Colt is a loving boy who has been on the adoption floor the longest. He has gone home with volunteers for overnights and we have learned that he is housetrained and grateful for all kindness given to him. Colt came to the shelter with bullet fragments in him! We don’t know why someone would want to shoot this sweet guy. We only know that he is lovable and very ready to find his forever home. He is beginning to show signs of depression from being in a kennel too long. This boy wants to be your TV-watching couch buddy.

Lucy is a squishy and sweet Boxer mix. Poor Lucy is afraid of thunderstorms, which we have had many of this month. We really need to get her into a home and make her more comfortable. She is the first dog walked by volunteers each morning as she is very housebroken (and like all the others listed) will not eat her breakfast until she goes out for a walk. When you make a kissing sound, she will sit and give you a kiss!

Loki came to the shelter looking skeletal. He was so sad and hungry, and grateful for receiving our care. When the staff first brought him a large bed and a bowl full of food, in all honesty I think he was smiling. He is just the sweetest boy, and he will appreciate whoever gives him a good life! Dogs who have been neglected show such incredible love to those who save them.

You may notice a theme here…there are no 10-pound dogs sitting at the shelter. The dogs who desperately need homes are on the larger side. You can be a grouchy, small dog and still find a home. But our medium to large dogs who often have the best manners and show so much affection, are the ones who seem to sit in kennels the longest, waiting to be chosen and adopted. Please help us find loving homes for these forgotten dogs.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

Of course, adoption is a long-term commitment – so you want to be sure you are prepared and organized before making such a life-changing decision. Here are some tips that will help make your adoption a happy and successful experience:

1. Select a pet that fits your lifestyle. Puppies are great for young couples or families with kids. But if you are working all day or collecting Social Security, you’re better off going with an adult dog (or cat) that’s already formed her personality and doesn’t have so much energy. If you have a big house and a fenced-in yard, a big dog is a perfect match. But if your place is small and you’re going to be walking your dog, a smaller or medium-sized version is probably your better choice.

2. Don’t surprise significant others (or your landlord). Make sure everyone in your home is on board with adopting a pet. Getting a pet is a terrific way to celebrate a birthday or special holiday – just not as a surprise gift. What if the person receiving the pet doesn’t like her? Then that pet has to come back to the shelter, which is tough on both the animal and the gift recipient. You’re much better off bringing everybody to the shelter and finding a pet everyone likes and who bonds with everyone. Also, if you live with your parents or have a landlord, make sure they are aware of your plans to bring home a new pet.

3. Take it slow and be patient with your new pet. Shelter life is hard on animals. They’ve gone through a lot and need time to decompress and get their bearings. Always follow the 3-3-3 rule when you adopt. For the first three days, your pet may be overwhelmed and stressed by a new home and family. Pay special attention to her, keep her separate from your other pets when you’re not home and don’t let her outside without supervision. After three weeks, your pet realizes she’s living with you for awhile and becomes more relaxed. As a result, her daily behavior becomes more routine. She is now responsive to training and showing her true personality (everyone who adopts from the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) receives a free training session with one of our dog experts). At the three-month mark, your pet is confident that you love and cherish her. She knows she’s part of the family!

In the first 14 days of this month, the ACAS took in 182 strays and surrendered pets. We are overwhelmed and the shelter is full. If you’re ready to find your furry soulmate, please stop in and see our wonderful animals. We’re located at 333 Wire Road and open for adoptions every day except Sunday.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

I salute you for your wisdom and your humanity. Quite simply, you rock!

So, you hop into your car and head over to the Aiken County Animal Shelter, and there you find dogs of every color and shape, age, and gender. Some dogs bounce around their kennels, some bark, some cower in the corner, and then there’s that goofy-looking spotted mutt in Kennel 12 calmly assessing every passerby with a look that says, Are you the one?

Overwhelming, right? Here’s the good news: county adoption staff and FOTAS volunteers are there to help you choose. There are a number of factors to consider.

Do you live alone or with a family? Do you have small children? Are there other dogs in your home? Cats? Do you work all day? Do you have an outdoor area for your dog to run and play? Is your idea of heaven a hike through the Hitchcock Woods or a night on the couch watching Law and Order reruns? Do you prefer small dogs or large dogs?

Of course, there are no hard and fast rules, but there are some guidelines that may help. For example, if you live alone and work all day, you might want to adopt a mature, even a senior dog, who is happy keeping your place on the couch warm until you return. If you have small children, you might consider a calm, gentle dog that won’t accidently knock your toddler over in an exuberant burst of affection.

If you’re an active person who spends lots of time outdoors, then a younger, energetic dog would make a great companion. On the other hand, if your idea of rigorous activity is gardening, you might look for a companion that is happy to stroll around the yard with you and watch for squirrels while you weed.

Do you have another dog? Is that dog sociable with other dogs, indifferent, or dog aggressive? Do you need a dog that likes, or at least, tolerates cats?

You get the picture. Shelter staff and FOTAS volunteers will explore all these issues with you to help you make the right choice for your life and circumstances. Why? Because a wrong choice only increases the chance that the dog you select might end up in the shelter . . . again.

But here’s the thing: despite our best efforts to help you make rational choices, the heart isn’t always an obedient servant. Maybe you’ll walk through the kennels and lock eyes with that goofy-looking spotted mutt in Kennel 12 and inexplicably, somewhere deep in your soul, desire sparks love and your spirit responds to Are you the one? with Yes! I am the one.

You know what? That’s okay, too. We’re suckers for a good love story.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice President

BY THE NUMBERS

From Nov. 1 to 15, the Aiken County Animal Shelter received 182 strays and surrendered pets – an average of 12 animals per day. Please spay/neuter your pets!

PETS OF THE WEEK

JAY
Mixed breed, male, 5 years old, brindle & white, 67 pounds – $35

DINA
Domestic Shorthair kitten, female, 2 months old, Calico, 2 pounds – $10