August Volunteer of the Month Encourages Sharing More Love with Animals

The SPCA of Texas’ August Volunteer of the Month, Don Russell, has been sharing his time and expertise making lives better for our shelter pets and employees for more than six-and-one-half years!

“Don is wonderful! He helps with everything from mobiles to special events, helps at adoptions, and takes care of the PetSmart cats every week!” wrote one of his nominators.

“Don is always such a pleasant face to see throughout the building; you will never catch him without a smile on his face and he’s always so ready to help,” wrote another.

Upon retiring, Don knew he wanted to give back by working with nonprofit organizations. “I was invited to the Paws Cause event and knew that night the SPCA of Texas was one of them,” he smiled.

Don’s love for animals shines through as a volunteer. He’s worked his way up to facilitating adoptions and has enjoyed every part of volunteering at the shelter. “I even like doing the laundry, except folding,” he laughed. “It’s not like home at all. Here, all the colors can go in together!”

“Between walking dogs and adoptions, if no one is in the laundry, I like making sure all the machines have loads working and all the clean carts are full.”

When COVID hit and the shelter was closed to volunteers, Don was asked to do adoptions at PetSmart. “It has been really fun and rewarding, especially with the stores open until 9 p.m.,” Don said. “I have my full days and instead of watching TV every night, I am playing with the cats! And the store is close to my house.

“To adopt at PetSmart, people must make an appointment. So, they have either been there and made a connection with the cat or checked the cat out online, so they are usually ready to adopt,” he smiled.

“He does our PetSmart Adoptions and with almost every adoption Don gets a donation on top of the adoption fee. He represents the SPCA of Texas very well and is a big help to our program!” wrote a nominator.

Don has lots of favorite memories of volunteering at SPCA of Texas but says his favorites are working with frightened animals. “Every time a shy or scared animal opens up and begins to trust and like you it is so rewarding, and that happens a lot,” Don said.

One of his shelter favorites is Eclipse, very sweet, three-year-old, black female cat that loves people but currently isn’t fond of other cats. “In my opinion she is getting better,” Don smiled. “I love black cats; I had one growing up. Some people think they are bad luck, I don’t and even though I haven’t won the lottery yet I’m not fully blaming them.”

Everyone that has worked with Don knows his volunteer work with the SPCA of Texas has made an impact not only on the lives of the animals he cares for, but on their lives as well. “He helps with everything and is an amazing person! Don goes above and beyond in all areas! Mr. Russell is always kind and readily willing to help anywhere he is needed,” wrote one of his nominators.

According to Don, it is all about the animals. “It is so rewarding when you know an animal is going to be loved and given a good life,” he smiled. “They all deserve that, and they are so receptive to love. It’s fun to see that bond start even in the short time you are doing the adoption.

“We all have plenty of room to love more and animals are so easy to share that extra love with.”