Category Archives: Volunteers

2022, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, neglected pets, News, PUPPIES, Volunteers

Angels work together to foster, save orphaned puppies

Posted on by Bob Gordon
09
Feb

On January 5, a woman brought seven puppies to the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Their mother had been hit by a car and didn’t survive.

They arrived with umbilical cords still attached, eyes closed, and desperate for care.

I reached out for help to our fosters and within two hours, three incredible women came to help.

seven puppies fostered.

Linda Cooper took two puppies, Beth Platt took two and Shana Pearsons took three.
These women were unbelievable! All asking immediately what to do and how to help them. They all had done research before coming, watched videos and knew the basics. I can’t tell you how heartwarming it was to see these women arrive at the shelter, calmly and confidently ready to help.

Shelter Staff Member Amanda Kaminski prepared pet carriers lined with fleece blankets and small beds. She also had bottles and puppy formula ready for each foster, along with detailed instructions.
Each of these women woke up every two to three hours during the night to feed these babies. It was no easy task as motherless puppies this young often don’t survive. Initially, they do not know how to drink formula from bottles. They are cold and need help staying warm.

“Bottle feeding puppies is certainly time consuming, exhausting and you spend lots of time worrying about them,” Beth Platt said. “However, it is also incredibly rewarding when they do well. It definitely has brought me back to when I had my babies and was up for very late-night feeds, but also a sweet time as well.”

“This was my first time bottle feeding pups as well,” added Shana Pearsons. “Wow, so cool to watch them progress!”

The women emailed back and forth, texted for advice and compared notes. They weighed the pups, took notes on potty times and kept track of how much they fed them. They worked hard to save them.
When Linda Cooper had to go out of town, Betsy Holmes took her puppies home to continue taking care of them. Betty Ryberg stepped up and took care of Shana’s pups when Shana had another obligation. It is a real community effort.

Every one of the puppies found good homes.

“The feeding schedule for these newborn pups has been demanding, as well as making sure they are peeing and pooping,” Linda Cooper said. “But this first-time experience has been very worthwhile, seeing the puppies grow and thrive against the odds and getting a second chance at life.”

Good news: all of the puppies found homes waiting for them through the shelter’s adopter wish list.

Currently, we are struggling to find foster homes for dogs (much easier to care for than puppies), puppies and soon kittens. Can you spare a week or two? Can you open a stall in your barn? Can you add one more dog to your home for five days? Questions? Call 803-514-4313 or email us at info@fotasaiken.org and we will answer any questions or concerns that you may have.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2022, Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS, kennel stress, News, Pibbles, Shelter staff, SOCIAL MEDIA, Volunteers

Longest shelter resident Christopher finds his dream home

Posted on by Bob Gordon
18
Jan

Christopher had us worried. The two-year-old, 66-pound, mixed breed known for his soulful eyes, mahogany brindle coat and sweet personality was showing signs of kennel stress. He was sleeping too much during the day, refusing to greet visitors and seemed to be sinking into depression.

Christopher: loved by everyone including volunteers.


You couldn’t blame him for losing hope. As a huge favorite of the staff and volunteers, we had promoted him endlessly on our Facebook and Instagram pages, illustrating his calm and loving disposition with videos and photos. There were videos of him chasing tennis balls, getting his chest and tummy rubbed as well as photos of him hugging volunteers and cuddling staff members.

Volunteers Jen Jotblad and Kathy Samaha each shot their own special videos, expressing why they thought he would make a wonderful pet. Samaha took Christopher home for a weekend to give him a break from the noisy shelter. So did Olga and Nicole Simons. Just about every FOTAS volunteer spent extra time walking him or giving him cuddles. Jotblad put extra time into teaching him commands and enrolled him in her dog training class for volunteers. We even had a “Christopher Day” on Nov. 13 to try to attract prospective adopters. No one on our team was going to give up on this special dog.

Still, more weeks passed and no one was calling about Christopher. By far the longest resident of the shelter, he was growing tired of waiting and hardly any prospects were coming to visit him.

Then, on Dec. 3, George Straub and his family walked into the shelter lobby and asked to see Christopher.

“We saw Christopher on the FOTAS page and fell in love,” said Elizabeth Farthing, George’s significant other. “When we met him, he walked directly to my 9-year-old daughter, Rae-Ann, and then George. We spent months trying to find the perfect addition to our family. We contacted so many people and other shelters about dogs and for one reason or another, none worked out. But with Christopher, we felt like it was just meant to be. He knew we couldn’t leave there without him.”

