Tag Archives: heartworm positive

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

Biscuit is Heartworm Free and Living the Good Life

Posted on by Bob Gordon
04
Feb

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

 

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


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

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

 

 

2018, Dogs, essay, Foster, FOTAS, Transfer, Volunteer

The Joy of Being a Camp Counselor for Dogs

Posted on by Angel Hartline
24
Jun

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. We filled out the paperwork and received information on the program. FOTAS funds the transfer to out-of-state rescue agencies for animals that are not locally adopted. When there is a transport scheduled, an email goes out to all potential foster homes. If it is convenient that week, I agree to foster and make arrangements to pick up the foster dog. The volunteers provide me with a leash, a crate and dog food.

What if I can’t foster that week? There is no obligation. We only reply when we will be available. Sometimes the dogs come for only four nights—taking a foster dog even for a few days not only helps the dog but makes room at the shelter for the intake of new animals.

Where do the dogs stay? Our home is not set up for dogs, so every night they sleep in a quiet stall next to our house with soft blankets, towels and rugs, and plenty of water. In winter the stall is equipped with a ceiling heat lamp, and in summer, a screened window and fan—far cozier than living in a ditch by the side of a highway or a noisy kennel. When we let them out in the morning, their joy is boundless. They are so happy to see us, they follow around the walled yard and romp all day.

Do we get attached? Of course, but in a different way. When we pick up the foster dog, we know they are going on transport to a forever home. The places they travel to in the north have strong spay and neutering laws, so there are very few adoptable animals. Every transported dog is adopted—100%.

Betty Ryberg with Fred, her first foster dog. Fred lives happily ever after in his home up north.

How do we prepare them for transport? I write up a “profile” on the foster dog. I include whether they are housebroken, walk on a leash, play well with other dogs and/or children. Some of the fosters are older and would be a perfect companion for a person who sits and reads. Others are young and would love a family atmosphere. Still others are socialized with other dogs and are welcome additions to a family who already has a pet. Just like Internet dating, matching is important!

Why foster? The animal shelter has taken in 545 homeless animals in less than 30 days. Some dogs are doubled-up in their kennels. Imagine being doubled-up in a twin bed! The relief fostering gives is a quieter atmosphere, which calms and socializes the animals before their forever home transport.

Greg and I lead busy lives and we travel often, so we are not able to have our own dog anymore. Fostering gives us all the delight of a companion dog and the satisfaction of knowing we made a difference in a dog’s life. We are grateful for the walks, the antics, the licking and the love.

For more information on fostering, contact FOTAS at info@fotasaiken.com.

 Their lives are in our hands.

 – By Betty Ryberg, FOTAS volunteer and foster

 

By the Numbers

The adoption fee for cats and kittens at the County Shelter will be waved from Monday, June 25 to Tuesday, July 3. FOTAS is participating in Best Friends’ national adoption promotion to offer this $0 deal.

From June 1-20, the County Shelter received 317 strays and surrendered pets.

 

Pets of the Week

JOEY

Mixed breed, male, 4 years old, black & white, 50 pounds – $35

 

NADIA

Domestic Medium hair, female, 2 months old, Tortoiseshell Tabby, 1.6 pounds – $10

 

 

2018, Bully Dogs, Dogs, FOTAS, Heartworms, News, Pibbles

The Mystery of Hilde

Posted on by Angel Hartline
15
Apr

Hilde is a beautiful blonde with a big, goofy smile, and eyes as gold as her heart. She was always a favorite among FOTAS volunteers and the Aiken County Animal Shelter staff – everyone wanted to spend a little “me” time with Hilde. She is one of the sweetest, people-craving, kid-loving dogs we’ve ever known, and we’ve known a lot of dogs.

By January of 2017, Hilde held the unfortunate distinction of being the longest canine resident at the Shelter. We were baffled she’d not found a home, and shelter life was beginning to wear on her. She lost the pep in her step and her sweet, gold eyes were sad.

Hilde and her friendly tongue.
Hilde and her friendly tongue.

FOTAS sprang into action. We took her for car rides, organized “Doggie Day Outs,” paraded her up and down Laurens Street. We took photos, wrote articles, put our favorite social media star, Martha Anne Tudor, on the case.

Eventually the extra effort paid off. One Saturday morning in February of 2017, a young couple with two young children drove to the shelter to meet Hilde. It was love at first sight … for everyone.

