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Falcon Animal Rescue opens in Austintown
By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK
AUSTINTOWN
Pet photos with Santa, a basket raffle, a donation and a chance to play with cats were all part of the Falcon Animal Rescue’s grand opening.
Canfield High School Key Club members presented the owner of the newly opened Falcon Rescue with a $1,200 check at the opening Saturday.
The rescue group approached the club, said Bailey Hardick, vice president of Key Club.
“We were actually very excited to help out any way possible,” she said.
The Key Club had a bake sale at Walmart on Sweetest Day in October, selling food made by members. They also sold 100 pumpkin rolls at a later date.
“As a team, we worked really hard this year to help the animals,” Hardick said. “Animals are one of the best things in life. They put smiles on all of our faces. We’re really excited to be here today, and really excited to help make a difference.”
The animal rescue, at 6520 Mahoning Ave., has been open for about two weeks, said Mark Constantini, founder.
“We are, right now, a cat rescue, primarily,” he said.
The Key Club members are generous, he said, adding, “They’re just tireless.”
Manager Debbie Marsh agreed.
“They’re amazing,” she said. “Those kids are something else.”
Cats come to the organization in various ways. Some are found in large garbage bins and cardboard boxes or left on doorsteps. One was dropped off after its owner died. The animals are checked by a veterinarian, given immunizations and spayed or neutered when they’re taken in by Falcon Rescue. After that, they are able to be adopted.
“If they don’t get adopted, they stay forever,” Marsh said.
Falcon Rescue is a no-kill shelter. Currently, 30 cats call Falcon Rescue home.
Sisters-in-law Lori Howley and Allyson Howley stopped by to check it out.
“It’s a good cause,” Lori, of McDonald, said. “A lot of needy animals need homes.”
They’re glad to see a rescue organization in Austintown.
“There are just too many animals that are abandoned, all the time,” said Allyson, of North Jackson.
Members of the Key Club look forward to helping the organization in the future.
The Canfield club has more than 75 student members. Its mission is to teach leadership through helping.