Tag Archives: adoptions

2019, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, Donate, FOTAS, Have a Heart, Save a Heart, Heartworms, News, Uncategorized

Biscuit is Heartworm Free and Living the Good Life

Posted on by Bob Gordon
04
Feb

It is uplifting to see how happy Biscuit is now that he has a home with a family that loves him. This sweet 9-year-old mixed breed is one of those special dogs you never forget. In fact, Dr. Lisa Levy, the Aiken County Animal Shelter’s (ACAS) Veterinarian, said Biscuit is one of her favorite dogs to ever come into the shelter.

Biscuit gets a hug at home from young Trace, one of his four new human siblings.

Biscuit arrived at the ACAS with a severe wound to his head. The gash was terribly infected, and his recovery was in doubt. But Dr. Levy was able to stitch the wound closed and clear the infection with antibiotics. Throughout the long process, Biscuit wagged his tail and displayed an amazing spirit.

He was adopted by the Gallardo family in April and in late December, Biscuit reached another milestone well worth celebrating – he tested negative for heartworms. Thanks to FOTAS funding his treatment, Biscuit is now completely heartworm free.

“Biscuit is doing great,” said Brenda Gallardo, who teaches at Warrenville Elementary School. “He gets along with our other dogs, he likes to be loved on and he wants to be with everybody. He’s also taken over our couch in the TV room.”

Unfortunately, heartworm infection is common in this area. The warmer weather makes dogs more susceptible to getting bitten by mosquitos and the infection getting transferred into their bloodstream and heart. It’s easily prevented with prescribed monthly chewable pills, but you only have to miss one month to make your dog vulnerable to infection. Heartworm disease is very curable but the medication for treating it is not cheap. That’s why it’s such a godsend to have FOTAS funding the treatment for every heartworm positive dog on the adoption floor.

Biscuit gets adopted and starts his new, better life with the Gallardo family.

In 2017 and 2018, FOTAS saved 470 heartworm positive dogs by funding their treatments. In the past, these dogs, adoptable and otherwise healthy, would have been euthanized because the County didn’t have the funds to treat them.

But since FOTAS started its “Have a Heart, Save a Heart” program two years ago, the community has donated enough money for every heartworm positive dog at the shelter to be saved and treated.

“We weren’t hesitant at all to adopt a heartworm positive dog like Biscuit,” Brenda said. “There was no stress or difficulties because the shelter staff made it easy and explained everything.”

“Biscuit is such a great dog and so loving with the kids – I wouldn’t hesitate to do it all over again,” she added.

For more information on heartworm treatment, please go to fotasaiken.org. You can also donate to the FOTAS “Have a Heart, Save a Heart” Fund to help treat heartworm positive dogs at the ACAS.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

 

By the Numbers
In 2017 and 2018, FOTAS saved 470 heartworm positive dogs by funding their treatment.


Pets of the WeekUNO
Retriever/Hound mix, male, 7 years old, 48 pounds – $35

GRAVY
Domestic longhair kitten, male, 9 months old, 5 pounds – $10 

 

 

2018, Adoption, Cats, Chained dogs, community cats, County animal laws, County tethering ordinance, Dogs, Donate, donations, Foster, FOTAS, Fundraisers, Heartworms, News, PetSmart cats, Pibbles, Spay/Neuter, Stray hold requirements, surrendered pets, TNR Program, Volunteer, Volunteers

The Christmas Spirit of Gratitude and Charity

Posted on by Bob Gordon
24
Dec

The Christmas season is upon us. It’s a time of festivity, bright lights, family, goodwill, and faith. It’s also a time to count our blessings. As we at FOTAS look back over the past nine years, it’s also a time to reflect upon our profound gratitude for our friends and supporters in the Aiken community.

FOTAS Volunteer John Berk with Cleo, who was adopted to a good home this year.

We’ve come a long way together. With your help, we successfully lobbied the County Council to build a new shelter and partnered with the county to raise money to fund the architectural design and construction-ready plans.

Once the new shelter opened in early 2014, we recruited and trained an army of volunteers to work at the shelter, performing the equivalent of eight to 10 full-time jobs. We funded training programs for county personnel. We developed and funded exciting new programs with the county to increase adoption rates. We created a network of transfer partners in the northeast that take animals we can’t adopt locally, along with a system of foster care for dogs and cats who have been accepted for transfer or have special needs. We also supplement adoption fees for military personnel and veterans.

LUCY gets some lovin’ from young FOTAS volunteers.

We provided fencing to create exercise yards, bought a new van to move animals locally to outside adoption events, and installed a storage shed. We pay for toys, blankets, treats, flea and tick meds, cat condos, a doggie treadmill to rehabilitate and socialize dogs, and humane runners for folks who need to take their dogs off of chains.

