WARREN — Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County’s staff and volunteers recently honored two women who have served and supported the organization for most of their lives.

More than 170 people celebrated the work of 89-year-old twins Barbara and Mary Busko during a gathering at DiVieste’s in Warren.

“We thank the AWL, and everyone for this honor,” Mary Busko said. “Your love and support means the world to us.”

Bob Hotchkiss, outgoing AWL board president, said the Buskos have played “an unparalleled and integral role in the AWL organization since 1977 with their longtime and continuing commitment.”

Hotchkiss said he remembered when the nonprofit organization was located on Brunstetter Road in Lordstown, and he and his wife, Stacy, adopted dogs there or dropped off strays.

“Barb and Mary were always there,” he said.

Hotchkiss said that in 2018, the organization took in 943 animals compared to 1,645 in 2022. Approximately 1,300 animals entered the facility this year.

“There is a serious animal problem in Trumbull County with many rescues of abused animals,” he said. “With a vision from people like Barbara and Mary to take care of the animals in Trumbull County, we are where we are today,” he said.

“We have had 27 furry family members in our lives with as many as seven dogs at one time,” Mary Busko said, noting most were adopted from AWL.

“We loved them with all our heart.”

Barb Busko said the AWL had “humble beginnings fostering dogs, puppies, cats and kittens.” In 1984, money was raised for a shelter in Lordstown and years later a “new state-of-the-art shelter was built and opened in Vienna.

“When that place opened, we knew it would be a happy place for the animals.”

Barb and Mary thanked those who have donated time and money to the league.

Attorney Ned Gold, who has worked with the nonprofit since 1971, said “the AWL would not be what it is today if it wasn’t for the Busko sisters.”

Dr. Rufus Sparks, a veterinarian who has worked with the AWL, recalled that in 1973 when the Buskos were traveling home at night they came upon a dog lying in the middle of the road.

He said while Mary Busko directed traffic, her sister loaded the dog into their car and contacted the veterinary emergency service, and “I met them at the local clinic and they treated the dog’s injuries.”

Sparks said he told them about AWL, and soon after, they joined. Barb Busko became president in 1980. In 1984, they purchased a boarding kennel in Lordstown, which became the group’s headquarters for 25 years.

He said the Buskos established a 24/7 emergency rescue, began humane investigations, started a pet food pantry and the Caring Companion training program with the inmates with Trumbull Correctional Institute in 1999.

The Buskos established fundraisers to benefit the league, including a fashion show, a horse show, walk for the animals, a golf classic and a motorcycle run.

The Menagerie Thrift Shop in Howland started in 1995 with proceeds amounting to about $35,000 per month with hopes of reaching $50,000 per month this year. Sparks said the amount raised is 10% of the group’s budget.

Sparks said the Buskos and AWL aid law enforcement. He cited a February 2010 rescue in Gustavus where animals were found in “deplorable conditions.” Among the rescued animals were 162 dogs, 20 cats, 14 chickens, five ducks and two horses.

He said most of the animals were adopted.

“We worked hand in hand with Trumbull Children Services in many bad situations,” Barb Busko said.

A proclamation was presented from Trumbull County Probate Judge James Fredericka noting the Buskos’ years of service to the county.