September Volunteer of the Month Brings a Ray of Sunshine to SPCA of Texas

SPCA of Texas September Volunteer of the Month James Knight brings a smile or laugh wherever he goes!

James began volunteering with the organization in June of 2024 ready to work and support our shelter pets. “From the moment James began his volunteer journey with us, he has been an immense help and source of joy to the SPCA of Texas team,” wrote one of his nominators. “James has maximized his reach of support within the organization by completing almost every training available. James’ kindness and support extends to our animals and staff alike, and he always has a funny joke up his sleeve.”

James was drawn to volunteering with the SPCA of Texas because of his background. “I grew up on a farm, so I always have been around animals and felt a close bond with them,” he smiled. “The SPCA of Texas is a great way for me to help with the care, rehabilitation and long-term happiness for the pets.”

Growing up on a farm probably has something to do with the fact that James arrives at the shelter early in the mornings and starts right to work. One of his nominator’s noted, “He always is ready to lend a hand and help us clean and take out dogs bright and early in the morning. And James does it with the most positive attitude.”

“James always has a positive attitude, and some pretty funny commentary that makes the morning just that much better,” smiled another nominator. “He is a person I love seeing and greeting in the halls.”

“I appreciate the smiles I can bring to the people; a smile or chuckle can make the day just that much better,” James said.

James has leveled up through SPCA of Texas animal handling trainings to become one of our behavior-trained volunteers, allowing him to support our shelter pets who require specialized, one-on-one care.

“James shows such care and admiration towards the dogs he works with… he is very patient and understanding with the dogs,” noted some of his nominators.

James especially enjoys working with Nigel. “Nigel is a calm, low maintenance love bug who loves scratches,” James smiled. “He’s the best friend you’ve been looking for.” Pictured above are James, Nigel and SPCA of Texas Behavior Coordinator Mariah Mendoza, who taught James how to help with kennel cleaning during busy weekends.

One of James’ favorite memories of working with the SPCA of Texas “are seeing the dogs get excited to see you. This always brings a smile to my face,” he said. “It gives me a sense of satisfaction to help the animals and to be able to support the staff.

“I can see the animals’ happiness with the interaction and time we have together. However brief, it gives them some time to feel normal in an abnormal environment,” James added. “I’m lucky I get to know the animals well and to become a cheerleader for them, which is rewarding when the pets find their forever homes.”

James wants people to know that “in addition to providing help to the animals, volunteering also provides help to the employees that work challenging jobs. They put in a full-time job looking after the animals doing tasks that most other people don’t want to do,” he noted. “They do not receive enough recognition for what they do and how they care for the animals.”

One nominator noted, “James is a super helpful and positive presence wherever he goes. Along with being incredibly receptive and kind, James is a wonderful charismatic personality to have around, and he deserves to be recognized for the good he brings to the SPCA.”