Staff photo / Emily Scott Former Trumbull County Commissioner and former Trumbull County Democratic Party Chairman Dan Polivka presents a $500 check on Friday to Trumbull County Executive Dog Warden Michelle Goss and Jethroe the beagle. The money was raised at an event organized by Polivka earlier this month at Aulizio’s Banquet Center.

HOWLAND — The Trumbull County Dog Pound now will be able to cover the adoption fee for local seniors and veterans looking to adopt a dog, thanks to a donation.

Dan Polivka, former county commissioner, and Tom Shay, Braceville fiscal officer, hosted a fundraiser a couple of weeks ago to raise money for the pound and ended up with a $500 donation.

“Some people might want a companion, so this is for them,” Polivka said.

Typically, the adoption fee at the pound is $68, but this money will go toward waiving that. The county had done something similar in the past. Polivka said he is thinking about hosting the fundraiser annually.

On Nov. 6, he and Shay hosted a “Perch, Pierogies, Peach Cobbler and Polkas” fundraiser. Tickets were $15 to attend at Aulizo’s Banquet Center, with entertainment by the Del Sinchak Band.

Michelle Goss, the county executive dog warden, said those who are interested should call the pound. She hopes this money will encourage those groups to adopt. “There are so many benefits of having a dog. You have someone else to love,” Goss said.

Some of the benefits she cited include having a companion, exercise, better coping with stress and reducing anxiety.

Right now the pound has just over 20 dogs. Members of the public who wish to adopt can visit dog warden.co.trumbull.oh.us to see which dogs are available.

escott@tribtoday.com