Christopher gets selected!

Now Christopher has a real home and loving family as well as a new name, Glock. He follows Elizabeth everywhere and she considers him a “Velcro dog who loves to cuddle.” Glock spends most of the day with Rae-Ann during her home schooling and sleeps on 17-year-old Chase’s bed most nights. When the family is at the dinner table talking or playing board games, Glock puts his head in George’s lap.

“I’m glad other people passed on him because I love him to death,” George said.

The shelter is full now and there are many hidden gems, like Christopher. So, please visit the Aiken County Animal Shelter, 333 Wire Road, and visit our homeless dogs and cats in need. To see all the pets available, go to FOTASAiken.org. Dogs are $35 and cats and kittens are only $10.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

Christopher is loved in his new home.
2022, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, kennel stress, News, Volunteers

Fostering saves lives, helps homeless pets get adopted

Posted on by Bob Gordon
17
Jan

When you put a leash on Little Bit, he wouldn’t move. The 28-pound, tan Terrier mix just shook and gazed up at you with a forlorn look on his face. The poor dog was overwhelmed with being on the Aiken County Animal Shelter’s adoption floor and just wanted to curl up in his kennel and be left alone.

After a couple of days, Little Bit began to trust the staff and volunteers enough to walk a short distance before stopping and resisting the leash, his eyes pleading to be picked up and carried back to his kennel. Each day, he was progressing – but very slowly.

Little Bit gets comfy before going home.

Despite Little Bit’s shyness and poor leash etiquette, visitors to the shelter began asking to see him. His smaller size and cute looks drew potential adopters. However, when he backed away or flinched when they tried to pet him, they either asked to see a different dog or left the shelter disappointed.

Then Rob and Stacy Wagner took Little Bit home to foster him during the four-day Christmas break. This time, the change of environment did him good. Being away from the noise and stress of the shelter helped him to relax and build confidence. He was a new dog when he returned to the shelter on Dec. 27, walking on his leash with confidence, greeting people and looking so happy! The result of his newfound poise and self-confidence? Little Bit was adopted that day.

Crypto is another dog who benefitted from fostering over the holiday break. Yvonne and Colin Brookes took the 48-pound mixed breed home and used the four days to help him decompress and learn to wait, sit and offer his paw on command. Like many of our fosters, Yvonne posted photos and videos of Crypto’s training and other activities on social media. Such promotion of shelter dogs thriving in a home often helps them get adopted.

“Crypto’s been at the shelter for so long…he keeps getting overlooked yet he’s a huge softy and lives for cuddles,” Yvonne posted on her Facebook page. “He is perfectly housebroken, sleeps in his crate all night long, and loves car rides and woodland walks. He is a very quick learner and just wants to please.” Since returning from his fostering experience, Crypto is in higher spirits and doing well. He can be adopted to a loving home for just $35.

Crypto loving life with his foster mom, Yvonne Brookes.

If you live in Aiken County and would like to become a FOTAS foster, please email info@fotasaiken.org or call us at (803) 514-4313. Or just stop by the shelter, 333 Wire Road in Aiken. It is easy to sign up and get paired with a shelter dog!

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2021, Dogs, FOTAS, kennel stress, Volunteer, Volunteers

Pioneer volunteer Procter: ‘Nothing beats the joy of seeing animals adopted’

Posted on by Bob Gordon
03
Jan

We have countless wonderful volunteers who serve important roles at the shelter. Some greet people in our lobby, some help with events, some foster, others walk dogs or help with PetSmart cats.
That being said, I would love to tell you about our Sandra.

Sandra Procter was there to help train me eight years ago, when my son and I came to volunteer for the first time. I immediately loved her and wanted to volunteer on the same days she volunteered. I credit her as the reason I felt so comfortable coming back. She is one of the many surrogate grandmothers my son has been lucky to gain through volunteering. She has a warmth to her that draws not only people to her, but the dogs as well.

Sandra was one of FOTAS’ first volunteers. Over the years she has done it all – walking and bathing dogs, fostering at home and recruiting and orienting other volunteers. She and her husband Dick have adopted two Shelter dogs, Ellie and Sophie, and one Shelter cat, Maggie. They also make peanut butter and green bean treats for the dogs. We are careful how many treats we give our dogs (tummy aches), and Sandra is the only volunteer authorized by our veterinarian to make homemade treats. They get so excited when they see her coming! They start licking their lips and wagging. Sandra speaks to each, telling them how wonderful they are.

