Tag Archives: News

2018, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, essay, Events, FOTAS, News, Pibbles

Year of the Dog: FOTAS honors canines with adoption events this Saturday. July 28

Posted on by Angel Hartline
23
Jul

Dogs and the experience of adopting them should be celebrated. At least, we think so. That’s why FOTAS, the Aiken County Animal Shelter and Mellow Mushroom are co-hosting Year of the Dog events this Saturday, July 28.

Hilde will make a terrific family dog.
Emma has a cute smile and loves people.

According to the Chinese calendar, 2018 is the Year of the Dog, a zodiac sign that symbolizes loyalty and honesty. To celebrate our canines at the shelter, from 11:00 to 4:00 we’ll be adopting dogs for just $35 – and serving hot dogs and fortune cookies to all visitors. Plus, everyone who adopts, signs up to be a volunteer or donates to FOTAS on this day will receive a $5-off Mellow Mushroom coupon. 

FOTAS will also be bringing adoptable dogs to Mellow Mushroom restaurant, located in downtown Aiken. From 11:30 to 2:00, you can adopt a dog on-site. Mellow Mushroom will provide discount coupons to everyone who gives a dog a forever home, donates to FOTAS, or completes a volunteer or foster application. Eating pizza while spending time with dogs – how can you resist that combo?

May needs a home ASAP.

As most are aware, this summer has been tough, with the County Shelter receiving a monthly average of 532 strays and surrendered pets at 333 Wire Road. In July, the flood of animals continues, with well over 300 unwanted pets already added to intake kennels.

Raylyn is good with children.

These Year of the Dog events will provide greater exposure for these animals in need and make your search and selection for a furry companion even more fun!

Here are some of the wonderful dogs to look for on Saturday:

  • Emma: Beautiful, 2-year-old Emma is sweet as can be, but sad she hasn’t found a family of her own yet. This mixed breed is 46 pounds and perfect for a smaller home.
  • Hilde: Full of personality and affection, this 6-year-old, apricot-colored Retriever mix deserves a great home
  • May: Sweet May is a pretty, 2-year-old Retriever mix who needs a home ASAP. She’s very affectionate but doesn’t like to share her humans with other pets.
  • Raylyn: So sweet and friendly! Brindle, 1-year-old Raylyn is a mixed breed with a lot of energy. She’d make a great jogging or workout buddy!

 Their lives are in our hands.

— by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

2018, Dogs, essay, Foster, FOTAS, News, Spay/Neuter, Transfer, Volunteer, Volunteers

Dog Days of Summer: County Shelter Population Doubles!

Posted on by Angel Hartline
15
Jul

I used to love summer and particularly the 4th of July with all of its patriotic fervor, but now I dread it—not because I am less patriotic, but because I see so many pets whose lives are shattered through no fault of their own.

More puppies and kittens are coming into the shelter than going out through adoptions.

The fireworks terrify many dogs, who then bolt from their homes in a panic. Some get hit by cars; others get lost and are picked up as strays and brought to the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

People go on vacation and surrender their pets to the shelter rather than finding someone to care for them. Hundreds of unwanted mothers and puppies and kittens have been turned into the shelter.

It is heartbreaking to see these innocent pets in the shelter. They did nothing wrong. One day they have a home; the next, they are in a strange noisy place with hundreds of other dogs, abandoned by their own family.

The shelter is over-crowded, kennels doubled-up. In January, the shelter received 237 unwanted dogs and cats. In June, the shelter received 545 unwanted animals—almost a 100% increase! Each one of those 545 animals has a face, a heart and a soul.

There are not enough volunteers to work with so many animals, and because it is so brutally hot, it’s difficult for the existing volunteers to give the dogs the attention they need in such a stressful environment. We desperately need more volunteers to help us walk and socialize the dogs.

The Shelter has lots of homeless kittens this month!

FOTAS has ramped up its transfer program, sending animals to no-kill partner shelters as many as two to four times per week. This program is critical to relieve overcrowding in the shelter, but we need more foster homes.

Intake kennels at the Shelter are full, with some dogs doubled up.

