Compassion in Action – Volunteer of the Month – September 2022

Volunteers of the Month for September are Haley & Leah Aboussie Gaither! This fabulous mother/daughter duo have been volunteering with the SPCA of Texas for almost a year. In that time they have overwhelmed us with their dedication and kindness.

They are a huge part of helping our adoptable pets find loving homes as adoption counselors. We’re thankful for their gifts of time and are proud to have them as part of our Volunteer Family!

Below are some questions we asked them about their volunteer experience so far.

1. What’s your favorite memory at the SPCA of Texas?
   We just finished Clear the Shelters and it was so much fun to see all the animals adopted! Also, there are a lot of characters that walk in the SPCA of Texas’ doors wanting to adopt. We have some fond memories of front desk interactions! Everyone should help the adoption counselors at least once to see just how much patience (and grit) they have! They are awesome!
2. What do you want people to know about Zara?
   Zara is a sweetheart. She may bark at others sometimes, but she just wants to be loved and fed lots of treats! She’s a different dog outside her pod (as a lot of the dogs are).
3. How does volunteering make you feel?
   We absolutely love it! After a day of volunteering, it leaves us feeling fulfilled but wanting more for all the animals still in the shelter.
4. What drew you to the SPCA of Texas?
   We love animals and have a houseful! Haley participated in SPCA of Texas’ summer camp when she was younger and has been waiting a long time to be old enough to volunteer. When that time came, we were ready to go!
5. What is something you wish people knew about volunteering at the SPCA of Texas?
   Even though you start out doing dirty laundry or sweeping floors, it’s worth it when you get to spend time with the animals and see them get adopted. It’s always fun to walk in for a shift and see who left the building!
6. What impact have you witnessed in the lives of animals (and or people) because of your volunteer work?
   You see people light up when they meet their new dog or cat, especially kids. They are so full of joy and it’s life changing. It’s also wonderful to see the adopted dogs walk out the front doors and not look back!

Thank you, Haley and Leah, for your energy, love and care for the animals!

Learn more today and sign up to volunteer! We love our amazing volunteers and couldn’t do all we do without their support. We’re always looking for foster volunteers, too! Sign up to be a foster volunteer today!