by Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications
Animals that come to the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) adjust differently to their new environment. Some are fine from admission to adoption. Others are scared at the start but then tolerate their surroundings. And then there are those that start off strong, but begin to get depressed or stir crazy after a week or two at the facility.
Currently, three dogs at the shelter fit this last category. Time is always the enemy for ACAS occupants, since their future is never guaranteed. But the longer it takes for these wonderful animals to get adopted, the harder it becomes for them to cope with their situation and the more strain it puts on their mental well-being. With this in mind, FOTAS and the ACAS recently waived their adoption fees.
Each of the following dogs is available to a good, loving home for $0:
Gretchen. This 4-year-old girl is a real character and full of personality. But the mixed breed ball of sweetness has been at the shelter longer than any other animal on the adoption floor. She is starting to wonder if she’ll ever get the chance to have a home of her own.
Gretchen loves people and must have the company of other dogs – so much so, she can’t be left alone or she gets distressed and tears up her crate. She also needs a large outside area to play in. But if you have other dogs and a big, fenced-in yard or a lot of land, she’ll make an amazing addition to your home.
Sabine. This poor dog arrived at the shelter grossly underweight and suffering from a skin condition that made her nearly hairless. Sabine had to be fed at least three times a day and there were no guarantees her fur would grow back.
Luckily, the 1-year-old, Retriever mix did regain her beautiful coat and now just needs to be treated for heartworms, which FOTAS will pay for through its “Have a Heart, Save a Heart” fund. Sabine will recover and build her confidence faster in a loving home.
Finian. Finian is another terrific dog who needs to find a home as soon as possible. With his easy-going manner and sweet face, this 1-year-old mixed breed is a volunteer and staff favorite. When prospective adopters first came to look at him, he would wag his tail and strut up to the front of his kennel to say hello. Once he had their attention, he pushed the side of his head against the door of the kennel, so his visitors could rub behind his ears and under his chin. But after two weeks of being passed over for other dogs, Finian is getting depressed. He sleeps more and now when visitors come, he weakly wags his tail and doesn’t always move from his bed to greet them.
The ACAS is a fantastic facility, with caring staff and volunteers, but it’s not home. It can be a scary place for lost and surrendered animals. The sooner these dogs are adopted, the better. Please visit them at 333 Wire Road in Aiken and see if one (or more) of them will make a wonderful addition to your family!
Their lives are in our hands.