Here’s how it works: an animal assigned for transport is taken out of the shelter and placed in a foster home for five to seven days prior to the transfer to acclimate the animals to a home environment. When an animal is placed in a foster home before transfer, it opens up a space on the adoption floor for an animal in the intake section, so fostering saves two lives—the animal fostered and the animal moved to the adoption floor.

FOTAS supplies foster families with pet food and crates and any other necessary supplies. There is nothing more rewarding than fostering a pet for a few days, knowing that your time and care help a shelter pet adjust to family life and get them adopted faster.

This is a difficult time. FOTAS and the shelter need your support now more than ever; every little bit helps.

Donate. Volunteer. Foster. Please.

Together we will continue to make a difference to the many animals who depend on us to save their lives. Email FOTAS at info@aiken.org or call the FOTAS hotline: 803-514-4313.

Their lives our in our hands.

— By Jennifer Miller, President of FOTAS

By the Numbers

July Summer Adoption Special: dogs and puppies $35, cats and kittens just $10.

July 1 – 15: The Aiken County Animal Shelter received 223 strays and surrendered pets.

 

Pets of the Week

MASON: Boxer mix, male, 4 years old, light brown, 57 pounds– $0 to good home (adoption fee is sponsored)

PATCHES: Domestic Shorthair, female, 3 months old, Calico, 2.7 pounds – $10 (available at Aiken PetSmart Store on Whiskey Road)

 

 

2018, Adoption, Bully Dogs, Dogs, essay, FOTAS, News, Pibbles

Mason Is Mostly a Gentleman, Partly a Rascal and All Love

Posted on by Angel Hartline
08
Jul

Hi! I’m Mason, a resident at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Actually I’ve been here a very long time, and that’s a bad spot to be in, particularly now that summer’s here and the shelter is packed. Last month, 545 animals came in to the shelter. 545! That makes me mad, all those homeless dogs, cats, puppies and kittens.

Jeez, people, can you fix your animals already? This is ridiculous!

Mason playing with his best pal, Chevy.

Sorry, I digress. Like I said, I’ve been here a long time, and although I’ve never in my whole life had two great meals a day, a safe place to sleep, someone like that nice Doc Levy to keep me healthy, and lots of great pals who call me Mason the Magnificent (seriously, I never even had a name before!), I need to find a home—pronto!—so the shelter can take care of all those other deserving animals.

Plus, I admit it. With all the heat and noise and barking, I get a bit cranky from time to time, and maybe it’s my imagination, but I think my volunteer friends look really sad when they look at me. Whoa. That makes me nervous.

So, I decided it was time to take things into my own paws, maybe post my profile and handsome mug on one of those doggie relationship sites, like DogMatch.com or CanineCuddle.com. I recruited my really great chum Kathy Jacobs (the FOTAS Program Director) to help me write just the right words to convince someone to adopt a big, squishy lovebug like me.

Kathy and I sat out on a bench in the shade with a few treats for brain power and kicked around some ideas. I thought something like “Meet Mason the Magnificent—a beast in the

“They call me Mason the Magnificent but you can call me Superdog for short.”

kitchen!” or “Looking for a friend to share meaningful roll in dead squirrel” would be catchy intros, but Kathy kyboshed those ideas right out of the gate.

“Change my password to hamsburger…”

Then I posed for some photos—this way and that, front, back, sideways—to catch my best side, maybe make my head look a little less square. But here’s the thing: I gotta square head, plain and simple. A handsome square head, if I say so myself, but no way I look like some retriever or lab-mix.

Finally, after lots of back and forth, here’s what we came up with:

Hey all you hungry-for-canine love folks, if you’re looking for a two-year old hunk-a-hunk of burning love, I’m your guy.

If you’re the kind of person that likes romantic walks, cuddling on the couch, and a great pal to ride in the car with you, I’m your guy.

 If you’re looking for a pal who’s housebroken, healthy, walks on a leash, and knows basic commands, I’m your guy.

By the way, did I mention that adopting me will cost you NOTHING nada, zip, thanks to the generosity of my great pal, Thomas Baker, who is sponsoring my adoption fee?

Oh, and Kathy says to make sure to tell you I have to get out of the shelter–soon. I hope that doesn’t mean what I think it does.

