WARREN — The Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County honored two men who exemplify the nonprofit’s mission of rescue, rehabilitate, adopt and educate at its second annual fundraising dinner Saturday at DiVieste’s Banquet Centre.

Through his veterinary practice, Dr. Rufus Sparks knew of the need to help abused and abandoned animals. While working at a law firm, attorney Ned Gold was asked to become more involved in his new community after moving here from New Mexico. He jumped at the chance to help animals as the league’s pro bono lawyer.

Both men have been involved with AWL for more than 50 years and both humbly accepted their honor Saturday. They both talked about the other’s accomplishments within the organization and not as much about themselves.

Sparks also spoke of the Busko sisters, who were the first honorees at the fundraising dinner and the catalysts for creating the first shelter in 1984.

“It is a real privilege to follow Barb and Mary’s recognition dinner,” Sparks said. “They certainly put a tremendous effort into the Animal Welfare League. Ned and I were actively involved for several years before Barb and Mary came on the scene.

“In 1972, Ned submitted the required document to the IRS for a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization and helped formulate our bylaws several times. He was also instrumental in filing all the legal matters in getting our first shelter in Lordstown on Brunstetter Road and our present shelter in Vienna Township. Ned never charged for any of his legal work.”

Gold began his recognition speech saying that Sparks had done more for the organization than he did and thanking all the dedicated volunteers.

“I have worked with the legal stuff, but Rufus has worked so much more with the animals,” Gold said.

Sparks recalled a rescue effort that both men were involved in northern Trumbull County.

“It was 12 years ago and a 5-month-old kitten was severely injured by a raccoon. She was treated at a veterinary referral hospital in Akron. She was released after a week and kept in the owner’s home,” Sparks said.

The kitten required oral medication and daily bandage changes. After a week at home, she viciously bit the owner and a farm worker. The kitten died and posthumously tested positive for rabies.

A few days later, the state of Ohio requested euthanasia for all of the farm’s 15 cats, three dogs and three horses.

The family did not know what to do and contacted Gold. He asked Sparks for advice and both visited the farm. The barn and pasture were well maintained and they came up with an individualized isolation plan for all of the animals.

“Ned and I wrote a letter to the state explaining our plan for individualized isolation for all the animals for three months. The state said, ‘Okay.”

The veterinarian vaccinated all of the animals. AWL provided cages, food, water dishes and litter pans, plus kitty litter.

“After three months, none of the animals were sick. We notified the state,” Sparks said.

The nonprofit then took the cages and other supplies back to its shelter where volunteers cleaned and disinfected them. Sparks said there is a lesson to learn.

“If you are feeding cats outside, be sure to put their food out at least two hours after sunrise and bring in any leftovers back in the house at least two hours before sunset. Then, we don’t have a problem of wildlife mixing up with cats,” he said.

Gold recalled a rescue that he and his wife, Debbie, conducted.

“The temperature was about five below zero. The dog was chained and had a little bit of straw. We took him in the car to a vet for treatment. That dog was so glad to be in the backseat and warm,” he said.

Sparks’ wife, Kathy, mentioned that he constantly brought home dogs and cats from the shelter that no one wanted. Presently, they have six cats.

Dr. Kimber Makenzie, a veterinarian who cares for the shelter animals, noted that every donation to AWL makes a difference.

“My first major experience with the Animal Welfare League came in 2011 during fundraising efforts to relocate to a larger facility. My daughter decided for her birthday she would not get gifts, but make donations to AWL. I believe she raised $746. Rufus and Barb and Mary Busko celebrated her donation as if it had been a million dollars. They made us both feel very special,” Makenzie said.

She also mentioned that Sparks and Gold were always available to answer any questions she had, including running a business and animal care.

In describing Sparks and Gold and their work at the nonprofit, AWL Board Chairman Dan Csontos said to remember this principle, “Make it a priority to improve the lives of those around you. Whether it be at home, in the workplace or in your community. A simple concept that when in practice makes our world thrive. And certainly the world that Rufus and Ned have touched has thrived,” Csontos said.

AWL CEO Bethany Cluckey addressed the importance of Gold and Sparks.

“I often say I am fortunate to be at the helm of the ship, so to speak, but the truth is, ships do not sail without the people who built them, steady them and keep them moving forward long before others stepped aboard. These gentlemen helped shape the foundation of what the Animal Welfare League is today.”