Category Archives: Volunteers

2018, Dogs, essay, FOTAS, News, Volunteers

Mother-Daughter Team Helps County Shelter Animals Find Forever Homes

Posted on by Angel Hartline
13
May

Olga Simons and her 17-year-old daughter, Nicole, come to the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) nearly every afternoon to walk and socialize homeless dogs. But after they exercise the homeless canines, the real fun begins.

Olga lays out props for the dogs — hats, tiaras, bow ties, scarfs and even a unicorn horn – while Nicole gets her camera ready to take glamor photos of each one. Nicole has a knack for capturing moments that highlight the personality of each pet.

UNICORN PUP: One of Nicole's terrific, eye-catching photos.
UNICORN PUP: One of Nicole’s terrific, eye-catching photos.

Olga helps her by flashing a treat in front of the dogs’ eyes or squeezing a squeak toy, which perks their ears up. They take photos with and without props since the photos are needed for various audiences. However, a cute glamor shot can catch the attention of a potential adopter and give the shelter pet a second chance at a good life.

Olga gets the attention of Shelter dog Ginger so her daughter, Nicole, can capture some great candids of the cute Pointer mix.
Olga gets the attention of Shelter dog Ginger so her daughter, Nicole, can capture some great photos of the cute Hound mix.

“Nicole and Olga make a great team and have taken some of the most amazing photos of the shelter’s dogs and cats, which have led to many adoptions,” said FOTAS Programs Coordinator Kathy Jacobs. “We post their terrific photos on Instagram and Facebook, and they’re often featured on the County and FOTAS web sites and in the local newspapers.”

Olga and Nicole have always shared a love for animals. Not only do they have three rescue dogs and a rescue cat at home, but they also foster shelter dogs and kittens. They specialize in helping shy, fearful dogs come out of their shell and become more confident canines.

“Helping the dogs and being part of the FOTAS team is fun,” Olga said. It gives us mom-daughter time. We talk while we’re working with the dogs, and it’s nice and relaxing for us.”

The Simons family came to Aiken when Olga’s husband, Scott, retired. It was Scott who discovered FOTAS’s web page and recommended the organization to his wife and daughter. Before moving here from California two years ago, Olga and Nicole volunteered and did similar great work for Fresno Bully Rescue.

Volunteers Olga and Nicole Simons with their latest photo shoot model, Ginger.
Olga and Nicole with their latest photo shoot model, Ginger.

Nicole, who is thinking about pursuing a degree in nursing, has been socializing animals and taking their photos since she was a pre-teen, and says the best part is the happiness she feels when a shelter animal gets adopted.

Her mom agrees.

“We’ve done this for so long, it’s helped us bond,” Olga said. “I was taught by my parents to volunteer, and I wanted her to understand what it’s like to help out and give back to the community. And hopefully she’ll pass along her knowledge and carry on this tradition with her children.”

If you are interested in joining the FOTAS volunteer team, please call the FOTAS hotline at (803) 514-4313 or send an email to info@fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

— by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

paw_print_heart_stickers-r368b69be3802466f8feff0ba57adc012_v9w0n_8byvr_512

By the Numbers

May 1-10: The Shelter received more than 200 animals in ten days; that’s about 20 homeless pets per day!

 

saveapetlogo

Pets of the Week

ZORRO POTW 05132018

ZORRO
Shepherd mix, male, 11 years old, tan & black, 65 pounds – $35

 

CURLY POTW 05132018

CURLY
Domestic Shorthair, male, 10 years old, brown & white Tabby, 17 pounds – $10 (available at Aiken PetSmart store)

 

Demodex, Dogs, essay, Foster, News, Volunteer, Volunteers

You too can be a hero

Posted on by Angel Hartline
01
Apr

Dogs, cats, puppies and kittens are surrendered or abandoned to the shelter every day. These animals, through no fault of their own, are blindsided by a change of life that can have a dramatic impact on their emotional and physical well-being.

Birgit Derrick fosters a hound from the County Shelter.
Birgit Derrick fosters a hound from the County Shelter.

FOTAS and the shelter immediately act to make sure these animals can not only cope with their new situation but ensure that they will have a fantastic future. Often that requires a foster home to provide a temporary, stable environment that prepares the pet for its future home. FOTAS provides these dedicated foster families with food, crates, and anything else they need to care for the animals.

