It’s especially hard seeing an animal on the side of the road, dead. So when one man was driving on the freeway and spotted what looked to be a lifeless black lump beside an exit ramp, his heart broke. David Loop wasn’t just any passerby, he was the founder of Sierra Pacific Furbabies, a nonprofit that helps rescue animals, typically just cats. But after he pulled over and was able to take a closer look, his heart broke – it appeared to be a dog who had been hit by a car and had died.
Just as he was determined to find a way to get the dog and bury it, a miracle happened – the dog moved. Loop vividly recalls the moment: “I thought he was deceased … But then he took a breath.” The dog, a black Lab mix later named Shiloh, lay injured, scared and growling, but Loop refused to give up on him. He assembled his rescue team who rushed out and helped Loop get the dog into his truck.
The injured dog, Shiloh, lies on the side of the road. Photo from CBS video
“I couldn’t believe it when I saw him take a breath,” he said. “This poor baby, I don’t know how long he was on the side of the freeway.” Once Shiloh was inside the warm vehicle, they raced him to the emergency vet. The entire trip, Loop said, Shiloh cuddled her rescuer. When they got to the vet, Shiloh was given a pretty grim outcome. “The prognosis was not good. He had head trauma and complete paralysis,” Loop said.
@davidloop65 Shiloh, our Christmas miracle. Follow along and witness his incredible journey. @stefanie.lynn00 @Loop @Shailee Ketcham #fyp #davidloop65 #catdad #catdaddy #dog #dogsoftiktok #dogrescue #dogs #dogdad #dogdaddy ♬ original sound – David Michael Loop
Despite the daunting odds, Loop and his team remained unwavering in their commitment to Shiloh’s recovery. The dog’s journey took days of uncertainty and fear. However, with each passing day, Shiloh’s resilience became increasingly evident. “Within five days, Shiloh started responding to pain in his back legs and was even attempting to stand on his own,” Loop said.
Supported by a dedicated team of veterinarians and Loop’s own family, Shiloh began to defy expectations. Loop’s wife, children, and other pets welcomed Shiloh with open arms, showering him with love and encouragement. The family was determined to get the puppy healed and then adopted.
David Loop gives rescued dog, Shiloh, a kiss. Photo courtesy of Sierra Pacific Furbabies
For the first week, Shiloh lived at the vet’s office. They worked on helping him get through the pain and use his back legs to stand on his own. Loop was able to pick Shiloh up and take him home. Unsure if he could ever walk again, the family was determined to find a way to heal him.
We hand-fed him so he could regain his strength. He was the best patient ever,” Loop said.
Shiloh’s progress was remarkable. “Days passed, and his humans celebrated when he finally wagged his tail for the first time. Weeks later, they watched tearfully as Shiloh started trying to sit up on his own.” The persistent pup soon was able to walk, and then run.
Ultimately, Shiloh’s indomitable spirit prevailed. With each step forward, he defied the odds and inspired all who crossed his path. “He’s an amazing little doggy [who] has a strong desire to live. He’s another miracle baby.” A month after his rescue, Shiloh found his forever home, where he continues to thrive. Loop’s dedication to animals like Shiloh serves as a testament to the power of compassion and perseverance.
Loop hasn’t stopped rescuing dogs in need. Not long after Shiloh, he found another black Lab mix that had been hit by a car. While he says the work isn’t easy, seeing animals like Shiloh get their fairytale ending is what helps him keep doing this. Watch this amazing story below.
