Category Archives: Woofstock

2023, Volunteer, Woofstock

Woofstock Festival Rocks!

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
20
Apr

On Saturday, April 15th FOTAS held its 10th Annual Woofstock event at Citizens Park. It is a festive day, one designed to bring the community and its four-legged animals together with all kinds of activities—contests, races, and pet-owners showing off their dogs.

But I have to make a confession. I was nervous. What if only a small group of people come to support the event? Would the vendors and sponsors be disappointed? What if only a handful of folks show up for the races or contests? Would all the hard work by the teams of volunteers who helped plan and run the event be just a waste of their precious time?

I expressed my concerns at the Park on Saturday morning to Ellie Joos, the Secretary of FOTAS and designated emcee of the event. She immediately said, “Jennifer, look at the hundreds of people making their way to the event, and look at the number of entries in all of the contests.”

Ellie was right. The response was overwhelming. More than 500 people came—the most successful Woofstock ever!

Some highlights:

  • Kenny Ray, our DJ extraordinaire, volunteered his services and set the mood for the day with excellent music. Kenny says next year he will make it even better. (Hard to imagine it could be any better!),
  • All our sponsors and vendors appreciated the great exposure; many have already committed to participate next year. ‘
  • When Buzz Rich stood in line to buy a t-shirt, the person in front of him was short of cash. In keeping with the generosity and good feeling of the day, Buzz bought that person a t-shirt as well as his own.
  • There was a parade for past shelter dogs adopted and for shelter dogs currently available for adoption. The crowd gave them a standing ovation. Marnie Munger, a long time FOTAS supporter, texted, “It was a blast! Such a good turnout and positive vibe.” Amen to that, Marnie.
  • County Council members in attendance included Chairman Gary Bunker, assistant council chair, Andrew Siders (who sang the national anthem), assistant county administrator, Brian Sanders (who participated in the parade with his shelter adopted dog), assistant county administrator/chief development officer Joel Duke, and Paige Bayne, the director of code enforcement. Paige, who oversees the shelter, attended with her adopted shelter dog and her husband, Jason. Both Paige and Jason donated their time as EMTs.
  • Two new County Councilmen, Ron Felder and Mike Kellems, attended as well. Councilman Kellems sponsored an adoption fee for some lucky canine looking for a home.

The Aiken County Animal Shelter still receives way, way too many strays and surrendered animals every year. Although progress on reducing overpopulation has been painfully slow, no adoptable pet has been euthanized at the shelter for over five years. That’s a big deal, made possible only by the hard work of shelter staff, volunteers, county council, and the support from you, our supportive community.

Woofstock is a celebration of the effort, generosity, and commitment of everyone who works to save the County’s homeless and abandoned animals.

See you at Woofstock next year, I can’t wait!

Their lives are truly in our hands.

By Jennifer Miller FOTAS President

2019, Children, Dogs, Donate, Events, FOTAS, Fundraisers, News, Woofstock

Calling all Basset Hounds, Come Race at Woofstock!

Posted on by Bob Gordon
29
Apr

By Denise Parmentier, FOTAS volunteer

This Saturday, plan to attend Woofstock Doggie Derby Day 2019, FOTAS’s annual family festival featuring the famous Doxie Derby.

Denise gives TUCKER a pep talk before his next big race.

This year’s event, scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Citizens Park, will offer many dog contests, including “Animal’s Got Talent,” a best trick competition being judged by Simon Growl and Heidi Groom; best kisser; best costume; and best dog/owner look alikes. There’s also going to be kids races, pet related business vendors, balloon creations, face painting, great food, music and other fun activities for the whole family.

TUCKER has surprising speed for a Basset Hound

The festival kicks off with a cavalcade of adoptable canines and a parade of dogs that have been adopted from the Aiken County Animal Shelter over the years.

But the event I’m most looking forward to is a dog race – more specifically, the Basset Hound competition. If you like to laugh, you’re going to love witnessing these adorable, short-legged Basset Hounds with marshmallow feet hilariously race each other down a grass track.

