She was terrified and would not make eye contact.  She was totally shut down.  I spent time sitting with her in her cage and after 2 days the tip of her tail started to wag when I talked to her.  It was then that I noticed an old scar around her neck from a collar that had gotten too tight and had cut into her skin.  I thought “This poor dog has never known love.”  I decided if no one claimed her I would amputate her leg properly and try to find her a home.  Well, that home turned out to be mine. 

She didn’t like other dogs and within 5 minutes of being in my house she bit one of my other dogs on the nose and drew blood!  It took time and patience but once she realized they weren’t going to hurt her she settled in and her personality blossomed.  She made me laugh as she spun on her rear and whined with excitement just from us talking to her.

But her legacy is more than being a great pet.  When I first started at the shelter we would euthanize animals that came in with broken legs unless it was a simple fracture that could heal with just a splint.  After Trinity I decided that though I couldn’t repair these legs I could amputate them rather than having to euthanize the dog or cat.  Three legged animals adjust really and all it required was my time.  So for several years Aiken County Animal Shelter adopted out many three legged family members.

After a few years we were blessed to receive a donation of a digital X-ray machine.  This changed everything.  I could now see that some of these fractures could be surgically repaired if only we had the equipment.  Now I hate orthopedic surgery but my husband, Dr. Michael Wells enjoys it so he readily agreed to help out.  At first we borrowed equipment from my old boss, Dr. John Hurd. He  was very gracious  but I didn’t want to wear out my welcome if we were going to continue to do theses surgeries.  We approached FOTAS asking for their help.  They immediately said yes and purchased the equipment needed for us to be able to continue helping these dogs and cats [and even a goat!].  Actually in the last few years Mike and I have adopted two of these dogs that he put back together after they had both been hit by cars.

There are still legs that have to be amputated because the injuries are just too severe.  But these animals are alive due in no small part to Trinity.  So while we grieve Trinity’s loss, her legacy continues.

Their lives are in our hands.
By Dr. Lisa Levy

Recently, the Aiken County Animal Shelter took in numerous dogs from neglect situations. These dogs arrived skinny, scared and unfamiliar with the kindness most of us take for granted.

The heartbreaking part? For many of them, the shelter is the best place they have ever lived.

They have regular meals, comfortable beds, toys and people who love them.

They have learned to trust our staff and volunteers, and they look forward to their daily routines.

But when strangers walk through the kennels looking for a new family member, these same dogs retreat to the back of their kennels. They turn away, hide or simply refuse to interact.

It’s almost as if they’re saying, “No, thank you. I’m happy here!”

But we know better. We know there’s something even better waiting for them. A real home.

Take Mia, for example.

Mia came to us terribly skinny, covered in scars and having been bred multiple times. When potential adopters approach her kennel, she hides in the back, hoping they will just move along.

But when volunteers like Malia come to see her, Mia dances!

She wiggles with excitement, gives kisses and practically drags her favorite people to the couch for some much-needed snuggle time.

This is the real Mia. A loving, affectionate dog who desperately wants to be close to someone she trusts.

Then there’s Champ.

Champ is a favorite among our volunteers. He’s quiet, calm, sweet and an absolute gentleman. He patiently waits for someone to take him outside, never has an accident in his kennel and wags his tail endlessly when his favorite people arrive.

But when potential adopters come to meet him, Champ turns away.

How do we explain to someone walking through the shelter that the dog who won’t even look at them might become the most devoted companion they’ve ever had?

That’s where we need your help.

We need adopters who are willing to look beyond that first impression. People who will sit quietly with a frightened dog, offer a treat, take a walk or simply give them a little time.

These dogs may not run to the front of their kennels begging for attention. They may not jump into your lap the first time you meet them. You might even need to visit more than once.

But imagine the moment that frightened dog finally trusts you. The first tail wag, the first kiss, the first time they curl up beside you because they know they’re safe.

Imagine being the person who shows them that life can be even better than the shelter.

Our staff and volunteers have worked hard to earn the trust of these dogs. Now we need families willing to do the same.

