'They just need a chance': County shelter, FOTAS event aims to boost adoptions

Alexandra Koch, Aiken Standard, S.C.
·2 min read

Sep. 18—Tails were wagging Saturday morning as Aiken County residents visited the animal shelter for Clear the Shelter Day.

The event, hosted by the Aiken County Animal Shelter and Friends of the Animal Shelter, was an effort to adopt out animals in need of loving homes. Fifteen dogs and two kittens were adopted at the event.

ACAS said high intake numbers and a low adoption streak created the need for the event.

"The shelter just held a Clear the Shelter Day on Aug. 21, but the continuing trend of high intake numbers combined with lower-than-usual dog adoptions necessitates a second event," said ACAS. "While the county shelter continues to be at full capacity, there are many wonderful dogs to choose from on the adoption floor."

All adoptable pets were sponsored and available at no charge during the one-day event.

Unlike traditional shelter adoptions, dogs were brought outside to promote safe social distancing.

"It shows the dogs outside, so they can see what a dog is like outside of the kennel and it also creates social distancing," said Jennifer Miller, FOTAS president.

Each dog was stationed at a picnic blanket with two volunteers; over 30 volunteers came together to put on the event.

"The shelter has so many wonderful dogs who just need a chance," ACAS and FOTAS said in a release. "It's not their fault they were surrendered, abandoned, neglected or even abused and ended up in a kennel at 333 Wire Road. These homeless pets deserve better and the dogs and cats currently available for adoption at the ACAS are a terrific and diverse group of lovable animals."

Thanks to multiple kindhearted Aiken County residents, a handful of pups were rescued Saturday.

Joeseph Ridgeway, Silvie's new dad, said he came to the event in search of a playmate for his other rescue, Crystal.

"Adopting dogs is a big thing that we do," Ridgeway said. "We used to be dog breeders, but now we've taken it upon ourselves to actually adopt those that need homes."

Miller said she was happy with the turnout, but numbers aren't everything.

"If we get a loving home for one, we're happy," she said. "Obviously as many homes as we can get, the better, but we celebrate every adoption. We continue to work to save every adoptable pet to come in to the animal shelter."

For more information, visit FOTASAiken.org or call the Aiken County Animal Shelter at 803-642-1537.