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Rescue & Justice

This senior dog was given up for euthanasia. A stranger offered her a new life.

October 23, 2026 (Philadelphia, PA )

Shelter staff members were surprised when the dog arrived and seemed to have a lot of life left in her.

The Washington Post
By Sydney Page
Published on Oct 23, 2026

When Tillie was surrendered to a Philadelphia animal shelter, her owners requested euthanasia. They told staff that the senior dog was struggling to walk and was not eating.

“We prepared ourselves for what was going to come through this door,” said Gillian Kocher, director of public relations at the Pennsylvania SPCA, adding that she anticipated Tillie would be at the end of her life.

But staff members were surprised by what they saw.

“She was very happily wagging her tail,” Kocher said.

More: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2026/10/23/senior-dog-was-given-up-euthanasia-stranger-gave-her-new-life/

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About The Pennsylvania SPCA

Since 1867, the Pennsylvania SPCA, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization headquartered at 350 East Erie Avenue, Philadelphia, has been dedicated to preventing animal cruelty and rescuing animals from abuse and neglect. The Pennsylvania SPCA’s lifesaving programs for animals include a low-cost veterinary clinic, low-cost spay and neuter services, pet adoption facilities, and the Pennsylvania SPCA Animal Law Enforcement Department. For more information about adopting, donating or volunteering, please call (215) 426.6300 or visit www.pspca.org.

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