FOTAS Aiken Dog and Cat Stories

Fall in Love at Steeplechase

by Joanna Dunn Samson, FOTAS Board of Directors

Reprint from the October 20, 2013 "Aiken Standard"

On Saturday, the 22^nd Fall Steeplechase will be run at Ford Conger Field.  If I had to choose an event that is “quintessential” Aiken, I might just pick the Aiken Steeplechase Races, which combine the traditional Aiken love of all things equine coupled with robust community participation.  Once again, FOTAS is delighted to be one of the non-profit organizations selected to participate in the festivities.  

The FOTAS booth located in the Playful Playground behind the merchants tents promises to be a happening place.  The kids can race stick horses and try their hand at the beanbag toss while you chat with the FOTAS volunteers dedicated to making the world a better place for the County’s homeless animals.  Get to know one of the rescue dogs spending a glorious day out with an enthusiastic Serteen volunteer.  Play with 5 month-old Heather, a shepherd cross, or toss a ball with 7 year-old Lucy, a beagle mix, or 6 year-old Sophie, a doxie cross, or even 5 year-old Alva, a little brindle terrier.  Pay a little attention to Heather, Rosco, Priscilla or Cody – they will melt with joy.  This could be your day to adopt the next love of your life.

What makes adopting a pet such a thoroughly satisfying experience?  The answer is obvious from the pet’s point of view:  they are saved from a life of neglect with an uncertain outcome.  But what about us?  What do we get from the experience other than the good feeling that naturally flows from performing a kind act?  As a repeat adopter who currently lives with two rescue dogs from Aiken County, I can speak to that.

My husband and I adopted our first dog, a white husky mix named Ricky, the month we moved in together 20 some odd years ago.  We knew the decision to take Ricky home would change our then footloose and fancy-free life, but we had no idea how profound those changes would be. 

We bickered over training efforts and sleeping arrangements (Ricky won on both accounts).  We created a routine for Ricky that grounded us in our new home.  We packed him in the car and ventured out on long hikes in new places.  When he was sick, we developed ingenious tactics to trick him into taking his medicine.  In time, our love for Ricky transformed us into a family.

Then came Maggie Mae, then Mack, Miss Maggie and Jack – all of whom have shaped our lives in miraculous ways.  My tough, take-no-prisoners husband meticulously dices chicken and scrambles eggs for their special Sunday breakfast.  Jack and Maggie follow him around like a wake – moving behind him in perfect formation.  He naps with Jack curled up in his arm.  We gave those dogs a safe place, and in return, we made a safe place for ourselves.

So if you are going to Steeplechase this weekend, stop by and see us.  It might just be your day to fall in love.

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. 7 - Oct. 12, 2013

7 dogs and 6 cats adopted

Year to Date:  

589 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.

SI ----    Male Lab.  10 months old ,  45 lbs!  Only $70

LITTLE BIT ----    Male Calico.  10 years old ,  10 lbs !  Only $35