fall/winter 2015

BE A PART OF THE ANGEL WING CAMPAIGN

THE NEWTON FALLS TIGRESS

SHELTER STRESS

A Broken Angel Finds Her Wings.

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As the interim general manager, I have been exposed to much more of the inner workings of our shelter than I knew existed. One interesting statistic I came across is that in the surrounding area only Angels and one other of 40 shelters provide on-site spay and neutering. The welfare of animals via adoption, sheltering and education is our goal. To accomplish this is not free. • We have an annual budget of almost $2,000,000 .• We have a payroll for 35 to 40 employees (which include 3 veterinarians and over 15 technicians).

• We have between 70 and 100 volunteers working at the shelter during the week (doesn’t include volunteers at events or fosters). • We spend almost $400,000 a year on medicines.

• ….even the Canfield Fair charges us $9,600 for building rental for our spring garage sale. Donations, fees, events, grants, and the volunteers enable Angels to open its doors every day. The Canfield Fair, the Autumn Market, “Cats” theater production, spaghetti drive-up, car wash, swap meet, Oktoberfest and the popular pancake breakfasts all helped to pay the bills. Check the calendar for these upcoming fun events: Barktoberfest, pancake breakfast, wine taste, Barnes & Noble Christmas wrap, Texas hold’em, Christmas antique-collectibles sale, Santa’s visit and watch for a new January event. Currently our foster program is being revamped to provide more feedback to the fosters. Additions to our water treatment equipment, because of new EPA regulations, are scheduled for 4th quarter. This year we are on schedule to spay and neuter over 10,000 animals (10% more than our previous record). And we project that 2,000 animals will be adopted this year.

The 25th anniversary of Angels founding was celebrated at the Lake Club this past August. It marked a quarter century of providing care and new homes for the many animals who have benefited from our programs.

The Halo is published 2 times per year. Current

circulation is 5,000 per issue. Angels for Animals is a registered non-profit

501(c)3 organization.

DESIGN/LAYOUTJill Trimble,

smART DIRECTION

STAFF WRITERS &CONTRIBUTORS

Alison AcheyGlen Corliss Denise DickMatt Ditchey Karen Henry

Lisa HillJanet FlynnLee KumikDiane Less

Stephanie McMurray Allan Miller

Keith NovotakAlice Marchione

Lauren PottsGuy Shebat

Jon StoneMegan Zarlenga

HALO MARKETPLACESPONSORSHIP/ADSCall 330-509-1128

for pricing.

MEMORIALSCall 330-502-5352

Memorials are listed on our web site

under “Tributes”

The Halo 2015© is printed on 10%

recycled paper.

Angels for Animals believes that animals, as living creatures, have value beyond economic measure. Our mission is to educate the people of our community about pet overpopulation and regular veterinary care for pets; cultivate an awareness and responsibility toward the needs of companion animals; provide for the well-being of our community’s animals that are abandoned or otherwise in need; and instill respect for and appreciation of all living things.

ANGELS’ 2016 CALENDAR CONTEST by Allan MillerKudos to Chloe! This adorable kitten is the winner of the Angels for Animals 2016 Calendar Contest, and her mom, Brigitte Flick, couldn’t be more proud. “She became my baby girl on Mother’s Day 2014,” Brigitte beams. “She was about six weeks old and she’s my very first pet.” A total of 68 entries were received...some from as far away as Colorado and California, and we view all as winners because they all are obviously treasured and dearly loved. Now it’s time to make your pet a 2017

candidate. Here’s a few ways to obtain votes: Each vote costs $1. Ask friends, family, and co-workers for support. All donations are tax deductible and each dollar represents one vote. Example: $20 = 20 votes. You could also make a gift basket and sell raffle tickets. Each ticket you sell will count as one vote. Hold a garage sale with all proceeds going to Angels in the form of votes. These are just a few tips to get you started.

1st Place winner receives a $50 Gift Certificate good toward an adoption or any merchandise at Angels, plus all winners receive a $20 Gift Certificate good toward an adoption or any merchandise offered at Angels, a memorial brick on the Angel Way (a $100 value) and 3 free calendars.

ANGELS’ 2017 CALENDAR CONTEST RULESEntries are $5 each. Votes cost $1 each, with winners determined by vote donations received. Photos must be no smaller than 4x6, no larger than 5x7, and are non returnable. Deadline for entries is July 23, 2016 and for votes July 31, 2016. Be sure to visit our website at www.angelsforanimals.org for complete details and an entry form. Good luck to you and your precious pet!

