OUR FOUNDERS
Bobby Dorafshar began his work with animals in 1988, and in 1994 became a volunteer for the department of Animal Regulation. Bobby realized that if he could increase the visibility of the animals to the public, more animals would be adopted.  Soon after, he developed and coordinated the mobile pet adoptions throughout the city and placed more than 5,000 animals.  Due to his efforts, the number of animals adopted greatly increased while the number of animals euthanized significantly dropped. 

It has always been Bobby's dream to open a no-kill shelter, and in December of 1997, he and his wife, Kelly, launched New Leash On Life, a nonprofit organization designed to reduce the number of animals abandoned and euthanized in Los Angeles and to educate the public, through a series of seminars, on responsible pet ownership. 

Bobby and Kelly were able to realize their dream with the purchase of our 13-acre property in Santa Clarita Valley in 2002.  Since the signing of our lease on the property for the E.R.A. Center, incalculable progress has been made and development continues with the generous support of our donators.

In November, 2003, Bobby and Kelly welcomed their first child to the world, Ashton Dorafshar.  He is a true animal lover by nature and some of his biggest smiles are saved for his four-legged friends (one of his first words, not surprisingly, was "doggie").  Bobby and Kelly are expecting their 2nd son in late October, 2006.

In the summer of 2005, Bobby and Kelly felt it was time for New Leash On Life to expand.  And soon was born New Leash On Life Chicago.  It is Bobby and Kelly's continuing dream to assist as many homeless animals in the world as they possibly can.