A dog was found lying alone in a sewage ditch, looking like a discarded piece of debris. However, upon closer inspection, it became clear that the dog was struggling to survive in the filthy water. Her frail body fought against the rising tide, and the stench of despair clung to her matted fur. It was a heartbreaking sight.
The rescue team from Animal Aid Unlimited received a timely call for help. The informant had spotted a dog barely visible above the murky water. As the team rushed to the site, they couldn’t help but feel apprehensive and worried that they might not make it in time. Their hearts were filled with hope as they prayed they wouldn’t be too late.
Upon arriving at the scene, they discovered the dog in a dire state. She was submerged in a foot of murky water, with only her nose barely visible above the surface. It was evident that she was on the brink of drowning. Each breath she took was a struggle as her tired nose dipped into the water, and bubbles emerged as silent cries for help. Time was of the essence, and had they arrived even just five minutes later, it is possible that she would not have survived.
We lifted her out of the sewage and found that her body was limp and unresponsive. Upon further examination, we discovered the extent of her injuries. One of her legs was completely fractured, with the shattered bones held together only by loose tissue. It’s possible that she was hit by a car and sought refuge in the water in a desperate attempt to stop the bleeding or numb the pain.
When we arrived at Animal Aid, we conducted an initial assessment of the poor creature we later named Phoenix. Our fears were confirmed when we found her in a state of shock. Her pulse was almost undetectable, and she was suffering from hypothermia with dangerously low body temperature. We were scared that we might lose her in the battle for her survival.
Phoenix was in dire need of an amputation to save her life, but her weakened condition made it impossible for her to endure the surgical process. Our challenge was to balance the delicate task of stabilizing her and strengthening her enough to survive the surgery while also managing the infection and pain. Although the odds seemed insurmountable, we were determined not to give up on Phoenix.
Our team worked non-stop for several days, providing antibiotics to combat the infection, pain relief for her discomfort, and nutrient-rich fluids to boost her strength. Every second counted, but Phoenix proved to be a fighter. Her determination to live was remarkable as she held onto life with a willpower comparable to the mythical bird she was named after.
Phoenix underwent intensive care for three days until she was declared stable enough for surgery. The operation was successful in amputating her injured leg, but her recovery process required hours of physiotherapy, medication, and dedicated care. Despite the challenges, Phoenix remained brave and determined throughout the healing process.
Today, Phoenix serves as a living testament to the power of resilience and survival. She now navigates life on three legs with grace and joy, and her tail wags with gratitude and love. Her past struggles are a distant memory, as she enjoys the warmth and safety of her new home. Phoenix’s story reminds us of the incredible transformations that love and care can bring about, and the strength of the will to live.