September 13, 2025
By: Seth Quick, SPCA Albrecht Center Adoption & Foster Coordinator

 

The SPCA Albrecht Center will participate again in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) Out of the Darkness Walk on Nov 9th at Odell Weeks.

Last year’s walk was a huge success with a big turnout and the second largest total donation amount in Aiken AFSP walk history; donations which fund research, education, advocacy, and support for those affected by suicide. Many supporters of the Albrecht Center were present at the event and donated to and participated in the walk. In addition, some of our sweet adoptable dogs were there with two of them getting adopted at the walk. There was lots of positive energy with people committed to the common goal of a world without suicide.

Two days after this year’s Aiken walk on Nov 11th, our nation will observe Veteran’s Day. A 2024 report from the Veteran’s Administration found that suicide was the 2nd leading cause of death for veterans under the age of forty-five. A 2023 report found that suicide as a cause of death has increased at an alarming rate for veterans over the last twenty years. Studies have shown that thirty one percent of veterans who use VHA services have mental health diagnoses such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, bipolar and substance abuse disorders. Many veterans struggle with returning to civilian life especially after being in active combat. Veterans with mental health diagnoses have an even more difficult time adjusting. It is important to know that there are services out there to support our veterans who face these struggles.

In addition to mental health counseling, family and friends’ support, and medication as prescribed, some veterans might want to consider a pet to help them through the difficult times. Having a pet that needs you can be therapeutic with the care of that pet allowing a person to not focus on feelings of despair by providing purpose.

Pets like cats and dogs give love and affection without judgment. I personally find that my dogs are a constant source of not only love, but entertainment with their goofy personalities. I find myself talking to them and laughing at their antics.

If you are going through a crisis and feel uneasy talking to someone you know, then dial 988 or text TALK to 741-741. You will be connected to people who are there to help you through a crisis. In addition, if you are a loved one of someone you suspect is in crisis, you are also encouraged to call 988. Veterans can press one after dialing 988 to connect with persons trained specifically to provide crisis support to people from the military. There are also resources available to all including a self check assessment at www.veteranscrisisline.net.

The AFSP is committed to a world where people in crisis have easy access to services and tools to help them through difficult times without any stigma attached to feeling suicidal and asking for help. There have been many strides in the last decade through education, advocacy, and the creation of the 988 suicide crisis line. There has also been a welcomed phenomena observed with an increased acceptance of those who are open about their mental health struggles (especially among the younger generations).

The SPCA Albrecht Center will once again have free adoptable dogs at this year’s AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk. The SPCA will also provide vouchers for free adoptions for dogs or cats through the rest of 2025 to attendees. Please join us. If you have not already done so, consider forming a team. It’s easy. Go to http://afsp.org/aiken and follow the prompts.

Events like the Out of the Darkness Walk remind us that animals and humans often heal together. Many of the dogs and cats in our shelter have overcome their own hardships, just like the people who adopt them. When someone adopts a pet, it’s not just about saving an animal’s life – it’s about creating a partnership that brings comfort, routine, and unconditional love to a person who may be struggling. By participating in this event, the SPCA Albrecht Center celebrates that bond and encourages our community to come together for both people and pets who need hope and a second chance.

 

Seth has been with the SPCA Albrecht Center since 2019 after first serving as a volunteer. He helps adopters make their perfect match and coordinates the dog foster program. A Georgia State University psychology graduate, Seth spent 22 years in Atlanta aiding individuals with developmental disabilities. His off-duty passions include family history research, vegan cooking, fitness, and playtime with his SPCA rescue dogs. For more info. about dog fostering, visit: “Dog Fostering- SPCA Albrecht Ctr” on Facebook.