We funded the construction of an isolation pod to separate shelter animals with temporary infectious diseases, as well as a host of necessary medical equipment and supplies. Through this assistance, we’ve made it possible for sick and injured animals to have a second chance. A total of 450 heartworm positive dogs have been saved through our funding. We also pay for outside veterinarian services when necessary.

FOTAS PetSmart Volunteer Twylia with feline Mabel.

Our funding has made it possible to attack overpopulation of pets at the source. Last year, the county and FOTAS paid for the spay/neuter of over 1,300 citizen-owned pets and 1,120 community feral/cats.

Has all this effort made a difference? You bet it has. In 2009, the old county shelter often took in more than 6,000 animals a year; only 5% made it out alive. This year, the shelter will have taken in 4,200 animals, and 90% were saved. Hands down, FOTAS and the county save more animals than any other rescue agencies in the country.

It couldn’t have happened without a lot of hard work, dedication, and support from you, the Aiken community.

Adopted dog HILDE in her forever home December 2018.

We and Aiken’s homeless animals are blessed to have your support.

But there is still so much to do. In the last two months, a whopping 1,000 animals were surrendered to the shelter. Please consider an end-of-the-year donation to FOTAS, either by mail to FOTAS, PO Box 2207, Aiken SC 29802 or online at FOTASAiken.org.

By the way, since FOTAS was recognized by South Carolina as one of the 10 most efficient and effective charity “Angels” in the state, you can be certain that your hard-earned dollars are spent on our mission.

Thank you and God bless your family this Christmas season.

Their lives are in our hands.

 

— By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice-President

 

By the Numbers
Since October 1, the County Animal Shelter has taken in well over 1,000 strays and surrendered pets. Please spay/neuter your dogs and cats.
 
Pets of the Week
ANGIE: Retriever mix, female, 3 years old, brindle and white, 50 pounds – $35

 

BEE BEE: Domestic Shorthair cat, female, 1-1/2 years old, black and white, 6.5 pounds – $10
2018, Adoption, Dogs, essay, FOTAS, News

Surrendered Pets Desperately Want to Be Home for Christmas

Posted on by Bob Gordon
17
Dec

With more than 1,000 strays and surrendered pets arriving at the shelter over the last two and a half months, there are going to be adoptable animals who get lost in the crowd and take longer to find their forever homes.

Zeus is an amazing athlete and loves to play fetch.

But here are three hidden gems who will make wonderful companions for you and your family. All of these dogs were surrendered by owners facing dark times. These people gave up their dogs for such reasons as financial loss and personal health issues. One owner had to move into special care housing that prohibits pets.

Hoppy has a lot of energy and is very affectionate!

Difficult situations all – but ones these dogs don’t understand. All they know is that they were at home, loved and happy – and then suddenly a car ride turned into a nightmare when they were left in an animal shelter with strangers.

If you’re looking to add a dog to your home, please take a look at these adoptable candidates. They have already proven to be terrific pets. Now, they just want a second chance at a good life with another person or family.

Hoppy: This 5-year-old Boston Terrier mix is happiest when he’s running and playing, but also will sit patiently while you stroke him under his chin and behind his ears. Hoppy tends to jump a lot when he’s on a leash, so he’s not the ideal dog for a family with young children. But he’s a terrific pet for people who are active and want a dog to match their lifestyle. Hoppy is available to an approved home for no charge – his adoption fee has been paid for by FOTAS.

Theia’s adoption fee has been sponsored and paid for by Coldwell Banker Realtor Erika Ramsey.

Theia: When you visit Theia, you’re likely to see her with a Nylabone in her mouth. She picks it up and shows it off to anyone who stops by her kennel. This gorgeous Pibble is 2 years old and 57 pounds. She loves people but doesn’t like to share, so she must be the only dog you own. If you can provide her with a loving home, Theia’s adoption fee will be waived. She’s been sponsored by a FOTAS donor.

Zeus: Such a regal dog! Zeus is a Rottweiler/Boxer mix with magnetic eyes – one light and one dark. He’s 1-1/2 years old and 83 pounds. One of the most athletic dogs ever to grace the shelter, Zeus needs a home with a fenced-in yard that will allow him to run and play. He’s very smart and will make a great companion for the right home. Zeus is available for $0 – his adoption fee has been paid for by a generous FOTAS sponsor.

Stop by and see these wonderful dogs and the many other animals who need homes. The County Animal Shelter is located at 333 Wire Road in Aiken. You can also call the Shelter at (803) 642-1537 and speak to a staff member or volunteer. They’d be happy to answer any questions and help you find a pet!

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2018, Dogs, essay, Foster, FOTAS, News, Spay/Neuter, Transfer, Volunteer, Volunteers

Dog Days of Summer: County Shelter Population Doubles!