Basset Hound racing mania struck me in the early ‘80s. I was introduced to this “sport of kings” by Jerri Caswell at her Annual San Diego Basset Hound Picnic. The first event was the Basset-to-Owner race and it was about the funniest thing I’d ever seen. Bassets running to the right, Bassets to the left, Bassets going down the course in the wrong direction, and some just stopping to socialize or sniff in the middle of the field! We laughed till we cried, and I knew instantly that someday I would put on a Basset Hound Race.

TUCKER is a two-time winner of Woofstock’s large breed dog race, and this year he’s competing against other Bassets.

Enter Aiken, a perfect place for a Basset Hound race –it’s such a horse friendly, dog-loving town! I saw an ad in the Aiken Standard for Woofstock and the FOTAS Doxie Derby. I wanted to run my Basset Hound, Tucker, with them, but he was too big to race with those little wiener Dachshunds. The crowd watched and laughed as the funny little sausage dogs ran down the 75-foot course.

But I didn’t give up hope of racing Tucker and was pleased to discover the following year’s Woofstock featured a large breed dog race. Despite the fact that Tucker was only 12-inches tall with 5-inch legs, he went face to face with German Shepherds and Border Collies. With a look of determination, he ran his heart out and won the race by a nose!

The next year we entered the large dog race again, never expecting to repeat that performance, but Tucker won again! Then, year three drew a whole new assortment of large, athletic dogs. Tucker finished fourth … maybe.

But on May 4, Tucker will finally get to race dogs of his own breed. He will compete against ten of his best Basset Hound buddies. I can’t wait to see these dogs “sprint” to the finish line and watch the hilarity ensue.

If you have a Basset Hound and would like to race in this year’s “Hush Puppy Handicap” please come to Woofstock early and register your dog for the big contest. Tucker welcomes the competition!

PETS OF THE WEEK

HATCH
Retriever mix, male, 6 years old, black/blue, 50 pounds – $35

J. LO
Domestic Shorthair, female, 1 year old, brn & orange Manx, 6 pounds – $10

2018, Children, Dogs, donations, FOTAS, Fundraisers, Junior FOTAS, News, TNR Program, Volunteer, Volunteers, Woofstock

Junior FOTAS Students Prove our Future Looks Good

Posted on by Bob Gordon
15
Oct

Junior FOTAS students took photos with adorable, adoptable Rosetta to post on social media.

Last year, a new after school program called Junior FOTAS was started by students at Tall Pines STEM Academy. Two teachers assist the students, including their language arts teacher, Mrs. Busby, who is passionate about helping shelter pets and a FOTAS volunteer, and their math teacher, Mrs. Mastromonico, who’s adopted pets from the shelter and is a strong animal advocate. Her son even raised over $400 for FOTAS’s Have a Heart Save a Heart program, a fund that provides heartworm treatment for shelter dogs.

Every other week, the group meets after school along with myself and FOTAS Volunteer Marnie Munger. During each meeting, we introduce the students to a new shelter pet and teach them the importance of spaying and neutering and about the Trap, Neuter Release (TNR) program, heartworm prevention and other key FOTAS and ACAS initiatives.

The students surprised all of us! They made videos about FOTAS programs such as Doggie Days Out, Fix-a-Pet and Community Outreach. They held a car wash that raised money for heartworm treatment and marched in the Aiken Memorial Day Parade in t-shirts that they designed, singing a cheer about spaying and neutering.

And at last year’s Annual Woofstock Doggy Derby Day, members of the group sold snow cones to raise money for shelter pets. These kids are incredible!

Junior FOTAS members raised money for the shelter animals at Aiken’s Makin’.

This year, during the first meeting I was blown away when more than 40 students joined the group! These young people are enthusiastic and ready to get to work. Members of the group took the initiative to sell raffle tickets for a FOTAS fundraiser at Aiken’s Makin’. They sold $100 in tickets and took in over $400 in monetary donations to help the shelter pets.

