Tag Archives: veteran and active military adoption special

2021, Dogs, FOTAS, Military Veterans, News, Service Dogs, Veterans

Working Together to Save Veterans and Homeless Dogs

Posted on by Bob Gordon
04
Aug

Memorial Day is a holiday to honor the more than one million men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. However, it is also a time to think about the people who made it home but are struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other war-related mental health conditions.

These military veterans are still in danger and need our help. So, FOTAS works closely with Veterans K9 Solutions to provide these men and women with service dogs that reduce their anxiety and improve their quality of life.
PTSD is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, night terrors and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. If the condition isn’t treated, it can lead to suicide.

Blue when he took service dog instruction.

“It’s so important for these veterans to get service dogs because the PTSD causes them to stay home and shut themselves off from people,” explained Jerry Lyda, who co-founded Veterans K9 Solutions with his son, Jay. “These dogs give them a ‘battle buddy’. When they’re depressed, the dog can relieve them of that pain and reduce their anxiety.”

Saving two lives at a time
In 2013, the United States Department of Veteran Affairs released a study which showed that roughly 22 veterans were dying by suicide per day, or one every 65 minutes. With the added anxiety created by COVID-19, that number will likely rise in 2020 and 2021.

But adopting and training a homeless dog to be a service animal can help this crisis and be the ultimate win-win.

“The dogs get a second chance for a good life and the veterans get a dog on which they can rely and trust. They can tell the dog all their problems and issues, and that loyal pet won’t judge them or let them down.” By focusing on the dog, the veteran also doesn’t think too much about their own situation. This helps improve their quality of life to a level we take for granted.

There have been many service dog success stories as a result of the FOTAS – Veterans K9 Solutions collaboration, but Jerry points to County Animal Shelter dog, Blue, as one of his most memorable canine students. Blue helped veteran Rev. Bill Klein get through some tough times and was his constant companion for years, until the veteran’s heart gave out on him. Even then, Blue stayed at Klein’s side in the hospital until he passed. Now Blue serves and comforts Klein’s widow.

FOTAS sponsors military/veteran adoptions
If you are a U.S. veteran or active in the U.S. military and need a service dog, please send a brief email to info@fotasaiken.org. There is no cost for the adoption or training. And remember, FOTAS proudly sponsors the adoption fees for all active U.S. military and veterans year-round.

County Shelter dog Blue with Bill Klein & his wife.

Their lives are in our hands.

— Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2020, adopter feedback, Adoption, coronavirus crisis, Dogs, FOTAS, kittens, News, Veterans

FOTAS Provides Complimentary Adoptions to Veterans Year-Round

Posted on by Bob Gordon
13
Nov

This Wednesday, November 11th is Veterans Day. Held on the anniversary of the end of World War I, it is an important holiday that honors U.S. veterans and thanks them for serving our country.

FOTAS supports our armed forces and recognizes the benefits that veterans and active military personnel can experience from the company of a shelter cat or dog, So, we launched a veterans adoption program on Veterans Day, 2015. At first, we only offered discounts during November and then we offered half-price adoptions for veterans and active military throughout the year. But in 2018, FOTAS decided to make it possible for U.S veterans and active U.S. military personnel to adopt a dog or cat from the Aiken County Animal Shelter for no charge, year-round.

Mason Lamb cuddles with kitten Calli.

“Now, every day is Veterans Day at the County Animal Shelter,” said FOTAS President Jennifer Miller. “It is our small way to show gratitude to the men and women who serve our country and make sacrifices to protect and defend our freedoms.”

Veteran John Corda and his wife adopted Paislee, a senior Bassett Hound mix, last month and were surprised when they were told FOTAS was paying the adoption fee.

“It’s a great program that needs to be promoted more,” John said. “I told my friends about it and let them know the whole experience at the shelter was wonderful and how happy we are with our new pet.”

Larry and Esperanza Lamb just adopted a Calico kitten from the County Shelter and benefitted from the FOTAS veteran/military adoption program. Larry is in the reserves, so the family’s adoption of little Calli was paid for by FOTAS.