The next time you visit the shelter, please don’t walk past the dog hiding in the back of the kennel. Ask to meet them. Take them for a walk. Give them a chance.

You might just discover that the dog everyone else walked past is the one you’ve been looking for.
And for a dog like Mia or Champ, you could be the person who finally shows them what home really means.

Their Lives Are In Our Hands. 
By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

This wasn’t a busy road. It was a wooded cut-through with no houses, just abandoned mattresses and trash dumped along the roadside.

I pulled over and offered him treats, but my dogs started barking furiously, scaring him into the woods.

What do you do?

I rushed my dogs home, grabbed some chicken and headed back.

He was still there, frightened and painfully thin. You could see every rib, and his ears were scarred from flies. He growled whenever I approached.

I tossed him pieces of chicken, which he quickly devoured. When I ran out, I headed to the grocery store for dog food and more chicken.

When I returned, he was waiting on a pile of dirt beside the road.

I poured him water and crinkled the bag of dog food. His tail started wagging!

Progress! Or so I thought.

He ate quickly but remained wary, keeping his head low as I tossed chicken closer and closer.

I wasn’t in a hurry so I sat in my car with the door open, reading emails and waiting.

I certainly wasn’t leaving him there to get hit by a car. I couldn’t believe how fast some cars sped past, even as I waved for them to slow down!

Then, suddenly, a cute little face appeared, resting on my leg.

Everything had changed.

His tail was wagging, his body was wiggling, and his bright eyes were looking directly into mine.

I held up a leash. He popped his head through the opening and hopped into my back seat!

He just needed time.

Imagine being abandoned in 90-degree heat, without food, water or shelter. Imagine being so frightened that even someone offering food seems threatening.

I named him Eddie.

Within minutes, he was sound asleep in my back seat. I took him to the Aiken County Animal Shelter, where he could finally be safe.

And what a difference a day makes!

The next day, Eddie was participating in doggy playgroups. He was so happy that he wagged his tail hard enough against the kennel walls to injure the tip. We actually had to bandage it!

Eddie loves EVERYONE. He is affectionate, sweet and wants nothing more than to be close to people.

Just a day earlier, he was alone on a deserted road, frightened and growling at someone trying to save him.

He wasn’t a bad dog. He was a scared dog who needed someone to give him time.

Unfortunately, we’re seeing more dogs and puppies abandoned along roadsides and in wooded areas.

I wish people would put themselves in their paws.

Imagine being hungry, thirsty, frightened and completely alone, watching cars pass, hoping someone might stop.

If you’re struggling to care for your pet, please reach out before abandoning them. Our community has resources to help.

Eddie is now available for adoption at the Aiken County Animal Shelter.  We are hoping somewhere out there is a family waiting for this sweet, tail-wagging boy.

All he needed was someone to stop, someone to care and someone to give him a little time.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

We are always talking about how full we are at the Aiken County Animal Shelter, but now things are a little different.

We are fortunate to work with out-of-state rescue partners in areas of the country that have traditionally been able to help us when our shelter is full. The sad thing is that some of those areas that haven’t struggled with pet overpopulation the way we have are now finding themselves full, too, with more owner-surrendered pets.

That means fewer places for our pets to go.

I went to a middle school last week to talk about why so many people are trying to rehome their pets. The kids knew the answer immediately—everything is expensive right now!

Groceries are high. Fuel costs are high. Veterinary care can be expensive. For some families, it’s difficult enough just to buy groceries and pay the bills.

So, how can our community help?

Adopt. Foster. Donate.

I know, I know…it sounds so simple.

But today we have no open kennels. Where are we going to put the new pets that arrive?

We have no place.

That’s why we are asking our community to help in another way, too.

If you are considering rehoming your pet, maybe reach out for help first. We want the Aiken County Animal Shelter to be a resource, not a destination.

Maybe you need help finding a new home for your pet. We have programs that can help.

Maybe you are struggling with a behavior problem and just need to talk with a trainer.

