In the news....

http://www.ktla.com/videobeta/c6ecd1b4-0894-48f5-b916-c9c027502db3/News/KTLA-Phoenix-the-Abused-Dog-Finds-Home-with-Loving-Family-Cher-Calvin-reports

pictures are worth more than words!

so many opportunities, but just one "home"

Phoenix' story stirred up emotions in far more people than we could have ever imagined. The fact that he was brutally abused by humans and animals, makes his story all the more horrific. The fact that he held himself with such grace and fortitude through all that he had endured made a lasting impression on many. As soon as his story broke, we began receiving applications to adopt Phoenix. As we read through them, they were all amazing homes wanting to give Phoenix the life he had never had. For some reason, call it a rescuer's intuition, we settled on one application to pursue. There was something about the emails that made me feel that this home would be so dedicated to Phoenix. Boy were we right.....

Big News

Hmmm....what's this all about?

the joy a walk can bring.....

Phoenix has quickly learned that fresh air and a little exercise makes for a clear mind and a relaxed body! He loves to go for walks and enjoys the company just as much. His little fan (pictured here) calls him Peanuts as Phoenix is a little hard for a three year old mouth!

an outpouting of support

The outpouring of compassion and support has been simply amazing.

We know there are so many animal lovers amongst us, but some days it is hard to see that with the never ending abuse and neglect that we see day in and day out. It has been so heartwarming to see a community rally around this one dog whose face tells a story of years of abuse.

We are touched by how many people want to open their open and adopt Phoenix. Now we have the very important task of matching Phoenix with his new family. While we know Phoenix can only go to one home, we don't want to turn away and potential adopters. We are hoping that some of you caring people with consider another homeless shepherd to adopt. If you are looking to adopt and can offer a home to a dog in need, please contact us! (tiffany@coastalgsr.org) or (http://www.coastalgsr.org/GSRescueApplication.htm)

You can view other available dogs here:
http://www.coastalgsr.org/GSRescueApplication.htm

We are working to turn that frown upside down!

A few days in a nice place

As the first week with Phoenix has gone on, we have learned many new things about him. He loves belly rubs! He wags his tail when you enter the room. He likes the bridge of his nose scratched (where he has the scars). He enjoys a soft plush bed and will use towels, blankets, sheets....anything within reach to make a bed! (We found this out at the vet's office when Phoenix came across a pile of newly washed and dried laundry. :) )

We have also discovered that Phoenix is fearful, afraid and defensive around other animals, especially dogs his size or larger. He is very confused as to what his reaction to another dog should be. We understand this given the abuse he has been subjected to. Unfortunately, this means that he needs a home where he can be the only king in the castle! At this point in his rehabilitation he is not going to be able to live with other dogs. With time, patience and positive experiences with other dogs....this may change.

Here he is, getting some much needed love from us!

Day 2

While it saddens us to think of Phoenix' past and the horror that he must have experienced. We can not turn our head on the reality of dog fighting and bait dogs. Unfortunately, this disgusting "sport" is going on in communities all around us on a daily basis. Phoenix is not a fighting dog, he was a bait dog--a dog used for fighting dogs to train on and perfect their skills. Bait dogs are usually mauled or killed and discarded like trash. Bait dogs are submissive, non aggressive dogs who are typically rendered helpless by having their mouths tied shut. The more time we spend with Phoenix, the more we know that we MUST bring exposure to this hideous bloodsport. Phoenix stands proud and regal as a survivor.

Here are some important links regarding dog fighting:
http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/dogfighting/
http://www.animallaw.info/articles/ddusdogfighting.htm

And a phone number to keep handy:
The Dogfighting Hot Line (877) 847-4787 is sponsored by the HSUS

Rescued within 24 hours of having his picture taken

The picture above stirred up emotions and rage in all of the rescuers who opened the email describing this innocent animals plight. He was going to be a faceless number, euthanized without the rescue community even knowing he existed. Deciding in split second that he would have to be saved, from the shelter he went to our wonderful vet team. Here we confirmed that his ears had been callously removed by the hand of an unskilled individual and he had scar tissue and granulation tissue forming over the many wounds and scars of his face.

shelter days

September 13th this picture was circulated amongst the amazing rescue network. Taken by a loyal shelter volunteer who wanted to at least put a name to his silent face. Wheels in motion, his rescue efforts began....Not knowing his history, his past or WHO (what monster) caused the trauma to his face and removed his ears.