Recently, it was raining hard and Sandra and the other dog walkers got drenched! I sent them a thank you and Sandra replied, “It was my pleasure! Can’t disappoint the poor dogs that look so forward to us taking them for a walk and spending time with them.” Sandra is truly beautiful inside and out!

What motivates someone to volunteer three days a week for more than a decade?

“There are many reasons,” says Procter. “Happiness is when a shy dog looks you in the eye and comes to its kennel door excited to see you knowing it will get a walk, hugs and maybe even couch time. Nothing beats the joy of knowing one of these animals has been adopted and now has a good home. You think, maybe, just maybe, I had a part in making that happen.”

As Procter reflects on 13 years as a volunteer, she notes, “There are people friends, too. The staff is so dedicated, caring and supportive. Volunteers bond quickly. I look forward to seeing all my FOTAS family.”

Procter gives one of her doggy cookies to shelter dog.

“Opening a kennel door and having a little face look up at you as if you are the best person in the world is a feeling like no other,” she added. “A walk in the sunshine, the smell of the woods, a previously neglected or abused creature stopping on the trail to give you a hug, what could be better than that? It makes your day.”

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2021, Dogs, FOTAS, News, Volunteers

Couples Volunteer Together to Help Shelter Dogs

Posted on by Bob Gordon
07
Jul

Couples find volunteering at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) to be a powerful bonding activity and a deeply satisfying experience. They come in pairs to walk, socialize and pamper dogs, many of whom have never experienced such love and attention.

John & Judi Sauer spend time with pretty Pibble, Sally.

“We were looking for something to do together after retiring,” said Bonnie Martin, who joined FOTAS with her husband, Jeff nearly five years ago. “We enjoy interacting with the different dogs. And we like sharing our experiences with the different dogs with each other and the other volunteers and staff.” Jeff and Bonnie have two dogs of their own, Keegan and Miele. Both were adopted from the ACAS.

John and Judi Sauer are also familiar faces at the shelter. The couple, who joined FOTAS three years ago, loves walking and spending time with the dogs – and the camaraderie that comes with it.

“FOTAS is like a family, and the volunteers care deeply about having a part in the success of helping a frightened and sometimes ‘unruly’ dog transform into a happy, adoptable dog,” Judi said. “There is no greater satisfaction than being a small part of this process.”

John added, “The volunteers are all enthusiastic participants, and the very caring shelter staff provides the animals with everything they need to become pets in forever homes.”

John and Judi have four rescue pets at home. Three were adopted in Indiana, where they moved from in 2018, and one dog – Caroline – who they adopted from the ACAS.

Ahmed Samaha makes a new friend.

Becoming a shelter volunteer is easy and training is straightforward and quick. Just ask new volunteers Ahmed and Kathy Samaha, who joined FOTAS in February.

“You can volunteer at lots of different times and for any length of time,” Kathy said. “The dogs and staff are so appreciative of any efforts. You can pick which dogs to walk, or you don’t even have to walk them; sometimes they just need a human to sit and pet them. That’s the best!” Kathy and Ahmed have two rescue dogs at home, Blue and Willa. Blue was adopted from the county shelter.

Jeff & Bonnie Martin get ready to walk Bronson.

If you would like to join FOTAS and volunteer to help the shelter pets, please call, 803.642.1537 (option #3) or email info@fotasaiken.org. You can download a volunteer application at FOTASAiken.org. Or just stop by the shelter, 333 Wire Road, and we’ll help you get started.

“Just do it,” Jeff said. “It’s easy to find a time that fits your schedule since volunteers are needed seven days a week. Believe me, the dogs, and other volunteers will welcome you warmly.”

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2021, Can I Crash on Your Couch? Program, DOGGIE DATES, Doggie Day Out, Dogs, FOTAS, kennel stress, News, Volunteer, Volunteers

Doggie Days Out: Win-Win Program for Four-Legged and Two-Legged!

Posted on by Bob Gordon
03
Mar

When FOTAS and the Aiken County Animal Shelter launched our Doggie Days Out Program, we had no idea just how beneficial it would be for the dogs. Turns out to be great for the volunteers as well!

Shelter dogs can shut down due to kennel stress. Some will cower in a corner, some will spin in circles, others will bark and jump. It is hard to watch a pet suffer in this way. This is why Doggie Days Out, away from the shelter are so important.

Promotional flyer/ad for Doggie Day Out.

