Category Archives: Volunteer

FOTAS Volunteer and Her Four Adopted Dogs Always Make Room for More

I have had a long and rewarding relationship with the Aiken County Animal Shelter and FOTAS—not only do I foster dogs on a regular basis, but I have also adopted many dogs from the shelter over the past 10 years. Right now, four outstanding shelter dogs of all shapes and sizes rule the roost at […]

Volunteers Teach Homeless Pets about Love and Acceptance

This week, I had two people tell me they can’t volunteer because the idea of witnessing the injured, neglected and abused animals who need homes would be too much for them to handle. I told them we take a more positive approach and embrace the opportunity to greet these pets in need. Because on the […]

FOTAS and Shelter Animals Lost an Angel

“Every sunrise is an invitation for us to arise and brighten someone’s day.” ― Richelle E. Goodrich, Smile Anyway Every so often in life, we are privileged to know someone whose kindness knows no limits and whose patience is bottomless. Someone whose humanity is so deep, they dedicate their life to helping the lost, the […]

FOTAS Owes its Success to Aiken Community

When the 2019 Aiken’s Choice winners were announced for the Best of Aiken Contest (hosted by the Aiken Standard), FOTAS was voted the winner of the Best Nonprofit Organization and FOTAS’s annual Woofstock Doggie Derby Day was voted as the Best Pet-Friendly Event. We couldn’t be more touched and pleased, not only because of the […]

Fostering Prepares Pets for Adoption and Saves Lives

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. Fostering saves […]

Dog Cries Real Tears When Owner Leaves him at Shelter

A few weeks ago, I was finishing up some paperwork at the shelter and saw a handsome Labrador mix sitting quietly, looking up at his owner. She was surrendering him. The dog looked so sad and confused. His owner seemed upset as well. One of the veterinary assistants tried to soothe the dog, but he […]

Neglected Puppy Coco Makes Amazing Recovery

In early November, a stray puppy was brought into the Aiken County Animal Shelter by one of the animal control officers. I have seen a lot of neglected dogs enter the shelter but this one instantly brought tears to my eyes. We could all feel her pain. Her face was dripping blood, she had no […]

Couple Fosters Shelter Dogs, Prepares them for Good Homes

When Yvonne and Colin Brookes moved to Aiken from the UK two years ago, they didn’t think they’d have any dogs in their home. They planned to make frequent trips back to the UK to visit family and friends across the pond, so owning pets wasn’t practical. But for a couple not used to life […]

Volunteering at the Animal Shelter: What’s in it for You?

Rain or shine, hot or cold, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year! In some way, shape or form, FOTAS volunteers are helping to find homes for the more than 5,000 animals taken in annually by the Aiken County Animal Shelter! Let me count the ways you can help at […]

The Christmas Spirit of Gratitude and Charity

The Christmas season is upon us. It’s a time of festivity, bright lights, family, goodwill, and faith. It’s also a time to count our blessings. As we at FOTAS look back over the past nine years, it’s also a time to reflect upon our profound gratitude for our friends and supporters in the Aiken community. […]