For example, Max was surrendered missing most of his fur because of a non-contagious skin condition called Demodex. The condition is made worse from malnutrition and stress, but the pet is adoptable once it receives extra TLC and regains its coat. Peggy Babineau and her husband, their children, and five dogs have fostered many shelter canines. The Babineaus fostered Max for three weeks, and his black and white shiny coat grew back.

Happier and more confident, Max was immediately adopted and his new family sends continuous notes, thanking the shelter for their perfect pet. We currently have two dogs just like Max that need foster homes, so they can experience the same results he did.

John Dabney fosters a litter of puppies to prepare them for adoption.
John Dabney fosters a litter of puppies to prepare them for adoption.

Too often the shelter receives many unwanted or abandoned terrified puppy litters that are motherless and homeless. When four to six puppies are crammed into a shelter kennel before they are old enough for adoption, they can shut down or become fearful. Enter lifesaver John Dabney. He converted one of the stalls in his barn to house foster puppies. They play with John’s dogs and he gives the pups love. After two weeks with John, the puppies were returned to the shelter, where they were all adopted within one to three days.

Then there is Birgit Derrick, one of FOTAS’s original fosters.  She often takes two adult dogs that play together.  Many times these dogs are scheduled to be transported to a sister shelter where they have forever homes waiting for them. When Birgit fosters two dogs for 5 to 7 days, it opens two kennels, giving a safe place for new arrivals coming into the shelter.

“To give an animal a safe place is so rewarding”, says Birgit. “They look at you with such appreciation, they sleep so soundly and they will know that their next home is a safe one because you taught them that.”

Becca Babineau at home with foster dog, Max.
Becca Babineau at home with foster dog, Max.

Max at the Shelter before his Demodex was cured.
Max at the Shelter before his Demodex was cured.

“The difference that I have seen in animals that were fostered is incredible,” she adds. “They come to the shelter lost, confused, and afraid. But after being in a foster home, they return to the shelter without fear or anxiety, and they’re home ready.”

Huge thanks to all our fosters who have opened their hearts to the homeless pets of Aiken County. The shelter received 4,907 animals last year, so we urgently need more fosters to join our life-saving team. Call the FOTAS Hotline, (803) 514-4313, if you are interested in fostering to help save lives. You too can be a hero.

Their lives are in our hands.

– By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

Foster, FOTAS, News, Uncategorized, Volunteer, Volunteers

Fosters urgently needed to save lives of homeless animals

Posted on by Angel Hartline
25
Mar

FOTAS urgently needs volunteers to foster shelter animals.

Spring has officially arrived, so a wave of homeless puppies and kittens is heading our way. We’ve already received some stray momma dogs and cats with their little ones, as well as orphaned pups and kittens found all alone. These babies need temporary homes where they can be loved and nurtured until they are ready to be adopted and find their forever homes.

A foster puppy gets bottle fed.
A foster puppy gets bottle fed.

“Fosters make it possible to save the lives of these homeless puppies and kittens,” said Hillary Clark-Kulis, the Aiken County Animal Shelter’s (ACAS) Adoption Coordinator. “Without their dedication and help, too many of these animals wouldn’t make it to the adoption floor.”

As wonderful as the County Shelter is, it is no match for the comfort and special attention even a temporary home can provide. A home environment is less stressful and safer from potential illnesses that can compromise an infant animal’s developing immune system.

“If a puppy doesn’t get fostered, it is more likely to become ill from kennel cough or other illnesses,” explained FOTAS Programs Coordinator Kathy Jacobs. “If they don’t get the nurturing they need, they can become fearful and timid, and it affects them the rest of their lives.”

FOTAS Volunteer Wanda Johnson and one of her foster puppies.
FOTAS Volunteer Wanda Johnson and one of her foster puppies.

In addition to the pups and kittens that need fostering, the shelter has adult dogs that require extra care from volunteers. These are animals recovering from injuries, skin conditions and psychological trauma. They aren’t yet ready to be adopted, but will recover much faster in a temporary home. For example, the shelter has several dogs recovering from Demodex, a non-contagious skin condition that is usually caused by stress. In a shelter, it typically takes about eight weeks for a dog to recover from Demodex. In a foster home, the recovery time is cut in half.

“The FOTAS Foster Care system not only ensures the animals are raised in a healthy environment, it frees up limited space in the shelter for other adoptable animals,” said FOTAS President Jennifer Miller. “If you can foster for even a week or two, please consider it. FOTAS will provide the food and other supplies you may need for the animals.”