We have a growing number of Aiken County residents who are taking advantage of this program. They take a dog for an hour or two, or even overnight. Many are former dog owners; others just enjoy the company during this pandemic.

“When I started volunteering at FOTAS, I came over weekly to walk your sweet doggies. Then I read your article about taking one home for the afternoon and I have loved this. I have noticed such a difference since I have started taking one home with me for a few hours. Our time together is invaluable for both of us. I get my personal doggie fix and they get undivided attention from us versus sharing us with other dogs.

“Also, having a chance to walk and play outside of their typical environment relaxes them and allows them to unwind. Many times, after walking them, I will let them run freely through my house and they seem to love this new freedom, away from their cage. I really have noticed such a difference in each of the sweet doggies after we have shared an afternoon. Their constant licks tell me that they have enjoyed the afternoon as much as I have and yet when we get back, they are always happy to see shelter staff. I have had my special doggie fix for the week and look forward to next week.” – Frère Miller

Laura Nearhoof returns to the shelter with Uki, who has since been adopted. The Doggie Days Out program is vital to reducing kennel stress and socializing dogs, making them better prepared for their forever homes.

“The best part about a Doggie Day Out is watching the dog and its behavior. We always start with a walk around the pond and then go back to our house, take their leash off and watch them run around in our fenced yard. From the time we pick them up to the time we bring them back, we get to see the dogs come out of their shell and enjoy just being a dog. We have had a couple that started off timid but by the time we took them back they couldn’t give us enough hugs and licks. We had to put our 17-year-old dachshund down in May of 2020 and, for now, are just not ready to commit fulltime to another dog. Doggie Days Out is helping us and we take joy in knowing we are helping the dogs socialize, feel loved, and find their forever home. If anyone asks if taking a dog for a walk or for an overnight is worth it, I would say it’s 1,000% worth it.” –Michael and Laura Nearhoof

We would love to see our dogs get more time away from the shelter. If you are interested, please call FOTAS, (803) 514-4313 or email us at info@fotasaiken.org. It is very easy to set up a pickup and drop off time. We will select a dog that fits with the activity you choose.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2021, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, FOTAS, neglected pets, News, Pibbles, Volunteer, Volunteers

Local News Anchor Joins FOTAS, Adopts and Promotes Shelter Dogs

Posted on by Bob Gordon
25
Jan

WRDW TV News Anchor and Investigative Reporter Meredith Anderson and her daughter, Ella, have joined FOTAS, and we could not be more pleased to have them on our team. They visit and help socialize the homeless pets at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) and both take photos of dogs that Meredith then posts on her popular social media channels.

The Anderson’s Three Musketeers nap on their masters’ bed: Eliza, Mulligan & Hamilton

“With COVID restrictions, social media is their best chance,” Anderson said. “It’s good for my heart because it makes me feel like I am making a real difference. Social media is a powerful thing, and I am thrilled my daughter gets to see it being used for good.”

Added Ella, “I absolutely love volunteering for FOTAS. The best part about it is getting to meet so many adorable, sweet and playful dogs and cats.”

In less than two years, the Andersons went from having no dogs at all to adopting three dogs with special needs from their past abandonment and abuse. The family’s love for shelter dogs began in February 2019, when they saw a big, black pit bull mix named Hank on the FOTAS Facebook page. When Hank was surrendered to the shelter, he shook in fear and had tears in his eyes. The Andersons saw his photo, read his story and couldn’t stop thinking about him. They took Hank home, committed to helping the troubled dog start a new, better life. They hired a trainer and Hank, renamed Hamilton, slowly learned he was loved and became less anxious.

Meredith Anderson takes her adopted dogs to the vet for their check-ups

This year, two more rescue dogs joined Hamilton: Eliza, a huge, gray pit bull, and young Mulligan, a black and white mixed breed that Ella fell in love with while volunteering at the shelter. Eliza is a dog that was shot but refused to leave the spot where someone drowned her puppies. Mulligan, a dog who faced abuse in her past, became a family member in November of 2020.

“It’s been a process for sure,” Meredith posted on her Facebook page shortly after adopting Mulligan. “It took a lot of love, patience and work, but I truly believe this was meant to be.”

Adopting Mulligan has made Eliza happy. While she loves Hamilton, he doesn’t like to play as much as she does, and Mulligan fills that role nicely.

