As the steady rain of Tropical Storm Debby threatened to cause flooding in the area this week, the Aiken County Animal Shelter was overflowing with homeless animals in need.
They just keep coming. Litters of puppies, sick kittens, lost dogs, injured cats, etc. Not because of Debby. Her rain had little impact on our intake of strays and surrendered pets. No, it is because people are not spaying/neutering their pets, not microchipping their pets, and not keeping their pets contained on their property with a fenced-in yard or by walking them on a leash.
When pets are not properly cared for and become strays, there is a good chance they will get sick or injured. Some aren’t so lucky and end up flattened by a vehicle or starving to death.
County Animal Shelter Veterinarian Nancy Rodriguez and her team of vet technicians do all they can to help the injured pets that come into our facility, and do an amazing job of caring for them. But to help them recover more quickly, we need fosters and adopters that can nurture these sweet animals and provide them with wonderful, loving homes.
Here are some of the current available pets at the County Shelter who need homes and extra TLC:
Chappy was so skinny when he got here, we weren’t sure if he would survive. But he is a tough guy and getting better. A brown, 2-year-old, 47-pound mixed breed, Chappy needs a home where he can get back to health and enjoy a happy future.
Tippy is a 7-month-old, 12-pound, tan and white, Terrier mix puppy who came to us with a broken pelvis. She is adoptable as special needs but needs crate rest, no rough play, and will be x-rayed in one month to see how she is healing. Tippy needs a soft, quiet place to recover.
Ermes is a 5-month-old, 31-pound, chocolate Retriever pup that came to us bald and in pain from neglect. He was suffering from demodectic mange that was treated immediately upon his arrival at the shelter. He is doing well now and needs a good home.
Boo Boo is here because his owner passed away. This 7-year-old, 76-pound, mixed breed isn’t in physical pain, but he is in mourning and needs to get away from the stress of the shelter. Boo Boo needs an adopter who will give him the love and care he deserves.
Daisy is a sweet, 4-month-old, 5-pound kitten who arrived at the shelter with nerve damage in her left front leg. The leg was causing her pain and couldn’t be saved. However, this stunning blue eyed, charming kitten gets around amazingly well with three legs.
Charlie always has a smile on his face, but his past indicates signs of abuse. This 2-year-old, 48-pound, white, mixed breed arrived as a stray with an ulcerated lesion on his back, most likely from being burned. He still loves everyone and is a superstar in playgroup.
To see all of the pets available for adoption at the County Shelter, please go to fotasaiken.org. If you are interested in volunteering, fostering or adopting, visit us at 333 Wire Road in Aiken, SC. You can also call the shelter, (803) 642-1357 or send an email to info@fotasaiken.org.
Their lives are in our hands.
By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director
By the numbers: In July, Aiken County Animal Shelter received 499 dogs and cats with 22 animals received every business day.
Volunteers, fosters and adopters are urgently needed!
