A Second Chance for Terrance

A Second Chance for Terrance

by Joanna Dunn Samson, FOTAS Board of Directors

as seen the "Aiken Standard", 10-27-13

“I came to Toni and Gary’s house in a cage in the back of a pick-up truck.  I left their house in the back seat of a BMW.  I couldn’t believe my good fortune.” 

Forever grateful, Punkin (nee Terrance)

Remember Terrance? The handsome little strawberry blonde pit bull mix that ended up in the Aiken County Animal Shelter?  Who so impressed the staff with his sweet willingness, they had FOTAS move him to experienced foster parents, Toni and Gary Urben, so he could be nursed back to health in a loving, healthy environment?

When we wrote about Terrance a couple of weeks ago, he had made excellent progress at Toni and Gary’s.  He put on some weight.  His coat turned soft and shiny.  He integrated seamlessly into the Urben household with their other 3 dogs.

Because Terrance was so special, Toni and Gary went on a mission to find him a forever home.  They sent emails and photos of Terrance to everyone they knew. They made phone calls. They asked their friends to make phone calls.

Dottie and John Paul of Beech Island were among the folks who expressed interest in meeting Terrance.  Long time dog lovers, they had recently lost two of their four dogs.  They were heartsick from the loss, but Zelda, their Boston terrier, was particularly sad and lonely without her pals.

Dottie and Paul drove to the Urben’s house to meet Terrance on a Monday afternoon.  After spending just an hour with him, they too fell in love with this sweet young dog. When they left, Terrance went with them, curled up in the backseat of their BMW.

If Dottie and Paul were at all nervous about how Terrance and Zelda would get along, their fears quickly dissipated.  Zelda and Terrance were fast friends, as you can see from their photo.  The Paul’s renamed him Punkin, gave him his own bed, and began the process of getting to know him.

It didn’t take long.  “He’s so smart,” says Dottie, “he figured out the pet door right away.  He was completely house trained almost immediately.  When Paul says ‘Bed time!’ he shakes himself off his cushion and goes immediately into his crate.”

Punkin takes naps curled up next to Paul.  He and Zelda share her toys and play all day.  Even their Jack Russell gives him a go every morning.  

If you ask Punkin, he would surely say “Listen up, folks: I have arrived and I am staying.”  

Yes you are, Punkin.  You are finally home.

Not every story ends this well, and the difference is often the thoughtful care of foster parents like Toni and Gary, who are willing to share a bit of food, some peace and quiet, a few days of patience, a box stall, and a corner of their garage.

You can make a difference in the lives of these unfortunate animals.  Please consider becoming a foster family.  Call FOTAS at 803-514-4313 to learn how.

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”

Oct. 14 - Oct. 19, 2013

15 dogs and 1 cat adopted

Year to Date:  

592 terrific pets adopted

THANK YOU AIKEN COUNTY COMMUNITY!

Aiken County Shelter “Pet of the Week!”

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

BELL ----    Chihuahua mix.  Female, 2 yrs old, 15 lbs        Only $70.

LEO ----    Domestic short hair kitten.  11 wks old   2 lbs      Only $35.