CANFIELD FAIR REPORT by Allan MillerThere’s nothing quite like the fun and excitement of a day at Ohio’s largest county fair. The temperature was up this year and attendance was down a bit from 2014, as were donations to Angels. Nevertheless, Angels had revenues of $21,261 (a 9% decrease from 2014). As a result of the heat, donation dogs were returned to the shelter from 1-4 p.m. each day for their safety and well being. The permanent Angels’ building at the fairgrounds has been around for just three years, but with Mr. Big Kitty perched high atop the roof, it has quickly become a popular and easily recognized landmark and meeting spot for fairgoers. This year we added two large flat-screen TVs for streaming video highlights of Angels’ people, pets, and projects and a tent was erected to shelter our donation dogs and their human companions from the heat during their rest breaks. New literature for visitors included announcement of the Square Foot Campaign as part of the fundraising initiative for our planned veterinary medical facility. Of course, the main attraction was our donation dogs. The top three “persuasive pooches” were Max with Brooke Boley, Carwyn with Darlene Becker, and Hooch with Heather. The overall winning money-magnet was Rumor, who, with his companion Gene King, participated at the fair every day of its run. It was once again a great event and a great opportunity for fairgoers to see and learn about the important work Angels for Animals does in the community.

mission statementin this issue

The Newton Falls tigressA success story from our Newton Falls pilot program for cat population control: “Fix the Kitty – Fix the City.”

An invitation—and plea—to get on boardBe a part of the Angel Wing Campaign 2015.

A broken angel finds her wingsThe heartfelt story of the transformation of one special kitty.

5 6 10

State of the Shelter by Glenn Corliss

GIGANTIC GARAGE SALE UPDATEOnce again Angels has proven the old adage “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure”, as evidenced by the success of our 2lst Annual Gigantic Garage Sale held this past April at the Canfield Fairgrounds. There were four buildings crammed with “treasures”, in addition to a concessions building where shoppers could have lunch or a snack before resuming their shopping. Special thanks goes to our chairperson Ed Stebben, and also to the Kissinger family who took over the food concessions which set a record high for food sales. A net intake of $101,969 after expenses resulted in a record-setting fundraiser. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated items for the sale and especially to those who came out for the sale. Please mark your calendar for next year’s sale, to be held again in April...and keep us in mind whenever you have items to donate.

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VISIT ANGELSFORANIMALS.ORG FOR MORE INFO OR TO VOLUNTEER

Angels for Animals’ Annual Holiday Wine Tasting 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 at Andrews Hall WIne, gourmet appetizers and chocolates.

Entertainment by Stan Miller. Basket raffle, 50/50 tickets and silent auction. Wine will be available for purchase. You can also purchase wine and buy tickets online at angelsforanimals.org.

Tickets: $35/single, $60/couple advance

$40/single, $65/couple at door For more information or tickets, call Stephanie McMurray at 330-509-1128 or send a check to Angels for Animals with your phone number and Wine Taste in memo line.

The Newton Falls Tigress by Diane Less

Cats, cats, cats. All day – every day – so many ….Where do they come from? This question is being raised all day, every day at Angels for Animals. We have such a concern that our response has been to “man” the shelter 24/7. The idea is to get information from the person surrendering the cat (or usually cats) to us. Last month nine cats came at once. The man told us that he had fourteen more which we then received later. We do not want repeat customers!

Last year 2,700 cats and kittens were “left” at Angels. This does not include the 1,000+ arranged surrenders in which the owner/finder participates in the regular shelter procedures. Think how few cats in the big picture actually ever even make it to our shelter!

Now, due to our efforts to help the target community of Newton Falls, at least one lucky kitten was saved. Sarah Jerina was out in her yard last summer. It was late one Friday night in June. She saw an eight-week-old tabby female kitten with her front leg severely torn right below the shoulder. The maggot-infested limb was still attached by a thread of muscle. Sarah did not know what to do, but she knew someone who had Sameera Rahmen’s phone number. Sameera runs our Newton Falls pilot program for cat population control: “Fix the Kitty – Fix the City.”

Sameera called me and I arranged to meet Sarah at the shelter at 11:30pm. This sweet little kitten wanted to live. The next day Dr. Nokes looked at her and told us that her injury was probably a week old! He explained that somehow the body made its own tourniquet to seal off the opening. How amazing! Later that day Dr. Nokes removed the front leg at the shoulder. The kitten did so well that only three weeks later she was spayed. A week after that, Sarah and her family adopted the kitten. The kitten became known as the “Newton Falls Tigress” because of her bravery, will to survive, and because the Newton Falls school mascot is a tiger! Tigress is a great poster child for Angels and our Newton Falls pilot program. She has already made two TV appearances sitting in her American Girl wheelchair – what a ham!

URGENT: If you live near Newton Falls and can help trap cats to stop the misery and death that comes from overpopulation, PLEASE call or text Sam at 330-949-7729. She needs YOUR help to spay/neuter as many cats as possible.

A success story from our Newton Falls pilot program for cat population control: “Fix the Kitty – Fix the City.”

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So…you’ve heard the pitch and we’ve shown you the building model and the floor plan. Now it’s time to go forth and create the love!

So far we have raised about 20% of our funding goal. We have managed to save most of the estate bequests given to us over the past few years. Our 25th Anniversary Party at The Lake Club in August raised over $60,000, and shortly after that party a million dollar gift was given to us and a cat office naming opportunity was also sold. Obviously though, a whole lot more money still needs to be raised. We presently are focusing on two main fund raising components for the campaign.

