Save-A-Pet launches annual holiday supply drive

Save-A-Pet Adoption Center has launched “The Michael Lechner Supply Stocking Stuffer” as its annual holiday season supply drive to help offset the costs of rescuing and caring for hundreds of dogs and cats.

Save-A-Pet, which operates out of a large adoption center in Grayslake, is Lake County’s largest no-kill rescue. The annual supply drive also honors a special area family, who turned to Save-A-Pet in their time of grief and mourning.

In 2009, Michael Shane Lechner died in a motorcycle accident. One of Michael’s closest friends was his beloved dog Cain, an American bulldog he rescued. To honor Michael’s memory, his family and friends made a donation of supplies to Save-A-Pet.

Moved by such an act of kindness during their time of mourning, and to honor the memory of a dedicated pet owner, Save-A-Pet named the annual supply drive after Michael.

Supplies can be donated or mailed anytime until Saturday, Dec. 31, to the center, 31664 North Fairfield Road, Grayslake. The mailing address is P.O. Box 266, Grayslake, 60030.

Critical supply needs include:

Science Diet dry cat food and dry kitten food; Friskies cat food (any flavor); canned tuna in water; pine litter; Tidy Cat litter; Science Diet dry dog and puppy food; Pedigree canned dog food; other canned dog food, although holistic and wellness brands are preferred; soft dog treats, health, weight-control, supplement infused preferred; small and medium sized Milk Bone or comparable brand dog treats; glucosamine supplements; small syringes; disposal gowns; disposable shoe covers; gift cards for fuel small paper plates; paper towels; prescription dog or cat food available only through a veterinarian.

For the safety of our residents, all food, prescription food, supplement and medical supply donations can be accepted only if they are unused, unopened and not expired.

“Supply donations are critical to the care and well-being of Save-A-Pet’s residents,” says Development Manager Marc Portugal. “Monies not spent on supplies can be used to save more lives.”

To help pay for supplies, supporters may also mail a check or cash to Save-A-Pet directly. Reference “Michael’s Miracle” on the memo line of the check or on a note for cash.

Supplies can be dropped off anytime during Save-A-Pet’s winter business hours, as well as during its annual Holiday Open House and Gift Boutique event Saturday, Dec. 3, and Sunday, Dec. 4.

For details, email marcp@saveapetil.org or call (847) 740-7788 after 1 p.m. weekdays.