If you don’t have money for pet food this month, contact us through fotasaiken.org. We may be able to help.

If you have to travel and can’t afford boarding, maybe a family member, friend or neighbor can stay with your pets—and you can return the favor the next time they need help.

Sometimes a temporary problem doesn’t have to mean permanently giving up a pet.

And if you are in a position to help someone else keep their pet, please do. Donate pet food. Help a neighbor with a vet bill if you can. Watch a friend’s dog. Share a pet that needs a new home.

And, of course, if there is room in your home and your life, come adopt or foster one of ours.

Right now, every kennel matters.

Our shelter may be full, but thankfully, our community is much bigger than our shelter.

And that’s where we need your help.

Their lives are in our hands.
By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

Number one: Forgiveness.
Take Tug, for example. He was surrendered with several other dogs. Tug had an old fracture that had healed incorrectly and was causing him pain. We amputated his leg, and the very next day he was walking, kissing us and had completely moved on from the painful experience.

Wouldn’t it be great if we lived each day like it was the best new day? What if we could let go of what happened in the past and simply move forward with positivity?

Dogs seem to know how to do that.

Number two: It’s not always about us.
Dogs give love so completely that sometimes it seems as though their happiness comes from making us happy.

Bruno is a fluffy red dog who was surrendered to us with barely any fur and clearly hadn’t had the best life before coming to the shelter. Yet all he wants is to sit on your lap!

He will wiggle over, barely making eye contact, and sit as close to you—or directly on you—as possible, seemingly just hoping to give you comfort and love. It is the sweetest thing ever.

Most of our dogs simply want to make us happy, and that is part of what brings our volunteers back every day. It is incredibly rewarding—and maybe even a little selfish sometimes—because of how much love we receive from animals who have so much love left to give.

Number three: Get over it!
Dogs don’t care if we drive the best cars. They don’t care if we are a little heavier than we used to be. They don’t care if they get steak for dinner.

Dogs just want love.

They don’t need top-of-the-line everything. There are so many ads right now telling us that dogs need refrigerated food, orthopedic beds, supplements and all sorts of other things. Those things are wonderful, and I’m sure dogs appreciate them.

But our shelter dogs are living in kennels.

What they really want is someone to hug them, feed them—kibble is just fine!—and give them a soft place to lie down. A blanket, sofa, bed or your lap are all perfectly acceptable options.

Maybe we humans could stand to simplify things a little, too.

Number four: Don’t judge.
Dogs don’t care if we smell after a run. They don’t care if we’ve had a bad day and don’t feel like talking. They don’t care what we look like, what we own or what kind of day we’re having.

They just love us for who we are.

We can learn a lot from dogs.

If you haven’t experienced the nonjudgmental, unconditional, joyful and endearing love of a dog, you are missing out.

Come volunteer with us. Email info@fotasaiken.org. 

Adopt from us at the Aiken County Animal Shelter, 333 Wire Rd., Aiken, SC.

Whatever you do, get some of that dog love.

You won’t regret it.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

I was a little shell shocked but ready to meet new people and make new friends. For the first several months I was getting to know Aiken and meeting lots of people but feeling I wasn’t “connecting” and began missing my longtime friendships back in Virginia. As time passed, I had the horrible feeling that we made the wrong choice and even asked my husband if he would consider going back. His answer was a hard “No!” He liked the mild weather, enjoyed playing golf and was falling in love with pickleball.

I began reading the Aiken Standard intently looking for articles about local organizations where I could contribute my time and in October 2023 there was an article that caught my eye. The article was about an organization, FOTAS, desperately looking for people to volunteer to walk dogs at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. I thought to myself, “I can walk a dog and maybe there will be other people there walking dogs. And people who care about animals are really good people.” 

So I signed myself and my husband up for the dog walking training. We began walking dogs which I loved more than I realized. The dogs needed the walks and the social connection as much as I did. And then I began to meet people. A wide range of people. Some older, some younger but all were people that I began to look forward to seeing when I went in to volunteer. And then I began to expand that volunteer experience at the shelter where I felt I could help: Doggie Day Outs, short term Fostering, taking a dog to an event, and Play Group support. 

