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Siblings Think They Found Their Long-Lost Childhood Dog

By: Julie Hunt
Julie Hunt is an avid dog lover and writer for iHeartDogs.com, and has a background as a veterinary technician. She rescued a beautiful former bait dog named Rory.Read more
| August 12, 2024

No matter how much time has passed or how old you get, childhood memories never truly disappear. When Alden Cuevas and her brother, Jackson, from Texas last saw their dog, Shiloh, they had no idea it would be their final goodbye. Their stepfather drove off with Shiloh, and they never saw her again—until an unexpected discovery seven years later. One day, while browsing social media, Alden came across a mugshot of her stepdad, which led to a startling realization. Among some online posts asking for help rehoming several dogs, she spotted a familiar face—Shiloh!

aldentattoos/TikTok

Alden was completely stunned. She had long believed that Shiloh was no longer alive, but the post proved otherwise. She quickly reached out to the person who had found Shiloh and learned about the tragic journey her childhood dog had endured. After being abandoned, Shiloh was left to survive in a warehouse under terrible conditions. She was severely underweight, infested with ticks and fleas, and suffering from advanced arthritis.

aldentattoos/TikTok

Determined to save her, Alden and her family didn’t hesitate and drove seven hours straight to reunite with their long-lost friend. In a touching video shared on TikTok, Shiloh is seen recognizing Alden after all those years apart.

The reunion was filled with overwhelming emotions and tears. Shiloh had finally found her way back home, and she would never be separated from her family again. “Dog memories are crazy. After 7 years, I never thought she would know who we were. We were all kids,” Alden shared on TikTok. It was heartwarming to witness a dog remember her family despite the long separation.

The day after the reunion, Alden took Shiloh to the vet, concerned about her health due to her heavy panting. Unfortunately, what started as a joyful reunion quickly turned to heartbreak.

aldentattoos/TikTok

In an update shared a few days later, Alden revealed that Shiloh had been diagnosed with advanced cancer. The vet found three large tumors in her lungs, pressing on her heart, which explained the panting even in a cool environment. Alden had initially suspected heartworms due to Shiloh’s years of living outdoors, but the reality was far more tragic.

aldentattoos/TikTok

Shiloh was given only a few months to live. Even with chemotherapy, which would be hard on her as an older dog, her chances of survival were slim. The news devastated the family, but they were committed to making Shiloh’s remaining time as comfortable and joyful as possible.

Shiloh is now adjusting to life at home, surrounded by the love and care she had been missing for so long. She has a cozy bed, stylish boots to help with her arthritis and the constant support of her family. Despite her health challenges, it’s clear that Shiloh is happy.

Heartbreaking Discovery: Dozens of Dogs Found After Cruelty Charges
Heartbreaking Discovery: Dozens of Dogs Found After Cruelty Charges

Shockingly, this is not the first time she has faced animal cruelty charges; she has a past conviction for similar crimes. We must ensure that no more animals suffer or die in her care!

Now, Shiloh is surrounded by those who love her most, and that’s what truly matters. When the time comes, she will face it with a heart full of love and a peaceful mind, knowing that she spent her final days in the best possible way, cherished and cared for by her family.

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@aldentattoos Unfortunately, we are not even sure what to do. Chemotherapy is expensive and even more so than that it would be extremely hard on her 12 year old body. We have a consultation Wednesday to find out more options to get more time thank each and every one of you for the kind words. Shiloh is so happy to be saved and you can tell. Im so grateful for this time with her too. To follow along daily, my IG is @Aldentattoos Update yall soon Alden♥️#fyp #animalsoftiktok #fypage #fypシ゚viral #animalrescue #animalrescuer #petsoftiktok #animallover #foryou #animalawareness #animalcruelty #addictionrecovery #dallas #pets #dogs #dogsoftiktok #dogsofttiktok #dog #mastiff #mastiffsoftiktok #animals #petstory #rescuestory @weratedogs @Just Trish ♬ Very Sad – Enchan

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