1. Just like in our current facility, there are a lot of naming oppor-tunities available for amounts ranging from one thousand dollars to a million dollars (or more). You can have your own name, or perhaps the name of a loved one or pet, appear on a kennel, room, or piece of equipment. This part of the campaign will raise half of the money needed.

2. The remaining half of the money will be raised through the Care2 (Care Squared) campaign. For just $200 you can buy a square foot share of the new build-ing. The actual cost of the structure shell is estimated to be about $200 a square foot for an approximately 25,000 square foot building. For this donation, your name will also appear on a wall in the connector wing for all the world to see.

Every day—pretty much for everyone—life is really busy and demanding. It is a struggle to survive for most people. It’s hard to look beyond our own family’s needs, let alone those of our neighbors, friends, and the rest of the world.

Then there are those poor homeless animals—tossed like trash. Their needs are great, too. They have nobody to help them but a handful of rescues and Angels for Animals. Yes, we have become the area’s “go-to” source for help for free-roaming ownerless pets. The “no kill” movement has caused most rescues to say “no more room.” Then what?

This is why we need the new Angel Wing—to provide more room to help more pets in need, and mostly to help increase the number of pets that can be spayed and neutered. And this new addition is not just for us because the Angel Wing will provide reasonably priced veterinary services for all animal groups, pounds, and shelters.

The frustrating part of providing a haven for pet care and protection is that not all shelters and pounds in the State of Ohio “fix” the pets they adopt out. Often it’s not because they don’t want to, but simply because they do not have access to this level of service. Prices to spay a female cat in our area range from $90 to $260 at private vets. These prices may be fair and reasonable, but for rescues and many individuals saving pets it just is not feasible.

There’s no question that the best way to avoid having to euthanize pets is to not allow their birth to occur in the first place. If you truly want a “no kill” community, you have to become a “no birth” community first! Unborn pets do not suffer, do not require vet care, and do not need their messes cleaned up. Unborn pets allow pets already born to have a much better chance of finding a lifelong permanent home.

An invitation—and plea— to get on board by Diane Less

Any of these naming opportunities can be paid for over a period of time. Payment schedules can also be customized to comfortably fit your circumstances.

Large and ambitious projects like this require a lot of time, planning, and dollars. A lot of people think we already have a very nice shelter—indeed we do! But this new project is all about preventative medicine and never turning away a pet.

We invite everyone to come out and see what we are trying to do. Stand outside some day and watch the

parade of people dumping pets, despite our ongoing program for the last two years of fixing three cats for a total cost of only $45! See how, at the end of each kitten season, we are still asked to take in 20-40 animals a day. If there are no volunteer foster homes available to help care for these animals, there simply is not enough room to house all these cats and dogs. The Angel Wing would allow us to save a lot more of these pets, too!

Drive by our surgery parking lot some morning if you question

the ongoing demand for veterinary surgical procedures. People often have to park along State Route 165—very dangerous!

So PLEASE—get on board with the “no birth” plan and be a part of the solution. Call Diane at 330-502-5352 and let her know what your animal-saving legacy will be!

All hours care. Round-the-clock compassion. A veterinary clinic and safe haven for every animal’s hour of need. With your help, our new Angel Wing will be a lifesaving net for abandoned, abused and injured animals, as well as owned pets in need.

A N G E L Wing C A M PA I G N 2 0 1 5

The Angel Wing will provide

reasonably priced veterinary services

for all animal groups, pounds,

and shelters in the area.

Care2Sponsor a square foot for the new Angel Wing and multiply the ways we care for all animals in the future.

A N G E L Wing C A M PA I G N 2 0 1 5

Angels has a vision to help animals and our community like never before. We are going to build a new wing that will be a model for animal welfare in the state of Ohio. The Angel Wing will offer affordable emergency care as well as regular vet care around the clock. It will help area rescues reduce their medical care costs. It will be a shelter for abandoned animals. It will help humane agencies and police with abused animals. And it will be a place that will allow us to dramatically increase the number of spay/neuter surgeries we perform, helping control animal overpopulation. Sponsor a square foot or more for the Angel Wing and see just how much care can multiply.

For checks $100 or more, please make payable to The Youngstown Foundation Support Fund and 5% will be added to the amount of your contribution. Indicate Angels for Animals on the memo line. For questions, call 330.502.5352. All donations are tax-deductible.

Can you help save Angels aluminum can recycling? by Matt Ditchey

How would you like to dig through someone else’s trash to retrieve aluminum cans? Well, we don’t want to either. Unfortunately we are on the verge of having to end the can collection because 90% of the bags of cans contain other items. Trash. Angels collecting cans has generated a lot of money to help the shelter, so please try and save this money-making opportunity. We have to set some very firm rules to keep the collection effort active: 1. ONLY aluminum beverage cans are being collected. 2. You MUST use a clear (not white) bag. 3. Absolutely nothing else goes into the clear bag other than aluminum beverage cans. No plastic bottles, food cans, aerosol cans, plastic knifes, spoons or forks, etc. 4. Though not mandatory, it would be VERY helpful if you flatten your cans, as a flat can takes up about 1/10 the space of an unflattened can. It saves Angels money and time transporting flattened cans because it takes fewer trips to the scrap yard. Every bag left at Angels has to be opened and sorted because the scrap yard will not process the bags because so many people have been putting things other than aluminum beverage cans in the bags. It actually costs Angels money if you do not follow these rules because somebody has to sort these bags at Angels.