Most recently, Junior FOTAS visited the animals at 333 Wire Road and enjoyed a tour by Shelter Manager Bobby Arthurs. Bobby showed them the entire facility and taught them the history of the ACAS. The students were really interested in the process of how animals arrive at the shelter and how they are adopted. They all took turns hugging and loving the shelter’s longest canine resident, Rosetta, and brainstormed on how they can help dogs like her find homes faster. One idea was to make flyers, while another was to take pictures and selfies with her and share them on social media. Who wouldn’t want to adopt a dog that is so awesome with kids, right?

To see their eyes when they hugged a homeless dog was beautiful and Rosetta was in heaven! What a perfect world it would be if everyone was so eager to love!

Despite Junior FOTAS’s promotion of Rosetta on social media, she has yet to be adopted.

FOTAS is thrilled to see young people take an interest in helping the shelter animals. We have all heard that “children are our future,” and if these students are this driven at their young ages of 11-14, our future is looking pretty bright!

Please keep an eye on these upcoming leaders in animal advocacy and contact us at (803) 514-4313 or info@angelhartlinedesigns.com if you’d like to start a Junior FOTAS group at your learning institution.

Their lives are in our hands.

 

 

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director

 

Pets of the Week

ADELI
Domestic Medium-hair, female, 2 years old, 7.6 pounds – $10

LILITH
Mixed breed, female, 2 years old, 35 pounds – $35

2018, Bully Dogs, Dogs, Events, FOTAS, Fundraisers, News, Pibbles, Woofstock

Introducing Woofstock’s Awesome, Adoptable VIPs

Posted on by Angel Hartline
29
Apr

This Saturday, FOTAS is hosting Woofstock, our biggest family event of the year. The celebration will take place at Citizens Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and once again feature many contests, including the Doxie Derby and other canine races and contests. Everyone is invited to join in the fun and pet dogs are welcome, too!

Bo is a senior but has the energy of a much younger dog.
Bo is a senior but has the energy of a much younger dog.

In fact, there will be a variety of furry VIPs from the Aiken County Animal Shelter in attendance. These special dignitaries will be easy to spot with their designer “Adopt Me” scarfs and vests. You can visit with these canine celebrities and, since FOTAS volunteers will be doing adoptions on-site, even take them home with you.

Woofstock’s canine guests of honor can be yours for only $35 each. Although there will be many available, here are some of the top shelter celebrities who would love to walk the red carpet all the way to your front door:

OTIS: A two-year-old Corgi mix, Otis is playful and loves to play fetch. He’s 5 years old and acts like a pup. He arrived in bad shape, with a lot of fur missing from a skin infection, but now he’s got his rich red coat back and ready for a forever home.

Hilde is a special girl who needs to find a good home ASAP.
Hilde is a special girl who needs to find a good home ASAP.

MASON & CHEVY: These two big, sweet guys arrived at the shelter together as strays and really should be adopted as a bonded pair. Mason is 4-1/2 years old, Chevy is 2 and each weigh about 70 pounds. The mixed breed bosom buddies need a home with lots of love and a fenced-in yard.

Bell is an alpha dog who's both goofy and smart.
Bell is an alpha dog who’s both goofy and smart.

JACKSON: This shy but sweet Hound mix is 4 years old and will make a perfect addition to anyone’s home. Handsome and athletic, Jackson loves other dogs and is friendly, gentle and calm. His best friend at the shelter is Vinny. They met for the first time at 333 Wire Road and became instant BFFs.

BELL: One ear is always up and the other down, giving 2-year-old, mixed breed Bell a very cute look. Her personality is even better. She’s lovable, funny and very smart. Give her a belly rub and she’ll love you forever!

Otis is a happy, playful Corgi mix.
Otis is a happy, playful Corgi mix.

BO: Ten years old with the playful energy of a puppy, Bo is a staff and volunteer favorite. This wonderful black Beagle mix needs to find a home as soon as possible. 

HILDE: An apricot-colored Retriever mix, Hilde is a true gem. She loves people and walks well on a leash. She’s one of the smartest dogs at the shelter but also has a goofy side. She’ll make some lucky adopter very happy.

