My friend, Linda, and I recently visited the Aiken County Animal Shelter to drop off some donations We were there right at opening time and received a very warm welcome. I asked Kathy, a representative of FOTAS, if we could walk through and look at the dogs and pups, to which she graciously agreed.
It has been many years since I visited the Aiken County Animal Services facility, and I was genuinely impressed! Even at this early hour, the facility was clean and odor free. The animals seemed well-nourished and even given treats, toys and blankets (except for one little guy who eats his blankets!) Caring for this many animals is no small feat but is obviously very well done here. The shelter employees have always had my admiration for their dedication to the animals and to the public.
I was also delighted to see the new addition in progress that will be used for multiple purposes. The Aiken community seems to be more supportive of the shelter, and I truly believe FOTAS deserves much of the credit. In addition to significantly lowering the euthanasia rate, their network with the public – such as Kathy was with me – makes a good impression that can only be a positive reflection on the shelter.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any dog or pup that I can help with at this time. But I will be back in touch from time to time in hopes that when I can assist, I will surely and gladly do so. In the meantime, I made a donation (wish it were more) to help in any small way possible.
Thank you all for the amazing job you are doing. I wish the need for animal shelters would disappear, but that is highly unlikely. It does give me assurance, though, that Aiken County Animal Services is an excellent example of doing it right!
Shelter in crisis mode
Due to a recent drop in adoptions and no end to its high animal intake numbers, the County Animal Shelter is in crisis. Please consider adopting a homeless dog or cat from our facility located at 333 Wire Road in Aiken, SC. To see all the pets available, stop by the shelter or go to fotasaiken.org. We have so many wonderful pets in need, now is the best time to adopt and give a shelter animal another chance for a good life!
Their lives are in our hands.
By Jean Strein
