Friends of Fido offer new life to pound dogs

By LINDA M. LINONIS

linonis@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

A 9-month-old sheltie-shepherd mix with a badly damaged leg recently arrived at the Mahoning County Dog Pound.

Years ago, euthanasia would have ended the young pup’s short stay at the pound, which could give no veterinary care and had no organization to help. Max’s early death would compound the tragedy of his circumstances – tied up at an abandoned house with no food or water.

In about an hour on her phone, texting and emailing, volunteer Trish Collins sent a photo of Max and his injury to One of a Kind Pet Rescue in Akron, which accepted the pup for care. Through networking, the president of Friends of Fido arranged for transportation.

“Before, this dog wouldn’t have had a chance,” Collins said, noting the severe, untreated break that healed badly on its own. The useless and probably painful leg likely will be amputated at the rescue’s clinic.

One of a Kind, through its adoption center, will find an adopter who will look past what’s missing and see only what’s there – a sweet, loving, playful dog. “This story ends on a positive note,” she said.

She added there are other stories, including a lab puppy whose broken pelvis and road rash suggested being thrown from a moving car. Lake Erie Labrador Rescue took the dog.

Collins said Friends of Fido works with many rescues, including Angels for Animals, All Paws are Perfect, Legacy Dog Rescue of Ohio, Little Love Bugs and Paw Platoon.

Friends of Fido will mark its fifth anniversary with a celebration Nov. 12 at Davidson’s restaurant. “We’re asking for donations with a five in it,” Collins said.

Recently, Collins – along with Shirley Tkalec, vice president, and Dianne Fry, Mahoning County dog warden – talked about the pound and how Friends of Fido plays an integral part. “It started by volunteers selling candy bars,” Tkalec said of Fido’s formation. “We needed to buy collars so we could walk the dogs.”

The fundraiser gained momentum, and volunteers organized as the nonprofit group. Tkalec said that status allowed Friends to apply for grants, and donations were tax-deductible.

“We all work and fit this in,” Collins said. “But it’s like another job.”

She said Friends of Fido provides veterinary care for sick and injured dogs and spaying and neutering of dogs going to rescue groups and transports dogs to the vet clinic. Fundraisers make it possible. The organization works relentlessly to move dogs from the pound into rescue groups. Collins credited volunteers Evelyn Tkalec, who serves on Fido’s board, and Laura Jones with transporting dogs.

“We need a dog ambulance,” Collins said.

“When I first came to the pound, I said I’d never go back ... it was too hard,” Shirley Tkalec said. “My sister told me it was not about me but about the dogs.” She has two rescue hound mixes, Ziva and Ben.

Dog walkers, some who come daily, get dogs out of kennels for exercise and socialization.

“We have a better idea of their temperament, personality and can help match people and their lifestyles to dogs,” Collins said.

“It’s a great partnership,” Fry said. “Friends of Fido gets the dogs to good places. Working together benefits the dogs.” Some pound dogs have been matched with military veterans, and some are becoming therapy dogs.

Fry, who marked her third year as warden in July, said pound practices have changed substantially.

“Years ago, the euthanasia rate was high and dogs were euthanized because of no space,” she said.

Fry said that in 2015, the dog pound took in nearly 1,300 dogs and euthanized 130 including some owner requests. Stray dogs that are severely injured are often euthanized; dogs are cremated. So far this year, the pound has taken in about 1,100 dogs.

Fry said hiring a licensed veterinary technician was a priority; Rick Tunison fills that position. Tunison said he exchanges “very frequent” texts with Collins about arranging vet care and rescue. “It never ends,” he said. “We may move out six dogs one day and get in eight.”

Fry said no dog leaves the pound without being altered, but pet overpopulation persists.

“Drive through some neighborhoods and you see signs for pit-bull puppies,” Fry said, adding that many end up at the pound. “All dogs that come into the pound are evaluated case by case, dog by dog.”