Tag Archives: Adoption

Adoption, Cats, Dogs, Foster, FOTAS, Volunteer

Volunteering: Fun, rewarding and a great way to get in shape

Posted on by Angel Hartline
26
Feb

by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

It’s 5:30 p.m. and the County Animal Shelter has been closed for a half hour, but FOTAS Volunteer Karen Brady has some unfinished business. She is concerned about one of the dogs, Monica, who is having anxiety issues, so she’s taking her home to foster. As Karen opens the door of the 5-year-old, black beagle’s kennel, Monica bursts out and into Karen’s arms.
“She’s going to be a happy girl, tonight,” Karen says. “She’ll be able to run around with my dogs and sniff all the new smells. It will be a good change for her.”

Karen started volunteering at the shelter last spring and is often the last member of the FOTAS team to leave at the end of the day. She moved to Aiken from Montana about a year ago, when she retired from a successful career as an ecologist and soil scientist for the USDA. Karen grew up around animals in Denver and currently has three adopted dogs of her own.

Since joining FOTAS, Karen has gained a reputation as a model volunteer. She not only comes in to walk and socialize the dogs six days a week, but also fosters puppies at home (with the help of her daughter, Genny) and takes shelter dogs to off-site FOTAS adoption events. She is supportive to her fellow volunteers, great with animals and helpful to those who visit the shelter to adopt a pet.

“I do this work for the animals but I also love the social activity,” she said. “Everyone here is very nice and has it in their hearts to do good where they can. I think that’s why I keep coming here. We have a really good team and have a lot of fun.” Karen noted that sometimes volunteers have get-togethers on the weekend or meet for lunch after the shelter work is done.

Besides the social advantages, Karen listed other benefits of volunteering at the shelter:
Great exercise. Karen has lost 10 pounds since becoming a volunteer and a colleague of hers has lost 40 pounds from walking the dogs. “It’s cheaper and a lot more fun than joining a gym and walking on a treadmill,” Karen said.
Animal education. If you like dogs and/or cats, you get the chance to see a wide variety of breeds and learn how to treat and care for animals with different personalities. “You also get an education about how these animals find homes and how much is done for them while they’re here,” Karen said.
Rewarding adoptions. “It’s so exciting when your fosters get forever homes,” she said. “Sometimes you miss them a bit, but you’ve reached your goal. You’ve given them a second chance!”
The shelter always needs more people to foster and volunteer and the population of unwanted and stray animals increases in the spring. So, if you are interested in becoming a FOTAS volunteer, please email info@FotasAiken.org or call the FOTAS hotline, (803) 514-4313.
“Give it a try,” Karen said. “It’s a blast and never boring or routine. And when we have more people, the teamwork is better and we can give more quality time to the animals.”
Their lives are in our hands.

 

The photo above is of FOTAS Volunteer Karen Brady spending time with adoptable shelter dogs Iago (left) and Octavia in one of the facility’s play yards.

Adoption, Cats, FOTAS, Volunteer

The love of a cat

Posted on by Angel Hartline
20
Feb

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice-President

“What greater gift than the love of a cat.”
Charles Dickens

“Cats are smarter than dogs. You could never get eight cats to pull a sled through the snow.”
Jeff Valdez, television writer and producer

As much as I love my shelter dogs, Maggie and Jack (and I do love them a lot), 35 years ago I had a pet who was so special that, to this day, the thought of her makes me weep.

Poo Cat was a tuxedo cat of advanced years who appeared on my doorstep one bitterly cold December day in 1978 when I was cramming for exams. She quickly settled in and made herself at home, crouching on the table and playing with my pencils while I read, perching on the toilet each morning as I dried my hair, and curling up on the pillow next to me while I slept. Poo Cat was the best friend and companion I could have asked for in those trying times. She asked for little and gave so much.

I love cats, so if cats have gotten short shrift in this column over the past years, it’s only because all of those big and small goofy, funny, friendly, lovable dogs that pass through the Aiken County Animal Shelter take up so much time and energy. They really need our companionship. They crave our attention—all the time.