To become a foster parent for dogs or cats, please call (803) 514-4313, send an email to info@angelhartlinedesigns.com. or come to the shelter at 333 Wire Road.

Their lives are in our hands.

— by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

paw_print_heart_stickers-r368b69be3802466f8feff0ba57adc012_v9w0n_8byvr_512

By the Numbers

March Adoption Special: Dogs/puppies $35, cats/kittens $10

dog_paw_print_heart_notepads-r22f45a827e9b4626b52cbabfd1c7f8b4_amb08_8byvr_512

Pets of the Week

KERI

Keri POTW for March 25Mixed breed, female, 2 years old, brown, 44 pounds – $35

saveapetlogo

ALVIN

alvin potw march 25Domestic Shorthair, male, 3 years old, orange & white Tabby, 10 pounds – $10

 

Dogs, essay, Foster, FOTAS, News, Transfer, Volunteers

My pack does much of the fostering work

Posted on by Angel Hartline
18
Feb

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, all rescues themselves. They range in age from one to 16 years old and in size from 15 to 85 pounds. The pack includes Max, a German Shepard; Annie and Scout, my terrible terriers; Foxy, my sweet, gentle large Chihuahua mix; and Bitsy, my fabulous 16-year-old Jack Russell terrier.

The pack is the natural social order for dogs, which is why they are so good at helping these frightened, dislocated dogs. They have never let me down. Here’s how it works. Once a dog has been selected for transfer to a sister agency in the north, I pick up my foster dog at the Shelter and do a quick assessment of their temperament on the ride home—the dog is typically anxious and frightened (what, another change?). I let them out of the car into the fenced driveway and give them a few minutes to look around and sniff the scent of my other dogs. Then, I let the pack out of the house. Intimidated at first by the rush of dogs, the foster often hides under the car. Once the original hoopla has calmed down, the newcomer comes out to meet the pack. One by one, my dogs introduce themselves with a friendly sniff and then go about their normal routine.

The foster dog learns the pecking order quickly, first making friends with big Max and sweet Foxy. When the foster is ready for a little fun, it romps with Scout, the youngest and roughest player of the pack. Annie takes her time making up her mind about the new arrival. Bitzy, on the other hand, is the mother of the group; she licks the new arrival clean and teaches it to behave while being groomed.

Sam Cato's German Shepherd, Max, cuddles a foster dog.
Sam Cato’s German Shepherd, Max, cuddles a foster dog.

I keep a very large crate in my kitchen for all newcomers until I am certain they are housebroken. I feed the foster dog in the crate during the twice-a-day feeding times to avoid any issues over food, and I always crate a new dog at night. Other than that, the foster dog moves in and out of the house all day with the pack; it never takes long to fall into the routine. There are occasional mishaps from time to time, like mistaking a chair leg for a chew toy, but those incidents are few and far between.

Is it hard to give them up? It is, but I know I am helping the foster dog become calmer and more sociable for the trip north and for their new family. Sometimes I am lucky enough to get a photo of one of my fosters with their new family.

That makes it all worthwhile.

Here’s the takeaway: don’t be afraid to foster because you already have dogs. Your canine pals will do most of the work and give a foster dog the greatest gift of all — to be part of the pack.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Sam Cato, FOTAS volunteer and foster

 

By the Numbers

February Adoption Special: dogs & puppies $35, cats & kittens $10

 

Pets of the Week

RALLIE

POTW RALLIE FEB 18
Mixed breed, male, 1 year old, brown with white, 57 pounds – $35

 

PANDORA

PANDORA POTW FEB 18
Domestic Shorthair, female, 6 months old, brown and gray Tabby, 2.2 pounds – $10

 

 

Adoption, Cats, essay, FOTAS, News, Volunteer, Volunteers

FOTAS volunteer Leah Holt gives unwanted cats a second chance at health and happiness

Posted on by Angel Hartline
28
Jan

Over the last 16 months, FOTAS Volunteer Leah Holt has given three unwanted cats the happiness and security that comes with having a forever home. She adopted all three from the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS), including Boots, a young, scrawny black cat; Footie, an 11-year-old, chunky Tuxedo cat; and Nutmeg, a six-month-old, blind Siamese kitten.

“When I retired and moved to Aiken, I made the decision to take care of animals and devote my time to making their lives better,” she said.

