Tag Archives: cats

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, Foster, FOTAS, Heartworms, Volunteer

Falling in love with a heartworm positive dog

Posted on by Angel Hartline
23
Oct

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

You and your family have made a decision: you are ready for a new dog, and you want to adopt your new best friend from the Aiken County Animal Shelter. You visit the Shelter and walk through the adoption pods with a staff member or a FOTAS volunteer. You meet a number of prospects, but you are drawn to a handsome, two year-old black and brown shepherd mix named Bryant who stands at attention and wags his tail when you stop at his kennel. Bryant is so openly friendly, so eager to please, you are astonished to learn that he was painfully shy and scared of people when he first came to the Shelter.

Then, as you watch Bryant attempt to crawl into the lap of Darling Rios, one of the FOTAS play yard experts, like he was a fluffy little lap dog instead of the 51-pound bruiser that he is, you think, “Wow, that’s one special dog.”

There’s only one thing: Bryant is heartworm positive (HWP). What does that mean for you, and most importantly, Bryant?

The answer is: very little, because only HWP dogs who are healthy and show no clinical signs of heartworm disease are placed on the adoption floor at the Shelter.

“Dogs are infected with heartworms by mosquitoes, but it takes a long time for heartworm larvae to mature into adult, reproducing worms that can strangle the heart,” says Jennifer Miller, President of FOTAS, “so heartworm disease in a healthy, young dog is treatable with a course of antibiotics, which weakens any maturing worms, followed by monthly heartworm prevention medicine, like Heartguard, which every dog in the South should be on anyway.”

Dr. Charles Groover from the Aiken Veterinary Clinic agrees. “I have seen and treated literally thousands of dogs with heartworm disease in Mississippi and South Carolina,” says Dr. Groover. “Here in South Carolina, I almost never see a case of heartworms that cannot be treated successfully, and in most cases, the treatment is no more expensive or time-consuming than protecting a dog who has not tested positive for heartworms.”

So, go ahead. Fall in love with Bryant or any other HWP dog on the adoption floor of the Shelter, because:

Only healthy HWP dogs with no clinical signs of disease are placed on the adoption floor;

Healthy HWP dogs, with proper treatment and care, can lead the same long, healthy lives as any other dog on the adoption floor; in fact, no one who has adopted a HWP dog from the Shelter has reported that their dog became sick or died from heartworm disease;

When you adopt a dog from the County Shelter, FOTAS pays for the antibiotics and the first 6 months of Heartguard—that’s money in your pocket because you need to give your dog the monthly heartworm prevention medicine anyway; and

Treatment is easy: after the completing the course of antibiotics, one little tasty, chewy Heartguard chunk a month is all it takes to treat and protect your dog.

Come on over to the Shelter, the very handsome Bryant is waiting to crawl into your lap and love you up.

Their lives are in our hands.

 

Darling and Bryant
Darling and Bryant
Adoption, Cats, Dogs, Donate, Foster, FOTAS, Spay/Neuter, Volunteer

The Hurricane Season

Posted on by Angel Hartline
20
Oct

By Joanna D. Samson, Vice President of FOTAS
By the time it hit the South Carolina Coast, Hurricane Matthew had been downgraded from a Category 5 to a Category 2 storm; but the 85 mph winds, 10-14 inches of rainfall and extraordinarily high storm surges nevertheless created life-threatening conditions and caused the wide-spread destruction of property. Thousands of people were evacuated from the coast.

But how about all the animals left behind to fend for themselves?

The Charleston Animal Society sprang into action in the week ahead of the storm, evacuating the 70 animals in its facility to make room for the anticipated deluge of animals rescued by the storm (at last count, 500). Fifty-two animals were evacuated from Dorchester County, 70 from Pawley’s Island and 60 from Horry County. Many of the animals were transferred to places as far away as Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Ohio. The York County Humane Society took in 15 cats and three dogs. Here in Aiken, the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare took in an additional 24 dogs.

The effort and resources needed to conduct rescue operations and to handle that many additional animals are enormous: hundreds of dedicated volunteers, substantial amounts of food, thousands of extra crates, and medical supplies. Many private vehicles were pressed into service to haul the animals to safety. Already overworked shelter staff work overtime to accommodate the influx of extra animals. It’s an exhausting, time-consuming and stressful time.

