A 14-year-old Dixieland girl was been working with her family to create a new community pantry for pets that is stocked with donated free animal food and supplies.
“Vivian’s Pets Pantry” is the brainchild of student Vivian Oquendo, an animal lover who raises chickens and dreams of becoming a veterinarian one day.
The pet pantry opened on March 13 next to the LKLD Free Fridge at 1319 Hartsell Avenue, across from Lakeland Christian School.
The free fridge and pet pantry are both stocked by donors.
Oquendo’s family took over stewardship of the free fridge earlier this year, moving it from its former location.
Oquendo said it broke her heart to see so many people getting food out of the free fridge in her yard, but not having any food to feed their pets.
“Ever since I was little, I liked animals. I see animals as equal to me. When I hear people lose their pets, I feel horrible. Seeing animals suffer hurts my feelings,” Oquendo said.
“I’m very excited that I’m able to help a lot of families that can’t afford to feed their pets,” she said.
“A lot of people were so excited to see the pet pantry,” Oquendo said.
While the free fridge is always in need of donations, Vivian’s Pets Pantry currently needs more cat litter.
