FOTAS Resolutions for a Healthy Happy New Year

 FOTAS wishes everyone a very Happy New Year, especially our dedicated volunteers and generous supporters.   What we have accomplished so far is astounding. 

Expect news in upcoming weeks:  plans for our New County Shelter; miraculous blessings to advance our Transfer Program; along with heart-warming and heart-wrenching tales from day-to-day operations. 

Today, in the spirit of the New Year, we address a seasonal subject whose benefits multiply when undertaken.  We speak, of course, of exercise.

Who doesn’t begin the New Year hoping to fit into last year’s pants?  Who doesn’t celebrate with firm resolve to improve on or rectify the past?  And what’s one of New Year’s most common resolutions?  Lose weight and get healthy. 

To that end, FOTAS recommends the following step-by-step program:

1. Adopt one of our wonderful dogs at the Aiken County Animal Shelter.  Research shows that people who have a dog are healthier and happier than those not so fortunate.  (Hurry down!  Half-Price special has been extended through 1/7!)

2.     Outfit your companion with a comfortable collar or harness, and leash.  Other considerations for those with special needs to follow below.

3.     Set out daily for parts known and unknown (new sights and sniffs are good for the brain); and,

4.     Repeat often and reap the health benefits: physical, emotional, and social (you will meet other happy people on routine walks).

There are modifications one can make to this simple regimen.  For instance, if you already have a rescued dog you can skip step one.  Or, for double benefits, you might consider heading out to the County Shelter, walking your dog, and then taking one of our not-so-fortunate residents out for a walk as well.

If you do not have a dog of your own, and prefer to maintain your dog-free status, there are 17 cages full of adoptable dogs who will improve their chances of a successful home if they develop the good citizen skills required to walk on a leash.  You could help make that difference in their lives.

If you are new to this approach to improving physical and mental health, there are volunteer coordinators on site at the County Shelter every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday morning to assist you in a successful beginning. 

For those who have special needs pets or desire to perfect this fitness art, Sunday the 8^th Sybil Davis, DVM, of Aiken Pet Fitness & Rehab will offer a Pet Fitness Seminar.   “Learn how to keep your dog strong and fit through all life stages.”  To sign up, or for info, call 803-226-0012 or e-mail info@petfitnessandrehab.com. 

On Saturday the 7^th the third annual FOTAS Hunter Pace will be at Three Runs Plantation accompanied by a luncheon for non-equestrians, too.  See “HUNTER PACE” on our

website.  Additionally, some of our special pets will be available at Petsmart for the last day of our half-price special. Big weekend.

If none of this suits, may we suggest you adopt a very fine cat?  Join FOTAS in 2012 having the best year ever!

FOTAS Volunteers work with the AIKEN COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER, 411 Wire Road.  For more information, contact “info@fotasaiken.org” or visit FOTAS on line at www.fotasaiken.org

Aiken County Animal Shelter:  “By the Numbers”

For Dec. 19th thru 25th    

Dogs taken in: 29

Cats taken in:  8

Dogs adopted: 12

Cats adopted: 4

Dogs euthanized:  21

Cats euthanized:  47

Aiken County Shelter “Pets of the Week” 

 

ALFIE  2-year old Pitt

Already a sweetie, 

this guy is going to be gorgeous in a loving home. 

One week only ½ PRICE!

 

CHIEF  – Young adult

This picture says it all.  He’s a love looking for a lap.   

Start his year right for only $35!