Tag Archives: fostering

2021, abandoned animals, Bully Dogs, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, kennel stress, News

More Fosters Needed as County Animal Shelter Fills Up

Posted on by Bob Gordon
22
Mar

The need for foster homes is great. The Aiken County Animal Shelter is filling up as it does every spring. This causes us to run short on room but also increases the stress level in the kennels.

I have been fostering dogs and puppies for six years and absolutely love it! My dogs are more socialized because they have met and played with so many others. My son is more compassionate because he has met some of the greatest dogs that others abandoned.

I love how the Wagner family says it: “You get a new dog every week!! Free! How could you beat that?”

Breanne Maraman has been fostering dogs with us for years now and shared her view on our foster program:

Marlow plays with other pets in his foster home.

“I love being able to foster dogs through the FOTAS program. Getting them out of the shelter, if even for just a few days, is such an asset to their adoption journey. Once in a more relaxed environment out of the shelter you really get to see each dog’s personality blossom. This really helps us prepare their potential adoption family to what they’ll be like once in a new home.

“The FOTAS program is great because there are so many fostering options. You can choose short- or long-term placements based on your availability, work schedule, prior commitments, etc. There is never any pressure for me to take a foster if it’s not the right time for me personally. The staff also knows each of their foster families personally, what their homes are like, and what dogs will work best for them. It’s such a well-tailored and executed program that’s able to help countless animals find their forever homes.”

Not all of us foster dogs the same way. Some of our foster families have farms and use open stalls to house dogs as well as mother dogs and puppies. Their foster pups sleep in a stall and get regular walks/exercise throughout the day. The dogs are so grateful to be out of a kennel and in a safe place.

There is no expense to you. FOTAS will send food, toys and a crate, if needed. Anything you need we will provide. We just ask that you pick up a great dog, give them a safe place and some kindness. You will not regret it.

Marlow was fostered by Breanne Maraman.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2021, Demodex, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, News, PUPPIES, Transfer, Volunteer

The Joys of Fostering from an Expert

Posted on by Bob Gordon
05
Mar

We began fostering puppies with FOTAS and Aiken County Animal Shelter shortly after seeing the conditions in the old shelter on Wire Road. In the almost 10 years since then, we have fostered more than 600 puppies, and our incredible new shelter was built. The only thing that hasn’t changed is that our shelter remains full.

Joy, Noel and Holly before fostering.

We set a rule when we began, that if we kept a puppy we were fostering, we would have to stop fostering. So far, so good. Each litter has had its own unique quality. When we first lost some medically compromised puppies, we decided as a family that while we could not save every puppy that came into our house, every one of them would know that they were named and loved.

Right before this past Christmas, we got a call from the shelter about three puppies that were found in horrid conditions. They were sick with a condition called Demodex. It is a condition where the puppies’ immune systems are compromised and they lose their hair, get covered in scabs from bites from a type of mite, and are swollen all over.

We brought these three young puppies into our house and named them Joy, Noel and Holly. It felt weird to hold them because their skin was so rough and was literally peeling off them. Two of the puppies’ eyes were swollen shut. They were miserable. Our black Lab (Diego) normally plays with all the puppies that come into our house, and he was afraid to go near them at first.

The pups after fostering and treatment.

Over the next few weeks, the puppies’ skin began to heal, their fur began to grow back and they started to play and cuddle. They continued to improve and started playing with Diego and by the time they were ready for adoption, they were completely healthy puppies that no one would know had been so sick.

I can tell you that most foster experiences are much easier than what we dealt with having these three puppies, but every one of them is filled with some of the best parts of fostering. With each litter, we get to enjoy puppy breath, great cuddles and laughter. We have described it as “better than HBO.” I invite you to consider short-term fostering. Each animal that we have in a home rather than the shelter helps not only our county shelter, which is often full; but it also helps prepare the dogs and cats, so they are ready for their forever homes.

Father Grant Wiseman brings foster puppies to the county shelter, so the medical staff can treat them and measure their progress.

Our new shelter is fantastic and unfortunately full pretty much every day. If you can’t foster, consider volunteering to walk dogs or play with the cats in the feline facility. Anything we can do to help them be more comfortable makes them even more adoptable.

— By Fr. Grant Wiseman, FOTAS Foster

2020, coronavirus crisis, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, News

Focusing on Foster Fun and Happiness During COVID-19 Isolation

Posted on by Bob Gordon
14
Jul

Times are so complicated right now and many are struggling with depression and anxiety. Even children are feeling the effects of social distancing. Summer break is normally a time filled with vacations, camps, sleep overs…all things that have been put on hold. Being away from friends and others in their age group can be so lonely.

As the number of coronavirus cases continue to rise in our area, that isolated feeling seems to be getting worse. Yet families that have fostered shelter pets during the pandemic have benefited from the experience.

Charlotte and Savannah Collen sandwich Aiken County Animal Shelter dog Hachi in their home.

Look at Savannah and Charlotte Collen, ages 11 and 5. Their family decided to start fostering this spring and what a difference it has made in not only in the lives of the dogs they have fostered, but in the children’s lives.

When fostering their first shelter dog, a large mixed breed named Joseph, mother Kamillah said, “We are having a wonderful time with Joseph. He follows the girls around pretty much all day. We feed him twice each day, and he is getting plenty of exercise and love. He’s pretty spoiled and they are learning responsibility. It’s a win-win.”

Charlotte and Hachi wear matching crowns.

Kamillah just emailed us pictures of their most recent foster, Hachi, noting, “I think he’s having fun!” These pictures brought tears to my eyes! Large, high-energy dogs like Hachi are not always seen as family dogs. But the photos showed him sleeping on his back on a rug, wearing a Princess crown with Charlotte, going on a dog walk with Savannah – and enjoying every second of it!

The great thing is that Hachi has a home waiting for him; he just needed a place to stay until we could get him there. So when the girls say goodbye, they know that he is going to another home filled with love. They don’t have to be sad; he just had the best vacation from the shelter with them. Plus, there are more homeless pets that need help. Maybe their next foster dog will be smaller and fluffier, or maybe one that wants to catch tennis balls.

Some families even keep scrapbooks with pictures of each foster pup, kitten or dog they help. It’s so fun to look back at all the lives made better, thanks to your family.

Hachi and Savannah go on a nature hike.

Whether you prefer kittens, puppies or adult dogs, we would love your help. The Aiken County Animal Shelter is currently undergoing a construction project which has us 30 kennels short for the summer. Now more than ever, we need foster homes so that we can create room for more homeless animals in need.

FOTAS provides food for foster pets as well as crates, if needed. The pets are flea treated and come with everything they need. All we ask is that you give them a safe place to stay and a little love.

Contact info@fotas.org or find our foster application on our website at fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.


–By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2020, coronavirus crisis, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, News, PUPPIES

Olympic Events Make Puppy Fostering Fun and Entertaining – Try It!

Posted on by Bob Gordon
22
Jun

The first morning I opened the door to the room of our four 4-week-old foster puppies, the tiny bundles yipped, licked and fell all over each other to climb into my arms. I turned to my husband and said, “You are going to have to up your game. Now, this is a greeting!”

On March 14, I called the Aiken County Animal Shelter hoping they had a foster dog for us., Everything was happening so quickly around the pandemic situation and decisions were being weighed whether to delay transfers or even close the shelter, so we wanted to help.

The Olympic events helped the puppies learn and develop — and were very entertaining!

Yes, they needed us – they had new puppies. We had never fostered puppies before but were given care instructions and eagerly picked up four black, 2½-pound squirming labs. The ride home exhausted them; they fell upon each other into a heap and promptly were sound asleep. So began our 6 weeks of isolation, social distancing and immeasurable entertainment! When we set out their puppy food and supplemental milk, they climbed over and under each other with such eagerness it reminded me of several of our family’s Thanksgivings.

We had a difficult time telling one from the other and their genders. It seems laughable but they were so young, not every part of their cuteness was evident! We named them Scooby, Rubble, Clover and Berrie and set to work on Puppy Olympics. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics had just been postponed and since they were daring adventurers, we prepared them for their first event – stair climbing. Roly-poly Scooby had the hardest time but was also the most determined. Mastering the downward climb event was like slalom skiing. They all jumped back up after taking a tumble.

Greg and Betty Ryberg and their foster puppies Scooby, Rubble, Clover and Berrie.

We built balance beams with boxes and mats and then introduced curling where they chased my push broom around while I cleaned their room. Mixed martial arts came naturally – they playfully nipped, wrestled and pinned each other.

Since they came running when they heard our voices, associating us with their meals, we set up races with their food at the finish line. Puppies are easily distracted. Often in the middle of an Olympic event one would curl up to sleep or chase a bird.

Other events included a low crawl through a little tunnel and a ball chase under a tiny bridge. Hide and seek in the monkey grass was also a daily event. As the puppies grew, we introduced them to swimming. Falling, leaping, belly flopping, splashing into 4-5 inches of water followed by true doggie paddling fascinated them. And was endlessly entertaining to us.

Their most accomplished achievement was napping every two hours and sleeping through the night. Following weeks of all four curling into one tight ball to sleep, they started to nestle by themselves in small areas. After six weeks, they were ready to leave the foursome and fill other families’ hearts. When they left with their forever families, the pups were healthy and happy.

Fostering is as nurturing for us as the dogs we save. If you would like to try it, please send an email to info@fotasaiken.org!

Their lives are in our hands.


— By Betty Ryberg, FOTAS Foster Volunteer

2020, community cats, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, kittens, News

Fosters and Citizens Step Up and Save Lives During Kitten Season

Posted on by Bob Gordon
09
Jun

Kitten season is upon us. A female cat can go into heat at any time of year, but the majority do so between May and November, and it puts a tremendous strain on animal shelters and rescues – including the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

What to do if you find kittens
With so many kittens being born during this period, you might spot them in your yard or while taking a walk in your neighborhood. But what do you do if this happens? It depends on a number of factors – but before you do anything, determine if the kittens’ mother is around. Kittens do best when they are with their mother, who instinctively knows how to help her offspring grow up to be strong and healthy. The mother’s milk also is crucial to providing the kittens powerful nutrients for their immune systems.

Kitten season takes place from late May to Nov.

Depending on their age and condition, here are your three choices if you find kittens:

1. Leave the kittens be. If the kittens are underage (under 2 pounds or younger than eight weeks old) and mom is still around and taking care of them, leave the kittens where they are until they are weaned. To help the mama cat, you can provide shelter and put out food nearby.

2. Take the kittens into your home. If the kittens’ mom is not around, wait at least two hours to see if she comes back. If she doesn’t return, foster the kittens or find someone who is willing to foster, until they are at least two pounds. This is done through bottle-feeding the kittens until they are ready to eat on their own.

FOTAS Volunteer Mindy Hand holds foster kitten, Dewey, who was adopted last week.

FOTAS provides “kitten kits” containing supplies you need to take care of the kittens until they are old enough to come to the shelter or go into foster care. If you’re unsure of the kittens’ age or care needs, you can bring them to the shelter for assessment and we can help you decide on a plan for adoption or direct you to other options, such as our TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return), which is free to Aiken County residents, or the spay/neuter voucher program.. You can also call the shelter for counsel.

FOTAS provides citizens with kitten kits — complete with food, litter, toys and other resources to help care for them.

3. Bring the kittens to shelter for spay/neutering. If the kittens are at least four pounds, they can be brought to the shelter in a humane cat trap (you can sign one out from the shelter) to be fixed through our Community Cats TNR program. After they are sterilized, you just return them to their outdoor home. This effectively works to reduce the cat population and prevents more cats from entering the area.

Fosters are always needed
Because citizens are sometimes unable to bottle feed and socialize the kittens they find, we have a small team of FOTAS fosters who take in babies and give them the care they require. These amazing volunteers save many feline lives each year. You can help save lives by volunteering to foster, too. To volunteer, go to the FOTAS website (fotasaiken.org) or call the shelter at (803) 642-1537.

Their lives are in our hands.


— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2020, Demodex, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, kennel stress, neglected pets, News

Fostering Helps Save Dogs Rescued from Hoarding Situation

Posted on by Bob Gordon
26
Apr

In early February, the shelter received a large group of dogs from a hoarding situation. These poor canines were not only fearful, but also emaciated, covered in fleas — and many were bald from demodectic mange.

We were desperate to find help for these horrified, neglected animals, as shelter life is not the best for a stressed animal. That is when FOTAS supporters Steven and Doris Briggs offered their help.

SADIE needs a secure and loving home to help her bloom into a wonderful canine companion.

“Since we live on a horse farm and have the perfect set up for taking in more dogs, we started fostering shelter animals to help get them ready for their forever homes,” Doris explained. “We have had four rescue dogs, one of which was a well-known therapy dog. But we are committed to working with fosters.”

The Briggs’ property has an 8-acre paddock with wire fencing and an extra stall, so they agreed to take three of the hoarded dogs.

“I have never seen such pitiful, scared little things in my life,” Doris said. “There were a few challenges we had to work with. Initially, they lived in the barn but as you might guess, they ended up in the house. Six dogs in the bedroom at night was a new experience for us, but it helped socialize them.”

After two months, most of the dogs were ready to leave but one of them – 2-year-old Sadie – was still sad and motley-looking, so Doris thought she needed more time.

Doris Briggs walks her foster dogs.

“I said let me keep her till she’s presentable and somebody will want her,” Doris explained. “I understand the two that left have been happily adopted and Sadie is doing much better and her coat is filling in nicely.”

Having fosters during the coronavirus crisis has worked out well at the Briggs home and Doris encourages others to take in shelter dogs to help prepare them for their forever homes.

“The self-isolation that we are undergoing has been the perfect time to devote time to these darling little dogs,” she said.

Sadie will be available soon but she will need a secure and loving home so she can continue to bloom into a confident, healthy canine companion.

Times are changing and we don’t know what the future holds with this pandemic. Self-isolation is a very uncomfortable and lonely condition for all of us – not unlike the sad scenario that plays out for unwanted pets when they find themselves at a shelter.

Dogs from a hoarding home rarely receive the love and attention they need.

We are blessed to have so many people responding to our pleas to foster and adopt. Please continue to follow us on social media and fotasaiken.org to see what pets are available. Also, be sure to check out the FOTAS Home to Home website. There are many available pets posted on this site that need new homes and can be adopted for no charge directly from their owners: https://fotas.home-home.org/.

As Doris stated so eloquently, this is the perfect time to devote to these pets in need.

Their lives are in our hands.

Note: Due to COVID-19, the ACAS is closed to the public. If you are interested in adopting, please call the ACAS, (803) 642-1537 for an appointment. Adoption fees are waived until further notice.


— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2020, Demodex, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, kennel stress, neglected pets, News

Fosters Needed for Shelter Dogs with Demodectic Mange

Posted on by Bob Gordon
17
Feb

They arrive at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) with patches of fur missing – and sometimes even completely bald, with red, scaly skin — but through fostering and treatment, transform into handsome, furry canine companions.

BLITZ arrived at the shelter with Demodex and, following treatment, is now available for adoption.

These are dogs with demodectic mange or “demodex”, a typically easily treatable condition that is not contagious to humans or other dogs. Demodex is caused by a mite, a normal inhabitant of every dog’s skin. In low numbers, these mites cause no symptoms and may serve an important role as part of a dog’s normal skin (similar to the way healthy bacteria is important in digestive health). However, when dogs have a compromised immune system, the mites can multiply unchecked, which leads to demodectic mange and itchy skin.

Demodex is fairly common in strays and neglected pets because through malnutrition or injury, their immune systems have often been weakened. In fact, the shelter currently has six dogs with this condition.

Now, if these dogs stayed in the stressful conditions of a shelter, their treatment could take a long time. Living in a strange kennel as dozens of unfamiliar and often scared dogs bark and different strangers walk you and feed you is not conducive to a healing environment. But when demodex dogs are able to go to a quiet environment of a foster home, where they feel safe and loved, they usually experience a speedy recovery.

Demodex dog ARCHER bloomed into a handsome dog and is now ready to be adopted at the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

“Stress inhibits their healing process,” said Jeri Wesner, who has fostered nine demodex dogs with her husband, Joe, since becoming a FOTAS foster. “But when we bring them into our home, they immediately feel more relaxed and get to experience what it’s like to have a family. Seeing these dogs gain back their confidence along with their fur is so heart fulfilling!”

Most recently, Jeri and Joe fostered a puppy named Lizzie who had a severe case of demodex and was completely hairless with cracked skin all over her body. But they, along with their adopted dogs, Ruby and Jack, welcomed Lizzie into their home and watched an amazing metamorphosis occur in just over a month. Jack, their Hound mix, took 10-month-old Lizzie under his wing and Pitbull mix Ruby treated her like her own. In only a month, Lizzie tested negative for demodex and her beautiful, dark tan coat had grown back in.

“Fostering a demodex dog is one of the most wonderful experiences you can have,” Jeri said. “It is so great to see them bloom into beautiful animals and to know that just by giving them a temporary home, you made them better and prepared them for their next step – to be adopted and go to their forever home.”

The ACAS has recently had a high influx of malnourished, neglected dogs with demodex – and we need your help. If you are interested in fostering for us, please call the Aiken County Animal Shelter, (803) 642-1537 or contact FOTAS at info@fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2019, Dogs, Foster, FOTAS, News, Volunteer

FOTAS Volunteer and Her Four Adopted Dogs Always Make Room for More

Posted on by Bob Gordon
06
Nov

I have had a long and rewarding relationship with the Aiken County Animal Shelter and FOTAS—not only do I foster dogs on a regular basis, but I have also adopted many dogs from the shelter over the past 10 years. Right now, four outstanding shelter dogs of all shapes and sizes rule the roost at my house, and I adore every one of them. These four canine pals have made my fostering duties not only possible, but easy.

Rosie (far right) joins Sam Cato’s pack.

My pack teaches each new foster about the rhythm and the rules of living in my home much faster and more effectively than I ever could. They teach the new dog about the schedule and protocol for feeding, walks, and going out to do their “business.” They teach them about playtime, bedtime, and how to get on all the best furniture.

Best of all? My foster dogs learn to make friends with my friends and their dogs! The love and appreciation I get from them in return more than makes up for the time and effort I put into them.

Recently, the county shelter has had an influx of older dogs whose owners had no way of caring for them any longer. They need homes. It’s particularly hard for these dogs, who wait anxiously for their owners to return for them. It’s heartbreaking.

Rosie in the ACAS play yard.

Jennifer Miller, the president of FOTAS, called and asked me if I could help. Everyone who knows me knows I am always begging my friends and family to adopt from the shelter. I called my neighbors who in the past have adopted shelter dogs, but now that they are older, they worry leaving their dogs behind when they are gone.

Herein lies the beauty of adopting older dogs. Plus, there is none of the chewing and housebreaking that goes with raising a puppy.

One of my other neighbors recently came through and adopted a sweetheart of an older girl with a heart murmur, and she fits in beautifully with their other two adopted dogs.

There is a tea towel hanging in my house that reads, “There is always room for one more dog.” That’s how I live my life. That’s how and why Rosie came to live with us. Her life had been hard; she had lived on a chain for most of it. In fact, her top and bottom front teeth are missing from trying to chew her way to freedom. She has already had a litter of puppies, and she is heartworm positive. Potential adopters walked right past her at the shelter, and she became depressed.

Rosie gets into the fall holiday spirit!

Rosie came home with me and settled in right away with my pack, who accepted her without a hitch because they are so used to foster animals coming in and out of our lives. Rosie is so grateful for a home that she follows me from room to room and lies down next to me wherever I go.

Guess what? Now my pack is five and we couldn’t be happier.

Please consider adopting one of these wonderful older dogs into your home. My pack and I can attest that you won’t be sorry.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By FOTAS Volunteer Sam Cato

BY THE NUMBERS
In October, the Aiken County Animal Shelter received 467 strays and surrendered pets. Please spay/neuter your pets.

PETS OF THE WEEK

DIXIE
Mixed breed, female, 6 years old, black w/white, 68 pounds – $35

CARRIE
Domestic Shorthair kitten, female, 2 months old, gray Tabby, 1.5 pounds – $10

2019, Bully Dogs, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, News, Shelter staff, Uncategorized, Volunteers

Sick Puppy Saved Through FOTAS/ACAS Teamwork

Posted on by Bob Gordon
03
Sep

Brindle and white mixed breed Tiffany arrived at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) with three puppies that were barely one week old. We had no foster volunteers available, so the pups had to stay at the shelter and endure the loud barking of a nearly full intake area.

Tiffany was a great mother and very protective of her pups. We learned by walking her that she is a sweet, loving girl but just a little shy around people she doesn’t know. Her three pups were weaned and put into foster. They were fat and ready. However, one pup suddenly stopped eating. Still wagging his tail and begging to be petted, the little one just would not eat, even he was hand fed.

TIFFANY, the puppy’s mama, is still waiting for someone to adopt her from the ACAS.

When the puppy started to weaken, the foster brought him back to the shelter for medical attention. He was slowly deteriorating but tests didn’t reveal any underlying reason for his refusal to eat. He yearned for human interaction but looked hollow, which is very unusual. Dr. Levy and her team gave him fluids and kept him warm with a heat lamp. But he still would not eat.

The medical staff kept him under intense observation for days and days. I personally was not optimistic about his chances. But then he somehow managed to eat a small amount of baby food and drink a bit of puppy formula. Even though the odds for survival were still not in his favor, I asked to take the puppy home and foster him.

The puppy was still so fragile but when I gave him some chicken and broth, he lapped at it. It was so rewarding to see him eat! The little guy cries whenever I put him down. He’s still eating and now even runs and plays. He chases my dogs, bites my fingers, barks for attention. Things are finally looking up for this cutie, but he has a long way to go.