So please, come to the county shelter and take me home, for FREE, as soon as you can! You won’t be sorry.

My life is in your hands.

— By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

 

By the Numbers

July Summer Adoption Special: dogs and puppies $35, cats and kittens just $10.
 July 1 – 5: The Aiken County Animal Shelter received 71 strays and surrendered pets.

 

 

Pets of the Week

ELAINE: Retriever mix, female, 3 years old, yellow, 52 pounds– $35

 

EDISON: Domestic Shorthair, male, 3 months old, black & white Tabby, 1.7 pounds – $10

 

awards, Bully Dogs, Demodex, Dogs, essay, Foster, FOTAS, injured animals, News, Volunteers

Two FOTAS Family Members Honored as Heroes

Posted on by Angel Hartline
01
Jul

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

Becca Babinea with demodex foster dog Max.

Becca, who will be a senior in high school next year, was honored by the Aiken Red Cross for the work she does with her family, fostering and nurturing Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) dogs in preparation for adoption. Becca works closely with her mother, Peggy, to help restore the health and confidence of canines with severe skin conditions and other physical ailments.

Becca Babineau (center) receives the Red Cross Hero Award with the support of (l to r): Betty Ryberg, Paige Bayne, Jennifer Miller, her parents Dave and Peggy Babineau, Bobby Arthurs and Dr. Lisa Levy.

“I was pretty surprised when I heard that I had won this award and I’m very appreciative of the recognition,” Becca said. “I enjoy working with the dogs because I can do it in our home where everything is very relaxed and it’s rewarding to see the progress they make.”

Becca has helped foster about 160 dogs in four years. Canines that stood out to Becca included Max and Nellie, who were suffering from severe demodectic mange, a skin condition that is often worsened by stress. When she and Peggy brought the dogs home from the ACAS, they were nearly furless. But once they felt safe and received the one-on-one socialization needed, their medication kicked in and they regained their beautiful, thick coats.

Chenoa Shields, with the support of her husband, Jason Aumick, was honored for fostering and helping place more than 50 homeless dogs.

Becca also has fostered dogs injured in car accidents and even one recovering from gunshot wounds.

Chenoa with Katie, a dog she adopted from the ACAS.

Chenoa, also a long-time FOTAS foster of ACAS dogs, received the Augusta Area Red Cross Hero Award for saving and placing homeless dogs in forever homes. Since 2015, Chenoa has helped save 51 shelter dogs by taking them into her Evans, GA home and treating their physical and emotional wounds. She often adopts the dogs and then places them by carefully screening potential adopters until she’s sure they can provide good homes. Sometimes she even delivers the dogs herself, driving as far as 850 miles in a single day, all while working fulltime as a program analyst at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center.

“I started offering to deliver my fosters to their forever homes because the joy on the adopter’s face upon first meeting their new dog is priceless!” Chenoa said. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Congratulations to these wonderful women who have done so much for homeless animals. We are proud and lucky to have you on our FOTAS team!

Their lives are in our hands.

— by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

By the Numbers

The adoption fee for cats and kittens is being waived ($0) through July 3rd

 

 

Pets of the Week


CHURCHILL: Mixed breed, male, 9 years old, 52 pounds – $35


LILLY: Domestic Shorthair, female, 2 years old, 6 pounds – $0 through July 3

 

 

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, Donate, essay, FOTAS, News, Pibbles

Dads and Dogs: A Rewarding and Healthy Combination

Posted on by Angel Hartline
11
Jun

With Father’s Day just one week away, it’s time to think about his gift. What do you think he’d like this year? Another tie? Probably not. More cologne? No way. A shirt? A book? A coffee cup with “World’s Greatest Dad”? Boring, boring and OMG, what are you thinking?

Big Dogs available for just $30 starting this Thursday include Mason and Chevy, two strays that weigh 57 and 72 pounds, respectively.
Big Dogs available for just $30 starting this Thursday include Mason and Chevy, two strays that weigh 57 and 72 pounds, respectively.

Instead, how about giving him a shelter pet that needs a home? Bring him to the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) and let him select a dog or cat to adopt. Not only are pets great companions, but they’re also good for his health. Research suggests that owning a pet reduces stress, drops blood pressure and even lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Dog owners also exercise more because they

Goliath is as sweet as he is handsome.
Goliath is as sweet as he is handsome.

walk and play with their canine. If dad is more of a cat guy, scientists say that the purring of a feline reduces anxiety and its frequency creates a vibration that has the power to help heal bones, tendons and muscles. Ever hear of a tie or mug doing that?

And here’s an added incentive to take your dad to the shelter to get a pet: The FOTAS “Big Dog for Your Big Daddy” Adoption Special. From Thursday, June 14 through Saturday, June 16, all dogs 30 pounds or more will be available for only $30! (Cats and kittens are just $10 all month.)

The shelter has many wonderful big dogs available for dad, including:

Chevy: Nicknamed “Tank” by the Shelter staff, 2-year-old, mixed breed Chevy arrived as a stray with his buddy, Mason. Tipping the scale at 73 pounds, this boy is a true joy to be around and will make a great couch buddy for any dad.

Oscar arrived at the shelter with Bert and Grover.
Oscar arrived at the shelter with Bert and Grover.
Grover is still looking for a forever home.
Grover is still looking for a forever home.
Bert is a big cutie-pie.
Bert is a big cutie-pie.

Mason: Chevy’s BFF, 4-year-old Mason has expressive eyes and a good heart. He loves fetching balls and other toys, as well as rolling around in the grass. This 56-pound boy is starting to get a little depressed that no one has adopted him yet.

Goliath: A strikingly handsome mixed breed, 2-year-old Goliath loves to take car rides. Surrendered because his owners could not afford him, Goliath is 58 pounds of muscle and sweetness.

Preston is a big, happy boy.
Preston is a big, happy boy.

Grover, Oscar and Bert: These three mixed breed dogs are brothers and arrived at the Shelter as strays. They are just a year old and very athletic. Bert is white with black markings and both Grover and Bert are black and brindle. Grover is 72 pounds, Bert is 66 pounds and Oscar is the “runt” at 65 pounds.

Preston: Two years old and 57 pounds, Preston is a happy, playful mixed breed who was picked up and brought to the shelter as a stray. He gets along with most other dogs and is a staff and volunteer favorite.

Adopting a pet is exhilarating, rewarding and gratifying. Whether dad wants a big dog or a tiny kitten, the shelter has a furry friend for him. This Father’s Day, give your dad a present that he not only will love, but also will love him back — unconditionally!

Their lives are in our hands.

— by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

 


saveapetlogo

Pets of the Week

RAY RAY

RAY RAY POTWRetriever mix, female, 3 years old, 39 pounds – $35

 

KATHI

BREE POTWDomestic Shorthair kitten, female, 1-1/2 months old, orange Tabby, 1.3 pounds – $10

2018, Bully Dogs, Dogs, essay, FOTAS, injured animals, News, Pibbles, Spay/Neuter, surrendered pets

Intake Numbers Already Skyrocketing! Please Spay/Neuter Your Pets

Posted on by Angel Hartline
03
Jun

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

puppies on intake may 2018 (3)Think about it … 545 animals. Do the math—that’s more than 17 animals coming into the shelter every single day. And as good as we are at hustling and finding our animals homes locally or in sister shelters up north, we can’t re-home 17 animals every day. We just can’t; the number is too big. Quite frankly, it feels like sweeping back the ocean with a broom, especially during the summer months.

Petunia arrived at the shelter injured and scared. But after being fostered, she's strong and confident enough to be adopted.
Petunia arrived at the shelter injured and scared. But after being fostered, she’s strong and confident enough to be adopted.

Why does this happen?

There really is only one cause: irresponsible pet owners. People who won’t spay and neuter their animals and abandon their unwanted litters of puppies and kittens year after year, and people who surrender their pets to the shelter when they go on vacation rather than make proper arrangements for their care.

In either case, those pet owners make the rest of us pay for their failure to do the right thing because the shelter is funded through your tax dollars. It’s inexcusable. There is financial assistance available for folks who can’t afford the cost of fixing their pet. Also, surely with a little thought and planning, an owner could find someone—a family member, friend, neighbor—who would be willing to care for their pets while they vacation. Seriously.

How can you help?

Right now, we need someone to care for a single puppy or a single kitten for another week until they can get their final shots and be put up for adoption. Because they are babies with no litter-mates, these little fluff-muffins needs some extra TLC.

Second, will someone please, please adopt our newest miracle girl, the beautiful Petunia? Animal control picked up Petunia from the side of the road. She had been hit by a car and was so badly injured, her lung was protruding from her ribs. She was rushed back to the shelter, where Dr. Levy performed her surgical magic. Then she was sent to foster-care to recover. Now, Petunia is a ready to go home. This is one happy, happy girl. She will make someone a fabulous pet.

Petunia goes on a walk with adopted dog, Benny the Beagle.
Petunia goes on a walk with adopted dog, Benny the Beagle.

There are other ways you can help, and we really do need your help.

Volunteer, make a tax-free donation to the cause at www.fotasaiken.org, or become a foster family. Want an even shorter-term bit of canine-love? Take one of our great dogs out for the day or the weekend—they love and appreciate a little time away from the busy shelter.

Finally, please, please, please spay or neuter your animals, and talk your friends and family and your neighbors into spaying and neutering theirs. If you or they cannot afford the cost, you may be eligible for County or FOTAS financial assistance.

Call us at (803) 514-4313 or email us at info@fotasaiken.com and see how you can get involved.

Their lives are in our hands.

 — By Joanna Dunn Samson, FOTAS Vice President

 

paw_print_heart_stickers-r368b69be3802466f8feff0ba57adc012_v9w0n_8byvr_512By the Numbers

In the month of May, the Aiken County Animal Shelter received 545 stray animals and surrendered pets.

 


saveapetlogo

Pets of the Week

 

MAVERICK

MAVERICK POTW JUNE 3 2018Mixed breed, male, 5 years old, tan & white, 46 pounds – $35

 

THOR

THOR POTW JUNE 3RD 2018Domestic Shorthair, male, 2 months old, Orange Tabby, 1.3 pounds – $10

 

animal abuse, Dogs, essay, Foster, FOTAS, News, Training, Volunteers

Terrified Stray Dog Keegan Learns How to Love Again

Posted on by Angel Hartline
27
May

He wouldn’t let anyone pet him for two weeks.

Keegan, a 2-year-old, mid-sized, black Retriever mix, was picked up as a stray in Graniteville and being at a strange, new place full of barking dogs was terrifying. Having no idea how to behave in such a situation, he shut down completely.

It’s not an uncommon scenario at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS). Many homeless dogs and cats brought to 333 Wire Road in Aiken are traumatized before they arrive and have extreme difficulty adjusting to their surroundings.

Keegan overcame his fear to find a new home, but it took time. patience and a lot of human love.
Keegan overcame his fear to find a new home, but it took time. patience and a lot of human love.

“Dogs like Keegan want to be loved, but they don’t have the experience of being loved,” explained Jackie Edel, a FOTAS volunteer who took on the task of fostering Keegan at her home.

While not ready to be adopted in his current condition, the Shelter staff and FOTAS team thought Keegan could gain confidence and learn to trust people in a quieter environment, where he could experience more one-on-one training.

Keegan had to be carried into the house but slowly began accepting Jackie’s direction. Watching the behavior of Jackie’s own four dogs, and being accepted by them, also turned him around. If her dogs – Corgis Maisie and Heath, Border Collie Gabby and Australian Shepherd Julia – trusted and loved Jackie, maybe he could, too.

Jeff Martin and Yellow Retriever Nala help Keegan feel welcome in his new home.
Jeff Martin and Yellow Retriever Nala help Keegan feel welcome in his new home.

“My dogs are older and know the drill,” Jackie said. “They helped him tremendously. I remember the first time Keegan hopped up next to me and licked my face, I almost passed out. I was so surprised and happy for him!”

Once Keegan accepted Jackie, he was ready to meet and accept new people. Jackie brought him for visits to the shelter, walks in the park and downtown, and to FOTAS events like the annual Woofstock Festival. Keegan also hung out with volunteers under the FOTAS tent at the Aiken Charity Horse Show.

