In the dirty and unpleasant bottom of a sewage canal, there was an isolated figure lying. Initially, someone may have assumed it to be an insignificant object, thrown away and left behind. However, taking a closer look exposed a heartbreaking reality. It was a dog. Her weak body struggling against the increasing level of unclean water, with the scent of hopelessness sticking to her tangled hair.
The Animal Aid Unlimited crew received an urgent call and arrived just in time to rescue a dog barely visible above the murky water. Their hearts were filled with fear as they rushed to the scene, hoping they could save the poor creature.
Upon arrival, they discovered the dog in an extremely critical state. Submerged in a murky foot of water, with only her nose barely above the surface level, she was on the verge of drowning. It was a challenging task for her to take each breath as her tired nose constantly dipped into the water, creating bubbles as a quiet cry for assistance. The situation was time-sensitive, and if they had arrived even just five minutes later, there was a high possibility that the dog would not have survived.
As we pulled her out of the murky sewage, her body hung limply and showed no signs of response. Upon further inspection, we discovered the severity of her injuries – one of her legs was completely shattered with only loose tissue holding the broken bones together. It was evident that she may have been struck by a car and sought refuge in the water to alleviate the bleeding or numb the pain caused by the accident.
When we got to Animal Aid, we were saddened to see Phoenix’s state. After conducting our first examination, we realized that she was in shock and her condition was critical. Her pulse was barely detectable, and she was hypothermic. We named her Phoenix, hoping that she would rise from the ashes and heal from her injuries. We were scared that she wouldn’t make it through the night.
To save Phoenix’s life, an amputation was urgently required. However, due to her weakened state, undergoing surgery would have been too risky for her. Our challenge was to find a balance between stabilizing her and strengthening her enough to survive the operation while also managing her infection and pain. Although the odds seemed daunting, we were determined not to give up on Phoenix.
Our team spent numerous days working diligently to nurse Phoenix back to health. We provided her with antibiotics to combat the infection, pain relievers to alleviate her pain, and nutrient-rich fluids to boost her stamina. It was a challenging task given the limited time frame, but Phoenix’s resilience was remarkable. She fought with an unwavering spirit that was as unyielding as the legendary bird she was named after.
After receiving intensive care for three days, Phoenix’s condition had stabilized enough for her to undergo a successful amputation surgery on her damaged leg. Nevertheless, her journey to recovery required extensive physiotherapy, medication, and loving care. Despite the challenges, Phoenix faced each one with unrelenting courage and determination.
Today, Phoenix is a living testament to the resilience and willpower that can result in survival against all odds. Her once-pained spirit now soars high as she lives life gracefully on three legs, always wagging her tail and sparkling with gratitude and love. The dark memory of the sewage ditch is long gone, replaced by the warmth and safety of her new home. Phoenix’s story serves as a touching reminder of the incredible transformations that love and care can bring about, as well as the power of resilience when overcoming adversity.