Boots and Nutmeg were strays, and Footie was surrendered by his owner because taking care of the large feline was “too much responsibility.” Holt gave Boots to her great granddaughter, who immediately changed his name to “Black Tiger”, and Footie and Nutmeg live with Holt and her two toy Poodles, BJ and Chrissie.

The quartet of furry friends sleeps on Holt’s bed. Footie dozes by her head, Nutmeg curls up between her stomach and knees, and the dogs are on either side of her, snoring under the covers. “I have to be careful when I roll over,” she jokes.

Leah Holt at home with her adopted County Shelter cats Footie and Nutmeg, and dogs Chrissie and BJ.
Leah Holt at home with her adopted County Shelter cats Footie and Nutmeg, and dogs Chrissie and BJ.

Before retiring, Holt managed a drug store, co-owned a wholesale food franchise with her husband and, during the last 15 years of her working life, took care of hospice patients.

Holt has been around animals and owned pets since she was a child. But when her dog, BJ, was nearly killed by a motorcycle in 2014 and she committed months toward nurturing him back to good health, she came to a new realization.

“That’s when I understood how I could have a positive impact and make a difference by helping animals, “she said. “That’s what we’re put here for –to help those in need.”

Now Holt volunteers at the shelter by walking the dogs and spending time with the felines in the cat facility, and every Saturday evening she takes care of the ACAS cats being showcased at the Aiken PetSmart Store on Whiskey Road.

Her reward for volunteering? Seeing unwanted and discarded animals placed in good homes. Plus, when she returns to her house at the end of the day, she gets a boisterous welcome from her growing gang of adopted pets.

“I think shelter animals truly appreciate their home more,” she said. “In the shelter they’re scared and confused. But when they come out, they don’t have to worry so much, and they’re very thankful for another chance at a joyful life.”

Their lives are in our hands.

by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

By the Numbers

In 2017, 198 Heartworm Positive dogs received at the shelter were saved and successfully adopted with incurred treatment costs paid by FOTAS. Please remember to give your dogs monthly heartworm preventative.

Pets of the Week

bain high energy dogBAIN: Retriever mix, male, 4 years old, tan and white, 51 pounds – $0 (adoption fee has been paid for by FOTAS donor)

Sapphire POTW JAN 24SAPPHIRE: Domestic Shorthair, female, 9 months old, gray/black Tabby, 1.8 pounds – $10 (available at PetSmart Store in Aiken)


Dogs, essay, FOTAS, News, Volunteer, Volunteers

Testimony of a FOTAS volunteer

Posted on by Angel Hartline
14
Jan

The success of reducing the live release rate from 5% to 85% at the Aiken County Animal Shelter over the past ten years and saving 4,079 animals this year is in no small part a testament to the passion and commitment of FOTAS volunteers.

They come to the Shelter, without fail, every day (including holidays) to walk the dogs and love-up the cats. They help the folks who manage dog play groups with the logistics. They introduce potential adopters to canine prospects out in the yard or accompany folks to the separate facility that houses the adoptable cat colony. They make sure every dog is settled down with a toy and a treat before they leave. They man the front desk, answer calls from the public, help with paper work. They help with off-site adoption events. They foster animals selected for transfer to other rescue agencies in the north. They foster mama dogs and their puppies (or mama cats and their kittens) until the babies are weaned and ready for adoption. They help market the animals through social and print media. They work fundraisers and special events.

Bella spending some “me” time with a FOTAS volunteer.
Bella spending some “me” time with a FOTAS volunteer.

All told, the FOTAS volunteers perform the work of eight to ten full-time employees

We at FOTAS cannot believe our good fortune. We work hard to make certain that the volunteer experience at the Shelter is a good one, so when we received the following letter from volunteer, Pat Miles, along with a financial donation, our hearts skipped a little beat.

Dear Jennifer Miller and the entire Board of Directors,

I would like to take this opportunity as 2017 is coming to an end to express my admiration and thanksgiving for all that FOTAS is doing for the animals of Aiken.

 I have been volunteering at the Aiken County Shelter for three-plus years, and the changes that have taken place at the Shelter have been breathtaking. You deserve so much credit for your compassion, energy and love for all of the unwanted and abandoned animals of Aiken. I have seen this first-hand.

I would also like to express my sincere appreciation for all of the Shelter staff, starting with Bobby Arthurs who is an amazing manager and person. The adoption staff of Hillary, Mary, and Bob are heroes in my eyes as they care so much for the lives of all the creatures in their care.