Posted on by Angel Hartline
15
Jul

I used to love summer and particularly the 4th of July with all of its patriotic fervor, but now I dread it—not because I am less patriotic, but because I see so many pets whose lives are shattered through no fault of their own.

More puppies and kittens are coming into the shelter than going out through adoptions.

The fireworks terrify many dogs, who then bolt from their homes in a panic. Some get hit by cars; others get lost and are picked up as strays and brought to the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

People go on vacation and surrender their pets to the shelter rather than finding someone to care for them. Hundreds of unwanted mothers and puppies and kittens have been turned into the shelter.

It is heartbreaking to see these innocent pets in the shelter. They did nothing wrong. One day they have a home; the next, they are in a strange noisy place with hundreds of other dogs, abandoned by their own family.

The shelter is over-crowded, kennels doubled-up. In January, the shelter received 237 unwanted dogs and cats. In June, the shelter received 545 unwanted animals—almost a 100% increase! Each one of those 545 animals has a face, a heart and a soul.

There are not enough volunteers to work with so many animals, and because it is so brutally hot, it’s difficult for the existing volunteers to give the dogs the attention they need in such a stressful environment. We desperately need more volunteers to help us walk and socialize the dogs.

The Shelter has lots of homeless kittens this month!

FOTAS has ramped up its transfer program, sending animals to no-kill partner shelters as many as two to four times per week. This program is critical to relieve overcrowding in the shelter, but we need more foster homes.

Intake kennels at the Shelter are full, with some dogs doubled up.

Here’s how it works: an animal assigned for transport is taken out of the shelter and placed in a foster home for five to seven days prior to the transfer to acclimate the animals to a home environment. When an animal is placed in a foster home before transfer, it opens up a space on the adoption floor for an animal in the intake section, so fostering saves two lives—the animal fostered and the animal moved to the adoption floor.

FOTAS supplies foster families with pet food and crates and any other necessary supplies. There is nothing more rewarding than fostering a pet for a few days, knowing that your time and care help a shelter pet adjust to family life and get them adopted faster.

This is a difficult time. FOTAS and the shelter need your support now more than ever; every little bit helps.

Donate. Volunteer. Foster. Please.

Together we will continue to make a difference to the many animals who depend on us to save their lives. Email FOTAS at info@aiken.org or call the FOTAS hotline: 803-514-4313.

Their lives our in our hands.

— By Jennifer Miller, President of FOTAS

By the Numbers

July Summer Adoption Special: dogs and puppies $35, cats and kittens just $10.

July 1 – 15: The Aiken County Animal Shelter received 223 strays and surrendered pets.

 

Pets of the Week

MASON: Boxer mix, male, 4 years old, light brown, 57 pounds– $0 to good home (adoption fee is sponsored)

PATCHES: Domestic Shorthair, female, 3 months old, Calico, 2.7 pounds – $10 (available at Aiken PetSmart Store on Whiskey Road)

 

 

Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS, Heartworms, News, senior pets

Old shelter dog teaches his senior adopter some new tricks

Posted on by Angel Hartline
12
Mar

Last July, I lost Jake, my 10-year-old black Labrador retriever. With the start of a new year, I felt ready to start seeking a new dog for our home. As I am in my 80th year, I didn’t feel comfortable adopting a very young dog. I wanted a dog that was more my speed, one that had experienced life and needed a place to enjoy his golden years.

I increased my dog walking activities at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) and enjoyed contributing more time to FOTAS. Then one day, my wife saw photos of available shelter dogs on the County web site. She noted an older, mid-sized, black dog named Arthur who caught her eye, and suggested I go look at him.

I drove to the shelter and asked the FOTAS volunteer who was walking Arthur if I could cut in and finish the job. After walking this calm, friendly dog for a bit, I sat down on the ground in the play area and asked Arthur if he was ready for a foolish old man to take him home. Arthur responded by wagging his tail and we bonded. I took Arthur home and, just as the shelter staff suggested, slowly introduced him to our other pets. Arthur, being a charmer, was promptly accepted by our 4-year-old Carolina dog and three cats – two of whom were adopted from the ACAS.

Arthur (left) at home with his new sibling, Jessie.
Arthur (left) at home with his new sibling, Jessie.

Since adding Arthur to our family, I’ve learned much about older, abandoned and abused animals. And I want to pass along what he’s taught me.

  • Firstly, bonding with an older dog happens very fast. This is important for us older folks who have unknown, but probably limited, time ahead.
  • A senior dog with heartworms can be cured and live a normal life. (FOTAS paid for Arthur’s treatment.)
  • A senior dog usually can do his potty business outside from day one.
  • An older dog is not hyper and prefers to snooze along with his older companion. He wants to stay close to home, rather than wander off.
  • A senior dog will be less inclined to chew on the furniture, sofa pillows, or available shoes.
  • Lastly, and this surprised me, even though Arthur is 9 years old, he still has the ability to change. He taught me that an older animal can unlearn memories of fear and relearn trust in a human companion.