Cats, on the other hand—eh, not so much. They spend their days quietly surveying the world around them. They don’t ask for much – a little food, a little water, a warm place to sleep and a cuddle from time to time.

Which is why cats make ideal companions for people who work, people who live alone, and people who don’t have the time, space or facilities to care for a dog. They are self-sufficient. They don’t need to be walked three times a day. Give them a barn, and they’ll control the rodent population and live a happy, productive life. Playful and kind, they make great pets for children.

No wonder cats are the most popular pets in the world.

Until recently, hundreds of cats were received at the shelter. Of the adoptable domestic cats, very few are microchipped, and on average, less than 1% of the cats at the Shelter are claimed by their owners. Many of the cats received at the Shelter are feral and unadoptable. As a result, sadly, more cats are euthanized than dogs.

But here’s the good news: through aggressive adoption pricing and the implementation of the County’s new TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program, in January, for the first time ever, the live release rate for cats hit a record high of 93%: of the 79 received, 37 were adopted, 34 were TNR’d, and 3 returned to their owners.
From experience, we know these numbers will skyrocket in the spring and summer months because cats are particularly and prolifically fertile, but still, it’s a start.

Here’s more good news. During the month of February, you can adopt a fully spayed/neutered, wormed and inoculated cat or kitten for only $7. What are you waiting for?

Their lives are in our hands.

Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS, Therapy Dogs, Volunteer

Joy and love on Valentine’s Day

Posted on by Angel Hartline
12
Feb

By Tom and Martha Portney, avid FOTAS and Aiken County Animal Shelter supporters

“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.”
Karen Davison, Author & Dog Trainer

Dearest Joy:

It wasn’t the fastest bonding to ever take place. We had recently lost a dear four-legged friend, and didn’t think we would ever have space in our hearts for a new furry companion. Joanna and other well-meaning friends brought endless photos, videos and stories to us about our “next dog.”

But Joanna persisted. She told us that you were a stray brought to the shelter, that you were very reserved and many folks liked you, but that you weren’t being adopted. She offered to bring you to our office at lunch where we could just “give you a look” without a commitment.

I don’t know what we were expecting, but it wasn’t you. You were scrawny and scarred, and we were cautious about a Pit-mix. But still, there was something about you that touched our hearts, so in the end, we held our breath and took the plunge.

What a strange and wonderful change you have wrought in our lives. You have taught us patience and acceptance. When our new landlord OK’d you to be our “therapy dog” at our practice, you comforted our clients and made them feel at home. Heck, now they ask for you and not us when they call for an appointment. It has taken you awhile to come out of your shell, but there cannot be a more gentle, more loving dog in the world.

Joy, you capture hearts wherever you go, and you have certainly captured ours. In nine short months you filled an immense hole in our hearts and gave us a walking, petting companion who we cherish more than we can say.

Your human Mom and Dad

Dearest Mom and Dad:

Some dogs come into this world blessed with a good life. Mine was a little rougher. I was homeless, starving, and frightened. At the shelter people seemed to like me but no one was adopting me. Then you who saw me at my worst and loved me all the more. I can remember how anxious I was when I met you behind your old office. Will they like and keep me? Or send me back to wait even longer?

Well, you did fall in love with, and keep me. You gave me all the time in the world to come out of my shell. You spoke softly and petted me over and over again and took me home to a wonderful house. But more than that, you gave me a purpose and a job as your therapy dog with your clients. I know what pain and fear are like, and I want them to be calm and peaceful, too. Now I really feel wanted, loved and respected.

In these 9 months we have taken walks and visited places I would never have imagined. We are family like I have never known, and I am so grateful to be loved so very much. I can only guess what is ahead for all of us!

Your forever and ever girl, Joy

Adoption, Cats, Dogs, FOTAS, Volunteer

Dear Valentine

Posted on by Angel Hartline
04
Feb

By Joanna D. Samson, Vice President, FOTAS

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways . . .”
William Shakespeare

Although I am certain Willie the Shake did not write the 43rd Sonnet for his dog, I am equally certain that most of us with canine or feline friends could rattle off their virtues without hesitation.

