Back in Black -- a very special color indeed

Back in Black: the Beauty of a Black Pet

By Joanna Dunn Samson

as seen in the "Aiken Standard" 5/18/14 edition

Black is the chicest of colors.  Coco Chanel once said, “A woman needs just three things; a black dress, a black sweater, and on her arm, a man she loves.”  Gianni Versace said, “Black is the quintessence of simplicity and elegance.”

The black robes of a judge symbolize morality and justice.

The black robes of priests and pastors symbolize a connection with God.

In the 1960’s, a new generation of young people challenged conventional ways of thinking, and black became the color of individuality and intellectual rebellion.

Black is an artistic color.  “Black is a force,” said impressionist painter Henri Matisse, who said he always chose black when he didn’t know what color to lay down on the canvas. 

So if black symbolizes elegance, simplicity, justice, spirituality and art, then how come black dogs and cats take 4 times longer to be adopted from a shelter than their lighter counterparts?

The rescue world calls it “Black Dog Syndrome,” a well-known, but little understood, phenomenon.  Black dogs and cats are often passed over by potential adopters for a variety of relatively vague reasons, like indistinct facial features and “generic” body types – issues compounded by poor lighting in many shelters – and size: large black dogs are even harder to adopt out.

Here’s an even more perplexing fact: a large majority of the black dogs at shelters who do not get adopted are Labrador retriever crosses, yet year after year, Labs top the list of the most popular breeds in the country.  They are friendly, playful and promiscuous in their love of humans.  They are goofy, good-tempered animals – an excellent choice for families with children.

Here’s another fact: the traditional black Lab is far and away the most popular and prevalent color of the breed – possessing sleek, muscular bodies that shine like polished ebony.

So why do black lab mixed breeds endowed with the same admirable and lovable qualities have so much trouble finding forever homes? 

It makes no sense.  Take a tour of any animal shelter, including the Aiken County shelter, and you will often find medium to medium-large sized Lab crosses with bubbly, affectionate personalities, just waiting for a family to love, entertain and protect.

Black dogs and cats are victims of an irrational prejudice and a genetic formula that determines color.  Despite negative portrayals in literature and ancient folklore (think black cats and witches or the black hounds of hell), there is not a shred of evidence that black dogs are more aggressive or untrustworthy than their lighter colored brethren. Ninety-nine percent of the time, aggression is a function of abuse and poor training – not a function of color.

FOTAS is a network member of the Best Friends Animal Society, which is dedicated to rehoming shelter animals all over the country, and Best Friends has designated the month of May as national “Back in Black” month.

In honor of this national promotion, the Aiken County Animal Shelter has reduced adoption fees for black dogs to $33 and for black cats to $13 through May 31.  This fee covers spaying and neutering, all necessary vaccinations and microchipping.

Two black Shelter puppies, Brooke and Logan, were recently adopted by this young woman and her mother.  Why don’t you come on over to the Aiken County Animal Shelter like they did and take home your next best friend.  By the end of the day, you will be snuggled up on the couch watching American Idol with a happy black bundle of pure love.

FOTAS Volunteers work with the AIKEN COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER, 333 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”

May 5, 2014 - May 10, 2014

25 dogs and 10 cats  SAVED

Year to Date:  

351 terrific pets   SAVED

ADOPTION SPECIALS MAY 1 - MAY 31:

BACK IN BLACK -- black dogs $33 -- black cats $13

Aiken County Shelter “Pets of the Week!” 

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

SMOKEY   Lab mix, male, 3 yrs old, 42 lbs.  Only $70 

SAVANNAH  Domestic short hair -- female -- 2 yrs old  Only $13

Felines are Masterpieces

“The Smallest Feline is a Masterpiece”

By Edie Hubler, FOTAS Board of Directors

as seen in the "Aiken Standard" 2-23-14 issue

That’s how Leonardo da Vinci spoke of cats.  They are special, just ask any other cat lover.  These beautiful creatures are agile, graceful and meticulous about their grooming.  While dogs live to please their humans and will do almost anything for food – sit, stay, roll over – cats by their nature are much more independent.  A good cat would consider a demand to perform a trick for food beneath him, and he would never, ever deign to respond to a reprimand. A cat could care less about packs or their human’s desire to be the pack “alpha.” A cat bestows its affection on a deserving human, and once they do – that cat becomes their friend for life.

