Sunday, December 30, 2012

Children Offer Advice about Our Homeless Puppies and Kittens


Last summer, as the Woofstock Festival approached, as images of the new Aiken County Shelter appeared, and as FOTAS kicked off its first community-based SNAP (Spay/Neuter Assistance Program), we invited elementary school children to write an essay for prizes. 
In the Essay Contest flyers, Meg, the Woofstock Festival mascot, posed the question, “What can we do about all the unwanted puppies and kittens?”  Children were given until October 1st to submit their reply.  Here are some highlights:
“We just adopted a fun loving puppy.  That has given me more time to learn about dogs and how wonderful they are... I think it would a good idea if the FOTAS picked out some dogs that were calm.  Then the dogs could go stay at a nursing home for a while because it is helpful for lonely people to have a dog to love.
The more the dogs go out in the community the more people would see and want to adopt them.”  Sophia, age 9, 4th grade.
“I think what you should do about the animals is try to get them adopted.  I know that’s obvious, but you should try various locations at the same and at different times…I think what you’re doing is the best!  It’s what I want to do when I grow up.”  Sofia, age 11, 6th grade.
“I’ve been to an animal shelter.  I think that the animals need more space to run and play.  They also need more food…  They also need toys to play with.  I hope they get everything they need from a family that loves and cares for them.”  Christian, age 7,  2ndgrade.
“I got a kitten at the animal shelter… He likes to play with me.  He is cuddly.  I think people should get kittens and cats, because cats and kittens are fun.”  Noah, age 7, 2ndgrade.
I think we should give the puppies to the farmers around Aiken…  The farmers can train the puppies early because, you know, the puppies are very trainable.  I think the farmers would be very happy to know that they are going to get a working-dog.” Sydney, age 10, 5thgrade.
“…I love animals and I hate to see them on the streets and/or abandoned.  Also, I don’t like seeing them in the kennels… So I would love if people could help in two ways.  1. Donate to the FOTAS so if anything is wrong with the animals, they can fix them. 2. Adopt the animals.  My family adopted their dogs.  Abby, age 10, 5thgrade.
“When someone adopts a dog or a kitten show them other cats or dogs that get along good and like each other.  Or you could offer foster before someone thinks about adopting so they know how the dog behaves so they won’t get returned.  Also you can get the cats and dogs spayed and neutered.” Macy, age 9, 4thgrade.
Out of the mouths of babes, insights on responsible pet ownership and the many joys rescued animals can bring.  Happy New Year to all!
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”

November  2012 vs  2011 
Received
306
369
Adopted
  60
  72
Transferred
  47
  36
Euthanized
229
288

 Aiken County Shelter “Pets of the Week!”

All adoptions ½ price through tomorrow, 12/31!

AMBER2 yrs. 46 lbs. Boxer mix.  Not just beautiful, but sweet too! 
This long time resident is Still only $35!                           
CHAD – 2yrs. 39 lbs. American Bull Dog mix.  This guy is a sweetheart!  Start the year with a great best friend. 

 

 

*All adoption fees include: Spay/Neuter, heartworm test, all shots, worming, and microchip.


Tuesday, December 25, 2012

The Right Dog Can Save a Grieving Child’s Christmas

Chase’s mom, Tristan, had been in and out of the hospital pretty near all his young life.  Two liver transplants failed to save her and she passed away last June, a devastating loss for the seven-year-old.

Chase went to live with his mom’s big sister Adadra, her husband, their three young children, and his grandma.  Even the great-grans live behind their property in Williston.  
A photograph of the smiling child and his lovely young mother depicts the change in the boy since his mother’s passing. Duplicate pairs of hazel-blue eyes smile out of glowing faces framed by auburn hair and matching red tops.  When his mother diedthe child withdrew into the darkness of his grief.
Chase always wanted a dog, and as his eighth birthday approached on November 30th, the family decided that it might be good for the boy to have one.  They had a big fenced yard, and a dog might help the child to find his way back to a smiling childhood.
They decided on a rescue and looked for shelters in the area.  
“Barnwell County’s shelter was closed,” Adadra said, “So that’s what brought us to Aiken.”
“There were lots and lots of really cute dogs, but they were really feisty.  I think Chase was a little overwhelmed.
They were about to leave and continue on to other shelters when a volunteer dog-walker came up with young red dog who seemed very calm.
“It was truly something amazing to see,” said Adadra, “It was as if the dog knew Chase and Chase knew the dog.  She walked up to him quietly and when Chase knelt to pet her, she gave him her paw.”
The boy lit up. “I want this one!” he said, “And I’m going to call her Charlee.”
Chase took Charlee for a walk up the trails.  She was perfect.  Even when coaxed to continue looking to be really sure, he insisted that Charlie was the one.
Chase and Charlee
“They picked each other,” Adadra said, “Charlee is so sweet and calm.  Even with our six-month-old baby she is gentle.  It’s like she knows…”
Chase and Charlee are inseparable.  They go for a jog in the morning around the yard, and Chase’s grandma made Charlee a bed and she sleeps right next to Chase every night.  Charlee even has her own stocking to hang for Santa.
“It’s practically full already,” Adadra laughs.
The tiny miracle that began in the tight confines of the Aiken County Shelter has convinced one Williston family that the unquestioning love and companionship of the right dog can be the best medicine there is.
“I’d recommend it to anyone,” Adadra says, and you know she is thinking about her young nephew and the way a rescued dog helped him laugh again.
Find love at the shelter.  If you don’t quite believe it, try fostering for Christmas. There is no better medicine than the love of the right dog.  Ask Chase, and Merry Christmas to all!

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”


Happy Stats for 2012   

FOTAS Transfer Program shipped 511 dogs to great homes up north this year!

FOTAS Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) and Lenny’s Brigade fixed over 160 cats and dogs in Wagener-Salley since 8/1!

 Aiken County Shelter “Pets of the Week!”

MAGGIE - 16 weeks.  This Gal is a cuddler! 
                                   Take her home for Christmas for only $35                              
     


KINDLE This youngster would love you to try him in your home for the holidays.  Only $35   

All adoptions ½ price for the rest of the year!  Foster for Christmas!


*All adoption fees include: Spay/Neuter, heartworm test, all shots, worming, and microchip.