Thank God those types of hurricanes only come around once every, say, 20-30 years.

But what if every week at an animal shelter was fraught with the same kind of crises, requiring the same level of resources, creating the same level of anxiety, except the cause was man-made rather than an act of God? That would be a monumental tragedy of epic proportions.

That would also be just a normal week at the Aiken County Animal Shelter during the hurricane season.

For example, take the month of August: 603 animals were taken in at the Shelter, that’s an average of 27 animals every single day. September intake was also high, ranging from a low of seven to a high of 38 (IN ONE DAY!) Twenty-one animals were taken in on September 1st, 28 on September 6th), 26 on September 12th, 27 on September 16th, 20 on September 19th, and 29 on September 22nd.

Every month in the summer, intake skyrockets, volunteers and staff are overworked and critical resources run low. It’s an exhausting, time-consuming and stressful time, but it doesn’t end once the hurricane passes.

And because the County Shelter is a public facility, it cannot turn away any animal just because there is no additional room or because resources are short.

The dedication and generosity of the rescue communities and their citizens during the Hurricane Matthew crisis was nothing short of remarkable, and I am gratified by the public response. Thank God, because there’s nothing more heart-wrenching than witnessing the suffering of animals left homeless through no fault of their own.

We know. We see it week-in and week-out, day-in and day-out, every month during the entire hurricane season. Until every County pet is fixed, your County Shelter needs your help—and not just for the occasional emergency.

Please, please, volunteer, donate, adopt. Their lives are in our hands.

 

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Adoption, Cats, Dogs, Donate, Foster, FOTAS, Spay/Neuter, Volunteer

Why am I here? What did I do?

Posted on by Angel Hartline
20
Oct

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

Yesterday, I had a home. I had you. Today I am in a kennel in a place where there are so many other dogs. I can see dogs in the kennels across from me, but I can hear so many more. I can smell their fear and anxiety. I am afraid, too.

Why did you leave me here?

I thought we were going for a ride in the car—one of my very favorite things to do. Then we pulled in to this place, and I thought, “Oh, oh, the vet,” but I’m a brave boy, so I figured we’d see the man in the white coat, get a shot, and we’d get back in the car and go home.

But then you left me here, and you didn’t even look at me when the nice lady took me away.

Have I been bad? Is it because I barked too much when you left me outside chained to the tree? I was lonely and wanted to be with you. I just needed a little attention, that’s all.

Is it because I knocked over the garbage can? I was hungry, and there were some good smells in the can. I couldn’t help myself.

Is it because I chewed up your boot? I was bored and it smelled like you. If you had taken me for a walk or given me a chew toy, I don’t think the arm of your chair would have been so appealing.

Is it because my fur is matted and I have these ugly itchy sores on my body from fleabites? All I just needed was a bath and a flea collar.

Is it because I had that accident on the floor? I didn’t know what I did wrong because you never took the time to teach me where to go. I was terrified when you forced my face into my own mess.

Is it because I jumped on you? I was excited to see you, and I was afraid you’d go away before I got a chance to show you how much I like you.

Is it because I’m not affectionate enough? I want to be, but I’m scared when you yell at me or hit me and I don’t know why.

I wanted to be a good family member. I want to please you, but I didn’t know how. Maybe I could have learned if you had taken me to an obedience class or to one of those free lessons at the shelter.

Please don’t leave me here. I want to come home.

*****
About 2500 animals a year are surrendered to the Aiken County Animal Shelter by their owners for problems that, in most cases, could have been resolved with a little time, attention and some outside assistance.

If you are considering surrendering your pet, call the FOTAS hotline first. We may be able to help you and your pet avoid the trauma of separation.

And wouldn’t that be better for everyone?

Their lives are in our hands.

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Adoption, Bully Dogs, Cats, Dogs, Foster, FOTAS, Volunteer

Want a longer, happier life? Adopt a shelter animal in need

Posted on by Angel Hartline
05
Sep

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

If you needed another reason to go to the Aiken County Animal Shelter and adopt a homeless pet in need, here’s a big one: having a dog or cat at your home can help you live a longer, happier life.

