SPCA of Texas February Volunteer of the Month is a Group Filled with Love and Dedication

The SPCA of Texas February Volunteer of the Month is not just one volunteer. It is a group of volunteers this organization cannot do without.

Every week, remarkable students from The Notre Dame School of Dallas volunteer at our shelter, bringing with them not only their enthusiasm but also an abundance of compassion for our furry friends. “By naming this group of young people ‘Volunteer of the Month’ we get to shine a spotlight on these extraordinary students!” wrote one nominator.

“From cleaning kennel windows to organizing supplies, the Notre Dame students go above and beyond to ensure the smooth operation of our shelter, making it a safe and comfortable environment for our animals,” wrote another nominator.

But the students’ impact doesn’t stop there. “When these students interact with our dogs, their kindness and empathy shine through, creating moments of joy and comfort for our four-legged friends,” a nominator wrote. “Whether it’s taking a dog for a walk, playing fetch in the yard, or simply offering a gentle pat on the head, their compassion knows no bounds.”

For the past seven years, SPCA of Texas Volunteer and Notre Dame Vocational – Functional Skills Teacher and Job Coach Tamra Dohman has accompanied different groups of students to the Dallas Animal Care Center on a weekly basis. “The students appreciate and support the organization’s mission to help animals find homes,” she said. “And they find it quite fulfilling to provide care and comfort to the shelter pets.”

Our February student volunteers—Miguel Azpilcueta, Celeste Castillo, Kaitlyn Johnson and Ruth Michaely—share a favorite memory from working at the Dallas Animal Care Center. “We loved interacting with a shy dog that was at the shelter for a while and then seeing him come out of his shell and eventually get adopted!” they smiled.

The students do have a special dog they like to work with named Webbie. “Webbie is such a friendly and sweet pup!” they agree. And so does Webbie! He adores their pets and belly rubs!

“It makes us feel good knowing we’re helping make a little difference in the animals’ lives,” the students said when asked how they felt about spending time at the shelter. “We can tell that the staff appreciates us, too. They tell us ‘thank you’ every time we come!”

The Notre Dame students volunteering at the SPCA of Texas Dallas Animal Care Center has made an impact on so many people and animals. “Seeing dogs become more socialized through the attention they receive from staff and us volunteers helps them become more adoptable,” the students noted. “That’s so good for the dogs and the people who adopt them.”

One nominator hit the nail on the head when they wrote: “We want to thank the Notre Dame students for their dedication, their kindness, and their endless love for animals. They truly make the world a better place, one wagging tail at a time.”