The administrative staff of Rachel, Peggy and Hope are dedicated to the welfare of animals, too.  Dr. Levy, the medical staff and custodians who spend their day caring for the sick and injured animals deserve recognition as well.

Words cannot express what all of your and their actions inspire. I am privileged to work with the shelter staff and volunteers. I truly receive more than I give from both the two-legged, as well as the four-legged, friends I have made.

I couldn’t have said it better. To all of our volunteers … thank you.

FOTAS always needs more volunteers and fosters, so if you are interested, please email us at info@angelhartlinedesigns.com or leave us a message on the FOTAS Hotline at (803) 514-4313.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

By the Numbers

In 2017, FOTAS and the Aiken County Animal Shelter saved 4,079 dogs and cats!

 

Pets of the Week

NELL POTW JAN 14Nell: Retriever mix, female, 1-1/2 years old, tan, 42 pounds – $0 (adoption fee paid for by FOTAS donator)

katla and cordelia

KATLA & CORDELIA: Domestic shorthair, female, 8 months old, Calico, 6 pounds – $20 for bonded pair

Adoption, Cats, Dogs, FOTAS, Volunteers

Counting Our Blessings and Giving Thanks

Posted on by Angel Hartline
23
Nov

Image Credit: Well Pet Coach

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

Thanksgiving is a time of reflection for those of us at FOTAS—a time to take stock of our blessings; to consider the progress we and the County have made in making the world a better place for Aiken County’s homeless, abandoned and abused animals.

Giving thanks and counting our blessings is particularly meaningful this year. On November 15th, the South Carolina Secretary of State announced that FOTAS would be one of the ten charitable organizations in the state to receive a 2017 Angel Award, which recognizes the most efficient and effective charitable organizations in the state based on, among other things, longevity of service, expenditures on charitable programs greater than 80% of the total budget (FOTAS was 83.9%), and good use of volunteer services.

This grant of this prestigious award to FOTAS is a testament to the dedication and support of our partner, the County, our extraordinary volunteers and donors, and you, the Aiken Community.

Thank you, Aiken County and Aiken County Council, for being a committed public partner and making it possible to save the lives of thousands of homeless animals.

Thanks to Paige Bayne, the County’s Enforcement and Animal Services Director, Bobby Arthurs, the Shelter Manager and Chief Animal Control Officer, Dr. Lisa Levy, the Shelter’s veterinarian, and all the Shelter staff for their dedication to increasing the opportunities for each adoptable animal to find a forever home and their willingness to implement new programs and practices that enhance those opportunities.

Thanks to the army of volunteers who make the work of FOTAS possible—everything from manning the front desk, walking and training dogs, managing canine play groups, working special events and fundraisers, fostering dogs, organizing transfers, manning off-site adoption events, working on publicity, social media and financial record and bookkeeping responsibilities, and coordinating FOTAS-Fix-a-Pet activities.

And finally, thanks to you, the Aiken Community, for your extraordinary generosity. Once again, you made it possible for FOTAS to help the County provide the best possible care for shelter animals, increase adoptions and transfers, and supplement the County’s spay/neuter financial assistance program.

Through your support, this past year FOTAS funded a new isolation and wellness pod at the Shelter; provided a digital x-ray machine and training for staff in the medical clinic; and funded heartworm treatments for 150 otherwise healthy dogs so that they could be placed in forever homes.

And here’s the best part: all of that love, effort, commitment and hard work has paid off. The live release rate at the shelter has increased from 5% (pre-FOTAS, prior to 2009), to 84% this year (as of the end of October). That’s 3,454 animals, which means the FOTAS/County partnership has saved more animals than any other local rescue organization. In addition, we have successfully trapped, neutered and returned to field 880 community cats (through September), and organized 79 separate transfers (through November) to out-of-state rescue partners, sending 1100 animals to their forever homes.

That’s a very big deal.

Thank you for your continued support—you have made it possible for us to save thousands upon thousands of homeless animals in the past eight years. God bless you and your family during this holiday season.

Their lives are in our hands.

