Rescued Chow Has Inoperable Cancer

[Chaser]

http://www.thestar.com/article/689251

(Warning: Disturbing Picture)


Sep 01, 2009 11:37 AM
Toronto Star Staff

Phoenix, a horribly neglected dog found two weeks ago in Clarington east of Oshawa, has inoperable tongue cancer and only weeks or months to live.

Debby Houghton, a cruelty investigator with the Humane Society of Durham Region, said she got the word from veterinarians Monday at the University of Guelph after the male chow was taken there for tests. It had been thought that the dog's cancer might be treatable.

"This is just the worst kind of news," Houghton said in an interview.

She added that the Guelph vets will tell her today if it would be most humane to soon euthanize Phoenix, aged 4 or 5, or if the dog can live out its final days with a foster family.

Keeping Phoenix at the society's kennel wouldn't be a good option because children often come by and visit the now-famous chow, Houghton said. Staff there named the dog Phoenix in hopes it would rise from the decrepit state in which he was found.

Phoenix doesn't appear to be in any pain and had seemed to be doing better, with some fur growing back and a good appetite, but the physical toll wrought by the neglect limits the treatments available, Houghton said.

Animal lovers moved by the story and photos of Phoenix, found Aug. 16 in a Clarington backyard, prompted an outpouring of donations to the Durham humane society, boosting to $2,500 the reward for information leading to conviction of its neglectful owner. Many people have offered to adopt the chow.

Phoenix was found emaciated, with filthy, matted fur that had fallen off a face that was oozing pus and dried blood. The dog's belly was covered in open sores and its nails so overgrown they curled back into the pads of its feet, causing more bleeding and infection.

Poor puppy :sad: I'm just glad he gets to live his last little while with kind people that care. And I hope they find whoever let this happen to him!

[Bailey_]

That is terrible and disgusting!!!!! I hate seeing this sort of thing...Hopefully he'll have a better life from here on.

[Chris21711]

I read in the Toronto Star this morning that Phoenix was laid to rest on Friday October 2nd....in the past week she had stopped eating :sad:

Phoenix

[hazelrunpack]

Such a sad story

Phoenix

[BenMax]

So very sorry.

dear sweet one. May your journey be bright and rejuvenating.

- to those that left this girl to suffer, I bid you Karma.

[Chaser]

Originally Posted by Chris21711

I read in the Toronto Star this morning that Phoenix was laid to rest on Friday October 2nd....in the past week she had stopped eating :sad:

Phoenix

I saw that too....meant to update.

Phoenix

[mastifflover]

Well I hope he has a better afterlife than he did here on earth. Well I know Bud is waiting for more pals to run on the bridge with.