We regret having to initiate these strict requirements, but in order for this recycling program to be a profit-making venture, it has become necessary to do so. We thank all those who have contributed aluminum cans in the past and hope that you will continue to do so.

Care2Sponsor a square foot or more and help us get one step closer to making the Angel Wing a reality. Just fill out the information below and send it in an envelope addressed to Angels for Animals, 4750 W. South Range Road, Canfield, OH 44406.

I would like to sponsor _______square feet of Angel Wing @$200 per square foot for a total of $_____________.

I would like to pay now monthly in payments of $_____________. quarterly in payments of $_____________.

NAME _________________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS ____________________________________________________________________________

CITY _______________________________________________STATE________ ZIP________________

PHONE ______________________________________________________________________________

EMAIL _______________________________________________________________________________

Credit card (info below) Check (enclosed)

CREDIT CARD# _____________________________________________________________________

EXPIRES ____________________________

Despite fixing over 50,000 cats since 2006, over 50 cats per week are still abandonded at Angels. This is why we need Angel Wing before we become impossibly overcrowded.

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10 a n g e l s f o r a n i m a l s . o r g

March was a tough month for a particular little orange tabby. Cold, scared, injured, hungry and abandoned, this little girl found her way into the basement window of a nice woman in New Middletown who brought her to see Dr. Nokes at our wellness center. Despite severe wounds to the left front leg, left rear leg, and abdomen, as well as a puncture wound to her left front paw, she patiently let Dr. Nokes do a thorough exam and even started purring as she was being held. The staff at Angels was so enamored with the resilience of this little fighter. It wasn’t long before she was given pain meds to get some X-rays to determine the severity of the injuries. It was unclear what caused her wounds, perhaps a coyote, but fortunately there was no indication of broken or fractured bones. After stitching her wounds, she was cleared to go into foster care to heal with antibiotics. Our employee, Kathy Hamilla, took on the responsibility of giving this little girl the TLC she craved and needed, and it wasn’t long before her infections cleared up and the bandages were able to come off.

Three months later we saw a wonderful transformation from an injured animal on the brink of death to a blossoming, purring cat with a playful disposition and incredibly charismatic personality. We named her Angel. Kathy worked on slowly socializing Angel with her cats at home so her transition to the shelter would be as smooth as possible. Surprisingly, this little girl took to her new roommates as if she was just waiting for another young feline to playfully chase around the house. Of course, she had to take it easy, but considering what she went through, there probably wasn’t too much this little cat was afraid of.

Now that the weather was warm, her wounds were healed, and a spot opened up for her, it was time for Angel to finally come to the shelter and be placed for adoption. As friendly and outgoing as she was, we all thought she would have a home in no time. However, being the month of June, there were lots of kittens getting adopted in place of the adults. So Angel waited…waited…and played, and waited, and chased her toys, terrorized her roommates, and waited some more. After a month we decided to promote her on Facebook, thinking surely someone would read her story and at least come out to meet her, but that day never came.

Now that kitten season was fully underway in August, with the shelter bursting at the seams with so many adorable kittens, it looked like her adoption chances to have a home by the end of summer were dwindling. There was so much time and love poured into this little cat, it was hard to imagine her being here any longer than possible. She didn’t seem to mind shelter life, but she deserved much better.

It wasn’t until mid August that a nice young lady named Alicia came in to look at the kitties. We had a pair of white kittens named Ritz and Ditz, and Alicia instantly fell in love with Ditz. Since they were siblings and it was just their first day at the shelter and were only eight weeks old, we wanted to try to adopt them together or at least to a home with a playmate. It appeared we had a home for them both, but after that fell through a few weeks later, Alicia got her call that Ditz would be available for adoption.

The problem still remained that he should really have a playmate at such a young age and, as we all know, the “significant others” are typically leery about bringing home two cats. Convincing the husband that two cats are better than one simply wasn’t something that could be done over the phone, so when they both came to adopt Ditz, she introduced him to Angel. Love at first sight! For someone who you would not picture as a cat lover, it was as though these two were waiting to be paired together. Angel refused to leave his lap during Ditz’s adoption, so it became clear that not only would Ditz have a playmate, but Angel would finally have the home she deserved. But why stop there? Seeing that Angel was also a buddy to a black male named Spooky, it was equally hard to separate them.

After much discussion, Alicia and her husband started their fur family with Ditz, Spooky, and Angel! And what an appropriate name it is for her, as there were many staff and volunteers as well as one kind-hearted person who took the time to get her back to good health. In a sense, it seems she doesn’t have just one but rather many guardian angels that got her to AFA, reha-bilitated her, and now will look over her in her new forever family.