Most Saturday mornings, Becky Reindl is walking dogs at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. She frequently takes her niece, Hope Dyches, who likes to spend time with the cats. Becky also fosters cats from the County Shelter and delights in talking about the experience.  

“Kittens start to play as soon as they can stand up,” says Becky, “but they fall down a lot because they have no balance. When they play, a kitten will stalk up to pounce on another unsuspecting kitten, but because they misjudge the distance they can jump, the stalking kitten misses and ends up pouncing air. Watching my foster kittens play and grow has provided me with countless hours of entertainment.”   

Becky’s current foster cat, Merlyn, plays with a mamma dog & four puppies she is fostering.  Merlyn jumps on the dog’s tail, then runs under the sofa to hide. The startled dog gives chase, but is too big to crawl under the sofa.  In the meantime, Merlyn, who has already crawled out from under the sofa unseen, sneaks up behind the dog again and pounces.  He’s a strategic hunter, that Merlyn.  

Then there’s Romeo, an affectionate 6 year old Serbian red cat who was adopted by Bobbie and Ron Kastet when he was a kitten.  Bobbie fell in love with the little red kitten at first sight, who greeted Bobbie with a kiss – hence the name Romeo.  He models like a pro for Bobbie’s camera, and purrs like an engine. Because Romeo also retrieves balls & toys, the neighbors claim he is really a dog in a cat’s body.  

Romeo’s best friend is Pinot, a bassett/golden mix adopted from the County shelter by Dave & Linda Engleman.  Romeo and Pino have play dates and even sleepovers.  When Pinot comes for a visit, he “calls” Romeo and the cat comes running.  Pinot licks the top of Romeo’s head and Romeo kisses Pinot’s feet.  They sleep and eat together, and when they are lucky enough to be given a little ice cream, Romeo puts his paw inside the dish and feeds both himself and Pinot.  Don’t believe it?  Well, just look at the photo of Romeo feeding Pinot!

Ellie and Bill Joos, FOTAS volunteers, walk dogs at the County Shelter several days a week.  Although they love dogs too, they are particularly fond of cats and have two of their own - Sheba and Buddy. While at the Shelter, Ellie makes a point to also visit the adoptable cats (which she calls fluff balls) to help socialize them. She often posts photos on Facebook of the available cats at the County Shelter -- she calls it kitty lovin’.  

Please join our other FOTAS volunteers at the Aiken County Animal Shelter.  The dogs and the cats can always use a little lovin’ and we are looking for lovin’ homes for them too.

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”

Feb. 3, 2014 - Feb. 8, 2014

11 dogs and 3 cats adopted

Year to Date:  

72 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.

MIA FARROW   American bulldog,  female, 2 yrs old, 38 lbs  Only $70 

BEN STILLER  Domestic short hair -- male -- 7 yrs. old, 10 lbs  Only $35

COLD NOSES FOR WARM HEARTS!

Shelter Dogs Warm Hearts With Cold Noses

By Joanna Samson, FOTAS Director

as seen in the "Aiken Standard" on February 16, 2014

All my dogs were adopted from a shelter.  It never occurred to me to go anyplace else.

Dogs with pedigrees are always more likely than not to find a good home, but the thousands of abandoned animals that end up in shelters every year are not so lucky.  It haunts me that an animal whose future has become uncertain through no fault of its own may die unloved.

My husband and I adopted four dogs from shelters and one abandoned on the side of the road.  Each one of them has enriched our lives in ways we could not have foreseen on the day we brought them home.

We often ask ourselves: how did we get so lucky to find five dogs that have given us far more than we have given them - a warm place to live, two square meals a day and consistent care?

I'd like to tell you there was some method to the selection process that yielded such great results, but that would be untrue.

Our first dog, Ricky, a white shepherd mix with boundless energy, was selected because our friend with many dogs who went with us to the shelter thought there was something special about him.

Our second dog, Maggie Mae, who was picked up on the side of the road by our vet, came home because Ricky fell in love with her while waiting to get his rabies shot.

When Maggie Mae died from cancer, we took Ricky back to the shelter to interview a few prospects. He selected Mack - a brown Australian shepherd mix who willingly shared his toys and his water bowl.

After Ricky died, I was directed by some internal force to go to the Aiken County Animal Shelter even though we weren't yet ready for another dog. When I walked into the back, the very first dog I saw was a pretty dachshund mix who cocked her head and met my gaze with a "what took you so long?" look.  When I found out her name was Maggie, I was undone. She came home with me over my husband objections, swiftly won him over, and has been by my side ever since.

