Their histories are similar. They were both picked up as strays and brought to the County Shelter hungry, terrified and covered in fleas. Unwanted and unwashed, their futures looked bleak.
Snowflake, an alarmingly thin, heartworm positive Great Pyrenees, hated his kennel and cowered in fear when he first arrived at the shelter in July of 2020. Clint, a black Retriever mix, arrived at the shelter in late Sept. 2021. He sat quietly in his kennel but was confused by his new environment and didn’t
understand why so many of the dogs around him kept barking in his direction.
However, both dogs saw their fortunes dramatically change when FOTAS volunteers fell in love with them and saw their potential for greatness. Biz and Eddie Mann adopted Snowflake on July 14, 2020, and Judi and John Sauer adopted Clint on Oct. 7, 2021.
“Snowflake was so loving, I knew he could become a therapy dog,” Biz said. “He just needed some love and care to help him gain more confidence.” Snowflake was 84 pounds and a matted mess when he arrived at the shelter. Now he is 102 pounds, well-groomed, heartworm negative (thanks to treatment funded by FOTAS) and the calmest, most self-assured dog you will come across. He became a certified therapy dog a little more than a year ago and has been visiting retirement homes, schools and hospice patients with Biz ever since.
“It’s wonderful,” Biz said. “The people smile and love petting Snowflake, who enjoys every minute of it. “I’ve had people lay their head down on his back because he’s so fluffy and soft, and children just want to hug him. Snowflake has a gift of making people happy and brightening their day.”
Clint is on a similar career path. Three months ago, the handsome Retriever passed all his tests to become a certified therapy dog, and he and Judi already have a full schedule of schools, long-term care facilities and hospices to visit.
Both Snowflake and Clint were certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs organization in Aiken.
“There are many venues where a therapy dog can be of benefit to both children and adults, Judi said. “I am not sure who gets more out of these sessions, the people or me. The response from people is truly magical and heartwarming.”
Recently, Snowflake and Clint visited Cumberland Village together, sharing their love with the senior residents. With his big smile and gentle demeanor, Clint brought a lot of joy to the people. Following closely behind, gentle giant Snowflake and his soft, white fur delighted the group.
“It’s important for people to realize how terrific so many shelter dogs are,” Biz said. “They’re loving and trainable…they just need some love and direction.”
The County Shelter is full of wonderful dogs who desperately need homes. Please consider adopting your next pet from us. We are located at 333 Wire Road in Aiken. See all of our adoptable pets at fotasaiken.org. This month, dogs and puppies are $35; cats and kittens are only $10.
Their lives are in our hands.
By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director