The staff at Angels was so enamored with how resilient this little fighter was.

Thank You! Angels would like to thank: Atty Jeff Holland, guest speaker at the 25th Anniversary Party who donated his time and fee. Karen McBurney, Michael Simon and David Flynn who each donated $7000 for a total of $21,000 to have their names on the front of the new Angel Wing receptionist desk. Michael Simon and David Flynn for donating a combined total of $10,000 for a YSU football signed and donated by Jim Tressel and Bo Pelini. Dave Flynn and Columbiana Cadillac Buick Chevrolet for donating a 60” TV used at the Anniversary Party, the Canfield Fair and is now available for special events at Andrews Hall.

Fred Martin Ford & Mercedes Benz of Austintown for donating $14,500 from their second annual $25 per car promotion for each sale between June 1st and August 31st.

Michael DiRienzo who created a walking path around the Angels dog lake. Michael, his parents, brother and friends planted three trees, mulched a path and will main-tain this area for our dog walkers. Altiere’s Home and Garden donated all the wood-chips for the path. Michael raised $3,000 for this project and was able to donate over $2000 to help the shelter dogs and cats.

The Youngstown Playhouse cast of “CATS” who visited the Angels’ display at the Canfield Fair and invited us to bring cats, kittens and program information to each of the performances.

Sameera Rahman and her husband Tariq for organizing the North Jackson cat clean up. So far they have fixed 146 cats with the help of North Jackson residents. Sameera does the trapping, transporting and scheduling for the cats in addition to working full time. We appreciate their dedication!

The Magic Tree Pub & Eatery for hosting our Beer and Wine Tastes held to benefit Friends of Fido, Angels for Animals and the dogs of the Mahoning County Pound.

Thank you to the Angels for Animals Board members who donated to the Angels Volunteer Party. The volunteers had a great time playing bingo and enjoying a potluck dinner.

Dr. Kathie and Thomas Nelson for donating funds to keep the dog wing’s Chubbles Treat Pantry filled with bones and treats.

Boardman National Honor Society for a carwash fundraiser at Andrews Hall.

A Broken Angel Finds Her Wings. by Keith Novotak

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Shelter Stress by Keith Novotak

Imagine a dream where you’re sound asleep, and the person whom you trust most walks in the room with a solemn disposition and gently escorts you to the car. You ask what’s going on, but it appears he or she cannot hear you. Once in the car, you ask where the person is taking you, but it’s as if you cannot speak in words. You start to scream because you cannot escape the vehicle, and despite all your pleas for help, it’s a futile effort as you drive farther and farther from your home. Arriving at the destination, you can see a build-ing, a few people walking around, but again no one cares to acknowledge your cries. By now the fear of not waking up and anxiety is taking over, and your primordial instinct of fight or flight has kicked in. Being too scared to even run, just hoping it’s all a bad dream, you are taken through a bright hallway and towards a large cell. There are people to your left and right casting a look of pity, and as your most beloved and trusted person tearfully leads you to what seems to be some sort of a prison, the inevitable realization that this is really happening has finally sunk in. That is just the beginning of what so many cats experience every time they are surrendered to a shelter. If you know some-one who is thinking about surrendering their cat(s) to an animal shelter, perhaps this is your chance to convince them to ex-haust all possible options before even considering rehoming. While Angels for Animals cat housing is among the best in the nation, there is no guarantee an adult cat can even survive the transition long enough to be adopted. Typically, the cats who do best at the shelter are the ones who don’t have a home to miss. Whether they were discarded pets or simply friendly strays, these cats usually make a fairly seamless adjustment after immediately making it known to the others in this new little colony that they are not to be messed with and will indeed hold their ground as they have done outside to survive as long as they have.

While Angels for Animals cat housing is among the

best in the nation, there is no guarantee an adult cat can

even survive the transition long enough to be adopted.

With people, stress is a natural physical and mental reaction to both good and bad experiences that can be beneficial to our health and safety. Our bodies respond to stress by releasing hormones and increasing the heart and breathing rates. The brain gets more oxygen, giving us an edge in responding to a problem. In the short term, stress helps you cope with tough situations. However, our felines don’t really possess such coping mechanisms nor have outlets to channel this intense and overwhelming reaction.Stress alone can send their bodies into an almost catatonic state where they become paralyzed with fear. Most have never had to fend for themselves, and although it’s intrinsic, they don’t always kick into fight mode and defend them-

selves, but rather flee in most cases…and in a shelter, a hiding cat is prone to being ostracized and picked on by the other cats who see them as a weak threat to their colony. This incredible amount of stress put on an animal, especially a cat over five years old, is sometimes even fatal, as their organs can shut down entirely from stress alone. While at times certain situations arise where nothing can be done to keep the animal or to rehome it directly into another home, please consider the possible effects that shelter life can have on your cat’s mental and physical health. Most owner surrenders are for several reasons: moving, allergies, or litter box refusal. There is usually a solution to all of these issues, and no matter

how inconvenient it may be, the cats depend on their guardians to do all they can before surrendering them to a shelter. These loved and cherished animals need their guardians to make the best decision for them if such a situation ever arises. All I can do is urge anyone considering rehoming their cat to consider the devastating possibility that they may end up euthanized or, even worse, accepted into an adoption program where they spend a few weeks in caged isolation before their hearts finally stop beating.

