BOARDMAN - The Animal Charity of Ohio, a humane society based in Boardman, hosted an open house to give visitors a tour of their facility and introduce them to the dogs, cats, and pet rats that live in the shelter.

Board President Jenny Falvey says the organization plans to increase its adoption hours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m..

"Our lobby will be open so they can learn about what we do," she said. 

The organization reports that over 120 people visited the facility and three applied for adoption.

Guests also participated in basket and 50/50 raffles.

Animal Charity of Ohio offers a 50% discount on all adoption fees through February as part of its "Bring Home Love" adoption special to help more families adopt.

Falvey adds that the shelter receives the most dogs during the winter.

"Just yesterday, we brought in 7 [dogs] out from the cold, so it's a busy time of year, so we really rely on the community for support," she said.

Falvey says the organization always seeks donations because it receives no government funds.

Falvey adds that the Animal Charity also looks for food items for its rescue animals, as well as kitty litter.

Several local artists created murals within the facility.

Lia Ploumbis, who goes by Lia Plume, painted a mural in the lobby meant to symbolize hope.

"It never hurts to look into your community to see what you can do," Plume said.

Rhonda Smith, another artist who volunteered to decorate the facility,  painted a mural in the hallway towards the dog cages.

Smith says she believes more people need to adopt dogs from shelters.

"I think people don't realize how packed the shelters are right now and the abuse that's happening," she said.

The Animal Charity hosts its 12th annual Fur Ball to celebrate its rescue animals and raise funds for the organization. The event is scheduled for March 14 at 6 p.m..