But then we moved Mia, the 2-year-old gray Tabby Coco was surrendered with, into Coco’s condo and everything changed. Coco started strutting around and stretching, ate some food and cleaned and groomed her coat, making it gorgeous again. She even took some cat treats from a staff member’s hand. It was then we knew that Mia and Coco were bonded and needed to be adopted together.

Poor Coco and Mia were surrendered by their owners, who didn’t include them in their moving plans. So, now they only have each other.

While not uncommon, bonded adult animals at the shelter tend to take longer to adopt out since people are often seeking one pet to join their other, established pets at home. But Coco and Mia would be perfect for a person or family who doesn’t have any cats and want to add some furry indoor-only felines to their home. Double the cats, double the love! Both Coco and Mia are spayed and can be adopted for just $20.

SHELTER HAS EXTENDED ADOPTION HOURS TUESDAY & THURSDAY
Don’t forget! The ACAS now has extended adoption hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The shelter is open for adoptions until 7 p.m. twice a week to make it more convenient for you to visit and select a homeless pet for your family. The shelter’s adoption hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday — 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday — 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. And on Saturday the shelter is open for adoptions from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

REGISTER TO RUN IN FIRST FOTAS FURRY 5K RACE
Register to run in first FOTAS Furry 5K race A race to benefit the homeless animals at the ACAS is scheduled for Saturday, February 1 at Generations Park in Aiken.

The First Annual FOTAS Furry 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run will feature adoptable dogs from the county shelter and FOTAS will be accepting dog and cat food donations as well as toys, treats and other goodies at the event. Participants can bring their own furry friend to run with them and are encouraged to dress up their dog for the canine costume competition.

The special event is being organized by 2 Girls and a Clock Racing & Timing Services and registration can be done on runsignup.com through Jan. 28. Late comers can also register in person on the day of the event.

The 1-Mile Fun Run starts at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K race begins at 9 a.m. Winners of the 5K will receive awards and prize raffles will be held following the race. For more information about this event, please go to fotasaiken.org.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

PETS OF THE WEEK

PIPPA
Mixed breed, female, 4 years old, red, 56 pounds – $35

ARCHER
Domestic medium-hair, male, 2 months old, Tabby, 2 pounds – $10

“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.

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.

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 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!

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

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.

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

When owners surrender their animals to a shelter, the dog or cat can shut down almost completely. When this happens, they won’t let people pet them and even can show aggression toward staff members. They are often terrified. And angry.  And really confused as to why their humans left without them.

Sometimes people surrendering their pets share stories about how awesome their dog or cat is – but that’s when they are with their owners and feeling secure and safe at home. When the pet comes to a shelter and sees its owner walk out the door, it is a traumatic experience. In fact, the surrendered pet sees it as the worst day of its life. The animal suddenly finds itself in a strange kennel among numerous other animals, eating different food and sleeping in a new bed. It’s overwhelming. While some animals adjust quickly, others can pout and feel depressed for weeks before they start to show their positive qualities.

And this is a fact that folks need to understand. Before you surrender your pets to a shelter, know that the dramatic change of environment can be brutal to their psyche. Your pet loves and trusts you. Even though your decision might be for the best, your dog or cat sees it as the ultimate rejection. A prime example of a pet reacting badly to being surrendered is Lizzie, an 8-year-old Tabby who suddenly found herself at the shelter because someone in the family developed a cat allergy.  Her owner said Lizzie was gregarious and a great lap cat. But ever since she arrived at the shelter, Lizzie hides under a blanket all day, every day. Staff members and volunteers work with her and give her affection, but as soon as they leave her, she scampers back under the blanket.

There are many reasons why people surrender their pets. Some of the more common ones are economic in nature – they can’t afford taking care of the animal’s food and medical needs anymore. Another reason is moving. A landlord may not allow certain pets or breeds, or a retirement home may not allow pets, period. Then there are behavior issues. A cat might be scratching up furniture or having problems finding the litter box, or a dog might be barking too much for the neighbors or chewing on the owner’s favorite shoes. Finally, there are family issues and emergencies that must be addressed, which can make it difficult to care for a pet. For example, the pet’s owner dies and there’s no one to care for it.

But before you make an appointment to surrender your pet, make sure there’s no other alternative.  FOTAS and the shelter do their best to help people keep their pets in their homes. For example, if it is a behavioral issue, that can be improved with training assistance.

Because while FOTAS volunteers and the shelter staff do all they can to make surrendered pets happy, safe and comfortable, they can only spend so much time with them. There are so many other dogs and cats at 333 Wire Road that need the same care.

If you are interested in adopting Lizzie or another homeless pet, please come to the County Shelter or call (803) 642-1537.

Their lives are in our hands.

 — by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

By the Numbers

The County Shelter received 150 homeless dogs and cats during the first two weeks of April!

Pets of the Week

OTIS: Bassett hound mix, male, 5 years old, 34 pounds – $35

LILA: Domestic Mediumhair declawed (front) cat, 1-1/2 years old, gray, 8 pounds – $10