Smithtown Adoptable Pet Of The Week: Chevy, Who Had 'Very Difficult Start To Life'

SMITHTOWN, NY — Chevy, a 1-and-a-half-year-old male pit mix, is the Smithtown Animal Shelter's Pet of the Week.

Chevy had a "very difficult start" to his young life, according to the shelter.

"He was found by law enforcement lying on the side of the road on New Year’s Eve," the shelter wrote. "He was emaciated, completely blind, and very scared and injured. X-rays showed that he had broken and fractured bones all over. It became clear that these injuries were the result of either abuse or negligence."

Chevy had surgery to repair a dislocated elbow and spent some time in a foster home so his recovery could be closely monitored, according to the shelter. His condition began to improve, as he started to perk up and play and showed signs of vision returning in one of his eyes, the shelter wrote.

"He still gave a happy greeting to everyone who walked by and would nudge people for affection," the shelter wrote. "His body may have been damaged, but his attitude and spirit would never be broken."

While his vision was improving in one eye, his other eye still had a detached retina, swelling, and light bleeding, the shelter stated.

"The difficult decision was made to remove this eye. Now that he has fully recovered from this surgery, his doctors believe he will live a pain-free life. Chevy is finally getting to experience the happy puppy life that he never had before. He has gained back weight, is strong and mobile despite still having a slight limp, and loves to snuggle and kiss. Even though he was mistreated by humans before, he is still very trusting and friendly to all new people. Chevy is the perfect example of the ultimate comeback story, and he won’t let anything get him down."

The shelter will only allow Chevy into the "best of homes who will provide him with the love and care he was missing in his past life," it wrote.

Chevy has experience living with dogs and gets along well with them, but he does need some time to get used to other canine companions and introduce himself. Because of his limited vision, he should only be with older kids that will respect his sight trouble. He also has a well-managed food allergy.

"Chevy can’t wait to find his perfect furrever home, and we know that home is out there somewhere for him."

If you are interested in meeting Chevy, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with him in a domestic setting, which includes the shelter's Meet and Greet Room, the dog runs and the Dog Walk trail. Family Pet Meet and Greets and at-home interactions are also welcome and an integral part of the adoption process.

While the shelter is open to the public, it asks that people call ahead to schedule an appointment.

Hours are currently Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays and Wednesday evenings are by appointment only.

To inquire about the Pet of the Week or to meet your potential soulmate, call the Smithtown Animal & Adoption Center at 631-360-7575.

The Smithtown Animal Shelter's primary concern is finding the perfect home for each animal that finds his/her way to it. The Animal Control Officers at the Smithtown Animal Shelter will go out of their way to ensure both the rescued and rescuer are made for one another. If you have other pets, you can arrange to bring your four-legged family member into the shelter or they can set up an at-home meet & greet to see how your prospective new addition does with other family members, pets or the household itself. Please allow yourself an hour minimum to meet with your potential new family member.

The shelter is also seeking foster volunteers. Foster parents provide temporary care for cats, kittens and dogs in their own homes. Some animals need as little as two weeks of care, while others may need care for an extended time. Potential fosters need to have no other pets or young children in the home.

If interested, download the Foster Application here.