Cindy Flores Really Fits In as November Volunteer of The Month

The SPCA of Texas’ November Volunteer of the Month, Cindy Flores, has thrown herself into the role! In just a few short months—since beginning her volunteer work at the Dallas Animal Care Center in August 2023—Cindy completed 133 hours of service.

“Cindy has been coming in regularly to help ACC clean cats in the morning and it has been SO helpful to the team,” wrote one nominator. “Cindy does an outstanding job helping out in Kitten Acatemy!” wrote another.

Cindy has wanted to volunteer at the SPCA of Texas for a long time. “When I was in third grade people from SPCA came to my school to talk to us about what they did and I was fascinated by what they said,” she smiled. “I’ve wanted to come since they told us about volunteering. My main reason for coming is that I love animals and I want to learn more on how to help them. Later on, I want to study to become a veterinarian.”

Cindy’s deep love and compassion for animals shines through in every task she undertakes as a volunteer. “Cindy is always eager to learn new skills and understand more aspects of our organization!” wrote a nominator. “She always passes out enrichment to both our dogs and cats, she helps clean the cat holdings in the mornings, she has helped in clinic and with surgery support and has now gone through adoptions training. Cindy embodies every aspect of our mission!”

At age 16, Cindy Flores could spend her free time doing so many other things, but volunteering at the SPCA of Texas is her real passion. “Volunteering at the SPCA of Texas makes me feel happy,” Cindy noted. “It’s something that I’ve wanted to do since I was very young. I feel like it’s my safe space and that I actually fit in.”

Cindy’s special fur buddy Lucy certainly believes that Cindy fits in with the canine crowd at the SPCA of Texas! “Lucy is such a great dog! She loves treats and can do some tricks. She likes to play, and she occasionally gets the zoomies,” Cindy smiled.

“To be completely honest, every time I volunteer it’s such a great memory,” Cindy added. “I love all of the dogs and cats, and I especially love when my friend and I take them for a walk, pass out enrichment, pet them, and clean for the cats.”

“Cindy is always here before the Volunteer team and helping clean cats, pass enrichment for cats and dogs,” one nominator wrote. “She helps with clinic support and adoption shadowing; you name it she’s there. Cindy is a wonderful 16-year-old who does an outstanding job!”

Cindy’s good work does make a difference for our shelter pets. “I usually like to teach them basic tricks or see if they know them already,” she said. “I have worked with some puppies and adult dogs, and I see progress really quickly with both of them. When passing out enrichment I think they are a bit calmer when people are around,” Cindy added.

One of Cindy’s nominators summed it up in one entry. “I am writing to nominate Cindy Flores for recognition as an outstanding volunteer at the SPCA of Texas. Cindy embodies the core values of our organization and has made significant contributions in various areas. Cindy has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and compassion in her role as a volunteer. Her kindness, empathy, and passion for animal welfare are evident in every task she undertakes. She has created a positive and nurturing environment for both animals and fellow volunteers, fostering a sense of community within our organization.”

Cindy is a great ambassador to encourage volunteering at the SPCA of Texas. “I wish that people knew how great it feels to be a volunteer,” she said. “The people at the SPCA of Texas are very welcoming. Being with the dogs and cats, learning about them and getting to know them is great.

“I also wish people knew how it feels when a dog or cat gets adopted. It’s such a happy moment because they finally get a family!” Cindy smiled.