It has been a life changing three years since I saw that article. I am grateful for all the people I have come to know who share their experience, time, a good laugh and give me new perspectives to consider.  I’ve come to realize that every single person at Aiken County Animal Shelter is a valuable asset. Every member of the staff. Every member and volunteer of FOTAS. Every person who donates. All of us are people who care deeply about the animals who come into the shelter. All of us are working towards improving the lives of each animal and making a better future for them while they are in our care. I hope you’ll consider coming out to volunteer. If you do, I’ll be sure to introduce myself when I meet you on the walking trails. I’m glad we moved to Aiken, South Carolina!

Their Lives Are In Our Hands
by Amy Peterson, FOTAS Volunteer

Dogs are roaming neighborhoods, seeking shade on neighbors’ porches, begging for food or simply wandering because they aren’t properly contained.

As much as we talk about the importance of spaying and neutering, we are finding ourselves having to go back to the very basics of pet ownership: Keep your pets safely contained and provide them with food, water, shelter and veterinary care.

We are also seeing dogs surrendered because their owners are unable—or unwilling—to keep them contained.

Pet ownership comes with responsibility. Pets are a gift we choose to bring into our lives, and there is a level of “parenting” involved. In return, they give us so much: love, companionship, security and friendship.

If you cannot properly care for an animal, please don’t get one. If your children desperately want a pet but you don’t have the financial means, time or energy to care for another living being, it’s okay to say no. A pet is a commitment that can last 10, 15 or even 20 years.

We see what happens when that commitment is forgotten.

Poor Flynn was recently brought back to our shelter. He was adopted from us a year ago and then rehomed multiple times before eventually ending up back where he started. All that bouncing around has left him sad and confused. He doesn’t understand what he did wrong.

Thanks to our volunteers he finally found his smile again this weekend, now he needs a home that will keep him safe and loved!

Aiken County is growing. We see new homes, new neighborhoods and new businesses everywhere. Unfortunately, at the shelter, we are also seeing more animals coming through our doors.

People often ask us, “How can I help?”

Right now, one of the biggest answers is: ADOPT.

If you have the time, resources and commitment to properly care for a dog or cat, now is the time. We have an abundance of wonderful pets desperately needing homes.

Many have already experienced neglect, instability or a lack of love. Imagine what it means to one of these animals to finally have a safe home, a full bowl, a comfortable place to sleep and someone who loves them.

Keep your pets safe. Keep them home. And if you have room in your life for another, please consider adopting.

Their lives are in our hands.
by Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

But slowly, they thaw. Week after week, he sits quietly, offers treats, plays a little, and lets them set the pace. Before long, the same dogs who once trembled in the corner are pulling me out of their kennels and trotting happily to Buddy’s room, tails wagging like little metronomes keeping time with their excitement. They know it’s Buddy Time, and they’re all in.

And here’s the sweetest part: Buddy gets just as much joy from these moments as the animals do. Loving a cat or dog — and being loved back — is a happiness that knows no limits. Those four to six hours he spends at the shelter each week? They’re his favorite hours of all.

Like Champ. He was a challenge even getting through a door, and now look at him — sitting on the couch getting loves.

Or his best friend, Fred. Fred wants nothing more in the world than a lap to cuddle up on, and as you can see, he is in his happy place, too.

If you’re someone who loves cats or dogs and has a few hours to spare, I hope you’ll consider joining him. Just reach out to the Aiken County Animal Shelter at info@fotas.com to ask about volunteering. I promise you won’t regret it.

I hope to see you there — maybe during Buddy Time.

To volunteer with FOTAS please email us at fotasaiken.org.

Their Lives Are In Our Hands.

by Letty Dempsey, FOTAS volunteer

Frank came to the Aiken County Animal Shelter early this summer with burns on his back.  We posted him on Facebook – a video showing how sweet he is.  Luckily that was viewed by his new amazing adopters!  We had to share this heartwarming pup-date!

