Correspondent photo / John Patrick Gatta Emma Chachko, 7, of Poland, left, and Aria Holmes, 10, of Sharon, Pa., give Latto, 4, a pitbull mix, a belly rub during the Animal Charity of Ohio adoption event Sunday at the Southern Park Mall in Boardman.

BOARDMAN — It was a dog day afternoon when Animal Charity of Ohio brought nearly two dozen four-legged canines from its shelter Sunday to Southern Park Mall. The motivation for such action centered around the ACO’s adoption event, which hoped to pair the pooches with their new fur-ever home.

Taking a break from shopping or visiting specifically for the event, mall visitors got to meet adoptable dogs, learned about the adoption process and animal care, spoke directly with the charity’s rescue volunteers and supported the dog and cat shelter with donations.

Acknowledging the invite from the mall, ACO Director of Development Evelyn Shealy said, “It is such a great opportunity because the dogs are able to get out of the shelter. They’re able to meet new people who may not know that we exist in the community and share what we do in the community.”

She listed its affordable vet clinic, grooming service, pet food pantry for those who can’t afford to feed their pets and financial assistance programs for seniors and veterans.

“We’re just trying to look at different ways to keep pets in homes and out of the shelter, too,” she said.

According to Shealy, the event resulted in 20 applicants for adoption. Among the information asked of them were if there are other pets in the home, any children in the home, if anyone has allergies and whether they rent or own a home in order to align with any pet policies.

Feeling hopeful, Shealy said, “I think we should be seeing quite a few go home in the next few days.”

Looking to bring a smaller dog than the ones at Southern Park Mall into their lives, Boardman residents Elizabeth Finley-Belgrad and her husband, Robert Northcutt, were among those who filled out adoption paperwork.

“We’ve been long supporters of Animal Charity. We’ve had many pets through the years. We had a very wonderful dog die in November,” she said, noting they have owned numerous rescue animals. “We are looking for a way to reconnect with another puppy or dog, and, of course, we would prefer to do a rescue. There’s so many dogs out there that need homes.”

Shealy said new owners need to understand that ACO dogs may need time to adjust.

“For people looking to adopt a shelter dog, we want them to know that our dogs may take some patience and understanding when first arriving in their new homes. Some of our dogs have been in the shelter for a while, and as the humane society for Mahoning County, our adoptable pets were originally brought into our care because they were facing cruelty or neglect situations.

“But, boy are they worth the time. Each and every one of them loves their people with their whole heart.”

A couple of Sunday’s volunteers drove to the event from New Castle. Karen Kaminski and her husband, Scott, were lovingly handling a pitbull mix for potential adoption. She pointed out that they’ve been married 33 years and have only had rescue dogs, including their current 7-year-old pitbull.

“I love animals and I love dogs,” she said, “and there’s such a need in this community. These are dogs that were rescued for neglect or abuse, and they just need a home, somebody to love them for the rest of their lives.”

As far as making the trip to Boardman, she said, “We feel a passion for Animal Charity. They do such good work. They’re always out there in the cold, in the heat. It doesn’t matter. They’re out there rescuing dogs. They do so much and they need help, and we know they need volunteers, so we’re willing to travel to do that.”

Shealy emphasized that people shouldn’t allow the cuteness factor of an affectionate dog they just met obscure the reality of bringing a pet into their world.

“We recommend looking at your hobbies and lifestyle to help you find your match. We have lots of dogs that would love to go hiking, but we have just as many who would like to snuggle on the couch after you get home from work.

“Getting a new pet is a lot of responsibility, but if you’re up for it, they will bring so much joy to your home. We also have resources and support available for our adopters should they need it.”

For those who missed the event but are still interested in adopting a dog, or cat, they can visit ACO’s Adoption Center, 8469 Southern Blvd. #3, Boardman. It is open for walk-ins noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays.