Purrr-fect Caregiver – Volunteer of the Month – November 2022

Martha Richardson is a shining example of why the SPCA of Texas’s volunteers are indispensable in ensuring we live our mission, to provide every animal exceptional care and a loving home. She is a standout example of dedication, which is why she has been chosen as the SPCA of Texas Volunteer of the Month.

Richardson began as a volunteer with the SPCA of Texas in July 2021. She is primarily focused on assisting with the transfer and care of cats at the SPCA of Texas’ Dallas Animal Care Center. Her mission is born out of empathy for the small lives she touches on a regular basis, and she encourages others to join the cause.

“It is such an incredible feeling knowing you are making a difference to animals who are in a scary transition,” she said. “Just spending a few minutes making sure an animal feels seen and important brightens my whole day.

“There are kitties not on the adoption floor who are battling health issues that would love for more volunteers to come and give them love, attention, and reassurance. Come hold cats with me!”

Richardson is a key team player in the cat transport operation. Through this program, cats from here in Texas are relocated to other areas where they have a better chance of finding a good home. This process means that Richardson will often be found at the shelter during all hours of the night and earliest morning.

“To date the SPCA of Texas (working with the ASPCA) has sent 1,325 cats in 2022 to shelters in less overpopulated states, some even have waitlists,” Richardson said. “This is an amazing opportunity for these animals to find forever homes where they will be cherished and frees up space and resources for other animals to be saved. I feel so incredibly lucky to be able to make such a profound difference for so many animals. It is literally the best feeling in the world.”

A chance encounter between Richardson and SPCA of Texas Lifesaving Initiatives Feline Manager Sarah Wateska led to her finding her niche within the shelter. She conveyed that she was interested in helping cats and Wateska invited her to come and check out the transfer program. It has been a splendid fit ever since.

“She’s always willing to do whatever we ask her to do; build crates or take care of a cat for a few weeks,” Wateska said. “She even goes out to the airport and helps load up the plane.”

Thank you, Martha, for your dedication and compassion for our kitties!