Frank started settling in from day 1. He is so good natured and has made some friends in the neighborhood. He is very smart and treat driven which helps with training. He quickly found his toy box and loves to lean into us while relaxing on the couch. We have a large fenced back yard and he has been zooming, digging, rolling in the grass, and is fascinated with the neighbors cat and the dogs who live behind us. He loves his walks through the neighborhood and we have taken him to explore Charlestowne Landing and the new Old Towne Creek County Park which are both within 2 miles of our house. He’ll become a regular there.

He rarely barks, but gets so excited before breakfast and dinner that he gives us a “woo woo woooo” which is very cute. He does great in his kennel if we have to leave the house for any reason. From day 1, he sleeps through the night and only gets up if we do.

Susan had her eye on Frank from the first day that she saw FOTAS’s post about him and having been burned. Our last rescue, Clover, had a horrible life before we adopted her and we spoiled her. As we just lost Clover on June 5th, Susan knew that Clover would want us to do the same thing for another dog in a similar position. Fearing that his scar might prevent him from being adopted, Susan wanted Frank from day 1 and after meeting him, we knew that he’d be a great addition. I’m attaching some recent pix and we are happy to keep them coming! We also just swabbed his cheek and are excited to see what he’s made of! Ha!

Thanks again for reaching out and for all that you all do for the animals. We were so impressed with ACAS and its staff.”

Paul Fleming and Susan Fox, Frank’s Adopters and Best Friends

For me, FOTAS is more than an organization. It is a lifeline of compassion, hope, and second chances. Every animal who enters the Shelter comes from a hard beginning, but with the help of FOTAS, they receive kindness, healing, and a soft place to land.

Every day shelter staff, and the FOTAS team work tirelessly to find the perfect home for each animal in their care. Their mission goes beyond sheltering—it’s about loving, restoring trust, and making sure every soul gets the chance it deserves. Whether arranging transports to out-of-state rescues or connecting with shelters to relieve overcrowding, especially during “baby season,” their dedication is nothing short of extraordinary.

If financial hardships ever make caring for a pet difficult, the Shelter’s animal food bank is open to anyone in need. This lifeline doesn’t just provide food—it keeps families together. They help people find programs that allow them to keep their beloved companions, ensuring no one has to say goodbye due to tough times.

The medical team at the Shelter performs miracles daily. No matter how dire an animal’s condition, they fight for every life. I know this firsthand—my hospice dog, Allie, arrived with a collar embedded in her neck and was discovered to have cancer during surgery. The team removed her tumors and provided exceptional aftercare. Today, Allie looks and feels as good as new, a living testament to their devotion and skill.

And then there are the volunteers—the heartbeat of the Shelter. These warrior souls walk dogs, bathe them, sit quietly to offer comfort, and often provide the very first kindness an animal has ever known. It is a blessing to witness how dogs and cats blossom with just a little affection. Animals who once knew fear and hardship transform into joyful companions, returning our love a hundred times over.  If you feel called to lend even a few hours a week, please email info@fotasaiken.org.  They can answer all your questions you have about opportunities available.  My time there has truly been life-changing.

FOTAS’s impact spreads far beyond the Shelter walls. Their school outreach programs teach children empathy and responsible pet care. Reading groups help shy animals connect with young readers. “Doggy Day Out” adventures give shelter dogs a chance to enjoy the world. Fosters take in injured or ill animals, giving them safety and comfort while they heal. Every program ripples through our community with compassion and purpose.

The adoption team works tirelessly to match people with pets who fit their lifestyle and bring joy into their homes. Their insight helps create forever families and opens space for new animals to be saved.

To witness the work of the staff and volunteers is to witness the best of humanity. They are warriors—fighting for every life, every family, every moment of hope. Their love is an extraordinary blessing to our community, and the animals they save give that blessing right back in ways words can scarcely describe.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and perhaps for adding the Shelter to your prayers. Our community—and our animals—are better because of FOTAS.

by Letty Dempsey, FOTAS Volunteer