(The photos in this article were taken to document the dog’s health condition, not because of abuse. The dog is not currently suffering.)
Phoenix, a stray dog found in Collinsville, Oklahoma, in 2020, was brought to the Skiatook Paws & Claws animal shelter. Phoenix’s face was severely disfigured for an unknown reason, and he was skin and bones.
After investigating his health, the shelter made sure Phoenix felt at home.
“He was skin and bones,” Carisa said. “You could see all his ribs, and they were so inflamed that he couldn’t close his eyes. He had so much swelling and inflammation on his face.”
The vets concluded that Phoenix had a rare autoimmune disease called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The diagnosis meant they could finally get the disease under control.
Since Phoenix joined the shelter, he has received many adoption inquiries. However, because his treatment is ongoing and he must first pass a vet check, it’s been challenging to send him home. Nonetheless, things are looking up for Phoenix, as he is doing better than anyone could have imagined!
The rescue service says that most of Phoenix’s condition will remain permanent. His head muscles will never recover, his “cheesy, shark-like grin” will always be present, and he needs dog clothes and sunscreen to protect his skin.
Despite all of it, Phoenix remained as optimistic as ever. “He’s gained weight. His skin is healing,” the rescuers wrote. “He is playing and barking. He is chasing balls and playing tug of war. He even sleeps on his dog couch.”
Despite how Phoenix looks, he is not suffering and is enjoying his new life. However, fate handled Phoenix’s life unfairly when he passed away from SLE in March 2021. He was only two years old.
“Yesterday evening, we said goodbye to Fe.
He left us peacefully, surrounded by people who loved him. Dr. Gena cared for him. She adored him as if he were her dog, and he reciprocated the feeling wholeheartedly. Any dog wants to find his human, and Fe was lucky enough to have found hers in life.”
Phoenix’s story highlights the importance of rescue dogs and how they can brighten up our lives, even when theirs is cut short by disease.
