SPCA of Texas June Volunteer of the Month Celebrates Compassion

Every so often, someone comes along who reminds us of the power of kindness, the beauty of second chances, and the healing that comes from giving love where it’s most needed. For the SPCA of Texas, that someone is Stevie Alvarado, our June Volunteer of the Month

Since joining our volunteer team in February, Stevie has become a cornerstone of compassion and enthusiasm. As one nominator wrote, “Stevie is always here to do whatever we need with a smile and just is an all-around amazing person.”

Whether it’s tackling our most advanced dog-handling training, participating in mobile adoption events, or fostering dogs who need extra TLC, Stevie shows up with heart, purpose, and joy.

Stevie’s passion for animal welfare runs deep. After the loss of their beloved dog Lola, a foster fabulous who became the great love of Stevie’s life, volunteering became a way to channel grief into hope. “All of my sadness was all the love I still had to give to Lola,” Stevie shared. That love now touches countless shelter dogs each day.

One of those dogs is Oliver, a senior pup Stevie has been fostering. When Oliver first arrived, he was sick, skinny, and heartbroken. But with Stevie’s gentle care, he blossomed into the “floofiest, snuggliest baby ever.” Now ready for adoption, Oliver greets Stevie at the door each day with their other dog, Rose—one resting his head on the left shoulder, the other on the right. It’s a beautiful daily reminder of resilience and love.

Stevie’s favorite memories are rich with stories of connection. There’s Cordelia, the “perfect bunny angel,” who loved Oliver and Rose instantly and now gets special visits whenever Stevie is at the shelter. Faust, who comforted Stevie with a quiet head in her lap the day after saying goodbye to another beloved pet, Dante. Zoro, whose adoption day brought tears to Stevie’s eyes as his new mom cried too—two hearts united over one joyful pup.

Through fostering, volunteering, and participating in the SPCA of Texas’ Tails ‘N Trails hikes, Stevie has found healing and purpose. “Working with and loving these shelter pups has been such an outlet for me to turn my grief into something beautiful,” Stevie said. “Since losing my Dante now, my fosters Oliver and Rose have been my rock.”

Stevie’s journey also includes working with dogs who need extra support. From teaching agility to Colt, to helping Polar build trust, Stevie is proof that patience and love can change a dog’s life. “Every life deserves to feel safe and loved,” Stevie says. “Small gestures matter as much as the big ones.”

That’s a message Stevie wants everyone to know. “You don’t need a big house, lots of free time, or even a backyard to make a difference,” she said. “Whether it’s taking a dog out for coffee through the Borrow a Buddy program, sitting beside a nervous pup to read, or simply showing up consistently, every act of kindness adds up to something incredible.”

For Stevie, the SPCA of Texas wasn’t just the logical choice, it was the right one. Inspired by her own rescue pets, Stevie became a voice and advocate for animals in need. And since that first day in February, Stevie has become an irreplaceable part of Team Purple.

As another nominator noted, “Stevie truly embodies the values of Team Purple.” Through compassion, dedication, and a heart that keeps growing, Stevie continues to change lives, four-legged and two-legged alike.

Thank you, Stevie, for turning love into action, and for reminding us that every moment of kindness ripples out to create lasting change.