Who rescued who?

To say that I’m an animal lover would be a drastic understatement. Growing up in a large family, the oldest of five kids, meant our house always felt a bit like a zoo. Add in our bunnies, kittens, and rescue pups- and we probably could have charged admission. I don’t remember a time in my adolescence where we didn’t have at least one loveable fur baby to dote on.

Fast forward to me being a 25 year old transplant from Michigan to Charleston, South Carolina. For the first time in my life I didn’t have a pet to care for, snuggle, and love unconditionally. Sometimes I’d visit friends houses just to hang out with their dogs- it was getting out of control.

One day, while out for dinner, I told my boyfriend, (now husband) Justin, that I felt like there was something missing in my life. I was craving the laughs, pure joy, and happy chaos that a pet adds to your life.

Throughout my childhood my family always had rescue dogs, so we had a lot of mutts- but almost all were black lab mixes. So, I started scouting the local shelter sites for the perfect lab baby to add to our little family. Upon my research, I found out that the Charleston Animal Society was hosting an adoption event that weekend! We made plans to get up early on Saturday, and check it out.

We showed up at the local PetCo, where the event was being held, at 10am, and I almost cried when I realized that all the dogs had already been adopted. I had my heart set on taking home a pup that very second. The adoption volunteer must have seen my heartbreak, because she came over and let us know that they had only brought a few dogs because of the heat, but that there were lots of dogs at The Charleston Animal Society, and the adoption event was taking place there as well.

I don’t if she had finished speaking before I started racing back to the car, completely leaving Justin confused and alone, outside of the store. He finally caught on, and we headed to the Animal Society immediately.

As soon as we opened the doors we could hear the sounds of dogs barking, trying to get the attention of a potential forever home. I stopped at every kennel, and pet every single dog there- so it was taking awhile for me to make my rounds. I was only about a quarter of the way through the shelter, when Justin excitedly called for me. I raced over, and there she was. She was sitting so patiently, tail wagging like crazy, and her little face staring up at the gate latch. Her name was Evelyn, and she was a 2 year old American Staffordshire Terrier mix.

I instantly fell in love, and knew she was supposed to come home with us. We asked a volunteer if we could bring her into the private playroom. We were informed that she had just been surrendered the night before, along with 8 puppies who had already been adopted. She had just been spayed, but was recovering and would probably be a little loopy.

We brought her into the playroom, where she laid on the floor right next to us. She was a little timid, but that tail never stopped wagging. She kept inching closer and closer, finally just full-on snuggling us. I was done. My heart was full, and that missing piece was found.

We filled out all the paperwork, bought all of the toys, treats, and doggy supplies, and showered her with hugs and kisses. Evelyn became an instant part of our family.

That was 7 years ago, and Evelyn is our crazy, goofy, loveable, sometimes grumpy, and sweetest baby girl. She has become my constant companion, protector, and emotional support as I struggle with chronic anxiety.

Because of Evelyn, I have become an avid Pitbull advocate and activist. I highly encourage everyone to adopt, and educate people about breed discrimination and the problems with shopping and buying from breeders.