Badly Neglected Dog Faces New Medical Challenge
Posted August 24, 2009 6:11 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Investigators are still on the hunt for the person responsible for a sickening case of animal abuse in Durham Region.
Phoenix, a five-year-old Chow, was discovered last week hovering near death in extreme pain and badly malnourished.
It is one of the worst cases of animal abuse investigators have ever seen. The dog is half the weight he should be, and had extreme infections that had been left untreated. His toenails were so long they had curled into his feet.
Despite what looked like a grim prognosis, his condition has improved. He’s gaining weight, and is much more alert, but he’s not in the clear yet.
“I’m holding a special place for him, yeah, I just want him to make it,” said Animal Cruelty Investigator Debby Houghton.
Phoenix was found in a backyard in the Courtice area, he had no tags or tattoos so no one knows where he came from. Even though he is improving, vets have found a new complication that could jeopardize his recovery.
Phoenix has cancer cells on his tongue and will be sent to a specialist next week.
“It’s hard to say (if he’ll survive),” admits Houghton. “Cancer is one of those things, you just don’t know. If it’s treatable he will get the care he needs.”
People have been so outraged by Phoenix’s story, they have put up their own money for a reward. It’s now up to $5,370 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Phoenix’s owner.
Anyone who knows who that person may be, is asked to call the Durham Region Humane Society.