Show Me the Money by Matt Ditchey

How much government funding does Angels receive every year for operations? ZERO. That’s right, nothing. How much government funding has Angels received in the past for operations? ZERO. That’s correct, nothing. How much government funding did Angels receive to build the facility? ZERO. How much does Angels charge local police departments when they need to drop off a cat or a dog? Nothing. How much does Angels receive in reimbursement from government when people abandon cats or dogs here? ZERO. So, while Angels has basically provided free animal control to the surrounding areas for the last 25 years, Angels for Animals receives no government money to do so. That is why Angels is constantly having fund-raisers to operate. So what would have happened to the thousands and thousands of dogs that have been adopted from Angels through the years, if there was no Angels? They would have been left to the county dog pounds to deal with. Instead, Angels did it for free. That is why it is so frustrating when we actually do ask for help and get little or no response from many government officeholders. A few years ago, a now recently convicted, resigned, and former officeholder actually laughed in our faces when Diane Less and I asked for help to enact laws regarding cat overpopulation, telling us “cats are too controversial.” Yet, a short time later, he actually called Diane and asked for help to “get rid of” his son’s dog.

That isn’t to say we have not had some very helpful people in government, especially from some at the local level. If you have been to our reverse raffle fundraiser, you have seen them from Mahoning and Columbiana Counties, year after year. I refrain from mentioning any names because I know I would forget at least one, but when you see them at an event, please tell them how much you appreciate their involvement. One of the most helpful collaborations we have is with the Mahoning County Green Team, which obtained a grant for a trailer that we use for recycling and storage. We also work with the Green Team in an effort to save several dumpsters of cardboard from landfill each garage sale, and Angels has been collecting used batteries for years. Government has power and control over literally every aspect of our (and animals’) lives, so it would be helpful if the laws and government in Ohio would be more involved in fixing our animal issues instead of ignoring them.

We are constantly searching for more ways to help animals and raise money to complete our mission...not because we have nothing better to do, but because we have to. Angels does work with many government agencies to help animals...we just don’t get paid for our efforts, and it costs us money. So that’s why we really need everyone’s support. Whether it be through our fundraisers or by signing petitions to change laws or by giving to the new Angel Wing, every little bit means a lot. We are truly a community service that’s vital to helping our area’s animals.

Diane Less (L) & Dave Kissinger (R) recently present-ed New Middletown Police Chief Vince D’Egidio with a dog kennel for use at his department. The kennel will be used for housing lost dogs until the owner or a shelter can be contacted. Angels has distributed mul-tiple kennels to police departments for this purpose, and will be distributing at least 3 more. Dave Kissinger and his wife Sherry organized a pancake breakfast to pay for the kennels.

Volunteer Spotlight by Alice Marchione

MITZI D’ALESIO Sometimes a heartbreaking life occurrence can be turned into a positive experience. In the case of Mitzi D’Alesio, the tragic loss of her son understandably left her

despondent. Her concerned friends suggested that she focus her attention on outside interests to help in dealing with her grief and suggested that she join them in their volunteer activities at Angels for Animals. That was four years ago and both Mitzi, and certainly Angels, have benefited from her dedication and hard work.

Mitzi has found that helping animals has been rewarding and fulfilling. She cleans in the cat wing two days a week. She sews colorful bedding for the shelter’s cats and dogs. Also, you can see her hard at work in the clothing building at the Canfield Fairgrounds during our annual garage sale in April. Although her own feline/canine fam-ily consists of 3 cats and 2 dogs, all rescues, she manages to provide a temporary foster home for Angels’ cats and kittens that are waiting for space to become available in the shelter. We salute you Mitzi and thank you for all you have done, and continue to do, on behalf of our animals in need.

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TWINKLE TOESTwinkle Toes is a beautiful tortie who loves lounging in a soft bed, but she would especially love having a soft bed in a home of her own! Twinkle Toes is only a year and a half old, quite a young lady. She’s such a love bug and enjoys spending time with people; we don’t understand why she’s still here. She’s great sharing with other cats as long as she has a bed of her own. Playtime is also an important part of this little tortie’s daily routine...whether it be with another cat or just entertaining herself with a catnip mouse. After that, though, it’s time for snuggles and cuddles, which she would prefer in the company of a real family.

TRAVISThis beautiful boy is Travis! He is a three-year-old brown tabby looking for a home and family that will give him all the love he deserves! You see Travis was hanging around with a “wild” bunch of cats – and you know they say you are judged by the company you keep. It turns out that Travis is just as sweet and friendly as a cat can be. He came to AFA on July 14th with a bunch of feral cats, but he is one of the friendliest cats we have! He just got caught up with the wrong crowd. All he wants is attention in a real home. He is the most affectionate love bug!

