A Shared Bond: Meet July’s Volunteers of the Month

Sometimes, volunteering starts with a simple reason and grows into something much bigger. For Beth Zuniga and her son Juan Mancilla, volunteering at the SPCA of Texas started small and grew into something they now build their week around. They kept coming back long after they needed to, and today it’s become a tradition they look forward to, a chance to give back while spending meaningful time together and making a difference in the lives of animals who need a little extra love.

“We are happy to be part of this community with a big purpose,” Beth says. “Volunteering at the SPCA of Texas has been rewarding.”

And that sense of purpose is one of the many things that makes volunteering so special.

Juan originally began volunteering because he needed to complete community service hours. But once those hours were finished, neither Beth nor her son was quite ready to stop volunteering.

“We couldn’t stop coming and helping everyone around the center and sharing bonding time with animals,” she adds.

For Beth, one of the greatest rewards is watching her son interact with the animals. Juan is shy by nature, but that changes the moment he’s around a dog. Beth’s favorite memories include watching him create connections with dogs at the SPCA of Texas. Beth recalls seeing Juan practically run to get the animals out to play. And when he’s with his four-legged friends, her normally quiet son suddenly becomes quite the conversationalist.

“Juan is very shy in general but really talkative with all the animals,” Beth says.

Some of his special animal friends include Sandy, Teddy and Fezco, each of whom has helped create memories that Beth treasures.

If Beth could share one thing with people who may be considering volunteering, it would be that volunteering is about much more than simply completing a task.

“You’re not just volunteering, you get to be part of the SPCA of Texas family,” she smiles.

Beth appreciates the welcoming environment at the SPCA of Texas, describing the staff and volunteers as respectful and willing to teach volunteers new things. There’s always something to learn, whether it’s about caring for animals, helping them feel comfortable, or simply understanding how meaningful a few minutes of attention can be.

But Beth notes that the best part is the opportunity to bond with the animals. And those bonds can be surprisingly powerful.

Every volunteer brings something special to the animals they encounter. For Beth, that means offering the simple things that can make a shelter animal’s day brighter: hugs, belly rubs, baby talk, back scratches and plenty of love. For animals waiting for their next chapter, those moments matter. A gentle scratch behind the ears, a relaxing walk, a playful outing or simply sitting quietly beside a dog can help an animal feel seen, valued, and cared for.

That’s exactly what Beth hopes people understand about volunteering. You don’t have to make a grand gesture to make an impact. Sometimes, your time and attention are the gifts an animal needs most.

One dog who has captured Beth and Juan’s hearts is Fezco, a friendly pup who loves hugs and enjoys his walks. He’s fun-loving, curious, and always ready for a new adventure. But Fezco’s favorite kind of bonding time may be the quiet kind. He enjoys listening while you talk, happily soaking up your attention before settling down for a cozy nap in your lap while you scratch his back.

“Fezco will be a good companion and will bring love to your life,” Beth says.

It’s easy to understand why Fezco has become such a special part of Beth and Juan’s volunteer experience.

The SPCA of Texas is proud to recognize Beth Zuniga and her son Juan Mancilla as our July Volunteers of the Month. Their dedication is a wonderful reminder that volunteering can begin in unexpected ways and become something far more meaningful than you ever imagined.

Beth and Juan didn’t set out to discover a new family tradition built on connection, purpose, and a lot of tail wags.

Congratulations, Beth and Juan, and thank you for sharing your time, compassion, and love with the animals of the SPCA of Texas!