Yoko, an eight-year-old Shar-Pei, first arrived at Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter in April 2024 in a poor state. She had ongoing issues with her skin, eyes, and ears that required consistent attention from our team and vets. Yet, despite everything she’d been through, Yoko greeted us with a calm, polite demeanour. She never jumped up or sought attention loudly – instead, she had a quiet, steady approach to meeting new people.

During her stay, Yoko faced a few challenges. She was initially reactive to other dogs, but with training and care from our animal team, she gradually grew more comfortable, learning to manage her reactions.

Her health concerns, combined with her age, likely contributed to her longer stay with us, as she needed just the right family who could understand and support her unique needs.

That family finally came along in September, after a five-month wait—a wonderful couple who were not only ready to give Yoko a stable, loving home but who also wanted to support the shelter in every way they could. They even donated an extra £100 on top of the rehoming fee and took a donation tin for their wedding day! These lovely people saw Yoko for the gentle soul she truly is, and their commitment to her wellbeing was clear from the start.

Since joining her new family, Yoko has settled in beautifully. Her new family shared, “It’s like she’s always been here. She’s eating and drinking really well, sleeping soundly, takes her ear drops like an absolute boss, and is just a joy to be around. She absolutely loves her walks, and her favourite place is right next to one of us—or ideally, both.”

Yoko’s journey is a testament to what you can gain when you give a senior dog a chance. Now, she’s enjoying her days with the comfort and companionship she deserves—a happy ending that shows just how meaningful the right match can be.

Help more senior dogs like Yoko find their second chance. Your support makes these happy endings possible.