Longtime Friends of Fido Volunteer Evelyn Tkalec dies
YOUNGSTOWN Evelyn Tkalec, a volunteer who helped found the Mahoning County chapter of Friends of Fido and provided over 15 years of service to dogs at the Mahoning County Dog Warden, died Tuesday morning after a recent illness. She was 75.
Friends of Fido, Mahoning County Dog Pound, announced the death in a statement asking for donations in Tkalec’s memory.
Tkalec’s involvement with the shelter began in 2010 when she and her sisters visited the facility on Industrial Road to walk the dogs. At the time, the pound housed animals in cramped cages within a deteriorating building.
The following year, Tkalec was instrumental in the formation of Friends of Fido, a nonprofit organization that aids sheltered dogs.
During her years of volunteering, Tkalec coordinated thousands of veterinary appointments for the animals and frequently transported them in her own vehicle. She acted as the primary liaison between the Mahoning County Dog Warden staff and veterinary offices, handling calls around the clock to address emergencies, schedule routine care, and pick up prescriptions.
Friends of Fido described Tkalec as a calm presence during what were often chaotic days at the facility. She was guided by the motto, “It’s about the dogs.”
In addition to medical coordination, Tkalec volunteered at numerous fundraisers to ensure the organization could cover the costs of saving dogs in need. She also transported dogs to training classes.
Tkalec’s persistence and focus on animal welfare were evident from her first visit to the pound and continued until her death, according to the statement posted on Facebook.
“Friends of Fido would not be what it is without her,” the organization’s statement read.
The members of Friends of Fido and the staff at the Mahoning County Dog Warden expressed gratitude for her service and commitment to the animals.
Tkalec’s family has requested that donations be made to Friends of Fido MCDP in her memory. Contributions can be mailed to Friends of Fido, PO Box 2963, Youngstown, Ohio 44511 or made online at friendsoffidomahoning.org.
