Tag Archives: FOTAS

2019, Adoption, awards, Dogs, FOTAS, News, Volunteer, Volunteers

FOTAS Owes its Success to Aiken Community

Posted on by Bob Gordon
02
Jul

When the 2019 Aiken’s Choice winners were announced for the Best of Aiken Contest (hosted by the Aiken Standard), FOTAS was voted the winner of the Best Nonprofit Organization and FOTAS’s annual Woofstock Doggie Derby Day was voted as the Best Pet-Friendly Event. We couldn’t be more touched and pleased, not only because of the recognition (always nice) but because we were selected by you, the community.

We know how many other worthy nonprofits operate in Aiken and that makes your selection of FOTAS even more meaningful.

FOTAS President Jennifer Miller and Gary Bunker cut the ribbon for the shelter’s animal wellness center.

FOTAS was formed 10 years ago in response to the heartbreaking plight of the homeless and abandoned animals in Aiken County. At the time, about 6,000 animals were consigned to the County Shelter each year: only 5% made it out alive. The County Shelter was old and outdated. There were no play yards and very few volunteers. There was no adoption program to speak of. In 2009, the founders of FOTAS dreamed of a day when no adoptable animal would have to be euthanized in Aiken County.

We’re so close. In 10 short years, intake numbers have dropped roughly 16 to 21% (still too many but making progress), but the save rate at the County Shelter has increased from a dismal 5% to a whopping 90%. The 10% we can’t save are too emotionally or physically damaged to make good, safe family pets. Maybe one day the number of animals too far gone to save will be reduced to a few rare instances. We can only hope.

The volunteers work hard but there are rewards to what they do each day at the shelter.

We could not have come this far and saved those thousands of animals without your – the community’s – support. You showed up in droves to let your elected County officials know that you wanted better outcomes for our homeless animals, and they listened. You volunteer at the shelter six days a week and on holidays, performing as many as 10 full-time jobs to supplement the County’s dedicated staff.

The adoption program is thriving thanks to the army of committed citizens who come every day to walk and socialize the animals. We are able to market our animals and go the extra mile to find every animal a home because you help us with social media, outreach, fostering and transfer programs. Moreover, thanks to our fundraising efforts and special events and your seemingly bottomless generosity, we are able to finance new programs, equipment and training for and at the shelter, as well as subsidize the costs of adoption, spay/neuter and other medical needs – all designed to increase the number of adoptions while reducing the population of homeless animals and thus the annual intake at the shelter.

Volunteer Pat Kahn comforts a new arrival.

We are humbled and proud that you have recognized our efforts and celebrate our success through these 2019 Aiken’s Choice Awards. But the truth is we owe it all to your generosity and support, and these awards honor you as much as they honor us.

With your continued commitment, we will reduce the population of homeless and unwanted animals; we will get those intake numbers down; and we will attain the goal of never having to euthanize another adoptable pet in Aiken County.

That is our pledge to you. Thank you and God bless.

Their lives are in our hands.

P.S.: Help! The shelter is overrun with kittens and puppies. If you’re thinking about a new pet, now’s the time.

–By Jennifer Miller, FOTAS President and
Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

BY THE NUMBERS
In June, the Aiken County Animal Shelter received more than 500 strays and surrendered pets. The shelter facility is currently full.

PETS OF THE WEEK

OLYMPIA
Mixed breed, female, 1-1/2 years old, 57 pounds – $35

BRANDON
Domestic Shorthair kitten, 2 months old, Tabby, 1.5 pounds – $10

2019, Adoption, Cats, FOTAS, making care-giving arrangements for pets, News, Proper Pet Care

Dying Man Surrenders his House Tabbies to the Shelter …Now They Wait

Posted on by Bob Gordon
17
Jun

Her father could no longer care for his cats after falling seriously ill, so she brought them to the Aiken County Animal Shelter to be rehomed. The cats, most of them Tabbies and about 5 years old, arrived scared and confused in their new environment. They missed their cozy Windsor home and pined for their cat daddy who had to leave them to enter hospice care.

Addie and Brienne sometimes hide under the fleece blanket in the shelter’s cat facility.

“People would dump kittens and other pets on his property all the time, and he’d take them in, feed and care for them, get them healthy and often get attached to them,” said Lisa Lee of her father, David Lee. “These cats are all sweet and have been indoor cats since he rescued them.”

The cats arrived at the shelter on May 20, and since then four have been adopted. As of Friday, three – Cersi, Ellaria and Theon – were waiting to be adopted at the Aiken PetSmart Store and seven were available for adoption at the County Shelter. The seven at 333 Wire Road are Addie, Bronn, Rickon, Kasey, Brienne, Stannis and Melisandre.

David A. Lee passed away on May 31. He was 71. But Lisa said he was relieved his cats were safe and hoped they would find good homes. He took special care of these felines. All of them are healthy and some are even delightfully plump – plus they have shiny coats and clipped claws.

“He did love them, and they kept him busy and happy,” Lisa said. “Unfortunately, he couldn’t find new homes for them before it was too late.”

Though scared, the cats show no aggression and allow visitors to pet them. They need extra TLC but also space and time to adjust to their new surroundings. They are a great choice for patient, kind people with a quiet household, who want to make a difference for a pair of cats. Ideally, we’d like to adopt out these bonded cats in pairs but they are available separately.

Lee’s house cats are very close and the shelter staff would love to adopt them out in pairs. However, they can be adopted separately into a loving home.

David Lee’s story is a reminder that all of us as pet owners need to make arrangements for our animals. Select family and friends that you trust and ask them to be your pets’ caregivers in case something happens to you. None of us know when our time’s up and there’s no time like the present to ensure our furry family members are in good homes after we’re gone.

Their lives are in our hands.

–By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

BY THE NUMBERS
In the first two weeks of June, the ACAS received nearly 300 strays and surrendered pets. The shelter facility is currently at full capacity.

2019, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Cats, Dogs, fostering, FOTAS, Home-to-Home adoption program, News, surrendered pets

Home-to-Home Program Reduces Stress for Pets and Owners

Posted on by Bob Gordon
21
May

By Ellen Priest, FOTAS Board Member and Home-to-Home Coordinator

Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS) is constantly looking at best practices for the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Recently we discovered the Home-to-Home program and thought it would be a perfect way to reduce the number of animals being taken in by the shelter each year. By the way, that number was 5,000 in 2018. Mind-boggling, isn’t it, that 5,000 unwanted animals made their way to the Aiken County Animal Shelter last year?

The Home-to-Home program allows owners, who can no longer keep their pet, a way to rehome them to another family by creating a profile on a specially created website and uses FOTAS’ Facebook page to promote the animals. By using this tool, it reduces owner surrendered numbers, and stress for both the animal and the owner.

When animals come from a home to the shelter, they are often so confused and shaken, they shut down. Volunteers will find them shaking in their cages, confused by the noise and the unfamiliar surroundings. These highly adoptable animals cower in their cages, not interacting with prospective adopters and become unadoptable.

One of the many Home-to-Home postings on the FOTAS Facebook page.

Since we started the program the beginning of February, we have had 89 listings. Fifty pets have been adopted, seven were eventually surrendered to the shelter, and the rest are still looking for homes. That is 50 pets that didn’t come to the shelter in the last three months, freeing up space for strays and injured or abused animals. And we’re just getting started.

As we get word out, we hope to have more rehoming success stories, with a pet going from one loving home to another.

Carrolanne reached out to us recently. She had just lost her husband of 35 years suddenly. Richard stayed at home with their two beloved fur babies, while Carrolanne took care of her elderly mother, who had suffered a stroke. With Richard’s sudden passing, Carrolanne was faced with leaving her mother’s side to run home to take care of the dogs, and get back to her mother before the home health worker left. She could not bring the dogs to her mother, who would need wound care if a dog accidentally jumped on her. She was faced with the heartbreaking decision to rehome her beloved Penny and Ginger Snap.

The Ergles were thrilled to welcome Ginger Snap and Penny into their family through the new Home-to-Home adoption program FOTAS started incorporating this year.

Carrolanne contacted the shelter and we got her girls listed on Home-to-Home. The next day, I received a call from Carrolanne, who, choking back tears, said a nice family had come to see Penny and taken elderly Ginger Snap, too, when they saw how bonded the pair were. She said, “I truly don’t know what I would have done without your help and this program.”

Ginger Snap and Penny are now getting the love and attention of the Ergle family, and while Carrolanne is missing them terribly, she has our assurance that when the time is right, we’ll help her find a new pet to love. Visit fotas.home-home.org for more information, and to see available pets.

Their lives are in our hands.

