SPCA of Texas October Volunteer of the Month Understands the Importance of Human/Animal Interaction from Both Sides

Our October Volunteer of the Month, Taylor Wenzel, began volunteering with the SPCA of Texas during the summer of 2024, soon after she moved to Dallas. She’d been researching different animal welfare organizations in the area, but was drawn to the SPCA of Texas because she could tell how much the organization cares for their animals and all the animals in the community.

“My first impression has been far exceeded,” Taylor said. “I have been able to help with community events, adoptions and donor outreach and have seen the SPCA of Texas’ mission shine. Everyone here embodies the values of the SPCA, and it improves the shelter and community resources tenfold.”

“Taylor has been an incredible asset to our team!” wrote one of her nominators. “Her genuine warmth lights up our adoption lobby as she welcomes every visitor with open arms and expertly answers their questions, helping to match them with their perfect furry companion.

“Beyond her remarkable adopter counseling and matchmaking skills, Taylor recently adopted Tagalongs, a beautiful but fearful two-year-old pup who had been waiting for the right home. Thanks to Taylor, Tagalongs found her forever family. We are beyond grateful for her dedication and the many lives she has helped save!”

Adopting Tagalongs is Taylor’s favorite memory of volunteering at the SPCA of Texas. “I had wanted a dog for quite a while but hadn’t found the perfect companion,” she explained. “One day, while I was picking a dog to take out, Shelby saw me and asked if I could walk Tagalongs because Tags was working on her confidence with leash walking and having a harness or collar on. After that day, I couldn’t volunteer without checking in on Tagalongs to see how she was doing.

“I noticed that each time I went into her kennel to put on her harness, she was more excited and less anxious about going on walks,” Taylor smiled. “One day, when it was really hot outside, I sat in her kennel, and she allowed me to pet her, and she solicited attention. This was HUGE for her as she would usually hide in the corner and shake when someone tried to touch her! After that, Tagalongs went on Borrow-A-Buddy, and I did not see her for a few weeks. Every day, I wondered how she was doing and looked forward to when she would be back in the shelter.

“Even though I was glad she got some good TLC out of the shelter, I was so happy when I was walking around one day and saw she was back!” Taylor noted. “When I entered, she instantly approached the front of her kennel; we went out to play and finished with some nice relaxing belly rubs. Tagalongs had made her way into my heart, and I was so proud of how much confidence she had gained. I always talked about her to my roommate, and one day, she asked, ‘Do you need to go get this dog?’ I waited a few days to think about it and finally went to adopt my sweet Tagalongs. This process was one of the most rewarding things to experience in my brief time working with dogs. Seeing her come out of her shell and thrive in my home has been amazing!”

Taylor’s love and compassion doesn’t stop with Tagalongs! Another favorite pup is Barry White, one of the SPCA of Texas longest stay shelter pets.

“Barry White* is the sweetest old man you’ll ever meet!” Taylor smiled. “He is so gentle and easy going. He just goes with the flow of the people around him or entertains himself. Despite his case of resting sad face, Barry White is such a happy pup who is ready to meet new people or go for a little adventure outside. Barry White is perfect for any family who just wants a big boy to lay around and be a mellow companion. And don’t forget to give him lots of yummy treats, he will do anything for them!!”

“Taylor goes above and beyond everything that she is assigned!” wrote another nominator. “She took on the challenge of learning the adoption training when she heard that adoptions needed assistance. She is always willing to lend a paw, and it definitely does NOT go unnoticed!”

“Volunteering makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, especially when it is with dogs!” Taylor said. “I had struggled for a long time to find a groove with volunteering, and this past summer, I decided to try walking dogs at a shelter in my college town. I was hooked after this. Being in the shelter is so stressful for dogs, and just getting them outside to play or go on a short walk makes such a huge difference. I have seen firsthand how volunteers can help these animals become happier and more adoptable.

“This feeling only intensified when I started helping the adoption team. The feeling when you take a dog in for a meet and greet and their potential adopter falls in love with the dog (and the dog falls in love with them) is unmatched. I am thrilled to see so many dogs find forever homes and adopters find their new best friends!”

Although it took Taylor some time to decide to volunteer at the SPCA of Texas, she wishes others knew that volunteering with the organization is good for the pets and the volunteers. “I wish people knew that even the most minor interactions with dogs immensely help them become happier in the shelter and more adoptable,” she explained. “Shy dogs have a special spot in my heart as I deal with anxiety myself. I love working with them on getting out of their shells and building confidence. Even if it is just five minutes of sitting with them and talking with a calm voice, it makes such a huge impact on the dogs.

“Additionally, volunteering at the SPCA can also help people! Not only are you significantly affecting dogs, but the mental health benefits of surrounding yourself with animals are excellent.”

SPCA of Texas staff members appreciate Taylor’s openness and her willingness to help any place she can in and out of the shelter. “We’ve had the pleasure of having Taylor on site a lot,” wrote one nominator. “She has poured herself into helping us all out—from Puppy Parties to Adoption Events. She has been open to doing all sorts of things and this is so appreciated. And, it is quite evident that Taylor loves our animals!”

Although Taylor enjoys working in various areas of the organization, it is obvious that the Adoption department holds a special place in her heart. “One particular adoption story that stands out to me was a young German Shepherd named Stella,” she noted. “Stella’s adopter came in to meet with the pup, and while we were counseling her, told us about her experience training dogs; that she wanted to train Stella to be a service animal for her young daughter, who struggles with epilepsy.

“She instantly connected with Stella and knew this dog would change her whole family’s life. That is just one case where a dog could find a forever home, and the humans around it also found a forever companion.”

*Barry White is in a Foster-to-Adopt home.