I went back to the County shelter after Mack died of old age. One of the staff handed me a scruffy little black and white terrier mix.

"Absolutely not," I objected, "no terriers!"

"He just looks like a terrier," she assured me. "Really, he doesn't act like one." Jack joined the family. 

So you see, the selection process for a new dog is not an exact science. It is some quirky combination of luck, opportunity, instinct and reason. Sure, you need to assess the basics: how much time you can spend, the cost of care, the type of pet for your lifestyle and your age and energy level - all of those things are important.

But at the end of the day, consistent love and care transforms almost any dog into a loving companion, especially a shelter dog.

Ricky was a resourceful rogue whose escapades are legendary and hilarious. Maggie Mae was a little angel. Mack was protective and affectionate.

Jack & Maggie Mae during the winter ice storm this week in Aiken; don't they look comfy!

Miss Maggie is, well, simply the best dog in the world. And sweet, docile Jack? As it turns out, now that he is healthy, he is indisputably a terrier. 

None of our dogs turned out exactly as we expected -  they turned out better. When the time comes, adopt a shelter dog - the possibilities for happiness are endless.

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” 

due to the ICE STORM here in Aiken, we don't have numbers to report this week

Aiken County Shelter “Pets of the Week!” 

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

TAYLOR SWIFT   German shepherd mix, female, 1 year old, 65 lbs   Only $70 

MANDY MOORE  Tortoiseshell, female, 3 yrs old, 7.7 lbs   Only $35

Adventures in Volunteering for FOTAS -- It's a Very Rewarding Experience

Adventures in Volunteering

By Georgianna “Girl” Conger, FOTAS Volunteer

as seen in the "Aiken Standard" on February 9, 2014

It was a call to my mother from her good friend Mary Lou that started it all for us.  “Could you please foster a sweet mama dog and her three pups for a few weeks to get them out of the shelter?” she asked.  

Well, it’s been three years and almost 150 mamas and puppies, and we are still helping FOTAS get these animals to the age and good health to get adopted to their forever homes.  It has been a glorious and heart wrenching adventure.  As a family we have this time together to take care of these dog families (and some just orphan puppies) while our lives seem to take us in different directions. 

Don’t get me wrong…it’s not all rainbows and butterflies.  There is a lot of stuff to clean up, then there’s the nursing of the sick little ones and the sometimes these precious souls leave us too early.  

It’s been said our hearts grow bigger when we foster dogs and cats in need.  It’s a good thing because when each of these animals leaves us to go to their new home a little piece of our heart goes with them.  I often wonder what would happen to the animals that we have fostered if we hadn’t taken them.  The truth is many would have never left the shelter.  The chances of them getting very sick are much greater when the pups stay in the shelter.

Volunteering for FOTAS, a most worthwhile organization, is a great way to step away from ourselves and make a difference in the lives of others (human, canine and feline).  

FOTAS’ foster families are are all incredibly selfless folks who have given their home and time to help these helpless puppies and dogs.  I have relished getting to know these amazing families as we share thoughts, puppy stories and of course the friendly rivalry of who can foster the most puppies.  

Getting to know the great staff at the shelter has also been a wonderful addition to our endeavor.  It takes a special kind of selflessness for a person to meet you at the shelter after hours (sometimes way after hours) to tend to a sick puppy.

The new county shelter is about to open, but the need for foster families will not abate.  The county deals with staggering numbers of animals coming in to the facility, and volunteers are needed more than ever!  

If fostering isn’t within your capabilities, then consider walking the dogs a few days a week.  How about a few minutes in the cathouse enjoying kitten love?  There are countless opportunities to volunteer at the new shelter including working at the front desk greeting potential adoptees, cutting the new walking trails, or landscape upkeep.

Volunteering is not about the recognition, but knowing in your heart you are doing something good for the world.  

When we first started fostering, I felt it wasn’t enough to foster just a few dogs, but I realized if I could make a difference for just one dog it was worth the time.  As the saying goes…”You may not change the world by fostering one dog but for that one dog you have changed the world”.

Georgianna Conger is a renowned sporting art artist who has lived in Aiken all her life.  She, her husband Randy Wolcott, their daughter Caroline and her mother, Courtney Conger are long-time supporters of FOTAS who have fostered hundreds of mama dogs and puppies.

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”

Jan. 27, 2014 - Feb. 1, 2014

16 dogs and 2 cats adopted

Year to Date:  

72 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.

