July 1, 2025
By: Jade Garrett – SPCA Albrecht Center Events & Fundraising Manager

The SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare recently wrapped up a remarkable week of adoptions as part of Pick Me! SC, South Carolina’s largest collaborative pet adoption event. From June 20 through June 29, the statewide campaign brought together 94 shelters and rescues with one mission: to find loving homes for as many animals as possible. Thanks to generous support from Petco Love, adoption fees were waived, making it easier than ever for families to welcome home a new pet.

And Aiken answered the call.

Over the course of the 10-day event, the SPCA Albrecht Center saw 59 animals adopted into forever homes — 34 cats and 25 dogs. While every adoption is a cause for celebration, this week was especially meaningful due to the number of long-stay and special-needs animals who finally found their happily-ever-afters.

Among the most touching stories was that of Duddy, a blind and diabetic cat who arrived at the SPCA in March. Despite his challenges, Duddy charmed staff and volunteers alike with his calm demeanor and affectionate spirit. He finally found a home during the event — a moment that staff described as one of the biggest wins of the week.

Scout, a kitten diagnosed with a heart murmur, had been waiting since February for someone to look past his medical notes and see his playful, loving personality. That person finally came along, giving Scout the chance to grow up in a home where he’ll be cherished and cared for.

Even pets from heartbreaking beginnings found brighter futures. Mercy, Warden, and Zion — all rescued from a severe neglect case — were adopted during the week, proving that resilience and love go hand-in-hand. Each of them, once starved and forgotten, now have homes where they’ll be safe, fed, and cherished.

The joy continued with more victories: Floki, a painfully shy dog, found a patient adopter ready to help him bloom. And Fire, one of the shelter’s oldest residents, got to spend his golden years with a family who didn’t mind a slower pace or extra naps.

In total, the SPCA Albrecht Center facilitated 59 life-changing matches — each one representing not only a win for that pet, but also a small step toward easing shelter overcrowding and giving staff room to help the next animal in need.

To keep this momentum going, the SPCA Albrecht Center is continuing with special adoption pricing this week: $25 off adult cats and dogs, and $50 off kittens and puppies. It’s another great opportunity for families to welcome a new furry friend while supporting a lifesaving cause.

While the event was a success, the work doesn’t stop here. In fact, during the same week of these adoptions, the SPCA Albrecht Center took in 31 more cats, adding to an already full house. The shelter remains a vital lifeline for animals in the community — and it’s clear that their success depends not just on single-week campaigns, but on sustained support from animal lovers year-round.

If you’ve ever considered helping, now’s the time. Whether you adopt, foster, donate, or volunteer, your actions have a real impact. Each happy tail wag and every content purr is a direct result of community care, compassion, and commitment.

To learn more about how you can support the SPCA Albrecht Center and be part of these life-saving moments, visit in person at 199 Willow Run Road in Aiken, or explore our programs online at LetLoveLive.org.

 

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.