“Calli and my 3-year-old son are inseparable,” Esperanza said. “We knew about the veteran special when we went to look for a pet. I think it is a really good program. I know the animals need the homes and I think the veterans appreciate the generosity. It’s nice to be appreciated for what you do.”

The Cordas adopt senior Bassett Hound mix Paislee. FOTAS paid for the adoption to thank John Corda, a U.S. veteran, for his service.

It is always rewarding when pets in need bring joy to their adopters, and the veteran/military adoption program has resulted in many successful match-ups.

“Sable and Shadow are sleeping right under my feet as we speak,” said veteran Jerry Hufnagel, who adopted two senior Pomeranians, Sable and Shadow, from the ACAS in August. “They’ve been really good companions during this time I’ve had to stay in because of COVID-19. They are always nearby me, keeping me company.”

If you are currently active in the military or a veteran, please take advantage of your complimentary adoption. Make an appointment to visit one of our homeless pets by calling the ACAS at (803) 642-1537. The ACAS is nearly at full capacity and these pets are desperate to find loving homes soon.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2019, Adoption, Dogs, FOTAS, Military Veterans, News, Therapy Dogs, Veterans

Memorial Day: A Time to Reflect with an Adopted Pet at your Side

Posted on by Bob Gordon
27
May

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

Bonding closely with a pet can be a powerful and healing experience. It is with this in mind that each month, FOTAS proudly sponsors the adoption fees for five active military and veterans. Paying for these Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) adoptions is our small way of thanking the men and women who protect and serve our country.

“It’s awesome that you offer this program,” said Steven Vandiver, who adopted a kitten from the Aiken County Animal Shelter in January. “It’s important because having a pet is comforting and reassuring to the vets who come back from overseas, especially if they are suffering from anxiety or PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Having an animal to focus on tends to make things easier for them.”

Memorial Day can be an especially emotional time for veterans as they think about their peers who didn’t make it back safe, but instead made the ultimate sacrifice.

Each month, FOTAS pays for five adoptions of County Shelter animals to vets and active military personnel. The special program is in its third year.

“I look upon the day as a time to reflect on your friends who didn’t make it back,” said Stephen Guidry, who took advantage of the FOTAS sponsorship by adopting Duke, a skinny German Shepherd who’s since filled out into a hearty weight. Guidry served in the military from 2010 to 2018, which included tours in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Veterans often come to the County Animal Shelter to find a therapy pet or service animal. Dogs and even cats help them transition back into a normal day-to-day life. When a veteran connects with the right pet, it can change both their lives for the better. The pet gets a loving forever home and the veteran receives unconditional love and support, which reduces stress, depression, loneliness and anxiety.

Jim Santa Maria, who adopted two Retriever puppies from the ACAS through the FOTAS veterans sponsorship program, has been fortunate to have never sustained the scars of war, but during his two decades in the Air Force he’s seen a number of his peers suffer PTSD and other emotional problems. Santa Maria and his wife, Patti, live in Ohio but each month he works one week at the Air National Guard base in McEntire.

Steven Vandiver, a veteran who served 15 years in the U.S. Army, adopted Wesley as a kitten through the FOTAS Veterans and Military Adoption Program. Now a year old, the gray and black Tabby still likes to greet Steven and his daughter, Jade, by climbing on their shoulders

“I think for our men and women who serve in the desert and then come back to the States — some of them going on three or four deployments during their service — connecting to an animal can provide comfort and make them feel like they belong here,” he said. “Pets can help them make that difficult adjustment back into civilian life.”

If you, a family member or a friend are a veteran or currently serving in the military, be sure to visit the Aiken County Animal Shelter and find a furry companion. The shelter is located at 333 Wire Road in Aiken. Our new hours are 11:00 to 5:00 Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 11:00 to 7:00 on Tuesday and Thursday; and 11:00 to 4:30 on Saturday.

Their lives are in our hands.

BY THE NUMBERS

In April, the County Animal Shelter received 335 strays and surrendered pets. As of May 23, the shelter has already taken in 373 homeless animals this month.

PETS OF THE WEEK

FANCY
Boxer mix, female, 1 year old, 46 pounds – $35


ANNIKA
Domestic Longhair, female, 2 months old, black & gray Tabby, 1.5 pounds – $10