2019, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, News, Pibbles, surrendered pets

The Struggles of Our Friend, Vegas the ‘Pittopotamus’

Posted on by Bob Gordon
08
Apr

by Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director

Some dogs at the shelter just can’t seem to catch a break.

Take our friend,Vegas. He was a shelter favorite, often referred to as a “pittopotamus” as he clearly had not missed many meals. He would lay quietly in his kennel, no wagging, looking solemn. Very little curb appeal to those looking to adopt. But once he got outside, he would run, play with toys and enjoy himself as much as any of the other dogs in play group.

Vegas gets ready for a snooze while staying with a foster volunteer.

Vegas was adopted and returned two times. We learned from both adoptions that Vegas needed to be an only pet. Like many children, he just couldn’t share his new owner’s attention with other pets. He longed for love.

Since the poor guy was so depressed after his second adoption wasn’t successful, a volunteer started taking him home at night. We learned that Vegas was even more awesome of a dog than we thought! Great in the house, a total couch potato.

After being overlooked for what seemed an eternity, a man came looking for a dog for his family. He fell in love with Vegas immediately! He took Vegas home to meet his wife and children. What a success! The family came to visit after a few weeks to show us how good Vegas looked. The kids just loved him! Vegas was now going to the dog park almost daily, sleeping in bed with them and having what appeared to be the best time!

Vegas is still looking for the right home.

It was perfect until the family had to move. They looked and looked for a home where Vegas could live with them, but all had lease restrictions. Poor Vegas has a label on him, and his breed is restricted.

The family tried to re-home him using our Home to Home program as they did not want to bring him back to the shelter. Unfortunately, they eventually did have to move and Vegas is now back on the adoption floor at 333 Wire Road. Do you want to see a sad dog? Come visit him.

It is very unfortunate that because of his breed, Vegas lost the best home he had ever known. Many of the dogs in shelters are those that have been labeled aggressive breeds — German Shepherds, Chow Chows, Akitas, and Bully mixes. But these are some of the most loving and intelligent dogs available! They are so loyal and most of our bully breeds just want to be close to people and touch them.

Vegas would make the perfect only pet for a young couple or a great companion for an older person. He’d also make a great family dog. He is just a wonderful dog who deserves better and we are all very sad to see him back and feeling so hopeless. Please spread the word and help us get him a good home.

Their lives are in our hands.

BY THE NUMBERS
On April 1, the Aiken County Animal Shelter launched extended adoption hours. The new hours are: Mon, Wed. and Fri. – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tues. and Thurs. – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sat. – 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

PETS OF THE WEEK

GIBBS
Mixed breed, male, 4 years old, blue gray, 70 pounds – $35

ZAC
Domestic Shorthair kitten, male, 2 months old, tan & black Tabby, 2 pounds – $10

2019, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Cats, Dogs, FOTAS, News, surrendered pets, Volunteer

Dog Cries Real Tears When Owner Leaves him at Shelter

Posted on by Bob Gordon
25
Feb

A few weeks ago, I was finishing up some paperwork at the shelter and saw a handsome Labrador mix sitting quietly, looking up at his owner. She was surrendering him. The dog looked so sad and confused. His owner seemed upset as well.

Sookie is a beautiful, declawed Calico available for adoption at the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

One of the veterinary assistants tried to soothe the dog, but he just shook and refused to leave his owner’s side. A kennel tech came in and picked him up, all 50 pounds, and carried him to medical. I followed as my heart was now invested.

Then I saw something that I had not witnessed before, something that I will never forget. The black Lab had tears in his eyes, with some trickling down his face. His cheeks were puffing in and out and his breathing was rapid. I was stunned. It was like watching a child be taken from his parents. He was heartbroken.

Later, I went and sat with him in his kennel. He already had a fluffy blanket that someone had kindly donated and a toy that some local children had made for shelter dogs. He was just sad. I held him and he snuggled close, desperately seeking comfort.

When he was moved to the adoption floor, this dog, Hank, stole the hearts of all the volunteers! He is the most charming boy and you can see how incredibly loving he is when you look into his big eyes. Unfortunately, potential adopters have passed Hank by for other dogs and he has been on the adoption floor for weeks. He still smiles when visitors arrive but when they leave, he gets depressed. We are desperate to find handsome Hank a new forever home where he can be happy and loved.

Labrador mix Hank cried when he was separated from his owner, but he’s eager to find a new home.