PETS OF THE WEEK

 

KELBIE: Retriever mix, female, 1-1/2 years old, black with white, 52 pounds - $35
KELBIE: Retriever mix, female, 1-1/2 years old, black with white, 52 pounds – $35
FINN: Domestic Short Hair, male, 2 months old, orange Tabby, 2.5 pounds - $10
FINN: Domestic Short Hair, male, 2 months old, orange Tabby, 2.5 pounds – $10
FOTAS, Volunteers

Quick action and teamwork saves Shelter dogs during fire

Posted on by Angel Hartline
29
Jul

by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

Finally, the skies were quiet again. The severe storm that caused the Shelter’s power to go out several times, had moved on. Stranded adopters who didn’t want to leave with their adopted pets during the torrential rains, headed for their cars. FOTAS volunteers began cleaning the kitten condos while staff finished paperwork. Everyone was a bit relieved that the rush of activity was over and the dangerous storm had left the area. It was 4:20 on Wednesday, less than an hour until closing time.

“Fire!” somebody called out. “We have a fire in adoption!” It was Veterinarian Technician Judith Gulden-Schmitt. Judith had been chatting with Administrative Assistant Liz Kornaus when she glanced over at the adoption wing and saw flames showing through the door of one of kennels. Liz immediately called 911 and Judith alerted her fellow Vet Techs, Betty Milne-Erikson and Lynn Irilli, who grabbed leashes to move the dogs out of the burning adoption wing. At the same time, Kennel Custodians Christin and Summer Foster jumped into action and moved dogs from the smoke-filled adoption pod to the intake wing located on the other side of the building. FOTAS Volunteers Pat Ludwig, Paul Tallent and Lannie Brancato also grabbed leashes and began moving dogs to safety.

Paul and I moved two of the dogs, Flash and Gracie, to the main building, putting them in the employee break room temporarily. The goal was to get the dogs out before they were harmed by the fire either directly or through smoke inhalation. We rushed back out to evacuate more dogs. One of the dog beds was on fire along with the ceiling tiles but luckily it wasn’t spreading as fast as we feared. Betty helped me leash Phoebe and I leashed Rowdy, then took them into the main building. Behind me was Animal Control Officer James Fisher with another dog. He said we could put all three dogs in his office.

When we got back outside, we could already hear the sirens of the fire and rescue trucks, and all the dogs were out of the adoption wing and safe from harm. Shelter Manager Bobby Arthurs managed to put the fire out with a fire extinguisher as the dogs were evacuated. Director of County Code Enforcement Paige Bayne arrived at the scene right away and provided direction and support. County Administrator Clay Killian, Assistant Administrator Ashley Jacobs, and County Council Chairman Andrew Siders were also on hand. Many other County leaders and community members responded to the emergency, either by coming to the Shelter or calling to see how they could help.

“Everyone’s response time was very quick,” Bobby said. “It was a solid team effort and wonderful to see everyone get the dogs out so fast. Aiken Public Safety got here right away and the County’s Buildings & Grounds folks got our power back on and worked to get the air conditioning up and running again in the adoption wing.”

The Shelter’s Veterinarian, Dr. Lisa Levy, rushed to the scene to examine the dogs. She was joined by Dr. Wells, Dr. Groover and Dr. Timmerman.

Some dogs were doubled up in the kennels of the intake wing since they had to be moved from the adoption wing. The Shelter is in urgent need of dog walkers and foster homes, and any donations would be appreciated! Thankfully, all the dogs are okay.

Their lives are in our hands.

Aiken Public Safety clears the smoke and assesses fire damage in the first pod of the Shelter’s adoption wing.
Aiken Public Safety clears the smoke and assesses fire damage in the first pod of the Shelter’s adoption wing.

 

PETS OF THE WEEK

PHOEBE & ROWDY: Corgi mix & Retriever mix, female & male, 3 and 1 years old, bonded pair needs to be adopted together, $70 for both

POLAR BEAR: Domestic Shorthair cat, male, 3 years old, white, 8 pounds - $10
POLAR BEAR: Domestic Shorthair cat, male, 3 years old, white, 8 pounds – $10

Adoption, Cats, Dogs, Donate, Foster, FOTAS, Volunteer, Volunteers

Two hours a week – you can make a difference at the County Shelter

Posted on by Angel Hartline
12
Jun

I hate this time of year. While the rest of Aiken settles into the steamy, sleepy tempo of summer, FOTAS volunteers and County staff shift into hyper-drive at the Aiken County Animal Shelter to care for the inevitable onslaught of puppies, kittens and owner-surrender animals that crowd the intake wing and stress county resources to alarming levels.

Every summer, the County Shelter is filled to capacity, and this summer promises to be no exception. The Cat Adoption House is packed. Every dog kennel is occupied. Yet day after day, more homeless dogs and cats are picked up or surrendered to the shelter.