So, come visit these canine celebrities at Woofstock on May 5 or – even better – visit them at the Shelter tomorrow! If you adopt one (or two) of these wonderful dogs, they can still attend the Woofstock festival as VIPs, but with you, their new friend and owner, at their side.

Their lives are in our hands.

— by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

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By the Numbers

April 1-28: 331 stray and owner surrendered pets were brought to the County Shelter

saveapetlogo

Pets of the Week

malissa looking upMALISSA: Wire-haired Terrier mix, female, 3 years old, light brown, 62 pounds – $35

 

lizzie POTWLIZZIE: Domestic Shorthair, 8 years old, tan & black Tabby, 9 pounds – $10

 

Adoption, Children, Dogs, Events, FOTAS, Fundraisers, Woofstock

A Happy Day in Aiken: The FOTAS Woofstock Doxie Derby Festival Returns

Posted on by Angel Hartline
04
May

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President and Edie Hubler, FOTAS Board
Yikes! What is the world coming to? So many troubles in the world: terrorist attacks in France, nuclear bomb testing in North Korea, chemical attacks in Syria, political marches and protests, screaming “expert” panelists on the news — the list goes on and on.
Yet things in our neck of the woods are pretty amazing. Spring is in full bloom, and best of all? FOTAS’ 6th Annual Woofstock Doxie Derby Festival is being held this Saturday, May 6th, at Citizens Park in Aiken, to benefit the Aiken County Animal Shelter. That means hours of free fun for you and your family.
The popular Doxie Derby is back, and if the sight of all those little wiggly wittle wiener dogs wacing for the roses doesn’t make you laugh, well then, there’s no hope for you. No fast wiener dogs in your family? That’s okay, because there’s also a small dog, any breed contest.
Then there are the dog contests—Best Trick, Best Costume, Best Kisser, and our personal favorite, Best Look Alike—guaranteed to make even the crankiest scrooge smile.
Loyal fan and our favorite celebrity journalist, John Hart, from WJBF News Channel 6, will again be on hand to serve as the Master of Ceremonies. Brad and Jayne Williams will be playing the hits all day long on their super sound system.
So, leave the troubles of the world behind and come on over with your human and canine family. Grab a bite to eat from the Sugar Bear caterers or Marco’s Pizza and top it off with some Flanigans’ ice cream. Many exhibitors with pet related products and services will again be joining us this year — and of course, the Woofstock mascot Frank ‘en Bun will be on hand to help everyone have a good time!
Then there’s the raffle. For a $10 or more donation to FOTAS, you can get your raffle tickets on-line at fotasaiken.org/woofstock-doxie-derby-2017/, or you can purchase your tickets prior to the event at Downtown Dog and Herbal Solutions. The winner will be announced at the end of the day, but you don’t need to be present to win.
Participate in a silent auction by Doc Holly’s group (Veterinary Services of Aiken). Herbal Solutions will give you and/or your doggie a cupcake for a donation to FOTAS, so please be sure to visit their booth.
While you are there, let us introduce you to some of the Shelter’s adoptable pets who will also be at Woofstock—after all, isn’t that what it’s all about? If you happen to fall in love, guess what? Adoption prices will be slashed in half – $35 for dogs and $15 for cats.
A tightly-knit community of caring people and businesses—Auto Tech, Herbal Solutions, Hollow Creek Animal Hospital, The Willcox, Tyler Brothers, Veterinary Services of Aiken, the Aiken Animal Hospital, Atlantic Broadband, the Aiken Standard, Downtown Dog, Aiken Saddlery, the Aiken Veterinary Clinic, Carolina Real Estate Company, Chime Bell Fence, the Dog & Hound, and scores of volunteers and supporters—all come together on this happy, festive day to make life better for the thousands of homeless animals of Aiken County.
Now that makes our hearts sing.
Their lives are in our hands.

