
Dog severely injured after being set on fire by owner
Itโs 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.
Thatโs 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.)
Tied up, shoved into a backpack, she was set on fire by someone who showed her nothing but cruelty.
She was taken in by the San Antonio-based rescue 4 Little Paws, who got her emergency medical care. โShe has open wounds that appear to be consistent with being in a kennel and breaking out to get away from the pain of burning,โ 4 Little Paws Rescueย wrote, adding that they could still smell the accelerant on her.
โCurrently 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.โ
โMy heart just broke. It was heart wrenching to see her,โ Ashley Book, the rescueโs medical director, told KENS 5.
โShe 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.โ
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 โPhoenix,โ after the mythical bird who burns but rises again from the ashes.
โI initially didnโt think she was going to make it, and this is going to be extremely costly,โ Book toldย KENS 5ย in October.
Over the year, 4 Little Paws has continued to post updates about Phoenixโs progress. Though the photos can be graphic, they said her appearance would โget worse before it gets better.โ
Phoenixโs story touched peopleโs hearts, and many donated to help her recovery: a GoFundMe page has raised over $63,000 to pay for her treatments. Overall, the community collected over $112,000 to cover Phoenixโs treatment and recovery.
The dog received surgeries and skin grafts allowing her skin to grow back, her kidney functions have stabilized, and her pain is under control.
Today, she has recovered enough that she was allowed out of the hospital to stay with Ashley Book, who eventually adopted her.
โI pretty much think Iโm going to be her future mom. Sheโs captured everybodyโs hearts, and, least of not was mine,โ Book said back in February.
Since her rescue, Phoenix has been recovering under the loving care of her new adoptive mother, Ashley Book. While her recovery has surpassed expectations, there remains a lingering concern in Bookโs mind.
For far too long, there was uncertainty, but now, justice has finally been served. The individual responsible for this horrifying act has pled guilty to numerous charges, including the abuse inflicted upon Phoenix. Michael Villanueva
received the maximum sentence of 20 years, with the possibility of parole in 4 to 5 years.
While this canโt undo the pain Phoenix endured, it brings a glimmer of hope that justice will prevail. Let us all continue to pray that this serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting those who cannot protect themselves.
Itโs horrifying that anyone would set an innocent dog on fire, but weโre glad Phoenix has risen from the ashes and is on the road to recoveryย
Please keep this beautiful dog in your thoughts, and please share this story to spread the word.
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