Phoenix lived a sad life. He suffered from an auto-immune disease that disfigured his face and was likely abandoned by his owners. Fortunately, Skiatook Paws & Claws Animal Rescue found the dog and brought him to a veterinary clinic in 2019. The vets diagnosed Phoenix with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a complicated disease with complicated treatment. But Phoenix, also called Phe, pushed through, became healthy, and got adopted by a loving family.
A Rescue Dog’s Inspiring Story
Many people became invested in the unique pup’s journey. The rescue center gave his fans an update soon after he was found.
“In an attempt to solve Phe’s skin mystery, his veterinary staff here in Owasso at FAM took biopsies of his diseased skin and sent them to Dr. Trainor. Dr. Trainor is a veterinary pathologist who focuses on skin disease,” the center posted. “Oh boy, what a brilliant mind. What Dr. Trainor basically does is to look at Phe’s skin biopsy at the microscopic level and tell us how his skin is behaving.
“Next, Phe’s adventure took him to Veterinary Allergy and Dermatology clinic in Overland Park, Kansas. There he met Dr. David Senter, a veterinary dermatologist. He also focuses his veterinary skills on patients with skin diseases.”
They continued to explain that the rescue dog is making good progress. His skin is healing, he gained weight, he plays and barks, and he has the happiest disposition. “His cheesy, sharky grin will always remain. The muscles on his head will never return. UV light/sunshine causes his skin to flare up, so clothes and sunblock are a must. But don’t worry, Phoenix’s spirit is STRONG!” [1]
Caris Ducharne was the volunteer that found Phoenix on the street, and the pit bull was in a sorry state. “He was skin and bones. You could see all his ribs and just so inflamed that he couldn’t close his eyes. He had so much swelling and inflammation in his face,” Carisa recalled. But fortunately, she got to see him thrive at the animal rescue. “He’s done nothing but improves every single day,” Carisa said. “I wouldn’t say this is intentional trauma, but neglect is also abuse, and he was without a doubt neglected. I think he can still be the face of neglect and the face of abuse for rural dogs.”
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What is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?
SLE is a disease where the dog’s immune system attacks its own body tissue. This can cause symptoms such as lameness in limbs, skin issues, ulcers, enlarged organs, muscle pain, and decreased muscle. Its cause is unknown but fortunately, there are treatments available depending on what part of the body is affected. However, the disease is unpredictable and can be difficult to heal from, like many other autoimmune disorders found in humans. [2]
Therefore, Carisa Ducharne felt honored to see Phoenix’s story inspire others all over the world on social media. “People with autoimmune diseases or burn victims, or just people anywhere having a hard time have reached out saying he’s inspired them,” said Ducharne. Additionally, many donated thousands of dollars for his medical care, which helped raise funds for other animals in the rescue center.
Carisa added that although she rescued Phoenix, the dog was the one who saved her. “It’s been super inspiring to be part of his story and it might not change the world, but it changes his world,” Ducharne said. [3]
“Phoenix Was Love“
Soon after, Phoenix was adopted by one of the veterinarians and loved his home with her and her daughters. However, he passed away on June 30, 2020, in the arms of his forever family. “There are no words to truly describe what Phoenix meant to us, to his family, and to a world of people he had never even met. Phoenix wasn’t just another rescue, wasn’t just another dog,” the rescue center posted. “Phoenix represented everything that is good, and everything that is pure, Phoenix was hope, and most importantly, Phoenix was love. He had been through so so much and never, ever lost his overwhelmingly beautiful spirit. He loved everyone he ever met. His smile, and his heart, will remain ours forever, even if only through memories and photos.” [4]
Thousands of people commented on this post, sending the dog their love and writing about how much his story had affected their lives. As one person wrote, “He was a special boy and his story touched people from all over the world. He will always be remembered as a resilient, happy little boy. I know we all wish we could have known him. But thank you for sharing him with us. You guys showed him true love and compassion and he is at peace now.”
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Sources
- “Dog with badly disfigured face finds happiness after being rescued”. Metro. Natalie Morris. March 6, 2020
- “Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in Dogs.” VCA. Malcolm Weir, DVM, MSc, MPH; Robin Downing, DVM, DAAPM, DACVSMR, CVPP.
- “Dog With Rare Autoimmune Disease Continues Recovery.” News on 6. Amelia Mugavero. December 11, 2019
- “Skiatook Paws & Claws Animal Rescue.” Facebook. June 30, 2020