The need for foster homes is great. The Aiken County Animal Shelter is filling up as it does every spring. This causes us to run short on room but also increases the stress level in the kennels.
I have been fostering dogs and puppies for six years and absolutely love it! My dogs are more socialized because they have met and played with so many others. My son is more compassionate because he has met some of the greatest dogs that others abandoned.
I love how the Wagner family says it: “You get a new dog every week!! Free! How could you beat that?”
Breanne Maraman has been fostering dogs with us for years now and shared her view on our foster program:
“I love being able to foster dogs through the FOTAS program. Getting them out of the shelter, if even for just a few days, is such an asset to their adoption journey. Once in a more relaxed environment out of the shelter you really get to see each dog’s personality blossom. This really helps us prepare their potential adoption family to what they’ll be like once in a new home.
“The FOTAS program is great because there are so many fostering options. You can choose short- or long-term placements based on your availability, work schedule, prior commitments, etc. There is never any pressure for me to take a foster if it’s not the right time for me personally. The staff also knows each of their foster families personally, what their homes are like, and what dogs will work best for them. It’s such a well-tailored and executed program that’s able to help countless animals find their forever homes.”
Not all of us foster dogs the same way. Some of our foster families have farms and use open stalls to house dogs as well as mother dogs and puppies. Their foster pups sleep in a stall and get regular walks/exercise throughout the day. The dogs are so grateful to be out of a kennel and in a safe place.
There is no expense to you. FOTAS will send food, toys and a crate, if needed. Anything you need we will provide. We just ask that you pick up a great dog, give them a safe place and some kindness. You will not regret it.
Their lives are in our hands.
— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Programs Coordinator
