Rising from the ashes: Phoenix's story

Phoenix first came into our care in March of 2023. Our team were saddened to see that he had multiple medical issues; he was very underweight, he was suffering from allergic dermatitis (meaning inflamed or itchy skin) and giardia, which he took longer than expected to recover from. He experienced stomach issues throughout his time with us, potentially due to a previous lack of nutrition.

Phoenix also had a hard time adjusting to his new circumstances. Timid and shut down, the team could tell he had a lovely nature, but in their words, “didn’t know how to dog.”

He flicked between frustration and excitement at seeing other dogs, and it took a while for him to get used to walks and interactions in the outside world, away from the environments he was used to.

He didn’t adjust well to being in a shelter, and struggled being on his own. The canine team brought him into their office to sit with them and relax, and they quickly learned he was a great office dog!

As he continued to adjust, the time came to place him in a foster home; this allowed him a reprieve from the overwhelming Centre environment, while letting him learn what it’s like to live in a loving home. Combined with a feeding, exercise, and enrichment plan, along with having a regular routine and general TLC, Phoenix began to learn that there was a life beyond his anxiety.

It may have taken a long time to find the perfect home for Phoenix, but in February 2024, he finally found his family! His new mum has been working tirelessly to give him the best new life possible, even employing a private trainer to help with his nervousness.

She tells us Phoenix (AKA Fifi) has been making strides adjusting to his new life – and he’s the best shadow anyone could ask for.

“He follows me everywhere, and doesn’t miss a beat. When he’s on the couch watching me watch TV, he’ll get up when I get up. If he’s in a deep sleep, snoring away, and I try to sneak out of the room – next thing I know, he’s right next to me! He even keeps an eye on me from behind the coffee table.”

These days, Phoenix goes to work with his mum, keeping up his reputation as an excellent office dog – even if he spends most of his work days napping away. He’s started regular walks in fields and on tracks, and isn’tnearly as anxious as he once was, enjoying discovering all the new smells! He’s even started doing “zoomies,” and is reportedly a big fan of playing with the water hose.

“He’s just such a lovely dog – everyone adores him – and he’s getting more confident day by day!” his mum tells us.

Phoenix may have had a rough start to life, but he’s made so much progress growing into a happy, calm, and healthy boy with the support of his foster and forever families. Having the chance to spend time away from the Centre environment was invaluable for him.