CANFIELD The community and donors gathered on Saturday in Canfield to celebrate a woman who has helped countless animals over decades in the Valley.

Diane Less, founder of "Angels for Animals," stated that, while it was her birthday party, she is happy to see donors give her "birthday gift" in the form of donations to the shelter year after year.

"Every year we celebrate my birthday," Less said. "It's just a way to have people come in and see my friends and all the people that have been so kind and generous to 'Angels' through all the many years."

Less provided Dave's Cosmic Subs for guests while they enjoyed cake, good company and the Angels for Animals facilities.

Angels for Animals began in 1990, and after decades in the Valley, Less says that she is looking back on 36 years and hopes to see more local veterinarians and volunteers in the future.

"I want to be able to do more," she said. "Our whole thing here is stopping the problem before it starts. The more healthy spayed and neutered animals we have, the better things are for the ones that are here."

Less mentioned that her main wish is to see a heightened sense of care for the animals. She also mentioned how recent donation drives and funds collected will allow them to work on renewing the 23-year-old dog kennels, a $2 million renovation in total.

During the party, Less provided tours of the location's medical wing and offered guests the opportunity to see the dogs on site. 

Less also emphasised her continued pursuit of educating locals on the importance of getting cats fixed and vaccinated.

"35 years ago, there were about 500 cats for every home. Right now, we might be down in the 20 cats for every home," Less said. "I mean, one cat can make enough cats for a town. So, it's really important that they do all get fixed."

More information and ways to get involved can be found on the organization's website.