Whose Phoenix? Our Phoenix!

Whose Phoenix? Our Phoenix!

Phoenix is an angel, a clown, a hunter, and a healer, comforting those who are physically ill or sick at heart. After 10 years of helping others, Phoenix is in need of help. She had a tumor on her elbow and her leg had to be amputated.

The surgery had to be done as soon as possible so in case it is/was cancer, amputation would slow or prevent it from spreading. We are anxiously awaiting biopsy results. In the interim it's breaking my heart to see her in pain -- and this is happening at the worst time in my life financially.

Her medical expenses are about $2,000 now and will probably be $5,000. In general I'm opposed to spending a lot of money only to prolong suffering and make a pet owner feel a little better a little longer. In this case, however, Phoenix has a chance to be cured. Cured-cured. Also, in this case, Phoenix is an exceptional dog. She has helped so many people in so many ways, & she needs more time to spread the love like she does, every day, for many years to come.

Phoenix has helped me deal with multiple stresses, heartbreaks and health issues, including the years it took to cure my Hepatitis C. When my father was in the hospital with i.v. lines and monitor leads and machines beeping, Phoenix lay next to him, put her head in his hand, and stayed perfectly still. She has helped people overcome their fears of dogs (especially pit bulls) comforted people facing illness and their last days, and she has given many urban folks their first connection with nature, from the water to the deserts to the hills.

You may have met Phoenix on the street or in the park, or at a meeting or a barbecue. Or at a meditation session or a retreat (where she somehow knows to be silent). Or maybe you saw her campaign poster, "A Vote for Phoenix is a Vote for Peace!" If you have met or she knows you already, she'll spot you a half a block away and start wagging and wiggling and greet you with her distinctive "Woo woo woo wooo!" greeting.

I've never felt like I "own" Phoenix. She keeps me around for my thumbs, to remind her to sit at crosswalks, to dispense treats, and to clean up after her. I'm more of an assistant, and she "belongs" to the community, to The People.

Phoenix is already starting to work her new status as a tripod (aka tri-pawed) to get more attention than ever -- but recovery is a long journey, which she has begun by taking her first 3-legged steps.

All donations, prayers, well-wishings, altar spaces, and healing arts are greatly, greatly appreciated.