Although Evie, an Irish Wolfhound/Great Dane mix, is one of the sanctuary's largest dogs, her true size becomes apparent only when she's galloping in the field. At times she could be mistaken for a horse! However, when she's inside her doggie apartment, or out in her fenced yard, her understated aura tends to offset her size. What strikes people first is her gentle and shy demeanor. She looks up at people with nervous, timid eyes. Until recently, she would duck her head if someone reached out to pet her.
In 2009, Evie was confiscated from a foster home when the rescue was raided in an alleged cruelty and neglect case. She was terribly traumatized by the experience of being seized and then held in an animal control facility for a number of weeks, before she was surrendered to Home for Life. At the time of Evie's surrender, she was believed to be just three years old, and had some orthopedic pain in her hind legs. A professional athlete and his wife were interested in adopting Evie, but the player's travel schedule persuaded the couple that they would not be able to give Evie the time and attention needed to bring her out of her shell. By the time they met Evie at Home for Life, she had already been at the sanctuary for a couple of weeks. She had already bonded with Justine, a deaf Doberman, and other dogs in her group.
Now nearly age ten, Evie has arthritis which is well managed with medication and glucoscamine chews. She still loves to run, loping in the meadows, but like a typical hound, loves to recline on the couches in her doggie suite. Evie's bond with other dogs continues to be much more significant and important to her than her bond with people. She is especially close to Justine, and relies on Justine's boldness to scout out potential threats. However, under Justine's tutelage and the close company of her canine sisters at Home for Life, Evie has also learned to trust people again. While she no longer cowers at human offers of affection, her true family is her family of dogs.