Pet's Age
6

Pet’s rescue story in 500 words or less
Evie is a domestic violence survivor with a lion's heart in a little body.
Evie came into our lives as an owner surrender through our nonprofit organization, Animal Safehouse Program. Animal Safehouse provides foster care and rehoming for pets of people escaping domestic violence.

When I received the call about a small Yorkie who needed to escape a dangerous home, I immediately drove to pick her up. As I approached the meeting spot, I saw a woman standing on the side of the road holding a small dog. I pulled next to her and rolled down my window. Without a word, she kissed the dog’s head and passed her through my car window. Before I could say anything, she turned and walked away. The dog and I looked at each other as I drove off, unsure of what was next.

In the beginning, she was scared and quiet as a mouse. We didn’t hear her bark for a couple of weeks, but she slowly relaxed and became more playful and affectionate. I initially planned to rehome her but, despite having three dogs and a cat, I couldn’t let her go. That’s how she became our fourth dog. She’s been through a lot in her life, but she is now in a safe and happy home with furry friends and humans who adore her.

Everyone who meets Evie loves her and I can’t imagine our family without her. She’s cute, smart, and the most well-potty-trained Yorkie I’ve ever known. She is a social butterfly who loves nothing more than people, treats, and people who give her treats. She also loves riding in the car with her head out the window. She is the official greeter at our local hangout, saying hello to everyone as they walk in and making the rounds when she arrives. She has what’s called an extended palate, so she makes lots of funny noises, including snorts between barks and a little motor sound when she shakes.

When you think about domestic violence, do you think about pets? Pets are victims, too. But with the right support, they can be survivors. To learn more about Animal Safehouse, visit animalsafehousebrevard.org or follow us on Facebook @animalsafehouse.