Yesterday, the dog now known as Phoenix, was a ghost dog. A dog housed at a shelter in California - his intake number on a euthanasia list as a result of his badly battered body. He literally had no chance of being adopted - there were no photos or posted information available on him - in essence, he did not exist.
Sadly, most of the news when it comes to dogs is sad or disturbing. Tales of abuse, neglect or abandonment plague weary readers. Thanks to the kindness of dedicated rescuers, this story of the ghost dog at a California shelter reflects hope and redemption.
The ghost dog, a German shepherd, was given the name of Luke by a shelter volunteer named Linda. Linda could see the kindness in Luke's soulful eyes, and the beauty beneath his battered body. Despite Luke's obvious abuse, he, like so many other abused dogs, showed a forgiving spirit. When Linda offered Luke a blanket as respite from the cold, cement floor, he curled up in a ball and thumped his tail in gratitude.
Linda pleaded with the shelter to grant Luke a bit of extra time before he was euthanized - time for her to reach out to the rescue community and share his plight. Time for others to see the potential in the battered dog and to offer him the hope needed for his survival.
Linda and another rescuer by the name of Leegie quickly went to work. The women shared Luke's story along with a photo that captured his hopeless situation. The photo and story circulated the web of rescuers like wildfire. Those that viewed the photo could easily see the dog's sadness and fear.
It didn't take long for his photo to touch the heart of thousands. Tiffany, with the Coastal German Shepherd Rescue, stepped up to take Luke in. He was quickly renamed Phoenix - a name signifying hope, rebirth, and the opportunity for a new life.
Coastal German Shepherd Rescue took Phoenix to Dr. Wheaton at Alicia Pet Care Center. Phoenix's injuries and condition speak volumes. Phoenix has been used as a bait dog. His ears were crudely cut off, his body covered in scars. Some of the wounds are recent - his horrific former life but a blink ago.
His tired body is thin, and arthritic. He has a skin infection, ear infection and flea dermatitis. But he is safe. The rescue will ensure that he receives all of the medical attention that he needs and deserves. Most importantly, he is now surrounded by love and compassion.
Tiffany recently stated, "Phoenix is one of the very special ones that takes a part of your heart and settles right in". He befriended a small terrier pup, snuggled with an orphaned kitten, and happily accepted hugs from Tiffany's young daughter. In essence, he is an amazing, well-rounded and forgiving dog.
Phoenix's story could have easily ended much differently. Too easily, he could have died alone at the shelter where the heartless former owner dumped him - never having known love or compassion. An amazing, regal dog would have been lost forever.
Thank you to everyone that played a part in Phoenix's rescue and rebirth. For those that would like to donate towards Phoenix's medical care, you can do so with this information:
Paypal: admin@coastalgsr.org
Mail: PO Box 50726, Irvine, CA 92619
Web: www.coastalgsr.org
Phoenix will never be alone again. He will never experience cruelty or intentional abuse. Phoenix is one of the lucky ones.
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Comments
I am so pleased that someone rescued him. You are definately angels. He will now know what love is.
I saw the original story on Facebook yesterday and it broke my heart. So happy to see a happy ending, and new name, for Pheonix. Thank you so much for sharing all the details and how we can donate.
I truly don't understand what the hell is wrong with people these days but I'm sure thankful and appreciate of people like Linda, Leegie and Tiffany as well as animal shelters like the Coastal GSR. Bless each and every one of you for your kindness, respect and true love of animals!
thank you for the tears of joy for this effort to tell the successful outcome.
I along with another person who commented really don't know what is wrong with people these days. The coldness and cruelty is beyond my comprehension. Thank God someone stepped up to help Phoenix and he can finally experience the love and comfort he deserves. Where do people make it ok in their minds to cross that line to hurt and torture another living thing who is just innocent and undeserving of that treatment. Thank you Lord, for helping Phoenix know love.
Thank you for getting his story out there... there are so many Phoenix's out there, so many that become ghosts as soon as they are dumped at the shelters... I COULD NOT STOP CRYING reading about this THE GOOD KARMA that surrounded this baby. THANK YOU and i hope people realize that many many animals have a story much like this one, and all just hope for a SECOND CHANCE...
he is a beautiful german shepherd boy with a typical big german shepherd heart. they are very intelligent animals and he probably knew the people that surrounded him were not normal in the head. he recognised a kind person and his forgiving nature saved his life. they saw his soul through his eyes. thank goodness for dog welfare volunteers like linda. they are special special people.
I am thrilled Phoenix will have a happy happy life for as long as he's on this earth!
Good job one and all! Phoenix is now one very lucky dog!
Coastal German Shepherd Rescue is a fabulous organisation.I hope he is adopted out and finds a loving forever home.If I lived in the US I would adopt him.
Thank you Penny for sharing the story of Phoenix with your readers. I was one of the many people who received the email outreach to help this dog. His situation just made your heart ache. To Linda, Leegie and Tiffany and her incredible group - thank you - not only for saving this wonderful dog but for all the incredible, selfless work you do to save animals. And for the rest of us, our task is to do whatever we can to put an end to dog fighting though education, legislation and support for rescue organizations.
Thank you Tiffany for rescuing this angel, and many thanks to all who were instrumental in his rescue as well. Many thanks to Linda for begging for a few more days...I liked the name Luke, but Phoenix it is. May you all live well with him in your happy, loving home!!
Look how much we can accomplish when we all pull together, yet it took one person to make a difference and save that dog's life. She got the message out there and now that sweet dog has a brand new life. We can do it.
Thank you for rescuing this wonderful dog. He will never be anyone's cast off again.
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