Animals overdue for a home

A few years ago, the Aiken SPCA Board of Directors made the decision to become a limited-admission, no-kill facility. That choice was welcomed in the community by staff and the facility's visitors.

There is, however, one downside to running a shelter like this. Animals can stay in the shelter for their entire lives if no one chooses to adopt them. This reduces the number of animals that can be rescued each year. There are lots of reasons why some animals live at the facility for much longer than others.

First, big dogs - particularly, large mix-breed dogs - aren't typically adopted quickly. A purebred boxer, German shepherd or golden retriever won't stay for long, but mixes are less coveted by potential adopters.

Other dogs blend in, such as black lab mixes or hound mixes, and tend to get overlooked by many people. Many long-term residents get passed over, too, because there are usually cute puppies in the shelter and lots of people prefer very young puppies over a full-grown, 60-pound dog they don't know.

The SPCA has the luxury of getting to know these dogs well by seeing them every day and knowing that these long-term residents will make great pets. Our dog with the longest time spent in the adoption area is currently Little Bit. She's a boxer/bulldog mix that came to the shelter as a neglect and cruelty case. She was extremely underfed, heartworm positive and had been abused. She came to the SPCA in January 2008. She was fed well, cured of heartworms and began to trust people again. She's a great dog who has been overlooked for far too long.

Two other large dogs - Rottweiler mixes, Buster Brown and Tyrone - look intimidating but are also sweet dogs who have spent the past year waiting for their chance at a forever home. They may be large and powerful, but you'd be hard-pressed to find nicer dogs with whom to share your home.

Why should you adopt a long-term resident of the Aiken SPCA? First, these are nice dogs that because of their size, color or breed just simply weren't as popular as others that go through the system quickly. By adopting one of these dogs, you'll get a loyal and appreciative pet that will love you unconditionally.

You are also helping the Aiken SPCA free up space to rescue more stray animals, reducing the numbers of dogs euthanized in Aiken County. They are fully grown and known well by staff and volunteers. A lot of information will be available upon adoption. You'll know their size, temperament, how they walk on a leash and that they get along with other dogs and with a variety of people.

The SPCA has seen happy endings to other former residents here that have been recently adopted into new, loving homes.

Haley and Harley were beagles who came in heartworm-positive and not liking other animals. We treated the heartworms and built their trust, and both are enjoying new homes, even after spending more than a year waiting for just the right home.

Recently, Moon Doggie, a dog that came in as a puppy 18 months ago, was adopted to a great family and will get to live the rest of his life the way he deserves. These animals are resilient, loyal and will happily leave the shelter life behind and become valued members of the family in no time.

If you are considering adding a pet to your home soon, consider adopting Little Bit, Buster Brown, Tyrone or another long-term resident. You'll get a great dog and help save many more lives in the future. Help them find a new home soon. To see their photos, visit www.aikenspca.org or call 648-6863.