July Volunteer of the Month Shares One of His Biggest Passions With The SPCA of Texas

What better combination than dogs and football? There is none for our July Volunteer of the Month, Travis Feeney.

Travis is a linebacker with the St. Louis BattleHawks of the United Football League (UFL). The UFL’s headquarters are in Arlington, Texas where all eight teams report for training camp and practice at nearby facilities. During the regular season, teams travel to their home markets for games, but continue to use the Arlington facilities for practice.

Travis was one of many players that volunteered when the UFL brought a group to the SPCA of Texas, May 6^th. He enjoyed his time so much that he returned the following week and has been volunteering with us since! Travis helped the Volunteer department facilitate a second group from the UFL on May 20^th.

Travis noted that after talking with Volunteer and Community Impact staff members at the first UFL community event, “I could tell that the SPCA of Texas goals and views align with what I feel, and I wanted to become a part of it. I have been so happy ever since becoming a volunteer.”

“Since joining our civic group with his team in the spring, Travis has been a dedicated shelter volunteer,” wrote one of his nominators. “He has devoted more than five hours each day he volunteers to ensuring the physical well-being of our dogs, mastering all levels of our dog handling and training, including the specialized Jango Treatment.

The Jango Treatment was developed at the SPCA of Texas for a one-year-old German Shepherd named Jango. The young shepherd had a hard time settling in the shelter and displayed high kennel stress and reactivity. The Treatment, named in his honor, helps other high arousal dogs thrive during their stay in the shelter. The Jango Treatment includes basic skills, which help our dogs use their brains while also increasing overall adoptability. It also includes physical enrichment, which effectively gets our dogs to build more confidence with different surfaces and heights, while simultaneously allowing them to blow off some steam.

Travis eagerly embraces new challenges and is excited to help the volunteer team with new ideas like our running program. It’s not just energetic dogs that he cares for though.

“Travis also finds joy in helping shy dogs come out of their shells and sharing these moments with us. Travis has even motivated his teammates to return to the shelter and ensures they uphold high levels of care for our animals. Though he truly will be missed, Travis’ impact during this brief period has been nothing short of inspiring.”

Travis helped the team pilot a running program for our high energy dogs.

“Travis assisted with running the dogs and provided valuable feedback on each one, demonstrating his great energy and commitment to their well-being,” wrote one nominator. “He took the time to run with doggos and I know they LOVED it!” wrote another. “He’s simply fantastic! He spends so much time here with the animals—gets them out running and engaged,” noted yet another nominator.

“I have witnessed the change in some dogs’ energy in warming up to bigger guys,” Travis smiled. “I love providing great exercise in running with them and I feel I might have helped with some influence for a couple pups to be adopted.”

Travis wishes others knew the change that volunteering brings to pups at the SPCA of Texas. “Especially after working with some of the initially weary dogs and seeing their change to being more outgoing,” he said. “On top of this, I wish everyone knew how amazing the staff is.”

Travis has been actively involved in passing out enrichment to our furry friends, ensuring they receive the care and attention they need. “Travis has committed to six-hour shifts and consistently brings a positive spirit to our team,” wrote one nominator. “His amazing attitude is appreciated by both our staff and the animals. I truly am grateful for Travis’s dedication and the positive impact he has had on our organization and the animals in our care!”

Several other nominators agree, writing Travis is: “helpful towards anyone in need and very friendly to all…a warm atmosphere to be around…always enthusiastic and ready to help!”

Travis fell in love with Callie during his first visit to the SPCA of Texas. “I honestly have the biggest sweet spot for Callie and if I could take her home I would,” he smiled. “She is such a loving and sweet dog who believes she’s the size of a Chihuahua, but she is a big girl. Callie has great energy, and she is non-reactive to other dogs.” We are delighted to report that Callie recently was adopted, thanks in large part to Travis’ work helping her socialize.

Not only does Travis bring true passion and dedication to the SPCA of Texas, but he also brings a great sense of humor. When asked about one of his favorite memories of volunteering, he laughed and said, “My favorite memory is probably being locked in a kennel for about five minutes right after Schanny finished training! I was stuck in there, but didn’t want call for help on my first day. So, me and the pup were just chilling until I was able to reach and open the door!”

After the UFL season ended in early summer, Travis headed back to his home in California. Pups and employees alike hope to see him back as a volunteer next season!

“Volunteering makes me feel really good, like I’m making a change,” Travis smiled. “Honestly I love animals and being around the dogs is something that’s just as big a passion as playing football is for me.”