May 20, 2025
By: Jade Garrett – SPCA Albrecht Center Events & Fundraising Manager

SPCA Adoptable Puppy Zeta greeting Aiken Regional employees.

In a heartwarming celebration of both Hospital Week and Mental Health Awareness Week, the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare partnered with Aiken Regional Medical Centers to bring a little joy and a lot of wagging tails to the hospital’s front entrance.

Staff, patients, and visitors were greeted by four of our shelter pets, all eager to soak up affection. Waves of people gathered to hold puppies, pet our dogs, and take photos. Many said they had been looking forward to this visit all week. For a few, it was love at first sight, and several adoptions took place on the spot.

The power of that moment wasn’t just in the adoptions. It was in the visible relief on faces, the laughter, the quiet comfort of sitting beside a calm, friendly dog. Even those who couldn’t adopt expressed gratitude for the chance to connect with an animal, if only for a few minutes. And for those who chose not to adopt — due to work, housing, or personal timing — we commend that decision, too. Responsible adoption is something we wholeheartedly support.

Events like this one are more than feel-good moments. They’re backed by science. Decades of research have shown that interaction with animals through pet ownership, volunteering, or animal-assisted therapy can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. Even simply petting a dog has been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate. Spending time with animals boosts oxytocin, a hormone linked to bonding and emotional regulation. In short, animals help people heal.

Shelter pets in particular have a unique impact. Many come from uncertain backgrounds and, in turn, form deep connections with the humans who care for them. That bond can offer a profound sense of purpose, structure, and companionship for people.

At the SPCA Albrecht Center, we see this magic happen every day. When a person adopts a shelter pet, they’re not just giving that animal a second chance. They’re opening themselves up to love, laughter, and healing. But even for those who can’t adopt, there are countless ways to support this mission and receive those benefits in return.

Here’s how you can get involved:
● Volunteer at the shelter to walk dogs, comfort cats, or help with events. The time you give changes lives — yours included.
● Foster a pet temporarily to help them adjust or recover. It’s a vital bridge between shelter life and a forever home.
● Donate supplies or funds to help provide food, medical care, and enrichment for the animals in our care.
● Advocate and share. Spread the word about the mental health benefits of pet companionship and the joy of adoption.

While not everyone is in a place to bring home a pet, almost everyone can make a difference. For the animals and for themselves. Shelter pets offer comfort, connection, and unconditional love. We encourage our community to consider all the ways animals can help. Whether you adopt, volunteer, or simply spend a few minutes with a shelter pet.

The SPCA Albrecht Center is located at 199 Willow Run Rd, Aiken, SC. Our hours are Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Wednesdays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Check out our available pets anytime at LetLoveLive.org/adopt.

SPCA Adoptable Dog Calina greeting an Aiken Regional employee.

SPCA Volunteer Amber with adoptable dog Pozole.

SPCA Adoptable Dog Toffee greets a guest.

Aiken Regional Medical Centers Hosts Hospital Week for Employees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jade Garrett is the Events & Fundraising Manager for the SPCA Albrecht Center in Aiken, SC. She is a seasoned marketing professional who found her way to the shelter in the fall of 2023. With a lifelong passion for animal welfare, she is excited to continue making a difference in the lives of homeless animals in our community for many years to come.