Shilo is a purebred American Cocker Spaniel who was abandoned at a high-kill shelter in Los Angeles County in April 2025. At 10 years old, he was sick, half blind, mostly deaf, and suffering from a range of health issues. When I first met Shilo, he had masses behind his ear, a double-ear infection, kennel cough, arthritis, a mass on his gums, and impacted teeth. At his first vet visit, we discovered he also had Cushing’s disease—a serious condition affecting his endocrine system.
I lost my rescue Cocker in 2019 and promised myself I would adopt another when the time was right. When I saw Shilo’s condition and the state of the shelter, I knew I couldn’t leave him behind. As a volunteer at two local shelters, I’ve seen what happens to older, sick dogs, and I couldn’t let that be Shilo’s fate. I brought him home, determined to give him the love and care he deserved, even if it meant making difficult decisions about his future.
Most of Shilo’s health issues were discovered at his first vet visit. It was overwhelming, but I approved him for surgery to remove his masses, clean and remove teeth, castration, a deep ear cleaning under anesthesia, vaccinations, and treatment for kennel cough. Over the past 10 months, I have spent a significant amount treating Shilo’s health issues and improving his quality of life. Other than his Cushing’s Disease (which is now under control), one persistent issue remains: chronic ear infections. Despite seeing three different vets and trying multiple medications, his ear infections have never improved and have caused him a lot of pain.
This week, I took Shilo to see his fourth vet, who quickly diagnosed that the infections had become so calcified that no medication would help. The only treatment that will remove the infection and pain is a Total Ear Canal Ablation, which is a costly procedure. I have been out of work since December 2025, and while the amount I’ve already spent was worth it to give Shilo more time, covering the cost of this surgery is not an option for me right now.
I am reaching out for help because I want to give Shilo the life he deserves after all he’s been through. Any support, no matter the amount, will make a difference for him. Thank you for caring about Shilo’s story and for considering a donation to help him heal.
I lost my rescue Cocker in 2019 and promised myself I would adopt another when the time was right. When I saw Shilo’s condition and the state of the shelter, I knew I couldn’t leave him behind. As a volunteer at two local shelters, I’ve seen what happens to older, sick dogs, and I couldn’t let that be Shilo’s fate. I brought him home, determined to give him the love and care he deserved, even if it meant making difficult decisions about his future.
Most of Shilo’s health issues were discovered at his first vet visit. It was overwhelming, but I approved him for surgery to remove his masses, clean and remove teeth, castration, a deep ear cleaning under anesthesia, vaccinations, and treatment for kennel cough. Over the past 10 months, I have spent a significant amount treating Shilo’s health issues and improving his quality of life. Other than his Cushing’s Disease (which is now under control), one persistent issue remains: chronic ear infections. Despite seeing three different vets and trying multiple medications, his ear infections have never improved and have caused him a lot of pain.
This week, I took Shilo to see his fourth vet, who quickly diagnosed that the infections had become so calcified that no medication would help. The only treatment that will remove the infection and pain is a Total Ear Canal Ablation, which is a costly procedure. I have been out of work since December 2025, and while the amount I’ve already spent was worth it to give Shilo more time, covering the cost of this surgery is not an option for me right now.
I am reaching out for help because I want to give Shilo the life he deserves after all he’s been through. Any support, no matter the amount, will make a difference for him. Thank you for caring about Shilo’s story and for considering a donation to help him heal.
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