Now is the time for all good animal lovers to aid shelters

The horrid and heartbreaking sight of a small pit bull named Rambo wandering the East Side of Youngstown last week bleeding from an arrow shot squarely into his face reminds us that animal cruelty takes no holiday during this season of joy, peace and compassion.

Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of city police, the Mahoning County Dog Pound and its Friends of Fido support group, veterinarians operated on Rambo, and he is expected to recover fully.

Sadly, not all abused, neglected, abandoned and unwanted dogs and cats find such happy endings. According to the National Humane Society, each year about 5 million companion animals enter animal shelters in the United States. Of that total, 3.5 million of them end up being put to death.

For dog pounds, animal shelters and rescue organizations, the days and weeks immediately after Christmas rank among their busiest times of the year. Harsh winter conditions for stray dogs and an influx of unwanted canines and kittens inappropriately designed as holiday gifts have shelters bursting at their seams.

It’s no wonder then that in a Page One centerpiece story in Friday’s Vindicator, the Animal Charity Humane Society of Ohio on Market Street in Boardman issued an urgent public appeal for assistance. The agency , which took in about 30 abandoned animals in November and provides foster care and medical treatment for about 30 others, is seeking contributions from canine and feline lovers from across the Mahoning Valley.

Among the most needed items, according to Animal Charity Director Shalyse Bolase, are dry dog food, large crates, sturdy leashes, harnesses, rawhide chews, toys, blankets, sheets, newspapers and hay. Monetary donations also are warmly appreciated and greatly needed.

WHERE YOU CAN HELP

But Animal Charity is not alone. The Mahoning and Shenango valleys are blessed with an expansive network of shelters and animal-rescue organizations. There, too, the rush is on, and the need for community support is monumental. In addition to Animal Charity, at 4140 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512, here is a list of other organizations that would benefit from your generous assistance:

Angels for Animals, 4750 W. South Range Road, Canfield 44406.

Falcon Animal Rescue, 6520 Mahoning Ave., Austintown 44515.

Friends of Fido, P.O. Box 14155, Poland 44514.

The Cat Ladies Society, 2217 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown 44509.

It’s a RUFF Life Rescue, North Lima 44452

Trumbull County Animal Welfare League, 812 Youngstown Kingsville Road SE, Vienna 44473.

Cats Are People Too, PO Box 1947, Warren 44482.

Columbiana County Humane Society, 1825 S. Lincoln Ave., Salem 44460.

Alchemy Acres Animal Sanctuary, 1859 County Highway 410, Salem 44460.

Shenango Valley Animal Shelter, 2599 Broadway Road, Hermitage, PA 16148.

Mercer County Humane Society, PO Box 1046, Hermitage, PA 16148.

Lawrence County Humane Society, 628 Pearson Mill Road, New Castle, PA 16101.

All of the above shelters or animal-welfare groups have easily accessed websites for more information. All would profit from compassionate giving — and taking through adoption of adorable pets to responsible and loving homes — at this most critical time of year for thousands of our four-legged friends in need.