Not long after Hank arrived, a lovely, 13-year-old Calico cat was surrendered as well. Being in a house all her life, it was a very frightening experience for her to come to the shelter. Staff and volunteers worry about her as so many people overlook older pets to adopt a kitten or young cat.

Sookie sat quietly in her kennel at first but allowed us to hold her. When we put her in the lobby for adoption, the declawed feline became fearful and confused – even sometimes hissing at people. This is not because she is a mean cat; she just doesn’t know what is going on and misses her home and family. We are working with her and hoping to earn her trust, but hoping even more that someone will come rescue Sookie and give her the home she deserves.

Please understand that sometimes it is necessary for a pet to be surrendered; it may be the only option for someone. But these animals need comfort and love. It is extremely confusing and scary for them to enter the shelter with all the loud barking, meowing, strange surroundings…all the different smells, the new people.

Please consider volunteering with us to help these wonderful animals, either at the Aiken County Animal Shelter or by fostering them at your home. You can also help by donating to FOTAS so we can purchase the blankets, toys, collars, flea treatments and other items needed to give these animals some comfort. To volunteer, stop by the shelter at 333 Wire Road in Aiken or contact FOTAS at (803) 514-4313 or info@angelhartlinedesigns.com.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director

2019, animal abuse, Bully Dogs, Chained dogs, Dogs, FOTAS, injured animals, neglected pets, News, Uncategorized

Abused and neglected dogs show true love and forgiveness

Posted on by Bob Gordon
11
Feb

When you volunteer at the shelter, you learn a lot about forgiveness. Dogs and cats come to us injured, neglected and abused – yet, they forgive. These are animals who have never known love but are desperate to provide it.

Recently, two particular dogs have stolen my heart.

Despite being neglected and locked to a chain most of his life, Walter is one of the sweetest, most loving dogs on the adoption floor.

James arrived at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) with scars all over his body. He had been attacked by dogs and he lay frozen with his eyes wide with fear. James had been found as a stray and was limping and covered in cuts, some needing to be stitched. When one of the trainers who helps evaluate the dogs put a leash on him to walk him, the terrified dog started to roll like an alligator biting at the leash. It was frightening and painful to watch. We gave him a bed and a meal and hoped for the best.

For two days Darling Rios, one of our canine coaches, sat with him, hand fed him and spoke softly to him. She then started leash walking him. This time, he just held the leash in his mouth while walking, almost for security.
After a week, James was allowing Darling to hug him and we introduced him to dogs and other people. The first time I walked him, he was hesitant because he didn’t know if I was going to hurt him. Luckily, after only a short time, he was sitting at my feet and thumping his tail.

James arrived at the shelter bleeding and terrified, but he’s now ready to love again.

This wonderful dog is now calm and enjoys sitting with people and watching the other shelter dogs. No one ever came looking for James, but he has forgiven. He is ready to love someone with all his heart, and we are doing all we can to help him find someone who will love him the same.

Walter was brought in with a severe injury. His neck was wounded from a chain that dug into his skin. Dr. Levy, the shelter’s veterinarian, treated him and he is healing fast! This poor dog lived his life on a chain that restricted his activity, keeping him from people and being nurtured.

We worried he would be aggressive. Little did we know that in a few days, after love from volunteers and staff members, he would be walking on leash, licking all visitors, playing with other dogs and acting like a family pet! He is embracing life again and now waits for his forever home where he will give his new family all of his heart.

The special thing about these dogs is their ability to love. If you purchase a puppy, you will get a cute, loving pet. However, if you adopt a dog that has never known love and you show them kindness, you will receive the most amazing gift ever! These are pets who are quick to bond, and they appreciate their owners in a special way. I promise you will never regret taking the time to show kindness to one of these pets. There is a connection that takes place, and it will change you both forever.

Please don’t pass by a dog or cat that has a few scars, a few gray hairs, or one that hides in the back of their kennel. Stop, talk to them softly and treat them with kindness. You may find they’re the missing piece to your heart.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director

2019, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, News

Fostering Shelter Pets Is Rewarding and Saves Lives

Posted on by Bob Gordon
20
Jan

Our family welcomed a temporary house guest over the Christmas holidays. We were joined by Tillie, a six-month-old, partial Mini-Pinscher puppy that we “fostered” on behalf of the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

The Bunker children enjoyed their time with Shelter pup Tillie.

Tillie was scheduled to join her new “forever” family in Rhode Island after the New Year, but in the meantime the little stray was scared and miserable in the shelter. For such a tiny puppy, the loud barking, big dogs and strange surroundings were intimidating. She needed time to socialize. FOTAS (Friends of the Animal Shelter) and the animal shelter staff saw that a foster family would help her.

Tillie was nervous when she came home with us. On the first day, her skinny frame trembled. She cowered under the dining room table, her tail between her legs and her appetite low. Tillie wasn’t too sure about her new surroundings.

We were pleasantly surprised as we watched her socialize over the next two weeks. With warmth and attention, she ate, frolicked with our other dogs, and learned how to be a puppy. Before long she was rolling around with the other dogs and chasing, and being chased by, them. Charging up and down the stairs, and running around the back yard, her energy and confidence returned.

Aiken County and FOTAS established the foster care program for adoptable dogs and cats outside of the shelter. This program ensures that they experience a healthy environment, and it frees up limited shelter space for other adoptable animals.

County Council Chairman Gary Bunker holds foster puppy Tillie, who has since been adopted to her forever home.

Fostering saves lives. It’s simple as that. When a volunteer fosters a shelter dog, it prepares the dog for his new home. It also opens a kennel on the adoption floor, giving another dog a chance to be seen by a prospective adopter. This in turn frees up space in intake, allowing the shelter to accept another stray or surrendered pet.

Short-term fosters for five to ten days typically involve animals scheduled to be transferred to no-kill shelters in other parts of the country or for whom an adoption is pending. Foster families caring for moms with puppies (or kittens) usually do so until they’re weaned, roughly 12 weeks from the date of birth.

In too many instances, animals come in with injuries from abuse or negligence that require medical treatment, followed by fostering in a home to recover. The shelter is currently in urgent need of “medical” fosters.

Would you like to foster a dog or cat? Contact FOTAS at (803) 514-4313. Or fill out a form at fotasaiken.org and fax to FOTAS at (803) 643-4006. FOTAS will select the animals available for foster based on need, temperament, and the resources and environment of the foster home. FOTAS provides food and medical care for the foster dogs, if necessary.

For us, our fostering of Tillie was over all too quickly. After the holidays, she returned to the animal shelter just in time for her journey to her new adoptive home. We’ll miss her, but we’re sure she will make one special family happy for a long time to come. And thanks to the foster program, we were able to positively impact her life.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Gary Bunker, Aiken County Council Chairman

By the Numbers
From January 1 to 15, the County Animal Shelter took in 210 strays and surrendered pets.


Pets of the Week

TRUMAN
Mixed breed, male, 1 year old, 43 pounds – $35

FALLYN
Domestic Shorthair Calico kitten, female, 3 months old, 3 pounds – $10

2019, Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS, News, Service Dogs, Uncategorized, Veterans

County Shelter dog Kira was ‘something special and rare’

Posted on by Bob Gordon
14
Jan

Maybe the most amazing thing about Kira was how ordinary she seemed at first. A stray Shepherd/Boxer mix brought into the Aiken County Animal Shelter in 2012, she was vulnerable and helpless like so many others coming through the door.

Kira was a superstar service dog who had great instincts.

Joseph and Brandie Henry, both U.S. Navy veterans diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), saw her cute face and hoped the 10-month-old pup could help with their daily struggles.

It didn’t take long, however, to recognize greatness.

“Kira was something special and rare,” said Jerry Lyda of K-9 Veterans Solutions Inc. in Augusta, who trained Kira for the Henrys. “She took to PTSD Service Dog training naturally and fully embraced every role asked of her.”

Lyda has trained hundreds of veteran-dog pairs since forming his nonprofit six years ago, pulling dozens from the Aiken shelter. (FOTAS sponsors free adoptions for veterans every month.) Kira is his first service dog death.

Hit hardest, however, are the Henrys. Both Joseph and Brandie depended on Kira to get through the night and wake them from nightmares. She reintroduced them to the society they’d withdrawn from, staying by their side in public places, providing confidence and safety to leave home. When they got confused or overwhelmed, she led them to their car or house. She created safe space and responded to panic attacks.

When the Henrys moved to Nevada, Kira made every transition easier and doable. She kept Joseph and Brandie from falling, using her body as a lift if they did. She accompanied Joseph to his job at Tesla Gigafactory 1. Brandie depended on Kira to socialize and develop friendships – things that had seemed out of reach since PTSD – and mobility issues ravaged every area of her life. Brandie returned to school to study dietetics, an impossible goal before Kira came along.