They keep you company, follow you around, sleep with you. They make you laugh. They walk with you. They comfort you when you’re sad. Rescued animals know you saved them. They are forever grateful.

In return, we overlook the hair; the drooling; the smell; the muddy paws; the cost of food, clothing, medical care, treats (so many treats); the occasional mistake in the house; and the small dead rodents left on the porch as an expression of their appreciation.

It’s a small price to pay, don’t you think?

Yesterday, I asked a couple of friends and their rescued pets to tell me what they love about each other.

Ellie Joos, about her 14-year-old tabby cat: “I love it when Sheba hops on the bed, curls up next to me, and purrs like a freight train (if only it wasn’t 3:30 in the morning!)”

Sheba: “I love to sit on the counter and watch Ellie. I’ve trained her well; she always feeds me on time.”

Kathy Jacobs, about her retriever mix: “Sherman’s got issues: he’s overweight, in bad health and not the smartest bulb in the pack. But I love it when he sits on my lap (all 75 pounds of him) and lays back like a big baby.”

Sherman: “I’m insecure. I love Kathy to baby me.”

Peter Miller, about he and Jennifer’s St. Bernard mix and pit mix: “Buster and Beethovan give me the same crazy, frantic, joyous greeting at the door whether I’ve been gone 20 minutes or five days. I love that.”

Buster and Beethoven: “We love it when the man yells, ‘Naptime!’ and we all pile on the bed.”

Heather Wiseman, about their 10-year-old bird dog: “Missy has the craziest eyebrows; they go every which way. We love to play with them, make them stick up in a Mohawk.”

Missy: “The world’s a scary place. I love them for protecting me from birds, puppies, and loud noises.”

Uma Seaman, about her 3-year-old shepherd mix: “Izzy loves people—when she meets someone new, she bows and puts both paws over her eyes, like she’s flirting.”

Izzy: “I love it when she calls, ‘Snuggle-muggle!’ and I get to roll around like crazy on the bed.”

Edie Hubler, about Zeus and Meg: “When I walk them, I love to watch their little fannies just bobbing along, side by side – happy as clams.”

Meg and Zeus: “We love to watch her all day long. We think she’s a goddess.”

The Aiken County Animal Shelter is celebrating Valentine’s Day every day through February 14th: you can adopt your next canine Valentine for only $14 and your feline Valentine for only $7. Your new Valentine will be fixed and fully inoculated.

And of course, your new Valentine will come home full of love and devotion. It will be the beginning of a romance that will last a long, long time.

What a deal.

Their lives are in our hands.

Adoption, Cats, Dogs, FOTAS, Volunteer

Mom and son add something special to FOTAS volunteer team

Posted on by Angel Hartline
04
Feb

by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

The first thing you notice about Derek DeMio is how open and friendly he is, even with total strangers. The 26-year-old makes a habit of greeting everyone he comes across, and if he hasn’t met you yet, he will introduce himself and offer his hand to shake on a new friendship.

Derek’s good manners undoubtedly come from a solid upbringing by his mother, Susan Walker. But it’s more than just the result of great parenting. He loves people and they tend to return the favor. He has a natural ability to connect with others and his positive outlook is not only appreciated by the staff and fellow volunteers, but also by the animals.

“Derek and I love to volunteer at this wonderful shelter,” Susan said. “He loves the dogs so much and they respond to him in a special way. The staff and volunteers are all wonderful and being here is always a great experience for both of us.”

Today Derek and his mom have been walking the dogs, changing their kennel blankets and playing with most of the 16 puppies that have recently been added to the adoption floor. Like nearly all the volunteers and staff members, Derek gets attached to the underdogs – animals that take the longest time to get adopted. His latest favorites are Hilde, a pretty, 5-year-old Retriever mix who has been on the adoption floor the longest of all the current residents, and Shelby, a sweet, 3-year-old Retriever/Terrier mix. Earlier this morning, Shelby got some needed nurturing from Derek, resting her head on his chest and wagging her tail as he stroked her shiny, brown coat.

