Rescued Dog Eve Helps Turn a House Into a Home

In December 2025, the Atlanta Humane Society rescued dogs from a suspected dogfighting operation, including Eve. She was transported to an ASPCA recovery center for ongoing care and to prepare her for adoption.

When Eve first arrived in the ASPCA’s care, she was diagnosed with dental disease, a heart murmur and was severely underweight. With the proper medical support and vital dental procedure, her health improved in only a few weeks. Her heart murmur resolved, as well.

The ASPCA’s behavior specialists also worked closely with Eve, helping her be her best self in social situations with other dogs. She quickly caught on to checking in with her handler when around other dogs, which led to her having more enjoyable interactions with them.

Eve made a lot of friends in her time with the ASPCA, and she was very social with every person that she met! When she wasn’t in her kennel, you could always find her getting pets from someone or playing with her favorite ball.

Thanks to the ASPCA’s dedicated staff and volunteers, Eve made a wonderful recovery and became available for adoption in late January. It didn’t take long for someone to see her adoption profile and fall in love!

Meeting Her Match

Chelsea G. was living on her own and knew that she wanted a companion. However, she works full-time and is enrolled in nursing school, so she wasn’t sure if she’d have enough free time for a dog.

One day, Chelsea was scrolling on Facebook when she came across Eve’s face and her story. She wasn’t looking for a dog, but the post grabbed her attention.

“When I saw her perfect little face and read what she had been through, I couldn’t stop thinking about her,” Chelsea says. “She looked like she just needed someone to love her, and I knew I could give her a life that she maybe had never experienced before.”

Chelsea first considered her daily schedule and how busy she was, but she kept coming back to Eve and her story.

“It felt like she was supposed to be mine and I was supposed to be hers,” Chelsea says. “Some people say you pick the dog, but I really feel like she picked me.”

Heading Home

Soon enough, Chelsea made her way to adopt Eve! On their car ride home together, Eve was so nervous that a one-hour trip became two. Chelsea made a few stops along the way to help her calm down. It was just Chelsea and Eve now, and she was committed to figuring things out together.

Eve’s first few days in her new home brought a few early challenges. When Chelsea left for work, Eve would cry in her crate for some time. She had an aloof personality and didn’t really know how to be a dog yet. She also began to show off her stubborn side, sometimes listening selectively to Chelsea.

“She didn’t know how to sit, didn’t give kisses, didn’t really know how to play,” Chelsea says, “and she didn’t understand that she was safe.”

Eve also needed to work on her housetraining. For the first few weeks, it was still the heart of winter and snow covered the neighborhood, so Eve became accustomed to going to the bathroom on snow. When the weather warmed up and the snow melted, she wasn’t sure of where to go anymore.

Chelsea remained patient with Eve, and over time, everything began to improve. She also worked on creating a more consistent daily routine that worked for the both of them, which helped give Eve some stability. On the occasion that Chelsea has a long stretch of work, Eve gets to sometimes spend the night at her uncle’s house, which she loves!

Clear Skies Ahead

These days, Eve is like a completely different dog. Her standoffish personality has blossomed into a very loving and attached pup.

“She loves treats, she’s so funny, so clumsy, and she is completely velcroed to me,” Chelsea says. “Watching her personality come out has been the best part.”

Eve follows Chelsea everywhere — if Chelsea gets up, Eve gets up. If Chelsea goes into another room, she is right behind her.

“She just always wants to be near me, but little does she know, I always want to be near her,” Chelsea says.

The two of them share a bed every night, they go on walks and runs together and Eve knows a lot of tricks now. Chelsea calls Eve her best friend in dog form.

Eve doesn’t always realize how big she is, so she can be a bit clumsy, bumping into things or trying to sit in Chelsea’s lap like she’s a tiny lapdog.

“She falls off the bed and couch quite often, then acts so offended,” Chelsea says. “She’s so silly.”

Though Eve used to have some fear of men, she has warmed up so much that she is happy to approach new people and meet them. She gets along very well with the rest of Chelsea’s family, including kids, who she loves and is eager to play with. Even car rides have become much more enjoyable!

Eve gives Chelsea companionship, someone to take care of and someone to love every day. When Chelsea is going through a stressful or busy time in her life, Eve somehow always knows how to calm her down.

“No matter what kind of day I had, I come home and she is just so happy to see me,” Chelsea says. “She made my home feel like a home and not just a place I sleep.”

The Best Decision

For anyone considering adopting a dog of their own, Chelsea suggests being patient and giving the dog the time they need to adjust.

“They are learning a completely new life — a new home, new person, new rules and new routine, and that can be really scary for them at first,” Chelsea says.

Early on, there might be challenging days, but Chelsea says it’s important to remember where they came from and what they have gone through. When given time, consistency and love, they will become the most loyal and loving dog.

“Adopting Eve is the best decision I’ve ever made, and I would do it all over again,” Chelsea says.

Chelsea was dedicated to going at Eve’s pace and helping to set her up for success. See our pet care tips if you are experiencing any challenging behaviors with your pet at home.