Elvis has left the building, or rather the Anti-Cruelty Society.
The 3-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier mix was the only dog left at the Chicago animal shelter after a “Fall in Love” adoption event on Nov. 11 in which the shelter waived adoption fees, leading to the adoption of 39 cats and 22 other dogs.
Drew Wilhelm and Loren Agron, the couple who adopted Elvis, found out about the lonely pup after seeing his story on social media, according to the two, who spoke to the Sun-Times as Elvis sat between them.
Elvis, a 3-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier mix, was adopted over the weekend after being the only animal left when the Anti-Cruelty Society held an adoption event this month.
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The couple, who live in Uptown, said they had talked about getting a dog but that “it was never the right time.” However, when they saw Elvis, “it was perfect” – as Agron worked as a waiter under the nickname “Elvis Parsley” at Ed Debevic’s restaurant, where he is now manager.
“He’s a misfit, and Drew and I consider ourselves the king of misfits,” Agron said, describing the pup as a “goofy, happy boy.”
The two have rearranged their schedules to ensure that Elvis is often showered with love and taken for walks, including along the lakefront. They say he already loves cuddles and naps. The couple also said they may eventually have to share the dog’s care duties with friends and family who have been “begging” to take care of him.
Elvis, a 3-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier mix, cuddles with owner Drew Wilhelm during his first weekend in his new home.
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Wilhelm also said that adopting Elvis was a time of growth for the two of them.
“The opportunity to be able to bring him into our lives gave us more sense of responsibility,” Wilhelm said. “We have a life we take care of, and his is the most important thing right now.”
Rachel Klousnitzer, a representative of the Anti-Cruelty Society, said that although the organization was happy to see Elvis find a home, the group sees slower adoption rates in the winter months and hopes Elvis’ happy ending will change that .
Elvis’ new family agrees, saying they hope his story inspires others to take in animals and support shelters.
“We can’t stress enough that every day we see dogs like Elvis waiting for their forever home, and we hope his story brings more adopters through our doors,” Klousnitzer said. “We want to keep Elvis’ momentum alive and encourage the community to open their homes to animals in need.”
Elvis visits the lakefront with his owners on his first weekend after being adopted.
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