“It feels like I’ve just blinked and bang, it’s 20 years.”
Time has certainly flown for Eve, who celebrated two decades of work with RSPCA NSW in June 2026.
The experienced and dedicated Animal Attendant started out as a volunteer at the Hunter RSPCA NSW shelter before gaining casual and then full-time employment as she attained the required qualifications through TAFE.
Eve joined RSPCA NSW at the age of 47 and it’s clear she found her calling as she works with other people just as devoted to helping animals.
“I’ve done quite a few jobs, but I’ve never stayed at a job this long,” Eve said.
“Honestly, I love it. I started a year after this shelter opened.
“Great staff. They’re all family, you know, they’re not just staff. It really is my second home. Everyone’s supportive. Everyone helps everybody.
“It’s a really good team and it always has been because we’re all in the same boat. We’re all here for the same reason – looking after these beautiful animals.”
Now primarily working with canines, Eve has inevitably developed special bonds with a number of animals she’s cared for over the years.
There is one furry friend that stands out most though with a newspaper clipping of the duo still proudly displayed on the walls of the Hunter shelter.
“This dog came in called Gaddhi; he was a little white Mastiff. He came in at 16-weeks-old, and he was still here on his first birthday. We did a big barbecue, and we had party hats, birthday cake and everything. Customers came and we did a big party for him,” Eve said.
Eve celebrating Gaddhi’s first birthday.
“He was one of my favourites. So, he was here like a whole year, he spent his life here and I used to take him out on my days off, up to the beach and we’d go to cafes and try to get him adopted and put his little adopt me jacket on.
“I couldn’t understand why he wasn’t getting adopted. He was the most social, friendly, cuddly dog.
“Gaddhi actually came in with another pup called Shiloh and they used to play together, and they were just the best of friends.
“This lady came in one day and I wasn’t here, but she adopted Shiloh and no-one told her about Gaddhi. Not long later we happened to see them out on a walk so we mentioned Gaddhi being Shiloh’s best friend and she ended up coming in and adopting him too. So that was one of my nicest stories.”
It’s happy endings like that which have no doubt given Eve the energy to clean over 96,000 kennels, fill 192,000 tummies and help countless animals over the past 20 years.
Thank you for all your wonderful work, Eve!