When Derek and Susan are not volunteering at the shelter, she works as a registered nurse while he is hoping to find a job soon through a special needs work program. Derek, who has Downs Syndrome, was just notified that he is eligible for job placement and expects to get hired soon. Before moving to Aiken from Connecticut six months ago, he worked for the Coast Guard Academy and several restaurants. But Derek always finds time to volunteer and said he won’t stop helping out at the shelter once he starts a new job. He would miss the animals too much, as well as the great feeling he gets when he sees them getting adopted to loving homes.

“The companionship and friendships we’ve made here – it’s been a morale booster for us,” Susan said. “Plus the education we are getting by being here…learning so much about how to handle and take care of these animals.”

“It’s a wonderful therapy just be with a dog or hold a cat, she added. “There is a connection – a bond – there. It definitely makes your heart smile.”

If you are interested in joining the FOTAS volunteer team, please contact us at 803.514.4313 or volunteer@angelhartlinedesigns.com.

Their lives are in our hands…

 

Derek and his mom, Susan Walker, volunteer at the shelter twice a week and help socialize shelter animals like Miss Kitty, a 2-year-old tuxedo cat who needs a home.
Derek and his mom, Susan Walker, volunteer at the shelter twice a week and help socialize shelter animals like Miss Kitty, a 2-year-old tuxedo cat who needs a home.
Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS

Doggie day out: Hilde’s excellent adventure

Posted on by Angel Hartline
04
Feb

by Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

Hilde is a beautiful blonde with golden eyes, an enormous smile and a gigantic heart. She is a big-time favorite among the FOTAS volunteers and the Aiken County Animal Shelter staff – everyone likes to spend a little “me” time with Hilde.

So how is it that Hilde holds the unfortunate distinction of being the longest canine resident at the Shelter? Why hasn’t someone swept up this 50-pound bundle of love and taken her home?

We don’t get it.

Okay, maybe her head’s a little square and her tongue’s a little long–but still, Hilde is one of the sweetest, people-loving dogs we’ve had the good fortune to know, and we’ve known a lot of dogs.
And okay, maybe she needs to be the only dog in the household because she’s seriously picky about other dogs. She bears the evidence of forced breeding, so who can blame her?

But still. Day after day, week after week, potential adopters have walked past Hilde’s kennel without a serious glance, and all that rejection is getting her down.

She gives us her best smile, but her eyes tell a different story. Hilde is sad.

Yes, Hilde needs a home—pronto! But in the meantime, she needs a break. Shelter life is stressful for a dog, and while FOTAS and the County have done a Herculean job of finding the shelter residents homes locally or, if necessary, in other parts of the country, there are always a few dogs like Hilde that need more time to be adopted.

That’s how “Doggie Day Out” at the County Shelter came to be. Based on a program implemented by the Humane Society of Silicone Valley, the idea is for citizen dog-lovers to take a dog from the Shelter for a couple of hours to go for a walk or a ride in the car, something, anything that gives the dog a chance to be normal and to spend quality time with a human.

Not only does the time away improve the dog’s mood (and thus its adoptability), it also gives the dog a chance to be seen around town sporting her “Adopt Me” bandana. Maybe someone will take the hint.

Here’s how it works. Come by or call the Shelter (803-642-1537), or check our Facebook page (FOTAS Aiken) to see if there’s a Shelter resident that needs to get away. If so, come on over, show us your driver’s license and give us some contact information, and we’ll give you a dog on a leash. Just bring the dog back before the Shelter closes at 4:30.

How easy is that?

Hilde is the first resident to take advantage of Doggie Day Out. FOTAS Program Director Kathy Jacobs and FOTAS Board Member and On-Site Program Coordinator Ellie Joos dressed up Hilde in her finest coat and her cutest Adopt Me scarf, and off they went for bacon latte at a hip coffee shop and a little shopping spree in Downtown Aiken.

The outing was a huge success. Hilde rode in the car, made lots of friends, got a few extra treats, and just generally wore herself out. Mission accomplished.

Now, if only that special someone will come and claim her, life would be grand.

Her life is in our hands.

