Phoenix′s Story

I'm Phoenix, a name that resonates with the intensity of my journey.

Uncertain of the horrors that befell me, I know one thing for certain—I was teetering on the brink of death when my rescuer found me. Imagine this: a lady returning home from work, discovering a little black ball in the corner of her yard—shivering, bleeding from multiple parts of its body. That battered ball was me.

Overwhelmed and unable to touch me, she documented the heartbreaking scene in photos and urgently reached out to a 2nd Chance volunteer. Without a moment's hesitation, the volunteer rushed to my side, lifting me up with tears streaming down, whispering desperately in my ear, "Please don't die... please don't die."

The journey to survival began at the vet's, where they worked tirelessly to combat the stench of decay, pus, and dry blood. A bath with pharmaceutical products, antibiotics, vitamins, and drips became my lifeline. Days passed in uncertainty, with the vet unsure if I would make it. The scent of death lingered, and to save me, they had to amputate my tail due to advanced septicaemia.

They fought to save my leg against seemingly insurmountable odds—the flesh and bones visible through the open wound. Daily visits, meticulous cleaning, and dressing of wounds paid off when they told me we saved it. Hope sparked within me, dreaming of a family, love, and a vast yard to run and play with other dogs.

My rescuer and the vets suspect a grim origin to my plight—thrown out of a moving car or dragged along behind one. The wounds, the pus, the battered paw, and the smashed tail left no room for hopeful conjecture.

I was found half my expected weight, infested with ticks and fleas, anemic, with ear and eye infections. In that yard, unable to move, they still marvel at how I made it. Truth be told, I don't know either. I only knew it was my final attempt to cling to life.

Character & Temperament

I may be a bit shy around people, perhaps because they remind me of the challenging past I've endured. However, when it comes to dogs, a different side of me emerges—I become carefree, playful, and brimming with life. It's with my canine companions that I truly showcase my authentic self.

Ideal Home for Phoenix

I envision the ideal home for me as a tranquil environment, free from excessive noise and too many people. A family that genuinely comprehends my past and provides the space and time for me to rediscover myself would be perfect. Having other dogs around would make it easier for me to open up and feel more at ease.