The FOTAS volunteers and County Shelter staff are pulling
for Wilma because she is almost
magnificent.
Big, bold, red-gold Wilma came to the shelter as a
stray. That was almost two months
ago. In addition to her seventy pounds,
Wilma is young, perhaps two, and part Akita.
Wilma is our story.
On top of Jennifer’s role as FOTAS CEO, she still takes dogs
out when there is a lull in volunteer activity at the shelter. On one of these occasions, Jennifer hooked a
leash on the large yellow dog and found herself “water skiing” behind the
crazed animal to the exit door.
It is routine for the FOTAS volunteer coordinators to work
with dogs who have never known a leash, or had any human have any consistent
expectations for their behavior. In
Wilma’s case, her strength and determination prompted Jennifer to ask the
volunteers if Wilma was a problem.
Given their response, Jennifer called Brad, a professional
trainer with Palmetto Dog Club, who went out to the County Shelter to see if he
could help.
Brad watched Wilma tow the experienced volunteer, Caroline,
toward the door and added a large training chain to the process before leaving the
building. Once outside, when Wilma lunged
for another dog, Brad stepped in.
All Wilma knew was, “If you pull me, I pull you,” so Brad
made sure she did not pull, even if he had to lift her off her feet to avert
traction. When she tried to jump on him,
he corrected her firmly, clearly, and calmly. Pop.
Within minutes, Wilma was looking up at Brad for her next
instruction. After twenty minutes she
would heel. He added super-calm Grover
as a walk-along, and after a few pop-corrections Brad had Wilma going for a
walk beside another dog.
As he walked with the volunteers, Brad explained how they
could continue Wilma’s education. By the
end of their walk when Grover lay down, Wilma lay next to him. Ultimately, Brad had both dogs with him heeling. Wilma growled. Pop. She
stopped.
Brad pressed Wilma really hard. He pushed her down on the ground. He was rude to her to see if she would be
rude back. Nothing.
“She’s not mean,” he says, “She just didn’t know anything. Nothing.
And she has a built-in protective instinct, so with other dogs it’s like
she was thinking, I’ll get you before you get me.”
Now Wilma looks for Caroline to come work with her four days
a week. Wilma walked politely past
another dog in the hall, and Caroline discovered that Wilma loves to play ball.
Given Wilma’s super progress Caroline marvels what could be accomplish if she
were schooled every day.
Wilma is a lot of dog, and she is not for just anyone. But with the time, the skills, and the
dedication to invest in this dog, you will produce a truly magnificent best
friend and a devoted protector.
If you are that special someone, the FOTAS Team wishes you our
Wilma to love.
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 June 25th thru 30th 2012
Received: 45 dogs and 62 cats
Adopted: 6 dogs and 3 cats
Transferred: 25 dogs (A new record!)
Euthanized: 29 dogs and 53 cats
Aiken County Shelter “Pets of the Week”
All Pets Half-Price thru July 7th!!
 |
| WILMA - 2 yrs, 70 Lbs. She will remain ½ price because she badly needs a special home! $35 |
 |
|
GROVER – Boxer, 2 yrs. This sweet gentle boy is eager to
please. Take him home for only $70.
All adoption fees include: Spay/Neuter, heartworm test, all
shots, worming, and microchip!
|
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Your comments and input are always welcome. We appreciate any suggestions or thoughts that will help FOTAS with their goal to help the Aiken County Animal Shelter become a happy, healthy place that never has to euthanize an adoptable pet.