Adoption, Cats, FOTAS

Son’s memory lives on through Roger the Shelter cat

Posted on by Angel Hartline
04
Feb

by Martha Anne Tudor

There’s a lot of talk in animal shelters about cats and dogs needing rescue. But we all know theirs aren’t the only lives saved through adoption. The power of animals to connect with humans in transforming and powerful ways is well-known by anyone who’s spent time with them.

The adoption last month of a cat named Roger, however, was especially moving and significant.

Hundreds of homeless animals come through the Aiken County Animal Shelter’s doors every month. Like every other animal there, Roger was hoping this wasn’t the end of the line – that someone would want him and give him a future.

Roger had never known life outside the shelter. He was born there last spring. A striking gray tabby with white patches, no one understood why he got passed by for several weeks. He was sweet, cuddly, and everything a kitty should be.

So shelter volunteers decided to feature Roger in a Facebook post, hoping that, with time, his plight might catch someone’s attention. It took only 50 minutes for Daniel Thomas Perry Jr.’s mom, Wendy Wahl, to see Roger’s post from her home in Key Largo.

She sent the post to Daniel, a 30-year-old known as much for this athleticism as his intelligence. He was a certified scuba instructor and technical diver who’d captained private yachts in Florida and the Bahamas. Daniel loved travel, languages and cyber technology, and enjoyed playing computer games he’d written. He’d recently begun school in Augusta to learn more about programming. He lived alone but wanted a pet.

When Daniel saw Roger’s post, he fell in love and canceled his weekend travel plans so he could go adopt him.

Wendy got this text shortly after Daniel brought Roger home:

“He is soft like the finest silk, loves belly rubs, tummy kisses, answers to his name and follows you around and sticks to you like glue. I am in love with this beautiful kitty. He has stolen my heart.”

That was a Tuesday. Daniel communicated with Wendy a lot the next three days, sharing pictures and videos of Roger, and getting advice about cats. Wendy ordered a cat-tree to be delivered.

“He’s perfect.” Daniel texted her. “I can’t wait for you to meet him.”

But that Saturday night, Daniel was found dead in his home, Roger by his side. There are no answers yet as to cause of death, but Wendy reached through unimaginable grief to tell a shelter volunteer the vital role Roger had in Daniel’s last days and to say Roger would have a home the rest of his life.

“Daniel loved that cat, and because of Roger, Daniel didn’t die alone,” said Wendy, who’s now given Roger a middle name – Thomas – like her son’s.

“It brings me comfort that Roger was with Daniel and loved him through his transition from this life. It makes Roger very dear to my heart that he served such a special purpose.”

Roger Thomas was listed as a survivor in Daniel’s obituary.

Adoption, Dogs, Donate, Foster, FOTAS, Volunteer

‘Dogs Playing for Life’ team helps make shelter canines happier, more adoptable

Posted on by Angel Hartline
08
Jan

by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

Nearly every morning, a small team of volunteers heads to the Aiken County Animal Shelter’s play yard and gathers dogs from the kennels so they can exercise together. The canines romp, wrestle and chase each other while the team observes and oversees their joyous activity.

“The play groups make the dogs more adoptable,” said FOTAS Volunteer and Board Member Ellie Joos. “They give the dogs a chance to interact with each other and learn important skills and behavior that improve their self-esteem.”

While group interaction may seem like an obvious way to enhance a dog’s quality of life while kenneled, social isolation is still the norm at most shelters across the country. Organizing group play for dogs is a cutting edge approach and a big step forward for the shelter. Until introducing “Dogs Playing for Life” in May of last year, all the dogs were walked on a leash or brought into the play yards for solo exercise.

“The intent of this group play approach is to reduce the overall stress, anxiety and frustration of shelter life,” explained ACAS Adoption Coordinator Traci Deaderick. “Most of the dogs come in as strays with unknown backgrounds. But play group allows us to determine how well a dog will socialize with other dogs and pass this information on to prospective adopters – and this greatly improves their odds of being adopted to the family or person that best suits them.”

Running the playtime sessions is much more challenging than it looks. It takes skill, confidence and keen observation to mix dogs that get along and have the same playing style.

