Woofstock Festival Begins with a Challenge to Youngsters

“Out of the mouths of babes…” says scripture, and we are counting on the children for their wisdom for a very special event.

If you are the parent, grandparent, guardian or role-model of an elementary school-aged child, FOTAS has a wonderful opportunity for you to share with your youngster: help him or her enter “Meg’s Essay Contest.”

Meg is a little brindle terrier who was rescued from the Aiken County Animal Shelter last April.  Her owner is Edie who is in charge of FOTAS’ Woofstock Festival 2012.  The Essay contest honors our County Shelter’s lucky dogs and cats.

The Essay Contest intends to put children in grades 1 through 6 in charge of addressing a key question at the heart of this year’s Woofstock festivities.

Meg’s Essay question for the children to ponder is, “What can we do about all the unwanted puppies and kittens in Aiken County?” 

Last year 5011 unwanted, neglected or abused dogs and cats were received at our county shelter; 3,808 or 76% died there.  As awful as that number is to confront, over the last five years it is down almost 20%.

Let’s ask the children: “What can we do about all the unwanted puppies and kittens?”  Talk to them.  Help them ponder, and write about an answer. 

On November 10^th FOTAS will hold our second Woofstock Festival, “Mutts & Music.”  The organizers have pulled out all the stops in providing a celebration of families and their pets. 

Woofstock is also an essential fund-raiser for FOTAS’ partnership with the county in providing a new county animal shelter, one that is adequate to the humane treatment of its homeless animals, and to the participation of communities bent on reducing those numbers.

The Woofstock Festival of Mutts & Music promises fun activities for all ages: music by 93.9 BobFM, Tony B. of WKSX 92.7 FM, and 4 Cats in the Doghouse.  There will be contests, demonstrations, a Mutt Strut Parade, vendors, crafters, food by the Willcox, Papa John’s, Coach T’s, Papa Russ’ Bar-B-Que, and Brusters.  And we are just getting started.

The Essay Contest will be judged in three “flights:” grades 1 & 2, 3 & 4, and 5 & 6.  Entries must be made on the Official Essay Contest form.  Here are the Rules and how to get a form if you do not already have one:

ESSAY CONTEST RULES

Essays must be received by FOTAS no later than Monday, October 1, 2012.

Contest is open to students in grades 1 - 6.

One winner will be selected from each “flight:” Grades 1-2, 3-4, 5-6.

Each winner will be awarded:

• Chance to co-judge the dog contests at Woofstock (best trick, best kisser & best costume)
• iTunes $10 gift card
• A commemorative Woofstock t-shirt
• 2 free tickets to the Woofstock Festival

Essays must be written on the official form.

To get yours:

Call  803-522-0471 or email woofstock@fotasaiken.org and request one be sent.

Go to the FOTAS website and the Woofstock Tab has everything!

FOTAS wants to hear what the children are saying.   

See you at Woofstock: Mutts & Music 2012!

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”

  August 27^th thru September 2^nd  

  Received: 57 dogs and 43 cats

Adopted: 6 dogs and 3 cats

Put down: 50 dogs and 24 cats

 

Aiken County Shelter “Pets of the Week!” So much LOVE for so little!

ELMER FUDDAmerican Bulldog mix 3 yrs. 51 lbs.   
Super-friendly and great to walk on a leash!  $70 includes everything but the love!

NUGGET –  14-week male tabby.  Cute as a bug that purrs!  $35 for kitty, purr-FREE!

 *All adoption fees include: Spay/Neuter, heartworm test, all shots, worming, and microchip and are half price thru 9/8/12!