We’re lucky to have volunteers who give their time, talents, and hearts to animals in need. Ruth Gates is a wonderful example of that dedication in action.
Ruth has been part of Atlanta Humane for years, and in that time she’s worn just about every volunteer hat you can imagine. She fosters, walks dogs, helps in the warehouse, supports fellow volunteers, and is even a familiar face during our Day of Giving. If there’s a need, Ruth steps in with a smile.
Here’s what AHS staff has to say about Ruth:
“Ruth is an amazing woman! She supports the shelter in so many ways. From fostering to bringing us treats/toys from the warehouse and training new volunteers. She is lovely to be around and always happy to see her coming. She is a support to so many of us I don’t know what we’d do without her!”
– Kelly Teasley, Foster Program Manager
“BIG shoutout to the amazing Ruth! Whether she’s walking dogs (or puppy snuggling), fostering behavior animals, training volunteers, helping in the warehouse, or being a shining, on-camera star during Day of Giving, she does it all with a smile (and usually a laugh or two). Ruth brings so much joy and light, even on the heaviest shelter days. AHS truly wouldn’t be the same without her passion, humor, and all-around awesomeness. Thank you for everything you do, Ruth!”
– Bethany Bagley, Content Creator
“Ruth is the best—she’s always making sure we have what we need for our fosters and for the behavioral dogs and cats we care for, often by going to the Petco warehouse for supplies. When I first started on the foster team, she was so welcoming, and I was super excited to start working with her. She’s got such a warm energy that just makes you feel good to be around her—she’s a phenomenal volunteer, and I don’t know what we’d do without her!”
– Dagny Haim, Foster Coordinator
“Working with Ruth is an absolute joy because of her unwavering dedication, positive energy, and genuine compassion for animals and people alike. She consistently goes above and beyond, bringing not only her amazing spirit but also infinite levels of kindness that uplifts everyone around her. Ruth consistently makes warehouse runs for both the shelter medicine team and the foster team and is always willing to help when asked.”
– Andre Worthy, Shelter Medicine Manager
“Ruth is all that is right in the animal welfare community! She is beyond dedicated and always arrives to the shelter with the biggest smile and personality ready to jump in with volunteering, training, fostering, or whatever we need help with that day. Ruth not only loves and supports the animals, but she is a huge support for the staff as well, and it helps us complete our jobs more efficiently when we have someone like her on our side. I could not be more grateful to have her on the team.”
– Emma Brown, Community Engagement Assistant
Ruth Gates is a foster, a volunteer, a cheerleader for our team, and above all, a true friend to the animals in our care. She does it all, and she’s been doing it for years.
We are so grateful for Ruth and the countless ways she has touched the lives of animals, staff, and fellow volunteers alike. Thank you, Ruth, for everything you bring to Atlanta Humane Society!
