ASPCA 'Kid Of The Year' Goes Above And Beyond To Help Shelter Dogs Get Adopted

November 2, 2021

An 11-year-old boy in Bronx, NY, is this year's ASPCA Kid of the Year because of his efforts to help socialize shelter dogs at Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC).

boy wins ASPCA kid of the year
Evan Bisnauth / ASPCA

Evan Bisnauth leads a busy life in the Bronx, but he doesn't let his many interests — or even a pandemic — deter him from his primary passion: helping socialize adoptable dogs by reading to them regularly.

His favorite story to read to the dogs is the book "Belly Rubbins for Bubbins," written 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'."

Always eager to help animals in need, Evan also creates amusing animations of ACC's adoptable animals to help them get attention and ultimately be placed in safe and loving homes.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Evan B (@eb_and_the_pets)

"During COVID, I was not able to go in person and I needed to find a fun way to showcase the dogs and put them in a positive light," he explained.

Evan also came up with the idea of interviewing shelter dogs to show their personality to potential adopters.

 

"It's like a little show. I'd ask them questions about themselves so people could see how they behave, what they like...information about them," he said. "So I couldn't be there, but I could get them the exposure they need."

In a recent press release, the ASPCA announced the recipients of the 2021 Humane Awards, an event to honor people and pets from across the nation who have made outstanding contributions to animal welfare.

Evan was named Kid of the Year.

"It makes me feel really good ... but it also makes me want to do so much more," he said.

Evan will be among other ASPCA award winners on Wednesday at a virtual luncheon to celebrate their commitment to animal welfare.