A loving home for the holidays....that's what they are wishing for more than anything else.

featured adoptables

GEMGem is a sweet young shepherd mix that came to us from the Mahoning County Dog Pound in June 2015. Unfortunately, we do not know a whole lot about her history before the pound. She came to us terrified of everything. She would hide at the back of her kennel and shiver. The volunteers here worked with her to help bring her out of her shell and reveal her loving personality. Then in July 2015, a great family came to rescue her. She went home with them for about two weeks. Unfortunately, we found that she had a great fear of children so the family had to bring her back for the sake of her sanity. This precious girl has been with us since then trying to find her forever home. Her fears and insecurities

have made her a very selective pup, and we need to find a very specific home for her – preferably, with someone who is older with no kids...unless they’ve got fur! She loves to play with some of her puppy friends. She loves spending time with Bob, our dog walker, going for walks and playing around like the clown she is. Isn’t there an “angel” out there who can give Gem a chance for a happy life?

For information

on adoption,

please contact:

Lisa Hill

Dog Manager

330-549-1111,

ext. 118

Keith Novotak

Cat Manager

330-549-1111,

ext. 121

SATURNSaturn is a handsome fellow...wouldn’t he look great lounging around in your home? He’s a tall, lean boy with a sleek, shiny, pettable coat...and don’t you just love that black nose? Saturn is only two years old, and it shows when he’s playing – he really loves that toy in the photo. He’s very inquisitive and enjoys greeting visitors. He’s a real people-loving cat! He’s fine with other cats and dogs too, so a multi-pet household would be great...and he certainly wouldn’t mind one with kids or a noisy environment.

DAWSONHey there, my name is Dawson and I want to run some ideas by you, so listen up, this is important to me! I’ve been trying out different ideas to get myself adopted – this is my “gazing off longingly into the distance” look. Whadda ya think? Would you adopt me if I looked like this? I’ve tried the direct approach, walking up to people and doing a cute act. I’ve also tried being standoffish just in case I was coming on too strong. Even the cute looks I was giving some nice ladies didn’t seem to work. Seriously, what does a cat have to do to get adopted? I’m really bored with this place – not enough people for ear scratches, warm laps, and couches to nap on. Don’t you love that brown patch on my face? How can anyone resist that face? I’m hoping someone won’t be able to resist my charm and will adopt me... I really want a home of my own! I’ll share with other cats, too. I’m not that selfish to demand a home to myself when there are so many of my friends here waiting for homes as well.

AMIGOAmigo is a 2 year old jack russel mix all alone in the world. He came to us in the beginning of July with his momma and two generations of siblings. They had been kept outside their whole lives. Some were kept in pens and others were tied to trees with hardly any shelter. The worst part is that they hardly had any human contact. All of them came in to the shelter terrified of people. The others have all been adopted into loving homes that continue to work with them on their confidence and socialization. Amigo is the last one left. He gets braver every day waiting for a family to love him.

JOSIEJosie is a Brindle Plott Hound mix who was rescued from being sold on Craigslist before being surrendered to us here at the shelter. Josie needs training to learn manners and to build her confidence. She is only one year old and already is homeless. She doesn’t know what it is like to be a permanent member of a family and needs to know that she is one forever. Josie is dog friendly and very energetic. She will do best with an active family and a big yard to run in! Most of all she needs someone who will commit to her FOREVER!

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Angels welcomes you to its

Wellness Clinicswith Dr. Richard Nokes

The Honda StoreThe Honda Store

The Honda StoreThe Honda Store448 Boardman-Canfield Road

Boardman, Ohio 44512 330-726-2300

www.honda-store.comwww.honda-store.com

Angels for Animals SHOW US THE MOMMY Spay whole litter & family lineMommy $25 (was $45)Kittens $5 (was $20)(2-4 lbs or 8 weeks old)

Call scheduling at 330-549-5634 to take advantage of this program. Thank you to the Karen A. Erwin Trust

BOARDMAN INJURYCENTER. L.L.C.

827 McKay CourtBoardman, OH 44512

phone# (330)729.0575

• Personal Injury• Workers Compensation• Health Insurance

chiropractic physicians

Dr. Janinne M. Getsy

Dr. Michael D. Cayavec

Dr. Michael G. Getsy

James PlizgaPresident

P: 440.382.3047ifeasternohio@sbcglobal.net

Invisible Fence of Eastern Ohio

3833 Mahoning AvenueYoungstown, OH 44515

P: 330-797-9800easternohio.invisiblefence.com

www.InvisibleFence.com

DonnellSalem.com

52 Continental DriveSalem, Ohio 44460 330-332-0031

7955 Market StreetYoungstown, Ohio 44512330-726-8181

DonnellFord.com

4290 State Route 7 • New Waterford, Ohio 44445330-457-2354 • PerformanceDieselTrucks.com

Dr. Donald K. AllenVeterinarian, Inc.Dogs, Cats, Birds, Reptiles, Exotics

330-782-7333Hours by Appointment

4501 Market Street, Boardman, OH

330-505-2000 • www.hdbiketown.comLocated at I80 and Route 46

David R. Rek

Owner/Operator(330) 545-4244

Rek’s Auto Body L. L. C.Where quality is no accident

28 High Street

Girard, Ohio 44420

Fax: (330) 545-0234

YOUNGSTOWN OXYGEN & WELDING SUPPLY

2208 Hubbard Road • Youngstown, OH 44505Mon. – Fri. 8-5., Sat. 8-1

phone at 330.744.0271 • fax at 330.744.8233

• Group class • Private in home training • Behavior consulations • Obedience• Agility, flyball, tricks • Therapy dog• Aggression • Fear, anxiety and so much more!

