Volunteer Spotlight: Traci Pockrus, Fort Worth Animal Care & Control

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am married to Jeremy and we have lived together in the Fort Worth area since 2003. I have two sons (Chase and Sawyer), four dogs and one cat. Three of our dogs are from the Fort Worth shelters, two of which were urgent and the other having heartworms. Our dogs are Kylo (not a shelter dog), Dirk (Henry’s shelter), Luka (Silcox shelter) and Meg (Henry’s shelter and went through treatment through the shelter). Our cat, Obi, is from another shelter. I am a third-grade Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISDteacher and have been teaching for 10 years. Prior to this, I worked with Child Protective Services in Fort Worth as an investigator. My background and degree is social work and I have always had a heart for helping others.

How long have you been volunteering with the City of Fort Worth?

I have been volunteering with the City of Fort Worth since 2003. My neighbor Amy fosters dogs through FWACC (Fort Worth Animal Care & Control) and when we were ready for another dog, we were inspired to look at options through the shelter. Wow! Jeremy and I were surprised at the amount of dogs available! We then saw the need for the many volunteer opportunities and wanted to do more. I started taking dogs to adoption events, washing dishes and walking dogs at the shelter. My main role is walking dogs and taking photos to showcase their personality for the shelter website and social media. We have now fostered 46 dogs in addition to taking many dogs for overnights and out-and-abouts.

What is your favorite thing about volunteering?

My favorite thing about volunteering is getting to make a difference for the dogs and all staff at the shelter, from kennel techs to management. I also love getting to take so many dogs out to love on them. From getting to spend time with the shy dog to build confidence or the active dog to burn off energy, it is the best feeling to be such an important part of their day.

Describe a favorite memory or moment from your time as a volunteer.

A cherished memory I have is after posting photos and videos of an urgent dog, an adopter showed up and we happened to meet. He said my information was the reason he came to meet the dog and adopt him!

A moment that is dear to me while volunteering was a day Jeremy and I were walking dogs at Bark Rangers. Jeremy told me there is a dog I need to meet. He came around the corner with a dog I had fallen in love with on my last visit. We took the dog home for a couple of days, got great media and two days later he was adopted! May have been a coincidence, but it sure did make us feel joyful for an urgent dog.

How has volunteering impacted your life or perspective?

Volunteering has impacted my life by giving me another community to connect with. I have met so many wonderful volunteers and staff who truly care for the animals and people they serve. When I am at the shelter, I feel the value in what I do.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering?

I would tell them to do it! Volunteering makes a difference even if the impact is not noticeable right away. Every moment counts, and it is worth the effort and time. No matter how little or much time you have to offer, you provide value to the organization you are there for.

What do you enjoy in your spare time when you’re not volunteering?

I have brought my passion for volunteering at the shelter to my classroom. My students love to hear my stories and see photos of my current foster(s). They all “adopted” a dog figurine and spend earned points on accessories and needed items, such as a doghouse for their dogs. Students have even made flyers for dogs to help get them adopted. One family who adopted a foster wanted all the flyers for a keepsake. It was so special!

Visit the volunteer website today to browse our programs and learn how you can invest in your community and invest in yourself.

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