Garcia honored as chamber’s top volunteer
Bonner County Daily Bee | UPDATED 5 days, 18 hours AGO
Ruth Garcia is presented with the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce’s Volunteer of the Month Award for May at a recent chamber luncheon. Pictured, from left, are Sarah Berry, Trisha Decker, Ruth Garcia and Paige McGowan from Better Together Animal Alliance; and Joan Urbaniak, chamber executive director.
Photo courtesy GREATER SANDPOINT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SANDPOINT — Ruth Garcia has been recognized by the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce as its May Volunteer of the Month for her extraordinary dedication, leadership, and service to animals and the community through her volunteer work with Better Together Animal Alliance.
Garcia began volunteering with Better Together Animal Alliance many years ago and has since contributed more than 350 hours of service. Over that time, she has consistently gone above and beyond in her commitment to the dogs in BTAA’s care and the people who support them.
As a core member of the organization’s dog walking team, officials said Garcia provides daily enrichment, exercise, and support to canine guests awaiting adoption. She also plays an active role in community outreach efforts, assisting with vaccine and microchip clinics and helping transport dogs to adoption events throughout the region.
In addition to her hands-on volunteer work, Garcia has opened her home as a foster volunteer, providing dogs with individualized care, stability, and the opportunity to thrive in a home environment while they wait for permanent families. She has also helped many dogs experience life beyond the shelter through BTAA’s Hounds on the Town program, which gives dogs valuable socialization and enrichment opportunities in the community.
Recently, chamber officials said Garcia expanded her impact even further by stepping into leadership roles within the volunteer program. She now leads dog walker orientation sessions and training classes for fellow volunteers. In March, she helped relaunch BTAA’s Play Groups program, creating more opportunities for canine enrichment while building volunteers’ confidence and skills working with dogs.
Through her compassion, initiative, and unwavering commitment, Garcia has become an invaluable part of the organization. Her efforts strengthen connections between people and pets and help create more successful matches and adoptions.
Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce officials said they are honored to celebrate Garcia for “the meaningful difference she makes every day for animals, volunteers, and families across the region.”