330-534-4990

Now offering beginner obedience classes at AFA!

330-787-232211985 1/2 Columbiana Canfield Rd.

Columbiana, OH 44408

Bath to BowsDog Styling Salon

Located on the corner of Rt. 46 and Rt.165

BRIAN’S WILDLIFE CONTROL, LLC.

Professional • Humane Service

24 HOUR SERVICE AVAILABLE

Raccoon • Skunk • Squirrel • ChipmunkMoles • Cats • Bats • Birds • Snakes

Beaver • Muskrat • Woodchuck • Opossum

Brian Adkins Cell 330-720-7176 State Licensed, Insured

Richard Nokes, DVM, Wellness Scheduling: 330-549-5634 Cell: 330-221-6214, Email: rfnokes@aol.com

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Thomas A. Dechellis, D.D.S.60 Marwood Circle, Boardman, OH 44512

Office: (330) 726-8060Home: (330) 770-6780

Office Hours By Appointment

Spotted Horse Studio.com

PAINTED SIGNS HAND CARVED SIGNSSAND BLASTED SIGNS DIMENSIONAL LETTERINGVINYL LETTERING GOLD LEAF PET PORTRAITS

Diane Less & Bill BairdOwners & Artisans

330.533.23916385 State Route 165Greenford, OH 44422

promote your business with an ad in the marketplaceand help animals in need! Advertise for 3 consecutive issuesand receive a 10% discount

Contact:LaurenCall: 330-507-0774 orE-mail: halo@angelsforanimals.org

Communal Cremation, $75Cremation with other pets. No return of ashes. Standard Cremation, $90Ashes returned in blue stipple metal container. Gift certicate towards an Angels’s animal adoption for $20 also included. Private Cremation, $175Ashes returned in a blue stipple metal container and a $20 Angels gift certificate toward an animal adoption is included. Clay paw print and hair clipping also provided. *please add $1 to prices for every pound over 40 lbs. Please call Diane anytime to schedulean appointment at 330-502-5352.

The Cecil Crematory for loved pets

“No heaven will not ever Heaven be;Unless my pets are there to welcome me.” ~ Anonymous

Visit our CREMATION STATION for a full line of retail items, jewelry, keychains, urns, plaques and more, to commemorate a departed pet.

Gem-Young Insurance &Financial Services, Inc.

Kill the crisis – not the animal!Please spay or neuter your pets.

Newley Renovated • Seats up to 160 • Full Kitchen Facilities Full Bar Area • Hourly Rental Available

330-549-1111, ext. 3264750 State Route 165, Canfield, OH

Andrews HallA great place for your next event

fix 1-2-3 for $45

Angels for Animals is proud to introduce our newest SPAY NEUTER program!

Call 330.549.5634 to set up an appointmentThe 1, 2, 3 for $45 promotion is available for any cat. Prices do not charge for single animals being fixed, males are still $35 and females are still $45.

Funding provided by The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, a KeyBank Trust

Save more lives for forty-five!

Chalet Premier Beer, Wine & Liquor

We specialize in weddings10% Discount on Wine Case Sales

chaletpremier.com

10000 Market Street • North Lima, OH 44452 • 330.549.5228

16070 State Route 170Calcutta, Ohio 43920330-385-9100

PowerGM.com

1Ohio’s Largest

21 East Railroad StreetColumbiana, Ohio 44408330-482-3331

DriveColumbiana.com

20 a n g e l s f o r a n i m a l s . o r g

4750 State Route 165

Canfield, OH 44406

330.549.1111

www.angelsforanimals.org

Cat & Dog Viewing

Tues. Noon - 6pm

Wed. Noon - 6pm

Thurs. Noon - 6pm

Fri. Noon - 8pm

Sat. 10am - 4pm

Sun. CLOSED

Mon. CLOSED

Spaying and Neutering

Weekdays by appointment.

Call 330-549-5634

to schedule.

Don’t miss Angels for Animals

Holiday Decorations, Antiques,Collectibles & Jewelry Sale

Dec. 4, 5 & 6 and Dec. 12 & 13 at Andrews Hall

Friday, 6-9 pm, admission $5.00 (includes refreshments & buyers’ first choice) Saturday, 10 am-6 pm, free admission • Sunday, Noon-4 pm, free admission & bargains!