Research shows that living with pets helps lower blood pressure and reduces anxiety. Pets also boost our immune systems, which helps ward off disease. In 1987, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) stated that “pet ownership is a variable in public health outcomes that, like food and exercise, cannot be ignored.”

“Life is hard and having a pet softens the edges of it,” said Sue Ellen Benson, a Windsor resident and FOTAS volunteer, who recently adopted a sweet, seven-year-old Cocker Spaniel named Bonnie. “Pets make life easier because when you are focusing your attention on them, whatever problems you might be dealing with fade into the background.”

In the last three decades, the advantages pets can provide have become even clearer. Dogs, which have long been used to aid the blind, are now used to help people who have mobility and balance impairments. Also, since dogs can be so sensitive to human emotional needs, they are often used as “therapy pets” to help individuals suffering from PTSD and other anxiety-related conditions. These canines can provide a constant calming effect and the emotional support needed by people coping with such issues. FOTAS has helped select such dogs for veterans returning from overseas as well as for children coping with severe autism.

Cats also provide health benefits to their owners. Owning any pet is good for your heart but cats in particular lower your stress level. Petting a cat has a positive, calming effect as does hearing them purr. In fact, a University of Minnesota study found that over a 10-year period, cat owners were 30 percent less likely to die of a heart attack or stroke than non-cat owners

“We totally believe in the health benefits of pets,” said Kristin Chandler, who adopted two kittens, Olive and Tolliver, from the County Shelter this summer. She and her partner, Faith, are FOTAS Volunteers and also have three dogs living with them in their North Augusta home. “From exercise to stress relief, we wouldn’t know what to do without our animals,” Kristin added. “They know a lot more and pick up on more things than we give them credit for.”
If you are looking for a pet to make your life better, now is a great time to adopt from the shelter. The shelter is full and needs people to give these wonderful animals forever homes. There is a wide selection of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens to choose from and some of the animals are on special this month. FOTAS and the shelter are participating in Best Friends Animal Society’s national adoption promotion, “Welcome Home Your New MVP”, so cats and kittens can be adopted for just $15 and all Bully mix dogs are available for half price ($35). 

To see the animals available for adoption, please visit the shelter. You can also go to fotasaiken.org to see photos and short profiles of adoptable dogs and cats online.
Their lives are in our hands…

 

Sue Ellen Benson with her adopted dog Bonnie august 2016
FOTAS Volunteer Sue Ellen Benson says adopting Bonnie from the shelter changed her life for the better.
Kristin with Tolliver for FOTAS column
Kristin Chandler says she wouldn’t know what to do without her adopted animals, including Tolliver, a cuddle-loving kitten.
Adoption, Cats, Dogs, FOTAS, Spay/Neuter, Volunteer

A heartbreaking week results in many amazing animals up for adoption

Posted on by Angel Hartline
29
Aug

By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator
This has been a very heartbreaking week. In just six days, the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) received 150 homeless dogs and cats. Many of these animals were brought in by Animal Control Officers, who pick up the stray, neglected, abused or abandoned animals wandering our streets. Some were brought in sick or old by their owners while still others were pets whose families had to relocate or could not afford to keep them anymore.

When we look at the numbers, sometimes we can forget about the individuals. But these animals are so full of love, they deserve to have their stories told. By no fault of their own, they have been cast out and left in the care of our shelter staff and FOTAS volunteers.

Here are just a couple of the stories from last week’s new arrivals:

Meet Poseidon, a lovely two-year-old Shepherd mix that was surrendered by his owner. He had an embedded collar that was removed and is now healing. He was also neutered when he arrived and will be ready for adoption soon. We are so happy that he is now getting the care that he needs.

Nike and Brian are two feline brothers who were also surrendered by their owner. They are chubby, healthy little boys that were in a loving home but their owner could no longer afford to keep them. These handsome Tuxedo cats are bewildered and wondering why they are in a kennel. I hope that someone will read this and know how important it is to adopt them and keep them together.

