She was found tied to a pole outside DCSPCA’s shelter, but Evee’s sweet spirit stayed strong while she waited for her dream family.
At only one year old, sweet and friendly Evee was left tied to a pole outside of Dutchess County SPCA’s shelter in Hyde Park, NY. Much loved by shelter staff and volunteers, everyone was charmed by her serene and friendly personality, and her adorable big ears. Despite her loving and calm demeanor, being a Pittie mix brought stigma that made it difficult for Evee to find her dream family. But after 18 weeks at the shelter, someone walked into DCSPCA who saw through the stigma and knew she was someone special. That person was Brett.
“I fell in love with Evee the moment I met her”
DCSPCA: When did you know that you wanted to adopt Evee?
BRETT: My family had been asking for a dog for a couple of years. I was the holdout vote. Our lives are very full and no one was home for a lot of the day. I didn't think it would be fair to the dog to leave them alone for so long. We know first hand that a dog who is bored can be destructive. Several years ago, when we had our English Bull Terrier, we came home from work and found our entire sofa covering our living room floor. Our sofa had been torn to softball size pieces! It wasn't until I retired this year that I felt we could have a dog.
I fell in love with Evee the moment I met her. She was so wiggly and happy. I also noticed that she kept looking to her handler for affection and approval. I knew she would respond well to training because she was so eager to please.
I had some reservations because she is in the Pit Bull breed group, and that comes with some negative stigma and added responsibility. However, I could not get her out of my mind. I am sometimes rather impulsive, so I decided to wait a couple weeks before making the final decision. I kept her photo up on my phone and found myself looking at it every day. I knew this special dog deserved a good home and that I could provide a fulfilling life for her. I believed that my family would be thrilled.
“I had some reservations because she is in the Pit Bull breed group, and that comes with some negative stigma and added responsibility. However, I could not get her out of my mind.”
DCSPCA: Did you rename Evee?
BRETT: We kept her name. We like it. She responded well to it and we didn't want to confuse her. We also discovered a cute Pokemon that resembles her that is named Evee.
DCSPCA: How has Evee adjusted to your home?
BRETT: I warned the kids that Evee might be very restless for several days or weeks, that she may have difficulty sleeping. She may bark, whine, or pace during the night. She did none of that! The first night, she jumped into my son's bed and was asleep before he was! Evee has been a little anxious at times, but she has taken to our home like it is hers from the beginning. We have literally had zero negative experiences … no accidents, or furnishings chewed, shoes eaten, nothing!
DCSPCA: What are some of her favorite things?
BRETT: She loves her toys and goes through them pretty quickly (even the "indestructible" ones). She loves to lie in the sun, snuggle in bed or lie in front of the fireplace. She has found her favorite sunny spot on someone's bed or on the sofa looking out the windows keeping an eye on everything for us. She is always up for a game of fetch. Most of all, she loves to go on walks. We have a large property where she can walk off the leash, she especially loves that.
“We have literally had zero negative experiences … no accidents, or furnishings chewed, shoes eaten, nothing!”
DCSPCA: How has adopting her changed your life?
BRETT: Honestly, I was having some difficulty adapting to being retired. She is an amazing companion to me. Since adopting Evee, I take a 2-4 mile walk every day and have lost ten pounds! My family adores her and loves playing with her, having her hang out while they do homework, or snuggling in bed for the night. I know it is a cliché, but she really has brought a lot of joy to our lives.
DCSPCA: What would you say to someone who is considering adopting a dog?
BRETT: Evee has a lot of energy and needs quite a bit of attention. If you are at a point in your life where you can meet the needs of a dog, there are few beings on earth that can give you the love and joy of the right dog. The DCSPCA made the process very easy and affordable. Most of all, they gave us an amazing dog.
“I know it is a cliché, but she really has brought a lot of joy to our lives.”