Frank 'en Bun -- Woofstock mascot

The FOTAS Woofstock Doxie Derby Festival is Saturday, May 6th

Cats, Dogs, Events, FOTAS, Fundraisers, Woofstock

A happy day in Aiken: The FOTAS Woofstock Festival and Doxie Derby

Posted on by Angel Hartline
11
Nov

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

I am, by nature, an optimistic person, but recently my cheery nature has been put to the test.

The nastiness of the presidential election is depressing. The violence in the Middle East is escalating. North Carolina pig farms are polluting the environment. Cholera has broken out in Haiti. Bobby Vee, the early 60’s pop artist who crooned “Take Good Care of My Baby” has died. Brad and Angelina have called it quits.

Yikes! Is there no end to this misery?

Yes, my friends, there is. This Saturday, November 5th, the annual FOTAS Woofstock Festival & the Doxie Derby is being held at Citizen’s Park to benefit the Aiken County Animal Shelter, and that means hours of free fun for you and your family.

The popular Doxie Derby is back, and if the sight of all those little wiggly wittle wiener dogs wacing for the roses doesn’t make you laugh, well then, there’s no hope for you. No fast wiener dogs in your family? That’s okay, because there’s also a small dog, any breed contest as well.

Then there are the dog contests—Best Trick, Best Costume, Best Kisser, and my personal favorite, Best Look Alike—guaranteed to make even the crankiest scrooge smile.

Loyal fan and our favorite celebrity journalist, John Hart, from WJBF News Channel 6, will be on hand to serve as the Master of Ceremonies. Brad and Jayne Williams will be playing the hits all day long on their super sound system. Aiken Balloon Creations will be painting faces and making animal balloons all day for a donation to FOTAS.

So leave the troubles of the world behind and come on over with your human and canine family. Grab a bite to eat from the Sugar Bear caterers or Marco’s Pizza and top it off with some Flanigans’ ice cream. Wander around the Exhibitors tables and maybe give the family dog a quick manicure at the Nails ‘N Tails table.

Buy a raffle ticket from Doc Holly (Veterinary Service of Aiken) to win an Apple Watch, or bid on the Labyrinth Quilt made by Aiken artist Jackie Hill. Want to express your creative side? Enter our “Name the Mascot” contest and win a $50 gift card to Fatz Cafe (you can enter any time beforehand at Herbal Solutions, Bone-I-Fide Bakery or the Screenprint Factory).

While you are there, let us introduce you to some of our adoptable pets on site—after all, isn’t that what it’s all about? If you happen to fall in love, guess what? Adoption prices will be slashed in half–$35 for dogs and $15 for cats.

A tightly-knit community of caring people and businesses—Auto Tech, Herbal Solutions, Veterinary Services of Aiken, VIP Petcare, Atlantic Broadband, the Aiken Standard, Downtown Dog, Aiken Saddlery & Supply, the Aiken Veterinary Clinic, Dog & Hound, Fox Nation, Hollow Creek Animal Hospital, Larlee Construction, Pan American Veterinary Corp, The Willcox, and scores of volunteers and supporters—all coming together on this happy, festive day to make life better for the thousands of homeless animals of Aiken County.

Now that makes my heart sing.

Their lives are in our hands.

Artie
Artie

Cats, Dogs, Events, FOTAS, Fundraisers, Woofstock

A happy day in Aiken: The FOTAS Woofstock Festival and Derby

Posted on by Angel Hartline
30
Oct

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

I am, by nature, an optimistic person, but recently my cheery nature has been put to the test.

The nastiness of the presidential election is depressing. The violence in the Middle East is escalating. North Carolina pig farms are polluting the environment. Cholera has broken out in Haiti. Bobby Vee, the early 60’s pop artist who crooned “Take Good Care of My Baby” has died. Brad and Angelina have called it quits.

Yikes! Is there no end to this misery?

Yes, my friends, there is. This Saturday, November 5th, the annual FOTAS Woofstock Festival & the Doxie Derby is being held at Citizen’s Park to benefit the Aiken County Animal Shelter, and that means hours of free fun for you and your family.