Canine coaches Chris Newell and Darling Rios usually lead the sessions, introducing dogs one at a time and combining canines like field generals running a team practice. Traci, FOTAS Volunteer Bonnie White and FOTAS Programs Coordinator Kathy Jacobs also consistently help manage the sessions.

While one-one-one time is still vital to every dog’s development, group play complements leash exercise. It has especially helped painfully shy dogs find their confidence and overly aggressive dogs discover how to play with others.


“Sometimes dogs have to learn how fun it is to play and get used to interacting with other dogs, Chris said. “For many, it’s a new experience.”

“But the first time you see a sad, shy dog break out of his shell and run full speed in play group and start to get a happy look on his face…there’s just something about that,” he adds, beaming like a proud parent. “It warms your heart.”

For more information on the Dogs Playing for Life program, go to dogsplayingforlife.org. To learn how to participate in the play group training at the shelter, please contact FOTAS at info@FotasAiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

Canine Coach Chris Newell takes notes on the dogs during their play session. These observations help FOTAS and the shelter staff to assess animals and their adoptability.
Canine Coach Chris Newell takes notes on the dogs during their play session. These observations help FOTAS and the shelter staff to assess animals and their adoptability.
FOTAS Volunteer Bonnie White (left) and Canine Coach Darling Rios manage a canine playtime session at the Aiken County Animal Shelter.
FOTAS Volunteer Bonnie White (left) and Canine Coach Darling Rios manage a canine playtime session at the Aiken County Animal Shelter.
Adoption, Cats, Dogs, Foster, FOTAS, Volunteer

Becoming a FOTAS volunteer is a rewarding New Year’s Resolution

Posted on by Angel Hartline
01
Jan

by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

Have you finalized your list of New Year’s Resolutions? Today is the day to do it. After recovering from champagne hangovers and binge watching college bowl games, many of us traditionally use this holiday to do an internal audit on our lives. How can we improve ourselves? What new goals should we set for 2017? It is an opportunity to refresh our outlook and follow new paths.

With that in mind, why not start off the new year by doing something wonderful for homeless animals in need? FOTAS needs volunteers at the Aiken County Animal Shelter and giving even just a little of your time to these unwanted dogs and cats will greatly benefit both you and them.

Six Benefits of Volunteering at the Shelter:

1. Helps socialize animals and increases their chances for adoption. When animals arrive on the adoption floor, they need human attention and love. Some are recovering from surgery, many are suffering from separation anxiety and all of them are wondering why their lives have suddenly been turned upside down. When you spend even just 15-20 minutes with one of these poor animals, it does wonders for their self-esteem. Most importantly, walking and spending time with them improves their mood and makes them more adoptable.

2. Shakes up your daily routine. Sitting at home in front of the TV can get boring and leaves many of your talents untapped. But when you are at the shelter helping out, it is rarely routine. You are always facing fresh challenges, meeting new people and working with a variety of canines and felines that need your love and attention.

3. Provides exercise and reduces stress. Spending time with the shelter animals is the perfect prescription for better personal health. Walking the dogs will get your heart pumping and some volunteers say the added activity has helped them lose weight. Plus what can reduce stress better than hugging a sweet dog or cat?

4. Expands your social circle. Volunteering is a terrific way to meet great people who share your same passions and interests. Everyone on the FOTAS volunteer team is here because they love animals and are on a mission to find them loving forever homes as quickly as possible.

5. Teaches you about animals and how to manage them. All of our volunteers attend a short orientation that includes lessons on how to handle and attend to the needs of dogs and cats. Spending time with so many different animals in the shelter makes you better appreciate their unique personalities and gifts. This experience can also strengthen your resume if you are looking for work or applying for college since most organizations value candidates who volunteer in their community.

6. Makes you part of a very special team. Our volunteers are the lifeblood of the Shelter. Without their hard work and commitment, the dogs and cats would receive less one-on-one attention and the staff would lack needed support. In 2016, more than 5,000 animals came to the shelter as strays or were surrendered by their owners. To effectively manage these kinds of numbers, more volunteers are needed every day.