Mike and Arthur: bonded seniors learning from each other.
Mike and Arthur: bonded seniors learning from each other.

Arthur and I are still learning from each other and walking down our shared road of life, proving that old dogs can learn new tricks!

If my experience with Arthur has sparked your interest in adopting a pet, please visit the County Shelter located at 333 Wire Road in Aiken. Check out the available animals and meet the wonderful volunteers and staff. You can also volunteer some of your time to the animals, participate in FOTAS programs, or make a financial pledge to keep the operation going and growing.

Just tell them Mike and Arthur sent you.

 – By Mike Hardwick, FOTAS Volunteer

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By the Numbers

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

paw_print_heart_stickers-r368b69be3802466f8feff0ba57adc012_v9w0n_8byvr_512

Pets of the Week

KANE

KANE POTW 031118Mixed breed, male, 1-1/2 years old, brown & white, 51 pounds – $0 (adoption fee paid for by FOTAS donor)

SELENA

POTW SELENA 031118Domestic Shorthair, female, 2 years old, blue gray, 8 pounds – $0 (adoption fee paid for by FOTAS donor)

Adoption, barn cats, Cats, essay, FOTAS

Adopting a barn cat eliminates mice, saves unwanted felines

Posted on by Angel Hartline
04
Feb

Most of the cats at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) are sweet, laidback and cuddly. They do best inside – playing with their cat toys on the floor, sleeping on your bed or purring on your lap as you watch TV.

But occasionally the shelter receives barn cats. These felines are more aggressive and often unsocialized. They haven’t had much contact with humans and, as a result, don’t like to be held or pampered. They are extremely independent and usually have a bit of an attitude.  However, it’s this brashness that makes barn cats such good hunters and ideal for getting rid of mice and other pests.

“Callie is perpetual energy,” said Diane Mansur, referring to the 1-year-old, medium hair Calico cat she and her husband, Raymond, adopted from the ACAS. “She’s inquisitive and always chasing and hunting mice on our property. We’re really pleased with how well she’s fitting in he

Adopted barn cat Callie gets comfy in her new digs, always ready to pounce on any mice that dare to wander onto her new owners' farm.
Adopted barn cat Callie gets comfy in her new digs, always ready to pounce on any mice that dare to wander onto her new owners’ farm.

The Mansurs adopted Callie after they spotted mice around their horse farm in Windsor. So far, she has hunted down at least six mice. Sometimes she eats them but usually she proudly drops the “gifts” at her adopters’ feet. During the day, Callie roams the farm and often hangs with the horses, but at night she’s safe inside a large equipment shed.

“We have dogs and other animals, so we didn’t want to put poison out and we’ve tried mouse traps, which sometimes work but can get messy,” Raymond said. “Frankly, we’ve always found cats to be the best way to control mice and protect our feed, so we’re very happy with Callie.”

As instructed by the shelter staff, the Mansurs kept Callie confined for three weeks before letting her roam the property. The barn cat must first learn that the farm is her home and source of food and care, or she is likely to run away.

Diane Mansur with her adopted barn cat and super mouser, Callie.
Diane Mansur with her adopted barn cat and super mouser, Callie.

Elwood likes to do his own thing, so he's the perfect barn cat.
Elwood likes to do his own thing, so he’s the perfect barn cat.

Another recent barn cat adoption was Elwood, a large, 2-year-old, black feline with a penchant for being mischievous. He sometimes plays a little rough with his human caregivers.

“My sister and I brought in food, treats and blankets to donate to the shelter and he was there in the lobby,” explained Elwood’s adopter, Suzy Lee of Wagener. “We have five acres and once he gets the lay of the land, he should make a good barn cat for us.”

Elwood has only been at his new home for a week, so he hasn’t explored the property yet. But he seems to like his new digs.

“I think adopting these barn cats is a good thing to do,” Suzy said. “It’s well worth the effort to give an unwanted cat a home.”

Barn cats at the ACAS are free to good homes. If you are interested in adopting one or more, please call the shelter at (803) 642-1537.

Their lives are in our hands.

by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

paw_print_heart_stickers-r368b69be3802466f8feff0ba57adc012_v9w0n_8byvr_512

 By the Numbers

Feb. 7 to 14: Give Love Valentine’s Special: Dogs & puppies $14, cats & kittens $7

Pets of the Week

callista with susi (3)CALLISTA
Mixed breed, female, 1 year old, brindle and white, 44 pounds – $35

POTW KATLA AND CORDELIA

KATLA & CORDELIA
Domestic Shorthair, females, 9 months old, Calico, each is 7 pounds – $0 (bonded sisters are barn cats)

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)