It’s truly unbelievable how cruel some people can be towards animals, but thankfully there are also kind people in the world willing to step up and give these poor creatures the love and care they deserve.
That’s the story of one dog, who was left gravely injured after being set on fire, but is now making a steady recovery thanks to an animal rescue.
(Warning: story contains some graphic photos.)
On February 7, a woman in Nixon, Texas found a dog on her front porch, crying in pain after someone set her on fire, according to KENS 5.
She was taken in by the San Antonio-based rescue 4 Little Paws, who got her emergency medical care. “She has open wounds that appear to be consistent with being in a kennel and breaking out to get away from the pain of burning,” 4 Little Paws Rescue wrote, adding that they could still smell the accelerant on her.
“Currently she is burnt over most of her body her nose being the most obvious but as the skin falls off she will be susceptible to infection and dehydration from the trauma. Despite all of this she has a gentle nature and still trusts humans.”
“My heart just broke. It was heart wrenching to see her,” Ashley Book, the rescue’s medical director, told KENS 5. “She smelled so horrific of fire, her skin was rock hard. It almost appeared melted, but the swelling was what was most evident on her face.”
The dog lost most of her fur and her ears had to be amputated due to the burn damage. Even after enduring so much pain and going through so many surgeries, she never gave up. The rescue named her “Phoenix,” after the mythical bird who burns but rises again from the ashes.
4 Little Paws has continued to post updates about Phoenix’s progress. Though the photos can be graphic, they say her appearance will “get worse before it gets better.”
Phoenix’s story touched people’s hearts, and many donated to help her recovery: a GoFundMe page has raised over $46,000 to pay for her treatments.
Phoenix has received surgeries and skin grafts allowing her skin to grow back, her kidney functions have stabilized, and her pain is under control. While she’s not out of the woods yet, she has recovered enough that she was allowed out of the hospital to stay with Ashley Book as a foster.
Book told KENS 5 that Phoenix will undergo “several more graft procedures” and an eye surgery, but for now she’s getting some peace and rest in a real home before continuing her treatments.
And Book says she will likely adopt Phoenix for good when she’s ready: “I pretty much think I’m going to be her future mom. She’s captured everybody’s hearts, and, least of not was mine.”
It’s horrifying that anyone would set an innocent dog on fire, but we’re glad Phoenix has risen from the ashes and is on the road to recovery ❤️
Please keep this beautiful dog in your thoughts, and please share this story to spread the word.