A Public Tribute for the Pets You Love
By Edythe Hubler & Joanna Dunn Samson,
FOTAS Board of Directors
French poet, journalist, and novelist Anatole France said:
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of
one’s soul remains unawakened.”
Those of us who cherish our pets know exactly what he meant. They dance and spin with joy every time we walk through the door. They curl up in our lap and purrrr in total bliss. They keep us warm at night and console us when we’re sad. They make us laugh. Our pets don’t ask for much in exchange – food, a warm place to sleep, someone to throw the ball – maybe a joy ride in the car every so often. It is a symbiotic relationship steeped in trust, love and commitment.
Each year, the Aiken County Animal Shelter takes in thousands of unwanted animals into an outdated, overcrowded,grossly inadequate shelter with improper unhealthy conditions – a statistic that haunts any animal lover. Now, thanks to the unique and highly successful public/private partnership between the County and FOTAS, a new community shelter is expected to open in January, with a facility designed to give proper care, meeting basic shelter standard codes, and giving more adoptable pets a second chance.
For it’s part, FOTAS has agreed to provide the cage banks, kennels and runs, and equipment needs for the shelter, and you can help. The new Aiken County Shelter presents numerous naming opportunities to honor your love of animals and your commitment to their welfare.
The Cedar Creek Ladies Club is sponsoring a Memorial Bench. The Three Runs community has combined resources to sponsor a Tribute Plaque. Three local couples are sponsoring an outdoor courtyard. Two kind women donated the proceeds from the sale of their Labrador puppies to purchase a kennel/run in honor of the proud canine parents. Other individual donors have sponsored the surgical clinic, the adoption room, the reception area, bathing and grooming stations, to name a few. Community organizations like the Aiken Newcomers’ Club is sponsoring a tribute plaque. The enthusiasm and creativity of FOTAS donors is nothing short of breathtaking.
On November 1, FOTAS will order the signs, pavers and tribute plaques to be installed in time for the Grand Opening – all of which honor the love and generosity of FOTAS donors and supporters. This is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate your commitment and compassion to the cause. Join forces with your co-workers or your fellow parishioners to sponsor much needed cat cages or a special kennel/run for vulnerable puppies or sick dogs. Buy a sidewalk paver as a holiday gift for your child to memorialize or honor a favorite pet. Explore all of the possibilities at www.FOTASAiken.org or contact FOTAS at 803.514.4313.
Aiken is and always has been a City and County that cares deeply for its animals. Every adoption, every act of kindness, every gift of time, every donation, no matter how small, underscores the unique and special character of the Aiken community. Please, contact FOTAS today. Find out how you can make a difference in the lives of all those unwanted animals.
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”
Sept. 23 - Sept. 28, 2013
5 dogs and 4 cats -- total 9 pets adopted
Jan. 1 - Sept. 28, 2013, year to date
576 terrific pets adopted
THANK YOU AIKEN COUNTY COMMUNITY!
Aiken County Shelter “Pets of the Week!”
**All adoption fees include: spay/neuter, heartworm test, all shots, worming, and microchip.
MICKEY ---- Chocolate Lab mix, 2 yrs old, 39 lbs. Special cool fella & waiting for you! Only $70.
DALE ---- Domestic short hair tabby. 4 months old.
Purrrr, pick me please! Only $35.
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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.