Shiloh
Shiloh’s Happy Tail is all about hurricanes. It starts in 2005 with Hurricane Wilma. That’s when this 7 year-old Shepherd mix lost her first home. Her family evacuated and left her behind. Fortunately she survived the storm but found herself homeless. A kind gentleman took pity on her and began feeding her. She soon was considered part of the family, along with his two dogs. He was able to care for her for about a year before the costs of three big dogs eventually became too much. That’s when he called the FKSPCA for help. Together it was decided that the best option for Shiloh would be for her to come to the shelter so we could find her another home. Little did we know it would take another year and another hurricane before that home would appear.During her stay with us, Shiloh became a favorite with staff and volunteers. As the months wore on, Shiloh settled in to the shelter routine and became our oldest resident. She also became our best puppy trainer. When young upstarts were learning their puppy manners, Shiloh was their teacher. She was a natural! She knew what to tolerate and when to draw the line. Always gentle yet effective, her skills were perfected. Shiloh made lots of four-legged and two-legged friends at the FKSPCA. Along the way there were potential adopters who fell in love with her sweet ways. But it seemed like all of those hopefuls either had cats (Shiloh believes cats should inhabit another galaxy) or they lived very far away. One of Shiloh’s biggest fans lives in England but a flight across the ocean was just not an option. Her life with us was a comfortable one. She had a roof over her head, good food, a soft bed, and lots of love. But she still didn’t have a real home.
Then in the fall of 2008, along came a powerful storm named Hurricane Ike and it looked like the Florida Keys were in his direct path. So as we do each time a hurricane is headed our way, the FKSPCA staff packed up all the animals and sent them into foster homes with caring families willing to provide a safe haven during the storm . Shiloh went home with one of our favorite volunteers and her husband, Edie and Pete Kehoe. Of course, it was intended to be a short foster, just until the storm passed. That was until Shiloh worked her magic on them and their dog Tyson. She was the perfect guest!
Thankfully, Ike tracked south and the Keys were spared. The shelter was still standing and animals could return. But by that time, it was too late for the unsuspecting Kehoe family. They were smitten! The informed us that Shiloh would not be returning to the shelter. Like the saying goes, “It’s an ill wind that doesn’t blow someone some good” and Hurricane Ike brought our Shiloh something better than good. It brought her something wonderful – a forever home with a loving family!
In the words of her adopters:
After sharing with my close friends Shiloh’s story I realized how unique Shiloh’s situation was. Our community is lucky to have a shelter like the FKSPCA that recognized the wonderful qualities in Shiloh, whose age and size made her a more difficult dog to adopt. They were willing to give her the time it took for her to find her forever home. I’m happy that forever home was MINE!! I’m just sorry it took me so long! I have never taken in a dog that adapted to our lives as easily and loving as Shiloh as done.
Let this be my testament to all whoever considered taking in an older dog. We may only have a few years with Shiloh’s but they will be of quality of love and gratefulness given in both directions!
Shiloh – An Update
Shiloh was a longtime companion to her friends at the shelter, and continued to make loyal friends among everyone she met after Edie and Pete Kehoe adopted her. They gave her the best life possible and her happiness with that life showed in every photo Edie took of her.
Sadly, Shiloh recently lost her battle to an aggressive and fast-growing cancer that her survivor’s spirit was no match for. Her sweetness and sensitive spirit will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. We love you, Shiloh!
Directions & Hours
| FKSPCA Key West Animal Shelter | Hours of Operation |
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5230 College Road |
Monday - Friday Saturday Sunday |
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