Volunteer of the Month
Eleven years ago, Thomas and Beata embarked on a volunteering journey that started with a love for wild bunnies. Their passion for these gentle creatures led them to adopt their first bunny, and from there, it felt natural for them to begin helping other bunnies in need. Mission Viejo Animal Services was the perfect fit for them, as they sought a pro-humane shelter where animals are well cared for and loved. They found exactly that at MVAS and couldn’t be happier to be part of such a safe place for animals.
Anyone who is fortunate to know Thomas and Beata knows their love for bunnies is abundant! They are the first to sign up for any bunny adoption event or opportunity to educate the public about how bunnies make wonderful pets and the proper ways to care for them. Their passion lies in helping every bunny find a forever loving home while teaching others how to provide the care these special animals need to thrive.
Currently, Thomas’s favorite bunny at the shelter is Latte and Beata's is Barrett—though they joke not to let another bunny named Twisty find out! At home, they have their own beloved bunny MuMu that is 7 ½ years old and brings them endless joy and love.
Outside their time at the shelter, Thomas enjoys video games, board games, painting miniatures, mountain biking, and helping the homeless. Beata is an editor for a rabbit rescue in her native Poland and spends time fostering bunnies and assisting with our pet food pantry. Together, they love fostering bunnies, even though saying goodbye is always the hardest part of the experience.
What they enjoy most about their shifts is spending time with the bunnies, helping them adjust, playing with them, gaining their trust, and learning just how unique and special each one is. The couple also appreciates the strong sense of community at MVAS, feeling like part of one big family. They’ve even formed close friendships with other bunny volunteers and enjoy spending time together outside the shelter.
Thomas and Beata are a shining example of dedication and compassion, and we are so grateful to have them as part of the MVAS family. Their love for the bunnies’ shines through in everything they do, making a lasting impact on both animals and people alike.