Keegan in Jackie Edel's car, learning to socialize with her dogs.
Keegan in Jackie Edel’s car, learning to socialize with her dogs.

It was during this period that FOTAS volunteers Jeff and Bonnie Martin started to notice Keegan. While promoting FOTAS’s programs at the horse show, Bonnie was handed Keegan’s leash and asked to watch him for a little while. That was all it took. Keegan’s sad eyes and timid licks on her hand sealed the deal.

The next day, Bonnie and Jeff introduced Keegan to Nala, their 9-year-old yellow Lab, and the meet and greet was a success as the dogs happily played together. The Martins weren’t really looking for another dog, but that was before they met Keegan and learned about his struggles.

“We made a breakthrough this morning,” Jeff said with a big smile about a week after adopting Keegan. “He took a treat right from my hand instead of waiting for me to put it on the ground. He’s so appreciative, we love having him and he’s doing better each day.”

Their lives are in our hands.

 — by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

paw_print_heart_stickers-r368b69be3802466f8feff0ba57adc012_v9w0n_8byvr_512

By the Numbers

May 1-23: The County Shelter received 435 stray animals and surrendered pets in just three weeks (more than 20 per day). Please spay and neuter your pets and don’t surrender them to the shelter this month unless you have no other options.

saveapetlogo

Pets of the Week

BUTCH and SPIKE POTWBUTCH & SPIKE: Chihuahua mixes, males, 8 years old, 17 pounds – $35 each


CADEN POTW 052718CADEN: Domestic Shorthair, male, 5 months old, Siamese mix, 5 pounds – $10

2018, Cats, community cats, FOTAS, News, Spay/Neuter, TNR Program, Uncategorized

Free TNR Program Saved Community Cats and Made Life Better

Posted on by Angel Hartline
20
May
It started when a good neighbor needed to move. He left his feral cat colony, so my husband began feeding them. But years later, we found ourselves with more than 30 cats in two colonies. We knew we had to do something soon! Last fall, a viral infection or inbreeding caused uncountable and horrible kitten deaths. We reached out to FOTAS for help and they informed us of the County’s Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program.  It’s a free program supplemented by FOTAS that benefits homeless felines and the community. You can trap feral or community cats, get them fixed and their ear tipped (the universal sign of a sterilized cat), and then return them to their outdoor home. We borrowed four humane traps from FOTAS and friends, then got a purchase order number to start the TNR program with the veterinarians on FOTAS’s list.
The TNR program allows community cats to remain outside but keeps their population down.
The TNR program allows community cats to remain outside but reduces their population via spay/neutering.
Initially we took four to eight cats in to get spay/neutered each week by appointments with veterinarians and the Aiken County Animal Shelter, where two are allowed with no appointment. The goal was to get this done prior to spring mating time. We would trap on Monday and Wednesday from 3 p.m. to dusk (so we didn’t trap night wildlife), using several teaspoons of canned food in the trap. We checked the traps every 15 minutes because the trapped cats are terrified until the trap is covered with a beach towel. We then moved the trapped cats to an enclosed building for the night.  If two were caught, they would go to the veterinarian appointment in the morning; and if there were more, they would go to the Aiken County Animal Shelter between 8-9 a.m. The vets did early surgery with same day return while the County had pick-up the next morning. The County Shelter offers their TNR spay/neutering on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Connie Jeffcoat of Wagener picks up two community cats she had spayed at the County Animal Shelter.
Connie Jeffcoat of Wagener picks up two community cats she had spayed at the County Animal Shelter.
We captured most of the cats in 30 days, but then we had to get more creative to trap the smarter cats. We photographed them for easy identification and watched their afternoon habits for better trap placement. We also upgraded the food to sardines (heated slightly) and camouflaged the traps. It worked, and now that all the cats are fixed, we can relax and just enjoy watching the barn and deck colonies. With no more additions to the group, there’s no fighting, yowling and spraying. We are so happy!  Both colonies guard their territory, so no new cats are moving in and that means no kittens to take to the shelter. Thank you to FOTAS and congratulations for getting the State Angel Award for non-profit organizations. Thanks also to all the volunteers, donors, the Aiken County Animal Shelter and Veterinary Services. Everyone we met during this adventure was very kind and helpful. Whether you are feeding one community cat or many more, it is important to stop the population problem. Please help FOTAS meet their goal: no more homeless animals. Working together, we can do this! If you live in Aiken County and want to participate in the TNR program, please call the County Shelter, (803) 642-1537.