We cried with joy when Hilde found her forever home. For some time afterwards, the family shared photos of Hilde sleeping on the couch with the baby, or Hilde sleeping on the bed between the two kids, happy and relaxed. We applauded her good fortune and thanked God for hearing our prayers.

Three weeks ago, Hilde was picked up as a stray by animal control in a neighboring county. She was painfully thin and covered with fleas. The officers read Hilde’s microchip and made repeated, unsuccessful attempts to contact her owners. She was close to being euthanized by the time they contacted the Aiken County Shelter. As soon as Randy, one of the shelter’s super staff, learned they were holding our beloved Hilde, he promptly hopped into the van to pick her up and bring her home.

How did this happen? The last we knew, Hilde was sprawled out with her peeps on a soft, warm bed, so why was she wandering the streets, hungry and scared, in a different county?

We don’t know. We may never know.

What we do know, however, is that our gal Hilde is the same adorable, people-craving, kid-loving, beauty she always was—a little thinner, more mature, in need of some extra TLC. She remembers her many friends at the shelter, plays with her favorite toys, wags her tail a lot—happy to be loved and back in a safe place.

Okay, maybe her head’s a little square and her tongue’s a little long, and maybe she’s picky about her dog friends—but still … we don’t get it.

I'm seriously adorable. Just ask anyone.
I’m seriously adorable. Just ask anyone.

What we do get is that Hilde needs a new home. She needs humans to love, kids to protect. She’ll lounge by your side while you binge-watch every single episode of Breaking Bad. She’ll love you through bad-hair days; she’ll love you when you’re on top of your game. She’ll give back so much more than she gets—that’s just who she is.

All she needs is a chance. Please don’t wait, call the shelter the first thing tomorrow morning — (803) 642-1537—and tell the front desk you’d like to meet Hilde.

Her life is in our hands.

PS: Look, we get it. Sometimes life goes sideways, and good people are forced to make hard decisions about their canine family members. If that happens, please know this: we can help. Our animals can always come home to the Shelter—no judgments, no shame. We’ll find them another home. That’s what we do.

— Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

 

 

animal abuse, Bully Dogs, Dogs, essay, FOTAS, injured animals, News, Pibbles, Uncategorized

A Challenge Named Biscuit

Posted on by Angel Hartline
09
Apr

I recently faced my most challenging case since I started working at the shelter.

Biscuit was a “neighborhood dog.” The woman who brought him in said he showed up every few days and she would feed him. She had not seen him for three days when he showed up that Tuesday morning. She called the shelter in distress thinking he had been shot in the head. When she brought him in, I examined him and determined he had not been shot but had been attacked by another dog.

Volunteer Anne Morgan gives Biscuit some couch time.
Volunteer Anne Morgan gives Biscuit some couch time.

His wounds were extensive. The damage to his right ear was so severe that the entire ear flap, as well as a large area of skin around the ear, had actually died. Infection had also set in giving off a terrible odor. I have been in practice for more than 30 years and very little can still gross me out. But this smell was so bad, we had to keep the doors to the clinic open to let in fresh air. Through all of this, Biscuit sat on the exam table wagging his tail. I wasn’t sure I could save him, but I was going to try.

Surgery was challenging. All the dead tissue needed to be removed, leaving a huge open area that was extremely difficult to suture closed. I was able to close most of it, but it remained to be seen how it would heal. We kept him on antibiotics to fight the infection, and over a period of about three weeks the wound did heal! It wasn’t pretty, but it healed.

Biscuit lost an ear when he was attacked by a dog.
Biscuit lost an ear when he was attacked by a dog.

Biscuit was adopted by an Aiken family and now has a canine brother named Bear.
Biscuit was adopted by an Aiken family and now has a canine brother named Bear.

During Biscuit’s recovery, we noticed that he held his right rear leg out to the side and limped a little. X-rays revealed that he had an old fracture of his femur just above the knee that had not been treated and therefore didn’t heal properly. There was also some degeneration of his hip joint. These injuries are consistent with being hit by a car. Unfortunately, he also tested positive for heartworms, an all too common occurrence for strays in our area.

One thing that stood out to me about Biscuit is that when he came into the shelter he was already neutered. That means he belonged to someone. At some point he was somebody’s dog. How did he end up like this? Was he lost? Was he abandoned? Did someone try to find him?