“Mulligan is a runner, so she and Eliza spend the entire day running and playing,” Meredith explained. “It has given Hamilton some peace and quiet. He’s happy to walk away and watch the girls when he’s had enough. We never imagined how this dynamic would benefit all of them so much. “

Ella hugs Mulligan, a dog she bonded with while volunteering at the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

Becoming a FOTAS volunteer is a great way to spend time with animals, and who knows? You might fall in love and add a pet in need to your home, like the Andersons did. Please go to FOTASAiken.org to learn more about volunteering and download an application.

“What I say to people who are planning to volunteer or adopt is, ‘Thank You, that’s very kind of you to think about these poor animals,’” Ella said. “’Never lose that sense of kindness.’”

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

Bosom buddies Mulligan (left) and Eliza.


2020, Cats, coronavirus crisis, Dogs, Dr. Lisa Levy, FOTAS, neglected pets, News, Volunteer, Volunteers

What Are the Rewards of Volunteering at the ACAS? Happiness, Peace and Great Exercise

Posted on by Bob Gordon
09
Nov

What makes Monday the best, most rewarding day of the week? It’s the day I volunteer at the Aiken County Animal Shelter!

People often ask: Isn’t it sad? Don’t you want to adopt every animal? Aren’t you concerned about bringing diseases home to your own pets? Can walking a dog or playing with a kitten really make a difference? The answers: No, No, No and YES!

Volunteer Jeri Wesner spends some quality time with sweet Hudson after a walk.

The most important thing to know is that the Aiken County Animal Shelter is a clean, bright and happy place. For some residents, it is the first time they have known consistent shelter and regular nutritious meals. Every animal has its own safe space, a comfortable bed, at least two toys and regular walks or playtimes. Dr. Lisa Levy, the Shelter veterinarian, makes sure every animal is vaccinated and healthy before being placed on the adoption floor where volunteers first encounter them.

It is an extraordinary experience to see a previously abused and frightened animal sitting on the lap of a volunteer, learning to walk on a leash, learning to play with people and other animals and then departing for a forever home. Without the socialization – and fun! – volunteers provide, it is unlikely some of these animals would ever be adopted.

Not all volunteers work directly with animals. Some staff the front desk, answering the phone and helping adoptive families find their perfect match. Some sew much-needed blankets at home or make toys or help with cheery landscaping. Others staff events or solicit items new pet owners may need. A wide variety of skills are needed. All are efficiently and effectively used. All are genuinely appreciated.

FOTAS Volunteer Peggy Glenn and Lab mix Zeus enjoy each other’s company at the shelter.

Almost 5,000 animals pass through the Shelter each year. For some, opportunities are limited. If an animal is afraid of men or children or members of a particular ethnic group, fewer homes can consider them. This is where volunteers come in. The Shelter is in need of all kinds of volunteers, especially men and minorities. Sometimes just a few walks or playtimes with a kind volunteer can make all the difference. If you can spare a few hours in the morning, afternoon or on weekends, won’t you consider volunteering?

The pandemic is making things worse for animals in our community. Some owners are sick or can no longer afford their pets. Some volunteers are quarantining. The Shelter is one of the safest places you can volunteer. Activities are outside. Social distancing is scrupulously observed. Hand sanitizer is always available. Masks are required if entering a building.

So, what do I get out of it? Joy. Happiness. Peace. Great exercise. Tips from professional trainers I use with my own pets. Wonderful friends I would not have known otherwise. And the satisfaction of knowing that together we saved many more animals than if we had tried to adopt them ourselves! Not once have I ever felt my time was wasted. How often can any of us say that?

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Peggy Glenn, FOTAS Volunteer

2020, Can I Crash on Your Couch? Program, coronavirus crisis, DOGGIE DATES, Doggie Day Out, Dogs, FOTAS, News, Volunteer, Volunteers

Pure Bliss: Take a Shelter Dog on a Short Field Trip or Sleepover

Posted on by Bob Gordon
28
Aug

Pure bliss. That is what a shelter dog feels when he gets a chance to spend time away from the shelter for a night, a weekend or even just a couple of hours.

So, three years ago we launched the FOTAS Doggie Days Out program, which allows citizens to take a dog from the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) for a few hours to go for a walk, a trip to the park or another exciting activity. The program is especially beneficial to dogs who are anxious or suffering from kennel stress.

Shelter dog COLT enjoys some deep sleep while crashing on a volunteer’s bed.

“It’s a fabulous program because the dogs get to go on an adventure with you and they get excited by the new sites and smells,” said Valarie Trapp, a local teacher who has taken many different ACAS dogs out this summer. “It’s also a great way to help socialize the dogs — by nurturing, loving and getting to know them.”