Each of these wonderful animals knows what it means to be a pet. They once had homes but now are orphans. There are hundreds more at the shelter just like them and each animal has their own story of pain and trauma. As a community, it is our job to help them.

Despite being removed from their homes and left in a kennel surrounded by unfamiliar smells, noises and faces, these animals still wag their tails when we visit them or purr when we pet them. They appreciate any attention they are given and will make amazing pets!

As a community, we need to diminish the number of homeless animals in our area. FOTAS and Aiken County provide spay and neuter vouchers to families that cannot afford to fix their pets. Take advantage of this service! Also, please do not purchase a dog from a breeder or a kitten off of Craigslist. This only adds to the problem. We have every type of puppy, dog, kitten and cat pass through our shelter. I guarantee we can find the right friend for you.

For more information about how you can help or adopt a shelter animal, please visit the FOTAS website, www.fotasaiken.org, or call the Aiken County Animal Shelter, (803) 642-1537.

Their lives are in our hands …

fotas column Poseidon the dog with Traci Deaderick August 28

Poseidon, a Shepherd mix surrendered by his owner, is held by ACAS Adoption Coordinator Traci Deaderick.

 

fotas column Brian the cat august 28 2016
fotas column Nike the cat august 28

Nike and Brian came to the shelter because their owner could no longer afford to keep them.

Adoption, Cats, Dogs, FOTAS, Fundraisers, Volunteer

Aiken Family finds enrichment from fostering Shelter animals

Posted on by Angel Hartline
19
Aug

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications
When Wendy Dietzel read on the FOTAS Facebook page that the Aiken County Animal Shelter was at full capacity and needed volunteers to foster dogs and cats, she called a family meeting.
She, her husband, John, and two daughters, 13-year-old Ella and 8-year-old Audrey, discussed the shelter’s critical need for foster families and the new responsibilities it would mean for each of them.
“We decided we could at least help the animals by giving them a temporary home,” Wendy said. That was three months ago. Since then, the family has fostered four puppies.

Their first foster pup was Katie, a 3-month-old Pit Bull mix with a reddish coat. They took care of the shy canine and helped socialize her for adoption. After two weeks, she was ready for the adoption floor and was quickly selected and brought home by a young couple.
The family’s second foster animal was Fin, a very young and skinny Retriever mix, who was with them for three weeks – enough time for him to fill out and learn some manners. After spending quality time with the Dietzels, Fin also was swiftly adopted.
Wendy was pleasantly surprised how eager Audrey and Ella were to help with feeding, socializing and even cleaning up after the puppies.
“We knew fostering would mean extra work but we didn’t know how much we’d enjoy it!” Wendy said. “Sometimes the toughest part is letting them go. But what makes it easier is knowing that they are going to a permanent home and we will soon get a new shelter puppy to care for, teach and love.”
By taking a foster dog or cat into their home, foster volunteers save two lives: the life of the foster animal and the life of the animal that takes his/her place in the shelter. Foster homes also provide homeless animals with a less stressful, more peaceful environment than a shelter. As wonderful as the County shelter is, it can be noisy and animals have to compete for one-on-one time with volunteers and staff members. This is why dogs healing from an injury or skin condition, such as Demodectic mange, are sent to foster homes. They usually recover more quickly in a cozier, quieter setting.
Since they began fostering, the County Shelter has become a big part of the Dietzel family’s life. Audrey even had her birthday party there so she could show the facility to her friends. The party included making dog treats, a scavenger hunt and playing with the homeless puppies and kittens. Audrey also asked her guests to donate to FOTAS instead of bringing her presents.
“It’s been a great family experience volunteering and fostering,” Wendy said. “If you have the time and you love animals, I would say, give it a try. Not only do you get the enjoyment of spending time with these wonderful animals, but it also saves lives.”
If you are interested in becoming a FOTAS foster family, please visit the FOTAS website, www.fotasaiken.org, or call the Aiken County Animal Shelter, (803) 642-1537.
Their lives are in our hands…

ella dietzel with pup augustaudrey with pup aug 2016

Ella Dietzel snuggles foster pup, Hugo, on her first day of 8th grade, while her little sister, Audrey, poses with Kipper for her back-to-school photo.