“As I walked through the aisles last Saturday,” says Jennifer Miller, President of FOTAS, “every single dog looked up at me with longing and hope – desperate for some human love and attention, desperate to be out of the stressful kennel environment, desperate for a home of their own. It breaks my heart because it never ends.”

And although we at FOTAS work like crazy – through print, television and social media, through our daily efforts to make the animals more adoptable, through our transfer programs – to find these animal homes, we can’t keep up. Even though last week was a record week for adoptions and transfers, 58 to be exact, the Shelter took in even more animals. The crisis continues, week after week, month after month throughout the summer and into the fall.

And here’s the thing: at the very time intake is so high, our volunteer ranks are thin because of vacation schedules and family commitments. That means that even though our cherished core volunteers and fosters are working non-stop, there are just not enough to give all of those dogs and cats the care and attention they need and deserve.

We need more people! I know you love animals or you probably wouldn’t be reading this article. So, help us out – join Team FOTAS. Volunteer at the Shelter, one or two hours a week, that’s all we ask.

One or two hours a week: you can walk and love up the dogs, play with the puppies, cuddle with the cats in the Cat Adoption House, help the handlers with dog playgroup sessions, greet visitors and potential adopters in the air conditioned comfort of the Shelter’s cheerful front lobby – there are so many options.

Just one or two hours, that’s it.

Please do not walk away from those unfortunate animals longing for love and attention. They ended up at the Shelter through no fault of their own, but it is our responsibility, as a community, to care for them.

Call the FOTAS Hotline 803-514-4313, go to www.fotasaiken.org , or email info@angelhartlinedesigns.com to help volunteer, foster, or donate.

Their lives are in our hands.

 

Ivy and Janson are waiting for someone to take them for a walk.
Ivy and Janson are waiting for someone to take them for a walk.

Adoption, Cats, Dogs, FOTAS, Volunteer, Volunteers

FOTAS volunteers make a difference for the County’s homeless animals

Posted on by Angel Hartline
06
May

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice-President

On any given day at the Aiken County Animal Shelter, FOTAS volunteers greet visitors, answer the phone, assist the County Adoption Coordinators, and coordinate on-site programs such as the Dog Ears Reading Program, birthday parties, yard sales or special events such as the Woofstock Dog, Cat & Music Festival (to be held in the fall of this year.)

FOTAS volunteers also work with the animals every day. Some cuddle and visit with the cats and kittens. Some walk the dogs on the trails around the property, often stopping by the lobby to hang out and hobnob with other volunteers and visitors. Some walk the dogs that have just had surgery. Some wash and groom dogs, while others play with the puppies in the segregated puppy pen.

In the newest program at the Shelter, FOTAS volunteers create and manage play groups in the yard consisting of multiple dogs on the adoption floor, giving them a much needed opportunity to socialize with their own kind and blow off some steam.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of FOTAS – through their and the County’s efforts over the past 7 years, thousands of animals have been saved and the euthanasia rate at the Shelter has dropped from 95% to 30%, an extraordinary accomplishment by any measure.

Is it perfect? No.

Can it be better? Yes, but until everyone in the county spays and neuters their cats, and the shockingly high intake numbers at the shelter come down, we need more people like you to commit time and resources to the 4,700 abandoned, homeless, abused and neglected animals that pass through the Shelter doors every year. We need such dedication from the community just to sustain this level of progress, much less build on it.

The Shelter and FOTAS particularly need more help in the summer months, when intake at the Shelter skyrockets and our volunteers take much needed time off to vacation with their family or beat the heat.

If you’ve ever thought about volunteering to help animals, now is the time. Perhaps you and one of your older children could volunteer together. Pick a time that works for you during operating hours at the Shelter, and we’ll make it work.

Tell us what interests you. Dog care and handling? Cats? Working at the front desk with other volunteers to greet the public? Short-term or long-term fostering? Fostering is a great way for your family to care for a dog or puppies without the commitment of owning a pet. There are so many possibilities, and the work you do with and for the animals makes an enormous difference in the lives of these unfortunate souls.

Don’t wait – call the FOTAS Hotline at (803) 514-4313, or email us at info@angelhartlinedesigns.com.

Their lives are in our hands.

 

Judy with Sandra July 24 2015 ref

Above:  FOTAS Volunteer Sandra Procter comforts Judy, a sweet shelter dog.

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Above:  Young FOTAS Volunteer Holly Heiens with Munchkin the cat.