When son Patrick was born two years ago with health problems, Kira instinctively took on more work without waiting to be asked. She guarded him diligently, alerting the Henrys he was about to choke with a sixth-sense awareness.

When Kira died, Veteran Joseph Henry honored her by draping his battle field American flag over her body.

“She’s irreplaceable,” said Brandie. “Service dogs are trained to help one person, but Kira helped our whole family.”

When Kira was diagnosed with a brain tumor last year at age 7, the Henrys were devastated. When she died last month, they were shell-shocked.

“We didn’t know what to do,” said Joseph. “Then I pulled out my battle field flag that had gone with me on every deployment and returned me safely home — so that we could send her safely home.”

Joseph sat with Kira awhile in the backyard, her body under his flag, trying to imagine life without her. Brandie doesn’t know if she can continue school, Joseph doesn’t know how he’ll survive nightmares, and Patrick knows she died but asks for her daily. They had Kira cremated and when Spring arrives, they’ll spread her ashes at a nearby beach where she loved to swim.

“She loved us like we loved her,” Brandie said. “She’ll be impossible to replace.”

Our shelter dogs are amazing. Even the most ordinary dog can work miracles for the people who adopt and love them.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Martha Anne Tudor, FOTAS Volunteer

2018, Foster, FOTAS, News, Pibbles, Training, Volunteer, Volunteers

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

Posted on by Bob Gordon
01
Jan

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!

Volunteer John Berk socializes Kromer on the Shelter couch.

Let me count the ways you can help at this special place: fostering, walking, socializing animals, front desk reception, publicity, fundraising, assisting at special events, and much more. You’re never too old to sit quietly in the sunshine with a scared or lonely dog by your side, or too young to cuddle a kitten under the watchful eyes of a parent. Seeing a dog run, play and chase toys in the play yard often results in the transfer of that same energy, enthusiasm and sense of well-being to the humans watching.

Nanci Santos, a longtime volunteer, says, “Sitting with a dog on the couch, watching the cars go by gives us both a sense of peace and love – feelings that flow both ways.”

Always present and often our comedy relief, Volunteer John Berk loves to take pets for a doggy day out – walking in Hitchcock Woods, sipping coffee at his favorite downtown watering hole, or home for a weekend of up close and personal attention. An ex avid golfer John claims that, “Surely there is more joy in walking a dog than missing a three-foot putt!”

Dana Hollon, who is at the Shelter every Saturday, says “the animals’ antics make me happy; they make me laugh!”

Bill Carter, another dog walking volunteer, explains, “I know they relieve my stress and I like to think I relieve theirs.”

Front desk and lobby volunteers also find great satisfaction and challenge in helping visitors. These valuable folks greet everyone who walks through the door and match personalities — human, canine, and feline. Watching folks walk out the door and back to their car having adopted the perfect pet is so rewarding! My belief is that the pet finds you, not the reverse.

Volunteer Nanci Santos cuddles a Beagle mix after their long walk.

Major off-site fundraisers such as Woofstock and the FOTAS Playing Fore the Pets Annual Golf Tournament require months of behind the scenes preparation but result in community camaraderie, solidarity and raising funds. All of the donations go to the shelter animals who need spay/neutering, medical treatment, food and so much more.

If none of the above roles have your name on it, how about the simple enticement of happy people, smiling faces, teamwork, and the chance to meet and make new friends. Where else can you choose your own hours, be your own boss, and experience great job satisfaction?

So, consider volunteering at the Aiken County Animal Shelter among your New Year’s resolutions and come to 333 Wire Road or go online and fill out a FOTAS volunteer application. Orientation sessions are scheduled at convenient intervals and last about an hour and a half. After that, you’re good to go.

Welcome to the world of FOTAS volunteers – there’s a lot in it for you!

 

— By Jan Barker, FOTAS Volunteer Trainer

 


By the Numbers
Since October 1, the County Animal Shelter has taken in 1,125 strays and surrendered pets.

 

 Pets of the Week

WYATT: Boxer mix, male, 3 years old, brown/rust, 53 pounds – $35

 

CEE CEE: Domestic Shorthair cat, female, 1-1/2 years old, black & white, 6.5 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