— By Lynn Carty

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By the Numbers

May 1-16: The County Shelter received more than 300 stray animals and owner-surrendered pets in just two weeks.

 

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Pets of the Week

mia pet of the week (2)

MIA: Mixed breed, female, 2 years old, black & white, 36 pounds – $35

AMANDA PET OF THE WEEK

AMANDA: Domestic Shorthair, female, 1 year old, tan & black Tabby, 7.5 pounds – $10

2018, Dogs, essay, FOTAS, News, Volunteers

Mother-Daughter Team Helps County Shelter Animals Find Forever Homes

Posted on by Angel Hartline
13
May

Olga Simons and her 17-year-old daughter, Nicole, come to the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) nearly every afternoon to walk and socialize homeless dogs. But after they exercise the homeless canines, the real fun begins.

Olga lays out props for the dogs — hats, tiaras, bow ties, scarfs and even a unicorn horn – while Nicole gets her camera ready to take glamor photos of each one. Nicole has a knack for capturing moments that highlight the personality of each pet.

UNICORN PUP: One of Nicole's terrific, eye-catching photos.
UNICORN PUP: One of Nicole’s terrific, eye-catching photos.

Olga helps her by flashing a treat in front of the dogs’ eyes or squeezing a squeak toy, which perks their ears up. They take photos with and without props since the photos are needed for various audiences. However, a cute glamor shot can catch the attention of a potential adopter and give the shelter pet a second chance at a good life.

Olga gets the attention of Shelter dog Ginger so her daughter, Nicole, can capture some great candids of the cute Pointer mix.
Olga gets the attention of Shelter dog Ginger so her daughter, Nicole, can capture some great photos of the cute Hound mix.

“Nicole and Olga make a great team and have taken some of the most amazing photos of the shelter’s dogs and cats, which have led to many adoptions,” said FOTAS Programs Coordinator Kathy Jacobs. “We post their terrific photos on Instagram and Facebook, and they’re often featured on the County and FOTAS web sites and in the local newspapers.”

Olga and Nicole have always shared a love for animals. Not only do they have three rescue dogs and a rescue cat at home, but they also foster shelter dogs and kittens. They specialize in helping shy, fearful dogs come out of their shell and become more confident canines.

“Helping the dogs and being part of the FOTAS team is fun,” Olga said. It gives us mom-daughter time. We talk while we’re working with the dogs, and it’s nice and relaxing for us.”

The Simons family came to Aiken when Olga’s husband, Scott, retired. It was Scott who discovered FOTAS’s web page and recommended the organization to his wife and daughter. Before moving here from California two years ago, Olga and Nicole volunteered and did similar great work for Fresno Bully Rescue.

Volunteers Olga and Nicole Simons with their latest photo shoot model, Ginger.
Olga and Nicole with their latest photo shoot model, Ginger.

Nicole, who is thinking about pursuing a degree in nursing, has been socializing animals and taking their photos since she was a pre-teen, and says the best part is the happiness she feels when a shelter animal gets adopted.

Her mom agrees.

“We’ve done this for so long, it’s helped us bond,” Olga said. “I was taught by my parents to volunteer, and I wanted her to understand what it’s like to help out and give back to the community. And hopefully she’ll pass along her knowledge and carry on this tradition with her children.”

If you are interested in joining the FOTAS volunteer team, please call the FOTAS hotline at (803) 514-4313 or send an email to info@fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

— by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

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By the Numbers

May 1-10: The Shelter received more than 200 animals in ten days; that’s about 20 homeless pets per day!

 

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Pets of the Week

ZORRO POTW 05132018

ZORRO
Shepherd mix, male, 11 years old, tan & black, 65 pounds – $35

 

CURLY POTW 05132018

CURLY
Domestic Shorthair, male, 10 years old, brown & white Tabby, 17 pounds – $10 (available at Aiken PetSmart store)