TINA FEY   Lab/retriever mix,  female, 6 1/2 mos old, 32.7 lbs  Only $70 

MADONNA  Gray tabby -- female --

1 yr. old, 7 lbs  Only $35

Transforming Lives through Kindness

Transforming Lives through Kindness

by Joanna Dunn Samson, FOTAS Board of Directors

as seen in the "Aiken Standard" on November 17, 2013

They became FOTAS foster families for different reasons.  

Carolyn McCarthy wanted to find a way to ward off the inevitable holiday blues caused by her mother’s death.  Sylvia Igoe wanted to celebrate the memory of the family’s special dog, Apple.  Dineen Daniels wanted to express her life-long passion for animals and honor her own upbringing to value the importance of all life.

They each had slightly different expectations for the foster experience.  

Ms. McCarthy wanted to teach Liam and Reece the importance of giving back, of helping out in the community.  Ms. Igoe wanted Isabelle and Sean to experience first hand significant life lessons like overcoming adversity and the power of forgiveness.  Ms. Daniels wanted to reinforce the qualities of kindness and compassion in Baily, Parker and Josh.

By all measures, the fostering experience has been a success for all three of these families.

Liam and Reece request supplies for the Aiken County Animal Shelter in lieu of birthday gifts.  

Bailey and Parker take their jobs of feeding and caring for the puppies seriously, often getting up at night to help their mom bottle-feed.  Josh helps his mom administer medicine. He plans on being a veterinarian when he grows up.

Isabelle and Sean help their mom with all aspects of caring for the momma dog and their puppies: feeding, filling water bowls, cleaning the crates, playing and socializing with the puppies and giving extra special love and attention to the momma dogs.  They know how important their efforts are in helping these puppies find a forever home.

Life lessons learned?  You bet.  Parker loves to watch the puppies being born.  “It’s so cool that each puppy comes into the world in its own little sack.”

Isabelle and Sean have learned that even though these dogs have had challenges and hardship, they never give up.  With a little help, they can forgive and learn to love again.

Liam and Reece have learned to let go gracefully when the time comes for the puppies to leave.  “We know they are going to a safe place and a nice home,” says Liam.  

“It’s hard,” says Reece, but he thinks about the next dog he will foster and help find a new home.

Foster families like these are a critical component of FOTAS and the County’s efforts to find every adoptable animal a permanent home.  Every dog or puppy transferred to a foster home frees up space on the adoption floor of the County’s grossly overcrowded shelter for another adoptable animal.  That’s a big deal.

Carolyn McCarthy says, “The change that occurs in a dog when it is shown a little kindness is amazing.  It can take weeks, days or sometimes even hours, but every dog is different by the time they leave us.”

So, too, is the family who fostered that dog – it is transformed by the kindness it shows.

FOTAS desperately needs more foster families.  Call us at 803-514-4313 for more information.  You’ll be glad you did.

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”

Nov. 4 - Nov. 9, 2013

10 dogs and 2 cats adopted

Year to Date:  

629 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.

BABE,  shepherd mix.  Female, 2 years old, 31 lbs        Only $35 -- adoption special.

BENJAMIN ----    Domestic short hair, Male.  4 months old   3.4 lbs      Only $35.

IT'S ALL IN THE FAMILY

IT’S ALL IN THE FAMILY

by Edythe “Edie” Hubler, FOTAS Board of Directors

Over the past weeks, we have written several times about the FOTAS foster program, where mama dogs and their puppies or dogs needing special attention are temporarily cared for in a loving home environment until they are ready for adoption.  We’ve heard about fostering from dedicated volunteers, from one lucky dog who was being fostered, and from a happy family who adopted a fostered dog.

This week and next we want to celebrate some of the children of foster families.  We asked Abby and Audrey Wiseman, Caroline Wolcott, Isabelle and Sean Igoe, Josh, Parker and Bailey Daniels and their parents to share how the experience has affected and shaped their lives.  These are two of their stories.

“The children have learned the responsibility of having to feed and care for pets, but more significantly, they have learned about life,” says Heather Wiseman, who along with her husband, Grant, and two daughters, Audrey and Abby, have fostered over 200 puppies. “Fostering has taught our family how to prioritize and think about what is most important in our lives.”

Her daughter Audrey says, “The puppies love us even though we are imperfect in so many ways.”  She says the love you see in their faces when they look at her melts her heart. “It’s an easy and fun way to help Aiken and the nice people at the shelter.”  She also thinks the puppies are funny when they howl.

