I have had a long and rewarding relationship with the Aiken County Animal Shelter and FOTAS—not only do I foster dogs on a regular basis, but I have also adopted many dogs from the shelter over the past 10 years. Right now, four outstanding shelter dogs of all shapes and sizes rule the roost at my house, and I adore every one of them. These four canine pals have made my fostering duties not only possible, but easy.
My pack teaches each new foster about the rhythm and the rules of living in my home much faster and more effectively than I ever could. They teach the new dog about the schedule and protocol for feeding, walks, and going out to do their “business.” They teach them about playtime, bedtime, and how to get on all the best furniture.
Best of all? My foster dogs learn to make friends with my friends and their dogs! The love and appreciation I get from them in return more than makes up for the time and effort I put into them.
Recently, the county shelter has had an influx of older dogs whose owners had no way of caring for them any longer. They need homes. It’s particularly hard for these dogs, who wait anxiously for their owners to return for them. It’s heartbreaking.
Jennifer Miller, the president of FOTAS, called and asked me if I could help. Everyone who knows me knows I am always begging my friends and family to adopt from the shelter. I called my neighbors who in the past have adopted shelter dogs, but now that they are older, they worry leaving their dogs behind when they are gone.
Herein lies the beauty of adopting older dogs. Plus, there is none of the chewing and housebreaking that goes with raising a puppy.
One of my other neighbors recently came through and adopted a sweetheart of an older girl with a heart murmur, and she fits in beautifully with their other two adopted dogs.
There is a tea towel hanging in my house that reads, “There is always room for one more dog.” That’s how I live my life. That’s how and why Rosie came to live with us. Her life had been hard; she had lived on a chain for most of it. In fact, her top and bottom front teeth are missing from trying to chew her way to freedom. She has already had a litter of puppies, and she is heartworm positive. Potential adopters walked right past her at the shelter, and she became depressed.
Rosie came home with me and settled in right away with my pack, who accepted her without a hitch because they are so used to foster animals coming in and out of our lives. Rosie is so grateful for a home that she follows me from room to room and lies down next to me wherever I go.
Guess what? Now my pack is five and we couldn’t be happier.
Please consider adopting one of these wonderful older dogs into your home. My pack and I can attest that you won’t be sorry.
Their lives are in our hands.
— By FOTAS Volunteer Sam Cato
BY THE NUMBERS
In October, the Aiken County Animal Shelter received 467 strays and surrendered pets. Please spay/neuter your pets.
PETS OF THE WEEK
DIXIE
Mixed breed, female, 6 years old, black w/white, 68 pounds – $35
CARRIE
Domestic Shorthair kitten, female, 2 months old, gray Tabby, 1.5 pounds – $10
