Tag Archives: PETS AND REDUCING STRESS

2020, Bully Dogs, Doggy Treadmill, Dogs, FOTAS, kennel stress, News, Pibbles, Training

Shelter Treadmill Training Saves Shy and Stressed Out Dogs

Posted on by Bob Gordon
20
Sep

So many of our shelter dogs come from situations of neglect. They have not had training and do not have polished manners, which leads us to the task of teaching them. Dogs thrive on learning and pleasing us. Sometimes though, they have a hard time focusing in a shelter environment. Some feed off the barking of others, some cower in the corner. The treadmill has been an incredible tool to help both types of dog.

Lars is ready and eager to find a loving home. He’s a great dog who loves to go on walks and car rides.

For a scared dog or a shy dog, the motion of walking on the treadmill helps them relax. As they walk, they loosen up and start to focus on us while we praise them and encourage them. I was a huge skeptic when we started using this method. But then I saw many soothed and relaxed by this exercise tool. Dogs that were petrified, dogs that we had to carry to the treadmill, only days later were wagging their tails and trusting us!

Take adoptable dog Lars. He came to us with a dirty ring around his neck and a large scar under his chin, evidence of being tied up or chained. We think the only human touch he received was when he was hit. This poor dog closes his eyes and ducks when you raise your hand.

After five days at the shelter, Lars was acting like a puppy! So happy, so excited to have people love him. However, he also started to get mouthy, jumpy and wanted to wrestle with his walkers. This is typical puppy behavior except Lars is no pup. He is 2 years old and 62 pounds. He shows no aggression but when you are a bully breed and full of muscle, those behaviors can really turn off an adopter. Therefore, we started Lars on the treadmill. Fifteen minutes of walking on the treadmill wore him out enough that he could then focus on learning good behavior. Now, after more training and socializing with staff and volunteers, Lars is ready for adoption and longing for a home of his own.

Lars is 2 years old, 62 pounds and has a lot of love to give. Treadmill training at the shelter has helped to reduce his kennel stress.

Thanks to donations from our supporters, we are able to continuously invest in tools to help our shelter pets. We want the best for them and work hard to make them adoptable and to be successful in their new homes.

In 2020, from January until July, the shelter adopted out 1,395 animals! Our treadmill training is a key program that helps make this possible by keeping our dogs mentally and physically active.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2020, Cats, FIV positive felines, FOTAS, News, Shelter staff, Volunteers

Simba: Unforgettable Tabby Cries for Hugs from Shelter Staff

Posted on by Bob Gordon
20
Aug

Last year, 4,000 animals arrived at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) and it can be overwhelming to remember them as they are adopted to new homes or reunited with their owners. But there are certain pets in need that are such loving, charming characters, they steal your heart and become etched in your mind forever.

Simba, a chubby-cheeked orange Tabby who is currently available for adoption, fits in this special category.

Simba, an FIV+ orange Tabby, loves getting attention from the Shelter staff and volunteers, and they love hugging him.

Besides being cute and charismatic, Simba acts more like a dog than a cat. He often cries when people walk through the shelter lobby, past his cat condo. Eventually, a staff member or volunteer will open his kennel door to give him some attention. After 30 seconds of getting petted, Simba puts his paws on their right shoulder and climbs into their arms. Simba has a low meow that sounds like a grunt and when he’s happy, he purrs and meows repeatedly. Then his eyes become half-closed and he gently bumps his face into their chin to show his appreciation.

Most everyone is a bit affected by COVID-19 anxiety these days, and the shelter staff is no exception. So throughout the day, employees stop by Simba’s cat condo to say hello or pick him up for a warm hug. A quick cuddle with fluffy, 10-pound Simba is a real stress reducer.

Super Simba arrived at the shelter about three weeks ago. His owner surrendered the 3-year-old kitty because he didn’t get along with her other cats. Simba doesn’t like to share his humans.

After the medical staff treated, examined and tested Simba, they discovered he has Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or FIV. FIV infection is transmitted primarily by deep bite wounds. It is not transmitted sexually or through casual contact with another cat.

Simba will be missed and remembered by the staff and volunteers long after he’s adopted.

Infected cats like Simba can live a completely normal and long life. However, there’s a chance he may at some point succumb to the feline virus, which attacks the immune system and allows him to become vulnerable to other infections. Also, FIV positive cats should be kept indoors to prevent them from being exposed to other diseases. Simba will be a perfect indoor-only cat since he loves the luxuries of life and being with his humans.

Simba is a special cat. He’s one of those rare homeless pets that we will miss and remember long after he’s adopted. But he desperately needs a loving home where he can be the only cat and start living life away from the shelter. He needs a family of his own.

If you would like to adopt Simba, please make an appointment to see him by calling the ACAS at (803) 642-1537, option #5, or email to info@fotasaiken.com.

In the meantime, the volunteers and staff will take turns giving him hugs.

Their lives are in our hands.


— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director