When you volunteer at the Aiken County Animal Shelter, you become part of the FOTAS family. Our volunteers walk and socialize with the dogs and play with the cats, which makes them more adoptable. They also organize and staff special events and assist at the front desk, as well as help with administrative matters and fundraisers.
But rather than just describe the many possibilities of volunteering, we thought it would be more valuable for you to hear directly from five cherished volunteers – why they joined FOTAS and what they personally get out of the experience.
Joanne Goble, 4-year volunteer
“I originally volunteered because I had lost my husband and found a purpose in helping the dogs. Now, it has become my life. This is what I do. This is my purpose in life. Not everybody is going to get that emotionally attached, but helping the pets at the shelter is what I look forward to each day.”
“Making a difference in just one dog’s life and witnessing a good adoption is a feeling like no other.”
Linda Leblanc, 3-year volunteer
“I have witnessed the transformation of a frightened and confused dog as it sits in a corner into one who learns to love and to play again (or for the first time). The bottom line is volunteers simply prepare a dog to be adopted. That is why I became a foster.”
“Can you spare 10 minutes of kindness? With leash in hand, you select a dog, causing great joy in that kiddo because he gets out of his kennel for a trail walk and someone to pay attention to him. It’s the easiest 10 minutes of joy you can possibly give.”
Ed Stevens, 7-year volunteer
“I love dogs but my wife is allergic to them, and we can’t have them at the house – so this is how I get my dog fix. I walk six to seven each day in the afternoon, Tuesday through Friday.”
“You get a lot of pleasure and a sense of accomplishment when you walk these shelter dogs – because you’re doing something for the dogs and community. Plus, you just feel better after you walk a dog. I also like getting to know the other volunteers.”
Malia Koelker, 4-year volunteer
“Volunteering for FOTAS is fun, relaxing and rewarding. The shelter gives me purpose and joy. Somebody is always happy to see me. There is great camaraderie and conversation with other volunteers is easy. Walking the dogs also helps keep you in decent shape.”
Jody Clark, 4-year volunteer
“There are so many opportunities to help the dogs and cats – both with hands-on and administrative activities. FOTAS is a great organization and I value the friendships that I have with fellow volunteers. The quiet time in the woods with a dog, playing fetch in the yard with an athletic pup, or sitting on one of the benches or couches for cuddles are all great ways to play a small role in helping these homeless pets while they wait for their happy adoption day.”
FOTAS volunteers are the lifeblood of the organization. The County Animal Shelter is full, and we need more volunteers to help us. If you are interested in joining our team, stop in and see us or call (803) 642-1537, ext. 3 or send an email to info@fotasaiken.org.
Their lives are in our hands.
By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director