Through it all, Biscuit has shown an amazing spirit. He loves everyone, is ecstatic when we pet, or even better, scratch him, and his tail never stops wagging. He may not be the prettiest to look at, but he is truly one of my favorite dogs ever to come into the shelter. He deserves a great home, and we will do everything we can to find it for him.

Epilogue: Shortly after Dr. Levy submitted this column, Biscuit was adopted by an Aiken family. He is enjoying a fresh start at his new home with a small poodle mix named Bear. As with all adopted heartworm positive County Shelter dogs, FOTAS is paying for Biscuit’s treatment through its “Have a Heart, Save a Heart” program.

 – By Dr. Lisa Levy, ACAS Veterinarian

paw_print_heart_stickers-r368b69be3802466f8feff0ba57adc012_v9w0n_8byvr_512Pets of the Week

RavenRAVEN: Terrier mix, female, 1 year old, 21 pounds – $35

 

OREO POTW APRIL 8OREO: Domestic Shorthair, declawed, female, 9 years old, 8 pounds – $10

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

Old shelter dog teaches his senior adopter some new tricks

Posted on by Angel Hartline
12
Mar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just tell them Mike and Arthur sent you.

 – By Mike Hardwick, FOTAS Volunteer

 dog_paw_print_heart_notepads-r22f45a827e9b4626b52cbabfd1c7f8b4_amb08_8byvr_512

By the Numbers

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

paw_print_heart_stickers-r368b69be3802466f8feff0ba57adc012_v9w0n_8byvr_512

Pets of the Week

KANE

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

SELENA

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

Adoption, Children, Donate, donations, essay, Heartworms

Nine-year-old Aiken boy raises more than $400 for shelter’s heartworm positive dogs

Posted on by Angel Hartline
12
Feb

Alex Mastromonico is on a mission to help the homeless animals at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS). The nine-year-old heard about FOTAS’s “Have a Heart, Save a Heart” program, a fund which supplements the treatment of heartworm positive dogs at the shelter, and decided he wanted to pitch in to this life-saving effort.

With his birthday on the horizon, Alex asked his mom, Lori, if instead of getting presents this year, could he ask for money to go to the shelter dogs? And could he have a birthday party, where his friends could be asked to donate to FOTAS instead of bringing traditional party gifts? Oh, and could he personally deliver the donation to the shelter, so they could visit the animals?

“Of course, I said, ‘Yes,’” Lori said. “I was incredibly proud of him. Alex has never been materialistic, so this was the perfect way for him to celebrate his birthday.”

But for Alex, it was not enough. He told his aunt about what he was doing, and she helped him to take the mission to another level by setting up a temporary fundraising page on Facebook. In just weeks, Alex’s Facebook page and birthday party combined to raised $425 for FOTAS and the shelter dogs.

Nine-year-old Alex Mastromonico with his adopted dog, Bailee.
Nine-year-old Alex Mastromonico with his adopted dog, Bailee.

Alex has always loved animals “because they’re great company, unpredictable and fun,” and his family has three pets adopted from the ACAS – Bailee, a one-year-old Chihuahua mix, and kitten siblings Melania and Mingus. But what sparked his interest in animal advocacy was overhearing his mom talk about FOTAS.

Lori teaches fifth grade at Tall Pines STEM Academy and the school started a Junior FOTAS club this year with the assistance of FOTAS Programs Coordinator Kathy Jacobs. The students in Junior FOTAS meet after school to learn about different aspects of the ACAS and FOTAS. For their first meeting, Kathy brought a heartworm positive dog who was up for adoption and explained how heartworms are treated and how the “Have a Heart, Save a Heart” program saved about 200 dogs last year.

“Alex overheard me talking about the Junior FOTAS meetings, and his idea snowballed from there,” Lori said.

But what really motivates a boy to work so hard to make that idea come to fruition and miss the chance to be showered with gifts on his birthday? Is it the joy of giving? Is it to impress his family and friends?

“Well, I do feel very good about doing it,” Alex said. “But you can’t donate for any of those reasons. You have to do it with your whole heart. Not because someone tells you…it has to because you want to do it.”

