Posted on April 21, 2022
It’s National Volunteer Week, and at the City of Fort Worth, we value volunteers and their commitment to fulfilling the city’s mission: to work together to build a strong community. To celebrate and show continued appreciation, City News is highlighting volunteers and programs this week.
The volunteers at the city’s animal shelters are some of the most valuable and amazing people. They aren’t just dog walkers, cat mates, and kennel cleaners. They offer tender love and care to all animals that find themselves in the environment of the shelter.
In addition to caring for pets at two shelter campuses and two PetSmart adoption centers, hundreds of volunteers serve as foster families for pets that need the most attention.
The best part of “work” is when a volunteer helps a pet be adopted into a forever, loving home.
More than 500 animal shelter volunteers contributed 9,003 hours in 2021. They participated in adoption events, posted adoptive animals on social media, provided enrichment toys, prepared special meals, guided residents during adoptions, helped with laundry, played with and walked thousands of pets. . This year, Fort Worth Animal Care & Control hosted quarterly volunteer social events to recognize volunteers, share important communications, and give everyone an opportunity to network.
“It’s extremely important for us to continuously engage and show our appreciation to our Fort Worth Animal Care & Control volunteers because they give us so much. Seriously, we couldn’t do it without them. We love our volunteers,” said Volunteer Coordinator Melanie Pena.
In honor of National Volunteer Week, Fort Worth Animal Care & Control is highlighting a few volunteers who have gone above and beyond serving animals in the city’s care:
- Kelley Mayes always has a smile on her face and is ready to help city staff and other volunteers at any time. She enjoys helping with the laundry, walking the dogs and socializing with the cats.
- Laurie Gautreaux spends her days off at the shelter getting to know all the dogs, helping them find homes and training new volunteers. She is passionate about dogs and helping others.
- Leah Donovan gives dog walking lessons to new volunteers. She is an exceptional volunteer who participates in the dog enrichment program at the South Shelter.
- Michael Pagel spends most weekends at the north shelter walking dogs and getting to know them. She is excellent at assisting the public and can usually be found camped outside with a longtime resident dog by her side.
- Ransome Rombauer is new to Fort Worth Animal Care & Control, but has already started. She spends her time on South Campus walking the dogs, participating in assessments, and taking photos.
- Terri Owens likes to spend time with the long-time resident dogs in the playgrounds. She also helps train new volunteers in dog walking classes. She has been known to stop what she does to help city staff and other volunteers in times of need.
- kathy mcdonald and Marion Faherty are the experts in the dog enrichment program. They make sure the animals have what they need to stay active and engaged in the shelter environment.
- Kristen Morisson loves hanging out with the dogs and taking pictures. Morrison and Cowtown Friends of Fort Worth Animal Care & Control help raise funds and purchase needed items to help animals.
- Dan Litt enjoys spending time with dogs in playgrounds and getting to know their personalities. As a member of Cowtown Friends of Fort Worth Animal Care & Control, Litt is very supportive of the shelter.
“We are grateful for each of our volunteers and wish them all a great week of volunteer appreciation! Our animal friends are lucky to have so many amazing people helping them find forever homes,” Pena said.
Do you like animals? Do you have a passion for serving others? Volunteer at one of Fort Worth’s animal care and control centers. There are volunteer opportunities for animal lovers ages 16 and up. Email to find out more.
Photo: Over 500 volunteers provide love and care for pets that find themselves in the shelter environment.
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