When the Alternative is to Let Them Die What Do You Do?

“The most frustrating thing is that I can’t save them all,” says Girl, “No, I can’t.  But I can save that one.  That’s gotta be worth something.”

Fostering puppies is a three-generation effort, to which Courtney, her daughter Girl, and granddaughter Caroline dedicate themselves with passion.  Since they brought their first litter home in February last year, they count at least 60 puppies that they have saved.

It all began with the Steeplechase Ball in 2011, when FOTAS was the beneficiary of the event’s generosity.  Trying to better understand FOTAS, Girl visited the County Shelter and was overwhelmed by how inadequate it was.  Wanting to help, and having many of her own dogs, it was suggested that she try fostering.

There’s an old kennel under Courtney’s house where her husband used to raise hunting dogs.  Cool in summer, simple to heat in winter, with its own segregated pen attached, it offers a perfect setup for a dedicated foster home for the most vulnerable occupants of the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

“I’ve rescued dogs for years,” Courtney said.

“We can do this,” Girl’s said, thinking that it would give her teenage daughter a chance to experience puppies. 

Living right next door to her Grandmother, Caroline jumped right in.  She was with the puppies before school, after school, and even while she did homework.  One time the pups actually did tear it up.  She even wrote an essay trying to persuade her classmates to adopt or foster. 

In the beginning, the foster-trio was able to eventually place their plump healthy puppies with friends.  That list of available vacancies necessarily dwindled.  Now, many of their fosters end up on FOTAS transfers to northern no-kill shelters.  But the trio brought a litter to Woofstock, and they have been known to take them to Petsmart adoption days, trying to place them in good homes.

Fostering is definitely a labor of love.  Courtney cooks rice with chicken or beef, to build up the puny ones.  Caroline keeps clean newspaper down, and her mom administers the meds.  Occasionally, they use a private vet, but it is not required.  The shelter staff backs up their effort with necessary supportive interventions. 

If you think you might like to try fostering puppies or kittens, a process is now in place to make it as easy and rewarding as possible.  You fill out an application and have a simple home inspection to demonstrate adequate facilities.  You do not need to go to the shelter. 

Nor do you need to start with a mother and babies, or a litter.  There are plenty of “lonely-only-ones” who need a good healthy start to have a chance.  Think of these babies, no mother, no litter-mates, alone in that environment.

Yes, it can be hard to finally let them go, but when the alternative is to let them die, what do you do?

The crazy numbers coming in now are mostly puppies and kittens.  Without foster homes to keep them healthy, they stand almost no chance of surviving.   

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 May 14th – 20th 2012  

Dogs taken in: 84

Cats taken in: 88

Dogs adopted: 11

Cats adopted: 12

Dogs euthanized: 76

Cats euthanized: 77

NELLIE -6 week old female kitten. Well socialized and quite a cutie pie!
Half-Price Adoption Fee! $35.00

Aiken County Shelter “Pets of the Week” 

About 3 months old. Two girls and two boys. Cuddly cute, and ready to learn good things! ADOPTION FEE IS HALF-PRICE  $35.00