Their lives are in our hands

by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

 

 

By the Numbers

Feb. 7 to 14: Find “the One” Valentine’s Special: Dogs & puppies $14, cats & kittens $0

paw_print_heart_stickers-r368b69be3802466f8feff0ba57adc012_v9w0n_8byvr_512Pets of the Week

PRINCESS
Princess valentine picMixed breed, female, 5 years old, brown and white, 55 pounds – $14 (through Feb. 14)

 

BARTON
barton potw feb 11Domestic Shorthair, male, 2 months old, dark gray, 1.6 pounds – $0 (through Feb. 14)

Adoption, Cats, Dogs, FOTAS, Heartworms

One Less Leg, Just as Much Love

Posted on by Angel Hartline
04
Aug

Dr. Lisa Levy, ACAS Veterinarian

Three years ago, a small, scared, black dog came into the shelter. Her right rear leg was missing below the knee, leaving the end of the broken bone exposed. She also had a deep scar around her neck from a past embedded collar. Normally she would have been euthanized, but something about her touched me. This dog never had a chance to be loved. I decided to surgically amputate the leg for proper healing, and then adopted her myself. I named her Trinity and she is the happiest little dog I have ever owned. She makes me smile every day.
So I obviously have a heart for three-legged dogs, but this month has been exceptionally trying. In the three years I have been the shelter veterinarian, I have amputated nine legs prior to this month, including one from a dog that was adopted by one of our veterinary technicians. But in just this month, I have had five dogs that needed amputation for various reasons.
First was Jerry Lee, a Coonhound who suffered a gunshot wound that shattered his front leg below the shoulder. He healed beautifully and was quickly adopted. Next was Rouge, a Terrier mix. Her front leg was broken in several places and she had sustained some nerve damage. She did well with her surgery, but unfortunately she also has mange. She is being treated for that but it has delayed her adoption for a few weeks.
Tallulah came in with a broken rear leg that resulted in a severe infection in her hock joint. The joint had swollen to grapefruit size. Despite antibiotic treatment, her condition did not improve and her leg had to be amputated. Tallulah was adopted within hours of being placed on the adoption floor.
Chance is a 10-month-old Pit Bull mix. His rear leg was broken just above the knee. X-rays showed the fracture to be several weeks old and it was never properly set. This resulted in what is called a “non-union”. The bone tried to heal but the ends were not close enough to allow them to bridge properly. After his mandatory 5-day hold, his leg will be amputated as he is unable to stand on it.
Finally, upon arrival at the shelter Monday morning I discovered a dog that came in over the weekend looking much like my Trinity. She is a very happy Pit Bull mix but her leg was severed below the knee and the bone was protruding. She was probably hit by a car, or maybe she was caught in a trap. By the time you read this, her leg will be amputated, too. She will be available for adoption after her recovery.
Just a few years ago, all these dogs would have been euthanized. However, since FOTAS has purchased a gas anesthesia machine, we are now able to do longer surgeries safely and can save these dogs (and cats, too). Each of these surgeries can take up to 90 minutes in addition to our normal daily surgery schedule. But with the abuse or neglect these animals have suffered, it only seems fair and right to give them a chance to find a loving home. Just like my Trinity.

Dr. Lisa Levy at home with her three-legged family member, Trinity.
Dr. Lisa Levy at home with her three-legged family member, Trinity.

Tallulah is adopted by Deborah Winall of Trenton. The brindle Hound’s back left leg had to be amputated following a severe infection that threatened her life.
Tallulah is adopted by Deborah Winall of Trenton. The brindle Hound’s back left leg had to be amputated following a severe infection that threatened her life.

 

BY THE NUMBERS

In August, cats and kittens are just $10, dogs and puppies are half-price ($35).

PETS OF THE WEEK

Tallulah is adopted by Deborah Winall of Trenton. The brindle Hound’s back left leg had to be amputated following a severe infection that threatened her life.
LULU: Terrier mix, female, 5 years old, brown, 32 pounds – $35

Domestic Shorthair cat, female, 3 months old, muted Tortoise Shell, 1.8 pounds - $10
Domestic Shorthair cat, female, 3 months old, muted Tortoise Shell, 1.8 pounds – $10

Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, FOTAS, Heartworms

A Cinderella Story: The adoption of Xena, The Warrior Princess

Posted on by Angel Hartline
07
Jul

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

Blossom wasn’t the prettiest dog in the County Shelter, not by a long shot. Her muted gray brindle coat was dull and ratty; her skin was rough; and her teats were saggy from indiscriminate breeding. Overall, Blossom had the haggard look of a dog that had been neglected, abandoned and forgotten. By early May, Blossom held the unfortunate distinction of being the Shelter’s longest-term resident. What’s worse, not a single person had taken a second look at her in her kennel.