The popular Doxie Derby is back, and if the sight of all those little wiggly wittle wiener dogs wacing for the roses doesn’t make you laugh, well then, there’s no hope for you. No fast wiener dogs in your family? That’s okay, because there’s also a small dog, any breed contest as well.

Then there are the dog contests—Best Trick, Best Costume, Best Kisser, and my personal favorite, Best Look Alike—guaranteed to make even the crankiest scrooge smile.

Loyal fan and our favorite celebrity journalist, John Hart, from WJBF News Channel 6, will be on hand to serve as the Master of Ceremonies. Brad and Jayne Williams will be playing the hits all day long on their super sound system. Aiken Balloon Creations will be painting faces and making animal balloons all day for a donation to FOTAS.

So leave the troubles of the world behind and come on over with your human and canine family. Grab a bite to eat from the Sugar Bear caterers or Marco’s Pizza and top it off with some Flanigans’ ice cream. Wander around the Exhibitors tables and maybe give the family dog a quick manicure at the Nails ‘N Tails table.

Buy a raffle ticket from Doc Holly (Veterinary Service of Aiken) to win an Apple Watch, or bid on the Labyrinth Quilt made by Aiken artist Jackie Hill. Want to express your creative side? Enter our “Name the Mascot” contest and win a $50 gift card to Fatz Cafe (you can enter any time beforehand at Herbal Solutions, Bone-I-Fide Bakery or the Screenprint Factory).

While you are there, let us introduce you to some of our adoptable pets on site—after all, isn’t that what it’s all about? If you happen to fall in love, guess what? Adoption prices will be slashed in half–$35 for dogs and $15 for cats.

A tightly-knit community of caring people and businesses—Auto Tech, Herbal Solutions, Veterinary Services of Aiken, VIP Petcare, Atlantic Broadband, the Aiken Standard, Downtown Dog, Aiken Saddlery & Supply, the Aiken Veterinary Clinic, Dog & Hound, Fox Nation, Hollow Creek Animal Hospital, Larlee Construction, Pan American Veterinary Corp, The Willcox, and scores of volunteers and supporters—all coming together on this happy, festive day to make life better for the thousands of homeless animals of Aiken County.

Now that makes my heart sing.

Their lives are in our hands.

Adoption, Dogs, News, Woofstock

The Aiken community comes together for Woofstock

Posted on by Angel Hartline
13
Jun

12 May 2015

The Aiken community comes together for Woofstock

By Joanna Dunn Samson, FOTAS Vice President

Last Saturday FOTAS held its 4th Annual Woofstock Dog, Cat & Music Festival at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. It was all we hoped it would be and more.

The weather was perfect. Puffy white clouds drifted across a bright blue sky. The cool temperatures of the morning gave way to a comfortable 80 degrees by the afternoon. It was one of those sparkling spring days that inspires joy in the soul.

The day started early for FOTAS volunteers and Woofstock organizers. Caroline Simonson, Shana Ryberg and a group of volunteers arrived at the shelter at 7:30 to walk the adoptable dogs. Anthony Negron and 32 Aiken High School NJROTC students and 8 South Aiken Serteens began the arduous task of setting up for the exhibitors and volunteers. Donna Eisenhart and 20 Silver Bluff National Honor Society students were on hand to work with vendors and exhibitors. All 60 of these local teenagers dedicated their day to set-up, take-down, traffic control, walking dogs and helping out with anything that needed doing.

“I am touched by the commitment of all these young men and women,” says Valerie Vance-Kraus, the faculty advisor to the Serteens. “They are the best this generation has to offer.”

We agree.

This year, the number and variation of exhibitors were greater than in years past. There was everything from representatives from the Sheriff’s K9 unit with their bloodhound and bomb-sniffing dog to face-painting and balloon creations to canine agility courses. We were thrilled to be joined by our sister agency, the SPCA Albrecht Center, who not only helped sponsor the event, but exhibited as well.

