From The Aiken Standard:
Updated: 12/24/2009 2:15 PM
Puppies are no different. The Aiken County Animal Shelter has begun a program to give puppies a chance at survival. Each month, an average of between 400 and 600 animals are brought to the shelter where there are only 13 adoptable kennels. The shelter is brought more animals than for which it has space, and despite being adoptable, nine of 10 animals don't make it out alive.
As the number of animals continues to increase, the issue of space also increases. To ensure more pets are adopted, the shelter and Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS) have developed a foster care program for puppies. The program is an expansion of a foster program already in place.
"We have had a foster program for a while for sick animals who will get better; often they just have kennel cough," said Sandy Larsen, a veterinary technician at the shelter. "We just started the foster program with puppies. Being here is stressful for them with the barking and so many different people handling them. The big battle is to keep the puppies from getting sick while they are waiting to get their shots."
"This is just one of the many reasons we need expansion," said Jennifer Miller, FOTAS board member. "There is no place to have them, and it is horrible to have to euthanize these puppies."
Larsen explained that puppies who have been fostered will receive priority and will not be euthanized when they are brought back.
"Puppies go fast, and even after they stay an additional 30 days after their shots, they are often transferred to no-kill shelters," Larsen said.
Puppies must be at least 12 weeks old to be adopted; therefore, the longest foster period would be about 10 to 12 weeks.
"Puppies are weaned at six weeks. They get their first shots at five weeks, wait two weeks, get their second shots, and then after two more weeks they can be placed back at the shelter," Larsen said.
"We are sending out an urgent plea to the community to help us foster puppies because there is not space," Miller said.
In addition to the foster program, the shelter is seeking volunteers to walk the dogs and help make them adoptable.
"Volunteers make such a difference," Miller said.
FOTAS is in the midst of fundraising and encouraging the County to expand the shelter.
"We hope the County will do the much-needed expansion they talk about. The goal is 50 adoptable shelters," Miller said. "The shelter is over 20 years old and was built to hold 200 animals and handle about 100 calls a month. With the growth in Aiken, the shelter now receives 500 to 600 calls a month, and the shelter hasn't changed."
The next fundraising event is Jan. 9 at Three Runs Plantation. FOTAS will hold a combined test and dressage show with all proceeds going to the shelter. Those interested in competing should call Mary Lou Welch (803) 215-8917.
Anyone interested in fostering or volunteering should call the Aiken County Animal Shelter at 642-1537.
Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com.
