Last Saturday, a FOTAS contingent of volunteers and seven
adoptable dogs waited at the intersection of Sumter and Park while the entire
Memorial Day Parade passed by. It was
the official debut of Herbie Brown, our Rescue Waggin’, and we waited to fall
in line and bring up the rear of the parade.
FOTAS was honored to be invited to follow such a venerable
procession and remember the soldiers’ sacrifices in protecting our communities.
The silver pickup that pulled Herbie Brown was loaned by Justine
for the occasion. The four dog (and one
cat) tunes blasting from the truck’s CD player were assembled by Meg and
Scott. “Who Let the Dogs Out..UNH!”
Two youths, Alexander and Tavian, volunteered to be the
FOTAS mascots. “You ain’t nuttin’ but a
hound dog…” It was too hot for them to
wear the paper maché heads, so the boys sported the mascot shirts and held
signs advertising “FOTAS’ Breakfast at FATZ for the County Shelter Cats (and
Dogs),” while the mascot heads bobbled
on the ends of the cooler handles. “…You
can show me how to walk the dog…” And
the music played on.
It was hot that afternoon, so the marching dogs (with
volunteer) had to be cycled in and out of the air-conditioned cab, and on and
off the back of the truck, or carried in arms.
The effort paid off: Meco, Tator-Tot and Wiggles were adopted.
We still have some kinks to work out in Herbie Brown’s air
conditioning, but it will be up and running by June 16th. He will be the “Kitty Caboose” at the FOTAS
Breakfast at FATZ Café with a load of adoptable kittens and cats.
This is the fourth year that FOTAS will hold a benefit
breakfast. It is the first year at FATZCafé. We are forever grateful to
Applebee’s for their support in the past, but the growing community interest in
the annual event demands a bigger venue.
We hope you will come out.
Tickets are selling fast.
Pick them up at Bone-i-Fide Bakery, Aiken Saddlery, or email us at
info@fotasaiken.org and we will see that you get what you need. We also have no-show donation “bookmarks,” if
you want to support the cause, but can’t make the date. There will be a drawing from the numbers sold
for a fun prize. The winning ticket
number will be announced on our website on the 16th.
What better way to honor our soldiers’ service than to build
communities in which we take pride?
FOTAS believes that how we care for our animals is one reflection of
those communities.
The county shelter is currently overrun with unwanted
litters, with and without their mothers.
The adoption section has been expanded, but there has been a sudden blow
to the custodial capabilities with maternity leave and turnover.
We are recruiting volunteers to help clean the adoption pens
between 8 and 10 am. If you can help in
this time of need, please call the shelter: 642-1537. Your shelter needs you!
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”
Fairway Horse
Transport has transferred over 1,300 Aiken County dogs in 4 years, for free.
The Aiken County
Animal Shelter euthanasia rate was 86% in
April!
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| CONGO Adorable and friendly Half Price only $35 |
Aiken County Shelter “Pets of the Week” Half-Price Special goes until July 7th!
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| AVIS one of many cats and kittens. Every size age and color. Litters are coming in faster than we can handle! |