(A special shout out to the ever-so-kind SPCA trainer-extraordinaire Ann Kinney, for working with Dante and Toni Urben, his foster mom, on socialization in a crowded place with lots of action. Yes, that’s Dante the handsome gray and white  “pibble” – he needs a home – desperately. Will someone please take this very special dog home so we can sleep at night?)

There were homemade baked goods and ice cream and barbeque sandwiches. There was music provided by Brad and Jayne Williams. There were local dignitaries and celebrities – County Administrator Clay Killian, County Council Chairman Ronnie Young, along with County Council members Kathy Rawls and Andrew Siders, Ellen Priest, the publisher of the Aiken Standard, and Nicole Smith, an NBC26 news anchor, to name a few. There were dog contests for the best kisser, the best costume, and the best tricks.

And of course, there was the first ever Doxie Derby run at Woofstock, organized by FOTAS volunteer Carole Stamm, which was nothing short of spectacular and hilarious and just plain laugh-out-loud fun. One participant came from as far as North Carolina and vowed to come back again next year to compete with Aiken’s finest wiener dogs.

By every measure, the fourth Woofstock Festival was a resounding success with community participation at every conceivable level – exhibitors, sponsors, elected officials, volunteers, veterinarians, trainers, media and local businesses. The festival was packed with families, couples, seniors, and kids of all ages from all over the County. Plus, 10 dogs and 7 cats left the shelter for their forever homes.

That’s what it’s all about: an entire community coming together to help homeless animals. For those of us at FOTAS, it’s a dream come true.

God bless and thank you.

Adoption, Dogs, Events, News, Woofstock

FOTAS hosts 4th Annual Woofstock Festival and 1st Doxie Derby

Posted on by Angel Hartline
13
Jun

12 May 2015

FOTAS hosts 4th Annual Woofstock Festival and 1st Doxie Derby

By Joanna Dunn Samson, FOTAS Vice President

Imagine this: It’s Saturday morning, May 2nd, at the Woofstock Dogs, Cats and Music Festival at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. It’s 10 a.m. – almost starting time. Excitement is running high. Competitors and handlers crowd around the starting gate, jockeying for position, muscles tensed in anticipation. At last, for one brief second everyone settles. Then the bell rings and the announcer cries “They’re off!”

And so they are. 10 floppy-eared, muscle-bound short and long-bodied dachshunds erupt out of the starting gate and race to the finish line – or at least most of them do. Occasionally this one might get turned around, or that one might get distracted, or a few others might be unclear on the concept, but all in all, FOTAS’ first Aiken Doxie Derby promises to be a riot.

Here’s how it works. For a registration fee of $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the event (come early!), you can enter your “real” Doxie in the first 8 races or your “Wanna be” Doxie in a special race of their own – no prior experience is necessary. The winners of the races will qualify to compete in the Big Weiner Race Off for a chance to win real prize money ($100 for first prize, $75 for second, and $50 for third).

No Doxie’s or “wanna be” Doxies in your house willing to take a run for the roses? That’s okay. You can donate $5 to FOTAS to sponsor the Doxie Derby for a chance to win $300. Visit www.FOTASAiken.org, click on Woofstock, and donate through PayPal, or visit any of these downtown stores: Aiken Dry Goods, Downtown Dog, The Screenprint Factory, and Palmetto Package and Fine Wine. The Doxie sponsor drawing will take place at 2:30 p.m. the day of the event. You do not have to be present to win.

The dashing Doxie’s won’t be the only canines competing for fame and glory at Woofstock. The afternoon dog contests will be the perfect venue to demonstrate the versatility and smarts of your lovable mutt. You can show off your bordering-on border collie’s captivating costume, your sort-of shihs tzu’s splendid hairdo, your doubtful dobie’s delightful smooches, your half-hound’s hair-raising fetching ability, your tenuous terrier’s talent for tricks, or your precious pibble’s powerfully-radiant smile.

Not interested in competing? That’s okay too. Load up the kids, dress up the dogs and head out to Woofstock for a carefree day of music, mindless fun and a few yucks.

