We believe every animal deserves a second chance, no matter their age or past experiences. Shiloh, a senior French Bulldog with a difficult history, had spent nearly a year in our care, waiting patiently for the right family to come along. Her journey had been one of resilience, and we knew she had so much love to give.
Then, everything changed. A couple, experienced in adopting rescue animals, saw Shiloh and knew they could offer her the home she truly deserved. Having recently moved into their forever home, they were initially unsure about adopting again after the loss of their previous pets. But when they met Shiloh, they couldn’t turn away.
After going through the adoption process, Shiloh finally had a place to call home. What followed was a remarkable transformation—one filled with patience, training, and unconditional love. From overcoming separation anxiety to discovering the joys of play and companionship, Shiloh has blossomed into a confident and affectionate dog.
Her story is a testament to the power of adoption and the incredible bond that can form when a rescue animal is given a chance. At RSPCA Hull & East Riding, we are so proud to have played a part in Shiloh’s journey and hope her story inspires others to open their hearts to a rescue—especially the “Golden Oldies” who have just as much love to give.
We ask her new family about their rehoming journey
Decision to adopt:
When we lost our last dog and cat, we decided we couldn’t take any more after his loss. We have been taking rescued dogs and cats for many years and loved each and every one.
However shortly after we moved into our forever home, I saw an article on a dog needing a home. He turned out not to be right for us as we have a 4 year old great nephew to consider and he was known to nip children. But the seed was sown!
Why we chose Shiloh:
A week or so later I saw Shiloh who was with the RSPCA. She was a little French Bulldog with a very sad background, who had been with the RSPCA for nearly a year. We never go to a centre with preconceived ideas, but usually take who has been there the longest and needs the most help.
An application was immediately sent in, a meeting arranged, and after going through the adoption process, Shiloh was home with us.
How has life changed since Shiloh arrived?
Life has literally taken on a whole new dimension. There was quite a bit of work to do with Shiloh (and still a little more to do), so that took up some time. But to say that we get up to a bundle of joy every morning is no exaggeration. We have someone else to concentrate on and adapt to. A lot of time is devoted to, her split between training, playing and generally getting to know each other. My husband and I deal with different aspects and it works very well. It’s fair to say he’s as besotted with her as I am.
Shiloh is now the centre of life here, and an absolute pleasure to spend time with. Yes, some things have changed, some things we have to forego for the moment. She can be stubborn, and is a bit quirky, but that adds to her charms. We just work round it and what we get in return is more than worth it.
I should also add that Shiloh is a very senior dog, and we have gone into her adoption having to accept we won’t have her as long as we’d like, but determined to give her the absolute best in what time we’ll have with her. Whilst she may actually be 10 years old, in her mind she’s actually 10 months old!
How has Shiloh changed?
Since joining us, Shiloh has become a much more relaxed lady.
She no longer suffers the dreadful separation anxiety, and when not playing with her toys, she can be found chilling in front of the log burner, sitting in front of the stove keeping an eye on whatever’s cooking, but always up to join in with whatever we’re doing.
She has gained massively in confidence. She is much more independent, and is now happy to be left at home for a few hours, or can be left in the car for an hour or so if we go for a meal after a walk or do some shopping. She’s very eager to please; super intelligent, picking things up very quickly, and full of fun, from having a one man sack race round the kitchen in an empty log sack, to hiding her toys in our bed. Life is never dull with Sholoh around! She is also the most loving and affectionate girl.
Yes, we have a little way to go yet, but we’ll get there, and can’t imagine life without her now.
What would you say to other potential adopters?
So, can I just say to anyone thinking of taking a rescue dog, don’t sit thinking about it, just do it! Put the time and effort in and you’ll be rewarded tenfold. And most of all, please don’t just bypass the Golden Oldies, they have just as much to offer.