 

Adoption, Cats, FOTAS

Tuxedo kitten helps adopter see the world differently

Posted on by Angel Hartline
19
Aug

By Patricia Dugan

Life is good! The old house has been sold and a new adventure begins in Aiken. Retirement is freeing. A time for adventures, wonderful new neighbors, traveling, and a new home. With less responsibilities and all the time in the world to get busy on my bucket list, I should be quite happy.

But upon returning from a month in France, I realized something was missing as I sat in the overwhelming silence of my new life. My furry companions had both gone on to cross The Rainbow Bridge and I was missing the jingle of Merlin’s collar and the soft footfalls of Nimmy when I came through the door. There was a hole in my heart.

“I’ll just look,” I told myself. The little voice inside my head echoed the naysayers. Why would you tie yourself down, you’re getting older, do you really want to start over with a new pet? And so I went to look.

My first journey to the Aiken County Animal Shelter was an adventure. I was thinking maybe a cat as I reminded myself that I was just looking!! So many to choose from – old, young, big, small, active, sleepy, black, white, and orange. Just looking. Driving home empty handed, I said to myself that I would never find another Nimmy and that I shouldn’t even try.

The following week I checked the FOTAS Facebook page and saw a photo of a litter of the most adorable tuxedo kittens in all of South Carolina. Instant love for the sweet little girl with the pink collar called “Desiree”. I’ll just go look. Of course I thought about it all day and waited until just about closing time to go to the shelter on Wire Road.

There she was. She came right to the window of her cat condo to check me out. And oh, that face! Love at first sight. I had forgotten how that felt.

“May I hold her?” I asked the staff member assisting me. And there it began. She cuddled into my neck and her soft and steady purring told me she had found her new home, too.

It has been more than a week now and Desiree aka “Pip Squeak” and I have grown quite fond of each other.

Her sweetness has reminded me of so many things that I had forgotten and that go unnoticed each day. The shadow cast by the window in the early morning sun makes a perfect maze for hopscotch. A pencil rolling on the floor makes a sound that brings squeals of joy. The computer screen is the best place for hide and seek. A kitchen is a jungle of sights, sounds and smells to be explored. A bed and cozy down comforter is a refuge from a busy day of joy and play. It’s all about how you see the world. Pip Squeak teaches me to tackle each day with a smile and cherish the joy of living. I had forgotten that. She is so much more than just a cat.

Go to the shelter and take a look. You may find just what you are looking for! The adoption fee for all cats and kittens is just $15 through Sept. 3 – includes spay/neutering, all vaccines and microchip.

Their lives are in our hands.

 

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Adoption, Cats, Dogs, FOTAS

An incredible summer day at the County Animal Shelter

Posted on by Angel Hartline
29
Jul

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

They started lining up at the Aiken County Animal Shelter at 10:30 last Saturday. By the time the shelter opened its doors for adoptions at 11:30, the line snaked around the building.

What compelled so many good citizens to stand in line patiently in the brutal heat? The Shelter was participating, along with 700 other shelters, in the annual Clear the Shelters Day, a nationwide pet adoption initiative to connect animals in need with loving homes.

In the days leading up to Saturday, Traci Deaderick, the Shelter’s Adoption Coordinator, organized the staff and the paperwork on every animal to streamline the adoption process. Ellie Joos, the FOTAS On-Site Events Chair, established a systematic process to make certain that every potential adopter had a dedicated volunteer to escort them through each stage of the adoption process. FOTAS volunteers also exercised, bathed and groomed the dogs so that their true adorable selves could be on display. Nothing was left to chance.

“It was a remarkable team effort,” said Jennifer Miller, FOTAS President. “The Shelter has never been faced with processing so many animals in such a short time frame. All hands were on deck, including Bobby Arthurs, the Shelter Manager, and Dr. Lisa Levy, the Shelter veterinarian, who spent her day off at the Shelter answering questions about the animals and moving cats and kittens from the intake wing to the Adoption Floor.”

And it worked. By the time the dust settled and the Shelter doors closed at 4:30, every kennel on the Adoption Floor was empty—46 dogs and 69 cats were on their way to a new family and a better life.