Plus, there will be children’s activities, raffle baskets, give-a-ways, face painting, food, and local exhibitors. Admission is free.

And here’s the thing: not only will you and your family have a grand time on a beautiful spring day (fingers crossed on the weather), you will be benefitting the County’s thousands of homeless and abandoned animals.  Virtually all of the proceeds from the Woofstock Festival will be used by FOTAS to assist the County in its dauntless task of caring for all of those animals.

Come on down this Saturday and join us for the fun. Maybe you’ll even fall for one of our adoptable animals and go home with the greatest prize of all – a new best friend to love.

Events, News, Woofstock

It Was a Perfect Day to Howl

Posted on by Angel Hartline
09
Jun

Or crow, or yip, or bark, or meow … any communication was just fine.  FOTAS sponsored its third Woofstock event last week… the day was perfect and so was the crowd.

At 10:30 am on Saturday, May 3, we turned the new Aiken County Animal Shelter into a festival of which to be proud. Many hands went into making this another memorable event, so allow me, as the Chairwoman, to howl about it.

Heather Wiseman was my co-chair, and special she is. She rounded up her friends and sent them out on the streets soliciting business sponsorships. The Aiken business community was generous with their support, and we can’t thank them enough.

Carole Stamm is a true friend — I twisted her arm, so she couldn’t say no. She headed up the Ride to Woofstock for Spay/Neuter fundraiser, which was part of the overall Woofstock umbrella. I’m proud to say that with Carole’s leadership, we raised 70% of our goal.

Ellie Joos, a devoted Shelter volunteer dog walker, was the Publicity chair and she did a fabulous job. In addition, Bob Gordon, another Shelter volunteer, coordinated publicity with the media.

The Woofstock music was fabulous. For the 3rd time, Scott Ferguson and his 4 Cats in the Dog House played live music during the afternoon. Jason Shaffer of JRS Entertainment created the play list together with his dad, Bob, who DJ’d the morning music.

Palmetto Dog Club Agility Demonstration

Kudos to Brad Williams, a strong FOTAS and Shelter supporter, who was the “sound man,” and despite a late night at the Lobster Race on Friday evening — he had arrived at the Shelter bright and early. Because of his technical expertise, the Palmetto Dog Club had sound for the agility and obedience demonstrations, as did our emcee and announcer, Mike Gibbons.

And speaking of the dog contests, our student judges (Hope Dyches, Reagan Houck, and Reece McCarthy), adult judges (December Clark of Barkmart, Nancy Webster of Dog Days Workshop, Sybil Davis DVM, and County Council Members Ronnie Young, LaWana McKenzie, Kathy Rawls, Andrew Siders, and Scott Singer), and Dog Contest facilitator Dottie Gantt took their jobs very seriously — tough to select the 1st and 2nd place winners, but they did a stupendous job.

A long line of exhibitors presented their wares to the festive crowd. Thanks to Aiken Balloons, Aiken Dry Goods, Aiken Pet Fitness & Rehab, Barkmart, Equine Rescue of Aiken, Hair of the Dog, Herbal Solutions, Hollow Creek Animal Hospital, Lap of Love, Sweet Ambrosia Farm, Veterinary Services of Aiken and Wyatt’s Bed & Biscuit. Our food vendors were also a hit — Bruster’s Ice Cream of North Augusta and Coach T’s Diner.

And last, but most importantly, the many FOTAS volunteers who help us at the shelter, as well as at special events came through again: Pam Blades Eckelbarger, photographer; Sue Erwin, EMT; Valorie Vance and Susan Hamlin’s South Aiken High School SERTEENS; Donna Eisenhart’s Silver Bluff High School National Honor Society members; LCDR Tony Negron’s South Aiken High School NJROTCcadets. Their assistance was invaluable.

And on behalf of all the dogs and cats who were adopted that day into FURever homes — woof woof, meow meow – (that’s “thank you” in animal speak, by the way). A bunch of their furry friends are waiting at the shelter for someone like you to come and take them home, so hurry on down.