If you are interested in joining the FOTAS team, please contact us at 803.514.4313 or volunteer@angelhartlinedesigns.com.

Their lives are in our hands…

Volunteer Madeleine Burgoyne hugs Dozer as she meets and greets visitors in the shelter lobby.
Volunteer Madeleine Burgoyne hugs Dozer as she meets and greets visitors in the shelter lobby.
Volunteer Karen helps out during a FOTAS Dog Ears Reading session. This recurring event gives children an opportunity to read to the shelter animals.
Volunteer Karen helps out during a FOTAS Dog Ears Reading session. This recurring event gives children an opportunity to read to the shelter animals.
Adoption, Cats, Dogs, Donate, Foster, FOTAS, Spay/Neuter, Transfer, Volunteer

An open Christmas letter from FOTAS

Posted on by Angel Hartline
22
Dec

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

Every Sunday, the Aiken Standard allows us this space to tell you about the Aiken County Animal Shelter, FOTAS and the plight of the 5000 homeless animals consigned to the Shelter every year, and we are deeply appreciative for that opportunity. Over the years, we have used this column to tell you about initiatives designed to save the lives of more animals and to report on our progress. We have written about the special people who have made a difference in the lives of the Shelter animals, and we have showcased particular dogs or cats who had captured our hearts and needed a little extra “ink” to find them that perfect home.

This Christmas Sunday, however, we are not going to use this space to report or convince or to ask you for help; instead, we are simply going to thank you … all of you:

Chairman Ronnie Young and the County Council, County Administrator Clay Killian and Assistant County Administrator Brian Sanders for being responsive and responsible public partners;

Councilwoman Kathy Rawls, who always believed in our mission and helped us build the successful public/private partnership between the County and FOTAS from the ground up;

Paige Bayne, Director of Aiken County Code Enforcement, and the beloved Bobby Arthurs, Chief Animal Control Officer and Shelter Manager, who directly oversee and manage the Shelter operations with kind, thoughtful and dedicated attention to the welfare of the animals;

The County Shelter staff—the intake administrators, adoption coordinators, vet techs, kennel techs and custodians—who make certain that all of those animals are properly documented and cared for with compassion and efficiency;

Dr. Lisa Levy, the Shelter Vet, whose medical prowess and big heart has saved the lives of hundreds of animals who arrive at the Shelter abused, mangled and injured, giving them a second chance;

The FOTAS volunteers, who work on bookkeeping, social media, special fundraising events, and FOTAS Fix-a-Pet; who organize and work on special fundraising and on-site events; who foster mamma dogs and cats and all their progeny, who care for animals designated for transfer; who shuffle animals to off-site adoption events; who walk the dogs, love up the cats, work with play groups, and show animals to potential adopters—the dramatic and steady increase in the Shelter’s live release rate since 2009 is directly related to their efforts; and

Last but not least, you, the Aiken community, who year after year have supported our efforts with enthusiasm and generosity, who have adopted your pets from the thousands of deserving animals who end up in the Shelter through no fault of their own, and who are working to end the excessive population of homeless animals by spaying and neutering your animals—you have designated the Shelter as your community shelter, and we could not be prouder.

The Board of Directors of FOTAS—Jennifer Miller, Mary Lou Welch, Edythe Hubler, Frank Townsend, Dr. Charlie Timmerman, Caroline Simonson, Ellie Joos, Ellen Priest, Grant and Heather Wiseman, Shanna Ryberg and myself—and FOTAS Program Director Kathy Jacobs wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

Their lives are in our hands.

 

Caroline Simonson, FOTAS volunteer, holding Becker
Caroline Simonson, FOTAS volunteer, holding Becker

 

Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Manager and volunteer, and Susi Cohen, FOTAS volunteer and Palmetto Dog Club President
Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Manager and volunteer, and Susi Cohen, FOTAS volunteer and Palmetto Dog Club President
Hope (since adopted) enjoyed a reading session (at the Dog Ears Reading Program) with a young participant and FOTAS volunteer Karen.
Hope (since adopted) enjoyed a reading session (at the Dog Ears Reading Program) with a young participant and FOTAS volunteer Karen.