MISSION VIEJO, Calif. – A team of volunteers have created a new program to support pet owners and keep them from abandoning their furry friends.

Mission Viejo resident Carl Lekander has both the time and heart to volunteer along with his wife at their local animal shelter, Mission Viejo Animal Services Center. After working nearly four decades in the corporate world, Lekander says he realized how much he missed and enjoyed living a structured life when he retired.

“Now it’s time to give back a little bit to the community and help the dogs and the cats and just be more of the community. When you get to be a little bit older, you can’t play golf all the time,” said Lekander.

He says he splits his time between three different groups and organizations in town. Lekander has been volunteering and walking dogs at the animal shelter for about 10 years.

“For most of the volunteers here, I think if you ask them, they would all feel that the animals us much more than we give to them. It’s a very rewarding experience for all of us,” said Lekander.

His passion for helping his community and animals has allowed him to be part of a new project at the center. The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center team created a new Pet Pantry program which offers to deliver donated pet food and supplies to residents living in Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, and Rancho Santa Margarita.

The goal is to support pet owners so they can take better care of their pets before they resort to abandoning them or turning them into shelters. Since the program began, volunteers like Lekander have helped deliver to Marina Corps Base Camp Pendleton and OC Animal Care.

“Many of these folks are in predicaments that they didn’t create and they’re looking for someone to reach out to them. If we can do that or anything to help lighten their burden. I’m sure it’ll be most appreciated,” said Lekander.

The Pet Pantry is dependent upon the generosity of local residents. Bags and cans of dog or cat food may be donated to the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center at 28095 Hillcrest during standard business hours.  Unopened bags are preferred.  

Visit the Center’s website for a wish list of donation items, and for more information call 949-470-3045.