Flash forward to late June: Blossom (who is now referred to as Xena, the Warrior Princess) participated in her first canine obedience class, and by all accounts, Xena is now a rock star.

 

FullSizeRender 2
Xena sits at attention with Janice.

I sat down with Xena and her favorite human and new owner, Janice Freeland (who as it happens, is one of FOTAS’ favorite humans and long-time volunteers as well*) to chat about Blossom’s breathtaking transformation from ugly duckling to canine superstar.

ME: Xena! Look at you! You look, well, just plain gorgeous—all sleek and shiny, and so trim! What’s your secret?

Xena wags her tail and breaks into a radiant pibble smile, all mouth and a tongue a mile long, and gives Janice a great big slobbery kiss.

XENA: It’s all because of Janice! She loves me and feeds me good food, and I have a soft place to sleep and two dog pals, and treats! Oh my gosh! So many treats!

FullSizeRender
Xena with one of her dog pals

Xena gives me a big slobbery kiss, too. I wipe my face and continue.

ME: Janice, how did you find Blossom, I mean, Xena?

JANICE: Total fluke, right? I was taking photos for FOTAS at the annual Woofstock Dog & Cat Festival in May, and I happened to mention I had lost a dog and that my other dog was very lonely. The next thing I knew, a volunteer brings around this kind of happy, saggy, ratty looking dog, and she tells me—this is Blossom, the sweetest, greatest dog, and she’s been at the Shelter way too long, and she really needs a home. I thought, Why not? I mean, after all, us gals need to stick together, don’t we Xena?

Wag, wag. Thump, thump. Pant, pant.

JANICE: AT first, my husband and I were anxious about adopting a Pit-cross, but Xena is, hands down, the best dog we’ve ever had. She may’ve looked kind of ragged, but she makes up for it in spades with a whopping personality. She loves people, particularly children and other dogs. She’s just so willing, eager and smart. We are lucky to have found her.

Xena rolls on her back and wiggles in ecstasy.

ME: What would you say to folks looking for a companion at the County Shelter?

JANICE: Don’t just walk by the dogs with the square heads and long tongues, the dogs who look beat up and used, the dogs who many not present well in the kennel. All they need is a little love, security and care to blossom into a blessing. Give them a chance, and they will give you a lifetime of love and devotion.

Their lives are in our hands.

*Janice Freeland organizes Polo under the Stars for the benefit of FOTAS, which will be held in October.

 

Pets of the Week

RIGBY PET OF THE WEEK JULY 9
RIGBY: Hound mix, male, 3 months old, tan and black,         24 pounds – $35.00

 

RALPH: Domestic Shorthair Cat, male, 2 years old, black/gray Tabby, 6.5 pounds - $15
RALPH: Domestic Shorthair Cat, male, 2 years old, black/gray Tabby, 6.5 pounds – $10.00

 

By the Numbers
July Adoption Special: Dogs/Puppies $35, Cats/Kittens $10

Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS

Roxy: Another heartworm positive dog is adopted and saved

Posted on by Angel Hartline
12
Jun

by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

It is mid-May and Roxy is crying out from her kennel at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. The disappointment of being passed over by visitors while dogs around her get adopted is upsetting her. The 3-year-old, black Retriever mix needs to find a forever home before her frustration turns into complete despair.

While Roxy struggles with her situation at the shelter, Patty McDonagh is about 30 miles away in Martinez, GA, checking out her Facebook news feed. She scrolls to a photo of Roxy posted by Martha Anne Tudor, a FOTAS volunteer and animal advocate. The post reads, “Roxy loves all people and other dogs, too. She just wants to be loved back and to have a real home where she’s safe and wanted.”

The photo and description of Roxy calls out to Patty and she hops in the car to go see the remarkable dog. It has been eight years since her last dog crossed the rainbow bridge and she and her husband, Paul, are ready to welcome a new canine companion into their home.

“When I met Roxy in person, I knew I hit the lottery,” Patty said. “She was so lovable and walked right up to me and put her paws on my lap like she was asking for a hug.”

