Tilly the Emaciated Dog Rescued from Abandoned Home is Now Thriving
Published: 10 July 2025
Shocking Discovery in a Vacant Home
In April 2025, a team of engineers from Utilita Energy made a heart-wrenching discovery in an abandoned house in Stoke, Staffordshire. Inside, amidst piles of waste and rubbish, they found a starving dog—later named Tilly—barely clinging to life.
Her spine was protruding, her eyes sunken, and her fur stained. The engineers heard faint whimpering and traced it to a door where Tilly’s frail head emerged, seemingly pleading for help.
Rescue and Recovery
Tilly was immediately taken to a local veterinary practice, where she was weighed at just 21kg (3st 3lb). She had likely been alone in the home for weeks and was placed on a drip with an uncertain prognosis.
Shaun Dollamore, the Utilita manager on call at the time, said, “That night I tossed and turned. My heart took over. I decided I was going to adopt her.”
A New Beginning
The staff initially named her Zara, but Shaun renamed her Tilly—short for Utilita—after deciding to give her a forever home.
Tilly is believed to be between four and nine years old, possibly a mix of Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Boxer, and American Bulldog. Now, just months later, she is thriving with Shaun, his wife, and their senior dog Toby.
The team at Utilita also raised more than £600 to cover Tilly’s vet bills. While the RSPCA was contacted and a police investigation initiated, no outcome has been publicly disclosed.
Shaun’s Reflections
“The things you see as a field engineer can be heartbreaking,” said Shaun. “But Tilly has a gentle heart and has absolutely captured ours. I know I’ve done the right thing.”
Help Dogs Like Tilly
Thousands of dogs like Tilly suffer behind closed doors. If you suspect an animal is being neglected or abandoned, report it to the RSPCA or contact Halo Dogs Rescue & Rehabilitation Charity. Every report could save a life.
Final Thoughts
Tilly’s story is a powerful example of hope and healing. Thanks to one moment of compassion and the courage to act, she has gone from abandoned to adored — a reminder that every dog deserves a second chance.
