Dog Found Starving, Abandoned in Crate Breaks Hearts and Fights for Life

Nov. 2 update

Phoenix — starved and left for dead in a crate — will “get to sleep in a warm home for the first time possibly ever,” says the South Suburban Humane Society in its Facebook page update Sunday, as he was released from the animal hospital after surgery to remove a mass in his abdomen. He’s getting “tons of snuggles” and is in the hands of a certified vet tech, Megan Schoenbeck. He’ll return to the hospital Monday for more tests and treatment. Earlier in the day Sunday, the shelter reported that the dog was having trouble maintaining a steady body temperature.

• How to donate to his care.

original story posted Oct. 31, 2014

A dog left for dead in a crate near his home was found and delivered into the hands of volunteers at South Suburban Humane Society—and into the hearts of supporters.

So severely dehydrated he could barely stand and so starved his ribs could be counted, the months-old lab/pit mix collapsed into volunteers’ arms.

“He instantly cuddled into us,” said shelter CEO Emily Klehm, her voice trembling. “He snuggled into us when he felt safety, like a baby.”

The pup—dubbed “Phoenix” by staff—moaned in pain, and X-rays showed a mass in his intestines. His body temperature hovered dangerously low as he lay swaddled in blankets and towels. Staff whisked him away to Forest South Animal Hospital, where vets waited for his condition to stabilize to improve his chances at surviving surgery.

And while they waited, a community rallied. Heartbreaking photos of the struggling mutt were shared on the shelter’s Facebook page. Within hours, over $1,800 had been raised for his care—not to mention the outpouring of prayers and positivity.

“I do believe that there is power in sending energy, and love and prayers together,” Klehm said. “Everyone who didn’t meet him, who doesn’t know him, sending him love—that’s what’s pulling him through.”

Phoenix underwent surgery Thursday night, and veterinarians removed a blockage of undigested food—presumably from good samaritans who might have seen the dog and offered him sustenance. With the blockage cleared his prognosis has improved, but he still has a ways to go, staff said.

“Tears and joy as we report that Phoenix has made it through surgery! We’re not out of the woods yet of course but the doctors were able to clear the bloat in his abdomen and intestines and his condition is currently stable,” wrote South Suburban Humane Society staff on the shelter’s Facebook page.

He does not appear to be suffering from any additional conditions, other than a parasite infestation, Klehm said. Witnessing his struggle has been devastating, she said, but hasn’t stopped them from willing him into survival.

“It doesn’t ever get easy,” she said. “It doesn’t ever stop hurting when you see something like this.”

Staff will attempt to pursue animal abuse and neglect charges, if possible.

“I think it’s important for everyone to know that if there’s an opportunity for us to pursue charges, we do,” she said. “I don’t think anyone should get their hopes up that we can pursue charges in this case.”

Determination of his age and breed might change as he puts on weight and nutrition, but best estimates put him at 3–6 months. Klehm thinks they’ll have plenty of time to figure it out.

She truly believes this Phoenix will rise.

“I really feel so much confidence that he’s going to pull through,” she said. “I totally believe we’ll have nothing but happy photos to share from here on out.”

• Follow Phoenix’s recovery on the Shelter’s Facebook page.

• Donate to his care.