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Bandaged and depressed, sitting quietly in the back of her kennel at the Sonoma County Animal Shelter, is a dog named Shiloh whose story is all too familiar. The six year old pit bull terrier was abandoned by her family in December of last year and has been waiting to be adopted ever since. Day after day for the past four months Shiloh has waited patiently, wagging her tail at everyone who passes her by, only to be treated with an indifference that seems to be a typical facet of the pit bull experience.
It comes as no surprise after meeting Shiloh that she is one of the favorites among shelter volunteers and staff. Sweet-natured, spunky, sensitive, and incredibly affectionate, Shiloh brightens up when she is removed from her kennel. She happily bounds after other dogs, plays chase games with volunteers, and kisses almost everyone that crosses her path. “I’m not sure why she’s still here,” says Mary, a long-time volunteer, “She’s really a fantastic dog.”
The shelter environment began to take a toll on Shiloh last month when she injured her tail. The condition is called “Happy Tail Syndrome” which occurs when animals are so overjoyed to see people that they become impervious to the pain they cause by wagging their tails against whatever is in their path. Due to the size of Shiloh’s kennel and her friendliness, her tail continuously hits the sides of the concrete walls that contain her. A shelter veterinarian amputated the tip of her tail and wrapped it securely in gauze bandages and tape until it heals. Unfortunately, Shiloh must wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent prevent her from biting or licking her tail during the healing process. Although many pets adapt to E-Collars, Shiloh hasn’t and has become increasingly depressed. She refuses to eat or drink with the collar in place and has lost a significant amount of weight. Instead of happily greeting everyone who walks by, she now sits in the corner of her kennel hoping that something, anything better than this awaits her.
The Humane Society of the United States estimates 3-4 million healthy, adoptable animals are euthanized each year due to overpopulation. While the solution is simple (spay or neuter your animals) the problem is ever-growing and affects extraordinary dogs just like Shiloh everyday. Without intervention, Shiloh will be euthanized. It is a sad reality that faces an absurd amount of unwanted pets across the nation. If you have the power and means to help, this is your chance.
Shiloh received a perfect assessment score which gives her the distinguishing “Great Temperament,” label on her evaluation. She gets along with people, children and other dogs. She is a wonderful companion dog and she needs to be adopted as soon as possible. If you think you can help, contact the Sonoma County Animal Care and Control (707) 565-7100 and ask about animal ID number A089501.
Sonoma County Animal Care and Control
1247 Century Court
Santa Rosa, CA
(707) 565-7100.
Shelter Hours:
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday - Noon to 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday - Noon to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday - Noon to 5:00 p.m.
Closed Sunday, Monday and holidays.