The world out there is a crazy place right now—Covid-19, crazy politics, massive hurricanes on the Gulf coast, wildfires in the west—so I’m all about finding those good news stories to report, the ones that make me feel good, that affirm my faith in people, government, and humanity in general.
When Jennifer Miller, the president of FOTAS, told me that 30 open-air kennels in the intake wing at the Aiken County Animal Shelter have finally, after six years, been enclosed, I was excited. That was great news.
A little history. The shelter was built in 2014 through a public/private partnership between the county and FOTAS. The physical shelter was funded by the county from monies from the Capital Project Sales Tax (CPST) III. FOTAS funded the architectural and shovel-ready plans, as well as much needed equipment, durable stainless-steel kennels, furnishings, and fencing once construction of the shelter was complete, through contributions from folks like you.
Unfortunately, there was not enough money at the time to enclose the last thirty kennels. Although the kennels were covered and heaters were installed for the winter and fans for the summer, as weather patterns became more erratic, the kennels were not able to protect the dogs from intense heat, torrential rains, and unusual cold spikes. The county understood the problem and responded, committing to fund the project with the next round of CPST IV monies. Construction began earlier this year and has just been completed.
Why is this such an important improvement to the shelter? Because it’s better for the dogs: enclosed kennels provide greater security and a more positive shelter experience. The shelter takes in about 4,000 abandoned, neglected, and abused animals every year. No matter how good the shelter is, or the shelter staff and volunteers are, it is a stressful experience for the dogs. It’s unfamiliar and it’s noisy, and if your kennel happens to be outside, the dog might be hot or cold or wet as well. The more stressed the dog, the more it could bark excessively or shut down.
An excessive barker or shut down dog is not an appealing prospect at first glance; it takes them longer to get adopted. Longer stays make for more anxiety for the animals and increased costs for the shelter. It’s a vicious cycle.
That is why the County and FOTAS work hard to make a dog’s kennel experience as positive as possible. So in addition to providing kennel beds and toys to curb anxiety, now the dogs in the back thirty kennels can be housed in proper indoor/outdoor kennels. In bad weather, they are protected from the elements; but in good weather they can go to the outside kennel for a little fresh air.
A relaxed dog is an appealing prospect at first glance. Appealing prospects get adopted more quickly—better for the dog and definitely better for the shelter’s budget.
None of this would have been possible without a committed County Council and an equally committed community. Thank you—you are our good news right now.
Their lives are in our hands.
— By Joanna D. Samson, Vice President, FOTAS