“Doggie dating” at the shelter also helps promote the dogs and expose them to a larger audience. Adam Poore and his mom come to the shelter every Friday to take a dog out for a few hours. When Adam walks them or stops by a restaurant to buy them a snack, he takes photos and makes short videos of the experience. One of his videos of handsome, gray and white Harrison was posted on the FOTAS Facebook page and caught the eye of Ashley Harris, who adopted the sweet dog.

“Some people might be apprehensive about spending time with the shelter animals because they think it will make them feel bad when they bring them back,” Poore said. “But it doesn’t make you feel bad; it makes you feel really good. With your help, these dogs have gotten away from the shelter noise, enjoyed a snack and had a good time.”

Wendy Hirsch enjoyed her first doggie date last week and posted photos of her time with older dog Graham on Facebook.

“I like the fact that it is so easy to sign up,” Hirsch said. “You just complete a one-page form, the staff makes a copy of your driver’s license, and you take the dog out for a trip downtown, Citizens Park or just a calming car ride.”

WYNONA enjoys some couch time after a Doggie Day Out with FOTAS Volunteer Valarie Trapp.

This year, FOTAS introduced a program that allows citizens to take a shelter dog home overnight or for a weekend. With this “Can I Crash on Your Couch?” program, shelter dogs get to spend time in a real home so they can get much-needed sleep and one-on-one attention. A shelter, no matter how nice, can be a stressful place with barking and other environmental elements making it difficult for pets to sleep. When a shelter dog returns from an overnight, he is full of joy. This experience helps them become better prepared for their future family.

If you would like to participate in the Doggie Day Out and/or Can I Crash on Your Couch? programs, please call the ACAS at (803) 642-1537, option #5, or send an email to info@fotasaiken.com. Or just stop by the shelter, 333 Wire Road, and we’ll get you started!

Our homeless dogs will be waiting for you.

Their lives are in our hands.

.
— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director


2020, Cats, FIV positive felines, FOTAS, News, Shelter staff, Volunteers

Simba: Unforgettable Tabby Cries for Hugs from Shelter Staff

Posted on by Bob Gordon
20
Aug

Last year, 4,000 animals arrived at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) and it can be overwhelming to remember them as they are adopted to new homes or reunited with their owners. But there are certain pets in need that are such loving, charming characters, they steal your heart and become etched in your mind forever.

Simba, a chubby-cheeked orange Tabby who is currently available for adoption, fits in this special category.

Simba, an FIV+ orange Tabby, loves getting attention from the Shelter staff and volunteers, and they love hugging him.

Besides being cute and charismatic, Simba acts more like a dog than a cat. He often cries when people walk through the shelter lobby, past his cat condo. Eventually, a staff member or volunteer will open his kennel door to give him some attention. After 30 seconds of getting petted, Simba puts his paws on their right shoulder and climbs into their arms. Simba has a low meow that sounds like a grunt and when he’s happy, he purrs and meows repeatedly. Then his eyes become half-closed and he gently bumps his face into their chin to show his appreciation.

Most everyone is a bit affected by COVID-19 anxiety these days, and the shelter staff is no exception. So throughout the day, employees stop by Simba’s cat condo to say hello or pick him up for a warm hug. A quick cuddle with fluffy, 10-pound Simba is a real stress reducer.

Super Simba arrived at the shelter about three weeks ago. His owner surrendered the 3-year-old kitty because he didn’t get along with her other cats. Simba doesn’t like to share his humans.

After the medical staff treated, examined and tested Simba, they discovered he has Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or FIV. FIV infection is transmitted primarily by deep bite wounds. It is not transmitted sexually or through casual contact with another cat.

Simba will be missed and remembered by the staff and volunteers long after he’s adopted.

Infected cats like Simba can live a completely normal and long life. However, there’s a chance he may at some point succumb to the feline virus, which attacks the immune system and allows him to become vulnerable to other infections. Also, FIV positive cats should be kept indoors to prevent them from being exposed to other diseases. Simba will be a perfect indoor-only cat since he loves the luxuries of life and being with his humans.

Simba is a special cat. He’s one of those rare homeless pets that we will miss and remember long after he’s adopted. But he desperately needs a loving home where he can be the only cat and start living life away from the shelter. He needs a family of his own.

If you would like to adopt Simba, please make an appointment to see him by calling the ACAS at (803) 642-1537, option #5, or email to info@fotasaiken.com.

In the meantime, the volunteers and staff will take turns giving him hugs.

Their lives are in our hands.


— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director