While driving along a freeway in Rubidoux, California, David Loop, founder of the animal rescue Sierra Pacific Furbabies, noticed a dark figure lying near an exit ramp.
At first, he wasn’t sure what it was. Concerned that it might be an injured animal, he immediately slowed down, pulled over, and went to take a closer look.
His heart sank when he saw that it was a dog, motionless on the roadside. For a moment, he feared the worst.
But as he knelt beside the animal, he noticed something miraculous — the faint rise and fall of the dog’s chest. The pup was still breathing. Without wasting time, Loop called his rescue team for assistance.
Fighting For His Life
As Loop approached, the injured dog, later named Shiloh, slowly lifted his head and let out a low growl. It was clear that he was terrified and in pain.
Loop spoke to him softly, reassuring him that everything would be alright. Soon after, his rescue team arrived and carefully lifted the dog onto a soft bed in their vehicle.
During the drive to the emergency veterinarian, Loop stayed right by Shiloh’s side, gently petting him to keep him calm.
Once they arrived at the clinic, Shiloh finally began to relax. Despite his injuries, his gentle personality quickly won over the staff.
A full examination showed that Shiloh had no broken bones, but he couldn’t move his back legs, which raised serious concern.
“The prognosis was not good. He had head trauma and complete paralysis,” Loop shared on Instagram.
The veterinary team refused to give up. They provided Shiloh with intensive medical care and kept a close eye on his progress around the clock.
After a few days, a glimmer of hope appeared. Shiloh began showing pain response in his back legs. It was the first small sign that recovery might be possible.
A New Start At Home
After a week at the clinic, the vets decided Shiloh was stable enough to continue healing at Loop’s home.
When he arrived, the entire family welcomed him with open arms. Although no one could be certain whether he would walk again, they were determined to give him every chance.
“We hand-fed him so he could regain his strength. He was the best patient ever,” Loop said.
Shiloh’s recovery plan included laser therapy, hydrotherapy, and plenty of rest. But more than anything, it was the endless love and attention from the Loop family that helped him regain his strength.
Little by little, the fear in his eyes disappeared. When he wagged his tail for the first time, everyone celebrated. A few weeks later, he began trying to sit up on his own.
“He’s an amazing little doggy [who] has a strong desire to live. He’s another miracle baby,” Loop said proudly.
With continued care, Shiloh made an astonishing recovery. Before long, he could walk again — and even run.
A Forever Home For A Brave Soul
About a month after his rescue, Shiloh met his forever family. The moment he saw his new mom, he jumped into her arms as if he had known her all along.
Now, Shiloh spends his days running, playing with his doggy sibling, and living a happy, carefree life.
Thanks to David Loop and his team, a dog once left broken on a freeway is now full of life and love. His story is a moving reminder of how compassion and determination can turn tragedy into hope.