Phoenix has been adopted! 09-25-2010

The Phoenix is a symbol of rebirth or transformation. The Phoenix burns to ashes and then is reborn complete and whole. This transformation isn't so much a transformation into something new or different, but more of bringing a life or energy full circle, back to the original purpose and starting over again. Symbolizing a rebirth after apparently being destroyed, this name is perfect for a severely abused anonymous boy who entered the shelter in such bad shape it seemed his life would end there. Touching the staff with his sweet nature and stoic spirit, they named him Luke and sent out a desperate plea for someone to help this tortured soul and give him a chance at a life he has obviously been denied.

Found wandering the streets of Norwalk with his ears hacked off, Phoenix appears to have been used as a bait dog. He was then set to be euthanized at one of the county shelter. In spite of his obvious abuse, Phoenix is the sweetest dog you could ever meet. Thanks to the efforts of a shelter volunteer and an amazing group of networkers, we were able to save him! His face tells the story of the abuse of his previous life, but we will be able to change all of that for him! With the help of Alicia Pet Care Center, we will get him healthy and ready for his new life! His tragic story has touch many lives in a short time, even being featured on KTLA News. Reborn out of obvious tragedy, Phoenix will now have a chance at the wonderful life he was meant to have.

Update 9/15/10 from our volunteer Tiffany

I have to say that I have been doing rescue for quite a number of years and I have to say Phoenix is one of the very special ones that takes a part of your heart and settles right in. Phoenix's face tells a story of trauma and violence and yet he stands tall regal and proud. He is wise way beyond his years and has lived a life that few of us can even imagine.

The very good news is that he is safe now and will never know abuse again. He was most certainly used as a bait dog and bears the typical scars from that disgusting sport. His ears were cut off by an inexperienced hand and left to heal on their own. The scar tissue has built up from the years of attacks. Our wonderful vet (Dr. Wheaton, Alicia Pet Care Center) feels that some of his wounds are as young as 3 weeks old, so he was very recently being used as bait. He is suffering from ear canal infections, skin infection, flea dermatitis, emaciation and arthritis.....just to name a few of his ailments.....but with good vet care, love and affection his medical issues will be solved.

On to a more positive note, Phoenix is AMAZING. My toddler daughter hugged him and gave him loves and told him we would heal his booboos. Phoenix cuddled with an orphan kitten and made friends with a bouncy terrier pup. There is no other word to describe him, except amazing!

I just want to update you all and say a big thanks to Linda and Leegie who made his plight known. If it hadn't been for them, we would not have known he existed. He would have been euthanized at the shelter and his pain and suffering would have been for not. We feel fortunate to be able to help impact the rest of his life and find him his happy-ever-after. Thanks to all who had a hand in his rescue!

We will be posting updates on Phoenix as we get them. For more information or if you are interested in helping Phoenix, please contact Tiffany via email at tiffanycgsr@sbcglobal.net.

The minimum adoption donation for adults is $375 and the adoption donation for puppies is $500. This amount only partially covers the cost of veterinary care, boarding fees, and other miscellaneous expenses involved in the temporary care and adoption of our dogs and is tax deductible when permitted by law. The adoption donation provides that all dogs will be spayed or neutered, receive current vaccinations, and are microchipped. If not, arrangements will be made on an individual basis ( i.e., puppies who will need to be altered by 6 mos old). Special consideration may be given to those willing to adopt older dogs or dogs with physical problems.