Like 16-20% of the dogs who arrive at the Aiken County Animal Shelter, Roxy is heartworm positive but otherwise very healthy. Heartworm disease is a mosquito-borne infection that can cause health problems and even kill a dog if left untreated (which is why it is so vital for all dog owners to give their pets a monthly heartworm preventative). But thanks to the advances of veterinary medicine and FOTAS funding treatment for heartworm positive dogs on the adoption floor, the disease is no longer a death sentence at the shelter. This year alone, 55 heartworm positive dogs have been successfully adopted from the County Shelter and all have been treated and are expected to live normal, healthy lives.

The fact that Roxy is heartworm positive doesn’t worry Patty since years earlier her daughter, Sarah, adopted a dog with heartworms from a shelter in Atlanta and her pet tested heartworm free following treatment.
Roxy’s FOTAS-funded heartworm treatment was completed at the County Shelter and she and Patty go on walks nearly every day. The Retriever’s favorite activity is to stretch out in her lovely, new fenced-in yard and watch the squirrels play in the trees.

“If you find a dog you like that happens to be heartworm positive, don’t let that be the determining factor,” Patty said. “Don’t let that stop you from adopting her. FOTAS pays for the treatment, which can be expensive, and you will be saving a dog that deserves a second chance. A dog like my sweet Roxy.”
For more information about heartworm treatment and donating to the FOTAS “Have a Heart, Save a Heart” fund – helping a heartworm positive dog in need – please go to FOTASAiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

 

Patty McDonagh and her new canine companion, Roxy, relax in their backyard.
Patty McDonagh and her new canine companion, Roxy, relax in their backyard.

Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS, Heartworms

Treated heartworm positive dogs live full and happy lives


Posted on by Angel Hartline
06
Mar

by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

“Hugo is rambunctious and playful, but he really stood out at the shelter because while all the dogs were barking around him, he just walked past them very quietly, like he was the coolest dog in the room,” said Connie Williams, who, along with her husband, Daniel, adopted the 2-year-old, Mastiff/Retriever mix in January. “When we saw him, it was instant love.”
The Williamses brought the handsome, brindle-coated canine home and he quickly became comfortable with his new surroundings. He loves to ride in the car and keep Connie company when she goes on errands; enjoys his walks in their Aiken neighborhood; and likes to end his day by lounging on the couch while the family watches television. He doesn’t even mind the treatment he is undergoing to get rid of his heartworms.
You see, Hugo did not receive proper care before arriving at the shelter as a stray. In addition to be being shot (an x-ray showed birdshot embedded throughout his pelvic area), he was underfed and was not given monthly heartworm preventative. Unsurprisingly, he tested positive for heartworms.
Heartworms are a mosquito-borne infection. But they can be prevented through the regular and appropriate use of preventive medications, which are prescribed by your veterinarian. These medications are available as a once-a-month chewable. If your dog or cat is not on a heartworm preventative, please make an appointment with your veterinarian and get them on one as soon as possible.
While heartworm disease is still a serious condition, it now can be cured with proper treatment. It’s not cheap, however (treatment costs range from $200 to $2,500). So, Daniel and Connie were pleased and relieved to discover that FOTAS pays for the treatment of heartworm positive dogs on the County Animal Shelter’s adoption floor.
Hugo is just one of 20 heartworm infected dogs who have been adopted from the shelter so far in 2017. Like Hugo, these adopted dogs are being treated through FOTAS donations and living full lives.
The FOTAS heartworm treatment program is a big advance in animal advocacy as well as veterinary medicine. While approximately 16-20% of the dogs that are brought to the County Shelter are heartworm positive, the people who donate to FOTAS give these wonderful animals a second chance at a wonderful life.
Daniel and Connie said the heartworm treatment has not been difficult and Hugo is scheduled to be tested in six months to confirm he is heartworm-free.
“I just love this dog,” Connie said. “He’s so lovable. Hugo and I go for a three-mile walk every day and afterwards sometimes he naps next to me and puts his front paw around my shoulder like he’s holding me.”
For more information on heartworm treatment, please go to fotasaiken.org. You can also donate to the FOTAS “Have a Heart, Save a Heart” Fund to help treat heartworm positive dogs at the shelter.
Their lives are in our hands.

 

Hugo is happy
Hugo is happy

Connie Williams and Hugo, her adopted Mastiff/Retriever
Connie Williams and Hugo, her adopted Mastiff/Retriever