Evan Bisnauth’s deep connection with dogs began when he first got a four-legged friend of his own. Even though he was still learning how to read and write in school, he found that reading to his dog was a great way for them to connect.
Now, at just 11 years old, Evan is using that same technique to help as many dogs as he can in the New York City shelters.
By reading to dogs in the shelter, Evan is helping to socialize them. In turn, this increases their odds of being adopted. One of his favorite stories to read is “Belly Rubbins for Bubbins” by Jason Kraus.
“The story is about a dog that was placed into the shelter and got adopted,” Evan said. “I like reading that to the dogs because when I’m done reading the book I’m like, ‘You will get adopted. Now I have hope for you.'”
Early on in the pandemic, Evan wasn’t able to read to the dogs in person. But that didn’t keep him from finding new ways to help! Instead of his regular visits, he found a clever way to showcase why the dogs at the shelter would make amazing pets.
“I needed to find a fun way to showcase the dogs and put them in a positive light,” he said. “I started animating them doing all the fun things dogs like to do to get people to picture them as a part of their family.”
His passion for helping these sweet animals hasn’t gone unnoticed. Recently, he was named ASPCA’s Kid of the Year! Evan isn’t driven to do what he does to get attention, but this acknowledgement has only further solidified that he’s on the right path.
“It makes me feel really good … but it also makes me want to do so much more,” he said.
Evan’s family and friends couldn’t be more proud of what he’s accomplished, including his mom, Amanda Persaud. Seeing her son so happily pursue a passion that’s making a positive change in the world has meant a lot to her.
“He goes and he’s very patient. He’s very calm,” Amanda said. “He sits there, even though they’re barking at him in his face, he’s just going to sit there and be like, ‘I know. I know it’s hard. But I’m here. And if you want to hear a story, you’re going to have to be quiet.'”
With so many dogs in shelters, Evan tries to prioritize his time by visiting the dogs who are in greatest need of immediate placement first. But at the end of the day, his goal is to ensure that every single pup finds their forever home.
“I just want people to know that shelter dogs are not bad dogs,” Evan said. “They are just looking for good people. And to all the kids out there, you are never too small to make big changes.”
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