April 18, 2026
By: Alice Dyches, SPCA Albrecht Center Volunteer Coordinator

April 19th-25th is National Volunteer Appreciation Week.  At the SPCA Albrecht Center, we’re celebrating and showing our appreciation to our amazing volunteers with treats, gifts, and social media shoutouts all week. But we also wanted to ask the volunteers themselves, “How are YOU celebrating?”

Long-time volunteer Susan Birt is celebrating by doing “the best thing [she does] all week!” Along with walking dogs, fostering, and helping out with events, Susan even takes to the news some mornings to showcase our adoptable animals. I spoke with Susan about what keeps her volunteering. She told me, “the shelter staff and fellow volunteers have truly become my friends. [We] become emotionally invested in the animals that we interact with, and have a genuine interest in helping them, and keeping up with them even after they have found their forever homes. Volunteers can find rewards for themselves while helping the animals. I know I have.”

Being a non-profit organization, unsupported by city, state, or federal taxes, our operation relies on the generosity of volunteers, donors, and patrons of our services. This makes volunteers an invaluable component of our mission.

Whether sorting through goods at Whiskey Road’s SPCA Thrift Store, keeping shelter animals fed & cared for, or supporting our Veterinary Care Center staff, volunteers are the beating heart behind it all, never asking for much in return.

Tammie Shedd, who assists in dog walking and playgroups states that her “favorite part of volunteering with the dogs is bringing some joy to their day, providing them exercise, playtime, and affection. It sounds cliche, but they give me so much more than I give them.”

It’s that kind of generosity that keeps our mission alive.

“My favorite part about volunteering is seeing some of the ‘long-termers’ find their forever homes. My most recent favorite ‘Happy Tails’ story is Arty – but then there’s Lars, and so many wonderful cat stories. It can be bittersweet, and I’ll admit the tears do flow sometimes, but it’s also such a thrill. It just goes to show that there is a home for even the most difficult cases, be patient and don’t give up,” says volunteer Cathy Pitts, a familiar face in the mornings, diligently tending to our cats’ and dogs’ wellbeing.

To our volunteers: THANK YOU. Our mission would not be possible without your generosity. Joseph Addison beautifully stated that “no one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another,” and that about sums it up.

I am continuously inspired by our volunteers’ kindness and perseverance, and I invite you to come witness it for yourself. If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, visit our website, LetLoveLive.org, or email [email protected] to get started. The time is always right to Let Love Live.

Alice Dyches joined the SPCA Albrecht Center team in 2025 as the Volunteer Coordinator.  Having worked in animal welfare for nearly 5 years, she’s also a performer and supporter of local arts & theatre communities. She resides in North Augusta with her crazy cats, Kid and Elsie.