Audrey’s sister Abby likes animals because they are different, but very much like us.  The puppies make her laugh because “they are so small that when they sneeze or shake their head, they fall over.”

Caroline Wolcott is the daughter of Randy and Girl Wolcott, who have sponsored close to 150 puppies and their mamas.  “The most fun about foster puppies is the age when they are just stumbling around and learning to walk.  It’s fun to watch them take their first little steps,” says Caroline.  She thinks it’s really funny when they get the “crazies” and run around their kennel.  “And then boom - they fall asleep.”

All these children are active participants in the care of these animals.  They pick up dirty newspapers, feed, give medications, bathe, and hold for the dreaded toenail clipping. All have seen first hand the miracle of birth. 

The positive effect of the fostering experience on these children has been so much bigger than simply performing a kind act for an animal.  It has taught them compassion, empathy, discipline and planning.  It develops their self-esteem because they know their role in socializing these puppies is an important factor in getting them adopted.  It brings them joy.

Sounds like a pretty good deal all around, doesn’t it?  Bring your family together; join the FOTAS foster program.  You and our many needful dogs and puppies will be glad you did. 

Call the FOTAS hotline at 803-514-4313, or email us at info@FOTASAiken.org.

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. 28 - Nov. 2, 2013

 

15 dogs adopted

Year to Date:  

617 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.

SUKI -- Shephard mix, female -- 11 months old, 55 lbs.    Only $38

C.C. -- domestic short hair, female -- 4 years old, 9 lbs.    Only $35

Dear Friends and Supporters of Our County Shelter

We have a lot to celebrate right now, all because of you.  Think about it.

When we gave the FATZ manager a check to cover the 193 breakfasts we put out together last Saturday, he said, “You are the only breakfast we do in June.” 

We have you to thank for that distinction.  After all the benefit breakfasts we have celebrated together, it is almost like a family reunion.  We received notes and checks from those who would have liked to be there, but were on vacation along with most of Aiken!

Take a drive up Wire Road to the corner of May Royal and see the emergent outlines of the new Aiken County Animal Shelter on our lovely wooded lot.  All three wings are framed and there’s a roof on the adoption wing.  The floors will be poured next month.  It’s not hard to imagine how fine a facility it will be, thanks to you.  There is still time to immortalize an animal-loving loved one, or beloved pet, with your contributions.

You are the citizens of Aiken County, with friends and loved ones all over the state, the country, and even the world.  You know how important it is to you to have a community shelter that can serve the public and still provide for the helpless creatures that fall into its care.

Our elected officials have heard you, too.  County Council continues to join us in support of an adequately furnished, adequately funded, and adequately staffed facility in which we can all take pride.  The partnership between FOTAS and the county continues strengthen as we join our commitments and combine our resources to do the right thing right, so we only have to do it once.

It is because of you that the FOTAS Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) continues to move forward.  Our partnership with the SPCA Albrecht Center and County Animal Services continues its work in the Valley and Wagener.  As funds become available we hope to expand to other centers throughout the county.  So far, hundreds of pets and feral cats have been altered, resulting in thousands fewer unwanted kittens and puppies.

Yes, dear friends and supporters, we can take pride in how far we have come, but please, please do not think we can afford to rest.  Not yet.

For instance, we were so elated last week at the turn-out for the FATZ breakfast for the shelter Catz.  Tipz were abundant, though no catz were adopted.  Then we found out that, while we breakfasted, 31 cats came into the shelter!  The cat intake was one hundred just last week!  Please spread the word: “9 Lives for $9,” adult cats are $9 this week only.

Please continue your support of the “Fit, Furnish, and Finish” fund for the new shelter.  Please help SNAP continue to grow.  Please give and give some more to our community shelter programs: adoption readiness, foster care, fundraising, and spay-neuter.  Together we can make a huge difference.  Thanks to you; because of you!

tagline:  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”

June 10^th thru 16^th, 2013

Brought in:  74 dogs and 100 cats!!

Adopted:  16 dogs and 2 cats 

Put down:    49 dogs and 79 cats!

CALLIE – 1 yr.  Soft and cuddly muted beauty, a lot of kitty for only $9 this week.

Aiken County Shelter “Pets of the Week!” 

SOPHIE – 1.5 yr. shepherd mix.  As sweet as she is lovely! A special deal at half price: $35  

 

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