Tag Archives: foster

Fostering Prepares Pets for Adoption and Saves Lives

The need for foster homes is greater than ever. The Aiken County Animal Shelter is full of puppies, dogs, cats and kittens who are confused and afraid. So far in June, we have taken in more than 400 animals in just three weeks. There are only so many places to put these animals. Fostering saves […]

Volunteering at the Animal Shelter: What’s in it for You?

Rain or shine, hot or cold, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year! In some way, shape or form, FOTAS volunteers are helping to find homes for the more than 5,000 animals taken in annually by the Aiken County Animal Shelter! Let me count the ways you can help at […]

The Christmas Spirit of Gratitude and Charity

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. […]

The Animals Just Keep Coming into the County Shelter

“A record number of animals surrendered to the Aiken County Animal Shelter this month.” We see this headline way too much. The story goes on and on. The shelter staff works tirelessly at warp speed to feed, care for, provide medical attention, and everything else necessary to keep the conveyor belt of overcrowding moving. The […]

So Many Abandoned, Neglected Animals

Last Monday, I returned to the Aiken County Animal Shelter after my one-week summer vacation and was stunned and dismayed at the number of animals that had been taken in by the shelter in just seven days. Summers are always a crowded time at the County Shelter, but this was something else altogether. Even more […]

Dog Days of Summer: County Shelter Population Doubles!

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. The fireworks terrify many dogs, who then bolt from their homes […]

Two FOTAS Family Members Honored as Heroes

The American Red Cross honored FOTAS fosters Becca Babineau and Chenoa Shields with its local hero award for “going above and beyond the line of duty to save lives and serve others.” The two women were presented with their awards with other citizens who showed extraordinary courage to rescue and change lives for the better. […]

The Joy of Being a Camp Counselor for Dogs

Fostering dogs is like being a camp counselor. Every couple of weeks new friends arrive. Dogs that stay from five to seven days become more social, more trusting because they are cared for and loved. How does fostering work? We went to the Aiken County Animal Shelter and a FOTAS volunteer gave us a tour. […]

Fostering Kittens is a Proud Tradition for Windsor Family

“You get the love from the kittens and when you see one that you raised get adopted to a good home, it’s one of the best feelings in the world,” says Fran Bush, explaining the rewards of fostering homeless shelter pets. She should know. Fran and her husband, Don, are top volunteers for FOTAS and […]

Intake Numbers Already Skyrocketing! Please Spay/Neuter Your Pets

Yikes! It’s that time of year again. While the rest of the world dons shorts and sunblock, cranks up the grill for a family cookout, and settles into the sleepy rhythm of long summer days, intake at the Aiken County Animal Shelter is soaring—yes, soaring! Last month, the shelter took in 545 additional animals. Think […]