TIFFANY’S puppy would not eat but his strong drive to live, extra human attention and good medical care saved him.

His mom, Tiffany, is still with us at the shelter and available for adoption. The poor girl has spent nearly two months at the shelter and still has no forever home. But thanks to her foster dad Kelly, at least she gets to go to a quiet house each night and sleep in bed with a person who cares.

FOTAS and the Aiken County Animal Shelter work well together. The staff strives hard to give the best medical care and comfort to those that come to them, with FOTAS purchasing any supplemental medicines and equipment needed. Volunteers and foster families make such a difference with the needed follow-up care and attention.

Tiffany and her pups were saved, but the ACAS shelter has so many other animals waiting for homes. When you receive more than 500 homeless pets a month, it can become overwhelming and we need volunteers to help.

Please join us and be part of our life-saving team. There is nothing more rewarding!

Their lives are in our hands.

–– By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director

BY THE NUMBERS
The Aiken County Animal Shelter took in 509 strays and surrendered pets from Aug. 1 to 29. This marks an unprecedented fourth month in a row the shelter has taken in 500 plus unwanted animals in 2019. Please adopt!

PETS OF THE WEEK


JESSICA
Shepherd mix, female, 11 years old, 50 pounds – $35

WYNTER
Domestic Shorthair, female, 3 months old, white and black, 2 pounds – $10

2019, Demodex, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, injured animals, kittens, neglected pets, News, Volunteers

Fostering Medical Needs Pets Brings New Challenges, Many Rewards

Posted on by Bob Gordon
19
Aug

This has been a long summer at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS). Kittens thrown from car windows, dogs starved, puppies abandoned in the woods…we’ve seen all these scenarios come through the door again and again.

FELICITY is no long in the shelter but is instead recovering from her condition in a FOTAS volunteer’s comfy, quiet home.

Shelter staff and FOTAS volunteers work so hard to help the many pets that are surrendered or found as strays. But look at the numbers: 500 plus animals per month, forty dogs and cats in one day. Where are we expected to put them? So many of these homeless pets need time to heal properly from neglect and abuse. To save them, we need community involvement. We need foster homes.

Luckily, we have a terrific group of foster volunteers. We just need to add to our team.

Today Gary Ly is picking up Felicity. Gary is one of those special foster dads who gives our medical needs dogs a safe and happy home for a month, or even two. We never even have to ask; he will call and tell us he has time for another long-term foster. How awesome is that!

Thanks to FOTAS Foster Gary Ly, Demodex puppy FELICITY is getting the quiet environment and socializing time she needs to regain her fur.

Felicity is a one-year-old, reddish, medium-sized cutie who longs for attention. She came in mostly bald due to Demodectic Mange or “Demodex”. Demodex is very common to any shelter and we never have enough foster homes to manage all the cases. It’s not contagious, but it can worsen from stress like that caused by being in a loud, strange environment. Felicity just needs a quiet place away from the shelter to heal. When 50 other dogs are barking, it is not an ideal place to recover.

She will go home with Gary and we will provide all her food and medicine while he provides her with love and time. Felicity will come back furry, happy and home ready!

We also had a litter of seven puppies, only a few pounds each. When young puppies are scared and without vaccinations, they are susceptible to getting sick. This litter came in and received their first vaccinations but needed a foster home for two weeks, until they could get another vaccination and be ready for adoption.

Thankfully, Anne Laver was available. Anne is one of those loving people who always has a horse stall free for a litter of pups. After she took them in, they came back so happy and socialized!

When we can’t find fosters, often members of the staff step up and take care of the animals. Gibson, a sweet Tabby kitten, was brought to the shelter with a severe hip injury. His hip is expected to heal but only if he can enjoy some extra TLC in a quiet environment. ACAS Adoption Coordinator Hillary Clark-Kulis, as she has done for so many infant felines, brought Gibson home to nurse him back to health. She has been fostering him for about a week and the hope is that he’ll fully recover from his injuries by the end of the month.

Medical needs kitten GIBSON with his foster mom, ACAS Adoption Coordinator Hillary Clark-Kulis.

Because there is always demand for special needs fosters, we are asking for your help with this specific type of situation. But we also have a need for short-term fosters for healthy animals ready for adoption. If you could just try fostering one time, we think you would see how amazingly rewarding it is!

To give fostering a try, please call FOTAS at (803) 514-4313, email us at info@fotasaiken.org or stop by the ACAS located at 333 Wire Road.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director