A volunteer-run non-profit rescue in Gainesville, FL.
In Memory of...
Phoenix
Goodbye, Phoenix.
Phoenix, the inspiration behind Phoenix Animal Rescue, went to the Rainbow Bridge on Friday, June 27, 2008.
Words cannot begin to express how much Phoenix meant to those who met her. Phoenix saved countless pit bulls and other dogs, just by being who she is. Phoenix overcame seemingly insurmountable odds to earn her CGC title. Phoenix showed the world that one dog, with a big heart and big grin, can win over hearts and minds.
Thank you, Phoenix.
In loving memory of Miss Phoenie Woenie Firefly, CGC Former dog fighter Inspiration to all
Phoenix, the inspiration behind Phoenix Animal Rescue (photo copyright L. Kornberg)
Before we ever heard of the "Vick Dogs", there was Phoenix. Stolen as a young dog from her privacy fenced back yard, Phoenix was sold to a dog broker who found a buyer interested in testing Phoenix's willingness to fight. Subjected to endless torture to make her mean and create a fighting dog, Phoenix suffered horribly at the hands of her captors. Her rescuers risked their lives to find out her location and pay enough people to give enough information to arrange for her rescue from her captors. Once rescued, Phoenix joined her sister, two other dogs, and several cats. And her retraining began.
Phoenix's mom was dedicated to helping Phoenix, even though Phoenix was a broken shell of a dog. She was depressed, in ill health, and had no connection to anything. Phoenix's mom found the one trainer willing to build back the confidence Phoenix once had before the dog fighters got to her. Together, they worked with Phoenix to safely play with her sister, frolic with the other dogs, and snuggle with the cats. Phoenix spent endless hours on comfy dog beds, learning what it was like to be comfortable, safe, and confident. She and her sister played games in the back yard and learned all sorts of new things with their trainer. Within 18 months, Phoenix's trainer said she should take her AKC Canine Good Citizen test. It's a test most dogs from normal backgrounds cannot pass. It's often required of therapy dogs. Could a former fighting dog possibly pass this rigorous test?
Phoenix could! She passed the test with flying colors, even sitting three feet from an unknown dog and walking through two rows of dogs at their owners' side. Phoenix looked like a professional, well-trained therapy dog during her test! She did it! The former fighter had learned to become a Canine Good Citizen!
Phoenix represented all that pit bull rescue is about. She overcame tremendous odds to become the inspiration and "spokesdog" for Phoenix Animal Rescue. She appeared on the front page of the Gainesville Sun, and was on TV20 several times helping make people aware of dog fighting and the efforts to end it. She taught people that kindness made a big difference and forgiveness goes a long way in healing. Phoenix taught other dog owners that their dogs could overcome their emotional baggage to become a confident dog. And Phoenix inspired people to help rescuers continue rescuing other pit bulls in situations similar to Phoenix's.
Before we heard all about Michael Vick and his dogs who have overcome so much to become spokesdogs in their own right, we had Phoenie. Miss Phoenie Woenie Firefly, CGC. She started something big here at Phoenix Animal Rescue, and we intend to make her proud. We know she's looking down on us, guiding us to help other needy pit bulls, helping show the world how wonderful pit bulls are, and we miss her immensely. While the rescue will never be the same without its namesake, we will continue Phoenix's mission to teach people about pit bulls, help pit bulls, and love pit bulls the way Phoenie loved everyone. Even when people crossed the sidewalk to avoid Phoenix, she still gave them her trademark big grin to show them she's no threat. One person told us recently that she was afraid of pit bulls until she met Phoenix. That's why we do what we do. It's all about understanding each other, and Phoenie loved you even if you feared her.
I am honored to have been Phoenix's trainer. I am even more honored to have been able to spend part of my life with a creature so accepting, so inspirational, and so loving. Goodbye, my sweet Phoenie.
Michelle Dunlap Founder and Director Phoenix Animal Rescue
Phoenix, Certified Canine Good Citizen (photo copyright L. Kornberg)
