them our positive and reassuring energy is the least we can do for them. Because, as we say at the shelter, “Their lives are in our hands.”

by Barbara Ambach, FOTAS Volunteer

My wife and I have always had dogs during our 40 years of marriage which began in Illinois where our packs numbered from one to 5 or 6 dogs, the first from a puppy through a breeder and the rest adopted dogs of various ages and breeds, most of which were lost or surrendered.

Now in South Carolina, we still have five in our pack of dogs, all foster failures (we fostered and kept). When we moved to Aiken 8 years ago, I was finally retiring from practicing dentistry at the age of 81 and had extra time on my hands. I always like to exercise and be as fit as possible, so I started volunteering at the County Animal Shelter (FOTAS) by walking dogs and fostering puppies.

We had never encountered working at a shelter before. I began to notice that the more the dogs were walked, the more relaxed they became and the easier it was to walk them. So I began to realize that I was walking the dogs for me and the dogs. Then I was walking maybe 2-3 days each week with the dogs and more recently my walking increased to 5 days a week within the last year. Now I am part of a team of walkers in the afternoons – Barb, Sue, Olga, Malia, who share the same goals. Now we walk not only for ourselves and the dogs, but we walk for those people that will adopt the dogs and make them part of their lives. So why do I walk dogs? My answer would be – It is the right thing to do. So if you can and are able, please join us walking the dogs at the shelter. It’s the right thing to do for all of us. I cherish the opportunity to be a volunteer for FOTAS – maybe you will too.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Chuck Cooper, FOTAS Volunteer

Since moving to Aiken a few years ago, I have driven by the Aiken County Animal Shelter not knowing if I could take the shelter dogs out of their kennels and then put them back in. I was thinking of my own sadness and guilt when faced with the plight of so many innocent creatures who suffer due to our failing to protect and love them. But once I began to volunteer, walking 8-10 dogs a day, I quickly realized the extraordinary benefits of giving them love and attention while receiving it in return 20-fold.

Every day, they wait, wide-eyed and waggy-tailed [some patiently and some not-so much] for us to loop that leash and take them for their coveted walks and sniffs. Some are anxious to explore every leaf or twig, while others are laser-focused on the journey ahead. Either way, their interest in and connection to nature is a reminder that a whole world exists to them that we can only observe and admire.

Each shelter dog has its own story and its own personality. Of course that goes without saying, but even in the short time I am able to get to know each one, I am surprised by their humor, enthusiasm and hope. We humans have put them in this predicament, yet they are somehow forgiving and generous to a fault.

You’re never alone when you are with a dog. They fill your heart til it’s bursting! The dogs insist on your “presence”, which is often a relief from the trials and tribulations of our daily lives. They privilege us with their uncanny ability to connect in a quiet and meaningful way. Their silence speaks volumes saying, “Don’t worry, I’m right here with you and by the way, thanks for being with me.”

The staff and volunteers at the ACAS are truly committed to the health and well-being of these animals. They deserve so much, and I feel tremendous gratitude that we have a facility in Aiken that works to give each one a chance. Their lives are in our hands.

By Barbara Ambach, FOTAS Volunteer