Animal lovers of Aiken came out Saturday to Woofstock, an event that aims to bring awareness to the Aiken County Animal Shelter. The event is organized by Friends of the Animal Shelter.
Community members were able to watch a small parade and several dog races. There also was the chance to adopt dogs during the festival.
“It really brings awareness to the shelter,” said Ellie Joos, member of the FOTAS Board of Directors and one of the team leaders of the event. “It brings awareness to the fact that we have so many wonderful dogs that need to be adopted and/or fostered.”
Kathy Cagle, the FOTAS programs coordinator, talked about on-site adoptions and the value of having Woofstock guests meet shelter pets in that setting.
“That’s how you get them homes,” she said.
“This makes our heart so happy to see all these people who just want to come and see the adoptable animals,” said Cagle. “Because we are full. The shelter is over capacity right now, and so this is really important to save their lives.”
Cagle said there are ways to support these animals and the shelter without feeling obligated to adopt.
“We don’t expect everyone to take one home, but we do need volunteers,” she said. “We need people to help us walk dogs, especially.”
Cagle noted that the shelter’s Doggie Days Out program allows community members to take shelter dogs out for an hour, afternoon or overnight.
“People just call the shelter, they set up a time to come, they pick up a dog and take it to the park for an hour" she said. "It’s a really easy way to volunteer.”
