November Volunteer of the Month Embodies SPCA of Texas Mission

At the SPCA of Texas, we are incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated team of volunteers who go above and beyond to support the animals in our care. This November, we are proud to recognize Giselly Oliveira McGuire as our Volunteer of the Month! Since she began her journey with us in December 2022, Giselly has been a shining example of compassion, dedication, and unwavering support for our furry friends.

For almost two years, Giselly has made it her mission to assist in every way possible at the SPCA of Texas. She has been a consistent presence at the shelter, dedicating nearly every Saturday to making a difference. When asked about her experience, Giselly shared, “Volunteering is my favorite part of the week. It fills me with warmth and happiness, and it’s so rewarding to give love and earn it back that I often lose track of time at the shelter.” Her enthusiasm and heartfelt connection to the animals are evident in everything she does.

Giselly’s contributions to the SPCA of Texas go beyond just showing up. She has completed all training available, making her well-versed in all aspects of animal care and shelter operations. Over time, she has found her niche with the adoptions team, where her skills truly shine. One of her nominators wrote, “Giselly has been a fierce advocate for animals in need in her two years of volunteering! She is not only great with our fearful animals; she also has wonderful customer service skills and is dedicated to helping every adopter find their perfect match!”

Her willingness to step in wherever she is needed makes Giselly an invaluable part of the team. Whether she is working with shy animals, supporting the foster and adoption teams, or helping a potential adopter find their new best friend, Giselly’s kindness and commitment make a lasting impact.

When asked about her favorite moment at the SPCA of Texas, Giselly recalled a special experience that touched her heart. “Every week, I make new favorite memories, but one special moment was when I finally earned the trust of one of our shy dogs. It took me weeks (almost months) to be able to pet her, and when she requested a pet from me for the first time, I couldn’t stop smiling and crying.” This moment encapsulates the patience and love Giselly brings to her volunteer work, showing that even the smallest gestures can mean the world to an animal in need.

Giselly has a special love for all the animals at the SPCA of Texas, but she has a particular fondness for Barbossa, a dog she describes as a true star. “Barbossa* is a sweet and silly dog who loves attention from everyone. He loves to play with his toys and to go for walks with them. He is good with other dogs and so smart. Barbossa has a big heart and brings joy everywhere. He doesn’t need much, just a home with lots of treats and toys.” Her advocacy for adoptable animals like Barbossa helps give them a better chance of finding their loving homes.

For Giselly, volunteering is more than just a way to give back—it is a source of joy and fulfillment. “The impactful mission to protect and advocate for animals in need drew me to the SPCA of Texas. I admire the SPCA’s commitment to providing care, shelter, and second chances.” Through her work, she has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of adoption, not just for the animals but for the people who welcome them into their lives.

One of the biggest lessons Giselly has learned is that volunteering is a continuous journey of growth and education. “When you volunteer at the SPCA of Texas, you’re not only helping animals, but you’re also constantly learning. When I first started, I thought I knew everything, but I was so wrong! I learn new things every week from the animals, adopters, and especially from our staff members, who are always eager to help and share their knowledge.”

Through her volunteer work, Giselly has seen the profound difference adoption can make. “I’ve seen how supporting adoptions transforms animals’ lives forever, especially those that have been with us for a while. It also brings joy to families looking for a loving friend. Every Saturday, I see the most genuine smiles from adopters and animals, and it warms my heart.”

Her dedication to ensuring each pet finds a loving home has changed countless lives, both human and animal alike. The SPCA of Texas is lucky to have someone so passionate about its mission.

Giselly’s fellow volunteers and staff members have nothing but praise for her incredible work. One of her nominators summed it up best: “Giselly has been volunteering with us since December of 2022. During her two years with us, she has completed every level of animal handling training and has served in just about every volunteer role. She has found her niche in supporting our foster and adoption teams, where her passion for helping our animals get out of the shelter and into loving homes is evident in every interaction. She is also a foster, with the love and patience to help our most vulnerable furry friends learn to love and trust human companionship. Giselly is a joy to be around, her love and passion for helping animals a continuous reminder of why we are all here.”

Another nominator wrote, “Giselly is always willing to help wherever she is needed and eager to learn! She always has a friendly smile and is very welcoming! No task is too big or too small, and she is amazing at going with the flow!”

Giselly, with her tireless dedication and compassionate heart, embodies our mission of providing every animal with exceptional care and a loving home. Her unwavering commitment has touched the lives of so many animals and people alike, and we are honored to have her as part of our volunteer team.

*Barbossa has been adopted.