Like Gideon, a lovable sweetheart of a boy who had the unfortunate distinction of being the longest term resident of the Shelter—adopted by a kindhearted older couple. Or Laila, a beautiful brindle whose puppies had been born and weaned in foster care—adopted by a new FOTAS volunteer. Or, Coal, a confident blue gray tabby and a volunteer favorite. Or Cleo, a talkative, people-oriented orange tabby who’s maybe a tiny bit chubby. The list goes on and on.

That day couldn’t have come at a better time. The Shelter is packed to capacity during the summer months. In June, a heartbreaking 532 animals were turned in to the Shelter. Now all of those animals in intake can move to the Adoption Floor for their second chance—we can’t let them down. The work goes on and on.

Saturday’s success was exceptional on so many levels, and not only because of the huge number of animals saved in 5 short hours. The way County staff and FOTAS volunteers came together in an exceptional show of cooperation and grace under pressure was exceptional. This is how an effective private/public partnership works.

Finally, the response of you, the Aiken community, was nothing short of breathtaking. We asked for your help on behalf of these homeless animals, and you showed up in spades—amazing, compassionate people who wanted nothing more than to make a difference and be a part of this historic day.

We are profoundly touched. Thank you and God Bless.

Their lives are in our hands.

 

Patricia Rameau of Aiken adopts Robin, a hound puppy, on Clear the Shelters day.
Patricia Rameau of Aiken adopts Robin, a hound puppy, on Clear the Shelters day.
Adoption, Cats, Dogs, FOTAS, Spay/Neuter, Volunteer

Fix-A-Pet Program provides assistance for spay/neutering surgery

Posted on by Angel Hartline
29
Jul

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications
While it is impossible to determine exactly how many orphaned dogs and cats live in the United States, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that for cats alone the number is upwards of 70 million. That figure is staggering but the ASPCA stat that is a true jaw-dropper is this one: only 10 percent of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered, while 83 percent of pet dogs and 91 percent of pet cats are spayed or neutered.
This means a vast majority of pet owners are acting responsibly by getting their pets fixed. But a small percentage of people who do not get their animals spayed or neutered are the source of our cat and dog overpopulation crisis.
FOTAS and the Aiken County Animal Shelter are well aware of this troubling trend, and that is why they are working together to make spay/neutering pets as easy as possible for local residents. Aiken County has a voucher program to assist its citizens who are in need of financial help to spay/neuter their pets and community cats. It also has a Trap/Neuter/Release (TNR) program in which feral cats are fixed and then returned to local cat colonies. 

FOTAS supplements both of these limited County initiatives with its “Fix-A-Pet” program. In fact, since launching Fix-A-Pet in 2013, FOTAS has organized and, through donations, paid for the spay/neuter surgeries of more than 1,800 community cats and pets owned by citizens in need of financial assistance.
Now you may be thinking, “How can such a small minority of irresponsible pet owners create such a huge overpopulation problem?” If we take a look at some more stats, the answer to that question becomes crystal clear.  According to the ASPCA, a fertile cat produces one to two litters of kittens a year; the average number of kittens is four to six per litter. A fertile dog produces about one litter per year and the average amount of puppies in a litter is four to six. In other words, the cute little critters can make a lot of babies in a very short time.

Cats are especially impressive breeding machines. They can become sexually mature at four months old. Since the average gestation period for a cat is about two months, a kitten could deliver a litter when she is as young as six months old. Kittens having kittens! This is why it is not uncommon for people to start caring for a small group of cats living on their property and soon witness the manageable group explode into a cat colony of 20 or more felines.
It is heartbreaking when cats and dogs are abandoned by their owners and left to fend for themselves. The animal’s world is shattered. But when the dog or cat is not fixed, the result is a cycle of heartbreak as multiple unwanted, orphan animals are born.
Please help spread the word to spay/neuter your pet. Until everyone in our community fixes their pets, the County Animal Shelter and other local shelters will continue taking in thousands of homeless animals every year.
For more information about the FOTAS Fix-a-Pet Program, please go to www.fotasaiken.org or call the Fix-A-Pet Hotline, (803) 514-4313.

Their lives are in our hands…