MILAN, Ill. — The Quad City Animal Welfare Center in Milan has been the home of four-year-old Pitbull mix, Avie, for more than 740 days.
The shelter's dog care manager Elysia Rohr says it's sad to see her friend spend so much time there.
"He's been here since I started," Rohr said. "I think it's taken so long to find the right person because he has a barrier frustration which can leave a bad first impression to those who meet him."
Executive Director Patti McRae says those bad first impressions don't define Avie. He is a favorite among staff and volunteers.
"He is just a big goofball," McRae added. "He's a sweet, happy boy that has so much energy. A lot of times, dogs really don't behave well when they're in a kennel because you can imagine that's like a jail cell almost to them. So getting them out in the yard shows more of his true personality."
McRae added that it's emotional to see Avie spend such a long time at the shelter, saying he is a "great dog and deserves a second chance."
Avie suffers from anxiety, allergies and a collapsed trachea. Elysia said she hopes to find an owner for Avie who currently doesn't have a dog and is ready to expand their family with a pet.
Avie is part of the shelter's "Forever Foster Program," meaning all the food and medications that Avie may need are provided. Vet visits would also be covered by the shelter's veterinarian.
"He would have everything covered. We would just want the home and someone to care for him," Rohr said. "That would be the part that we're really looking for. So if someone was local and wanted to adopt him as a forever foster, all they would have to provide is the home and the love."
If you are interested in adopting Avie, click here or contact the Quad City Animal Welfare Center at 309-787-6830.
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