Shilo Freedom Walk

Shilo

Shilo is a thirteen-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer whose owner walked her into a local shelter, not to surrender her but to have her put to sleep. The Animal Control Officer behind the counter explained that isn't a service provided for animals able to be managed. The owner then decided to surrender her to the shelter.

He completed the Surrender Questionnaire checking the box marked "health issues (your pet)" under the portion asking why you are surrendering your pet, when asked to state in your own words why "no money" was all that he wrote. Her owner hadn't taken her to see a Vet and didn't have any health records.

Shilo was thin for her size, weighing just over forty-eight pounds her hip bones showed. She occasionally favored her right rear leg when walking around, possibly arthritis, but otherwise, she could move around independently.

The animal shelter did an intake. The Veterinarian took a look at her noting a mildly stiff gait and clear eyes. He also noted a small mass on her left leg and overgrown toenails. Her prognosis was fair, but he recommended a blood panel, teeth cleaning, and the adopter do x-rays. She was listed on their website as a 13-year old that her owner had surrendered.

The emails, texts, and calls started coming into California GSP Rescue almost immediately. Without wasting any time, a volunteer contacted the shelter to find out more information and if she was available. While she was available for adoption, it was unclear when she could be picked up. The shelter, like many, requires an appointment to be made to visit or adopt an animal. Once the shelter confirmed a time that Shilo could be picked up, California GSP Rescue immediately made arrangements to pick her up.

Arriving at the animal shelter, the Animal Control Officer, as was everyone else, was grateful a rescue was taking her. No one had expressed an interest in adopting her. The Officer took the volunteer back to Shilo's kennel, where she slept while the other dogs barked.

Alerted she had a visitor, she raised her head and looked for a familiar face. Her eyes, framed by her delicate gray eyelashes, met the eyes of the volunteer. She was safe.

The volunteer walked her out the door and on her freedom walk. She was alert and curious as the volunteer walked her around the parking lot. When it was time, she would attempt to jump in the back of the car but would need to be helped onto the bed where she would ride.

The volunteer contacted Dr. Kang on his way back home to make an appointment for Shilo. Making an appointment in the past several months had become more of a challenge, but Dr. Kang made time a few days later. He and everyone in the office knew what California GSP Rescue did and would take time to examine a rescued dog, even if it took time from his lunch break. Shilo was no different.

When the volunteer arrived, Dr. Kang happened to see Shilo walking in and noted the limp. Possibly arthritis, but he would examine her further a short time later.

The news wasn't good. A blood panel and X-rays revealed Shilo's original owner was right about one thing; she was not well. Dr. Kang pointed out a few masses. One appeared to be osteosarcoma, causing her to limp while the few on her lungs might be a reason for the occasional deep cough. He recommended taking her home and making her comfortable. California GSP Rescue did just that.

While Shilo's story doesn't have a happy ending, we would like to tell; she is in a much better place than a shelter. There won't be an adoption photo, but there will be updates. While her time is short and the end is approaching, Shilo is still very much alive. She enjoys pets and short, very short walks. When resting on her bed, she will watch the two younger dogs playing, occasionally standing up as she might partake but avoiding getting too close. She is comfortable, fed, and loved as she will be for her remaining time with us.

This Giving Tuesday, please consider Making a Donation or Becoming a Rescue Hero to support the efforts of California GSP Rescue in making the world a better place.

#ForShilo #GivingTuesday