Back in January, Urgent announced that we had expanded our “mission.” Not only would we be assisting animals at the AC&C, but we would also attempt to help animals in danger of being surrendered, or in need of immediate assistance.
Meet Phoenix, a severely neglected, emaciated little girl that was tossed out onto the cold NYC streets.
We are not sure how or why, but on Sunday March 23rd, Phoenix was found lying in a stairwell – frightened, hungry, and in excruciating pain. She had major bruising on her body and a badly injured back leg. A kind person named Sarah sat with her all day until help could arrive. When the police were alerted, they advised that the only thing to do was take her to the NYC AC&C.
The finder, knowing all too well what happens at the NYC AC&C chose to instead take Phoenix home, without any idea how they would be able to afford her desperately needed vet care. With the help of her boyfriend, Sarah carefully placed Phoenix in a crate and started making calls for help. One of those calls was to an Urgent admin who immediately alerted the other admins. Soon after, an Urgent representative was on the phone with Sarah offering her the financial assistance she needed to help our poor little Phoenix.
On Monday, Phoenix was brought to the animal hospital. She is extremely afraid and untrusting of humans. God only knows what her life was like before she ended up in that cold, rat infested stairwell. After examining her, the vet concluded that Phoenix’s physical injuries were probably caused by a car. Her emotional scars and emaciated condition were most likely caused by neglect. At this time, Phoenix is resting at the animal hospital where they will sedate her to treat her wounds and xray her leg. it is not known yet if Phoenix will need surgery on her leg, or if it can even be repaired at all. Either way, her bill has already surpassed $800 and we fear it will get much larger.
Urgent will stand by Phoenix no matter what the outcome, and we are reaching out to our Urgent family to assist us as well. Please help us get Phoenix the care she needs. No amount is too small. You can donate on our website at https://urgentpodr.org/donate/ (be sure to note it is for Phoenix) or paypal us direct to [email protected]
We will update you as soon as we hear more.
THANK YOU!!
***UPDATE – TUES 3/25/14 5:30PM***
Just spoke to the vet. Phoenix is a tiny little girl at just 33 pounds. She is about 2 – 3 years old. She is resting comfortably at the animal hospital and will be staying there tonight. She is on IV fluids and pain meds. The vet said her leg is badly fractured (in 5 places) and she will require surgery to fix it. We are currently waiting for a quote from the specialist. Either way, we are looking at at least another $1000. Please keep Phoenix in your thoughts. The vet said she is a sweet girl who really wants so badly to trust people and be loved
***UPDATE – Wed 3/26/14***
Phoenix is being released today to go home with Sarah until her surgery is scheduled with the orthopedic surgeon. She has a major break in her femur that will require pins and/or a plate. We also learned a bit of our little girl’s history. It turns out that she is a former NYC death row dog. Back then, our girl weighed 50 pounds… a far cry from the emaciated (and unspayed) 33 pounds she is today. Did the AC&C drop the ball on Phoenix?? 🙁 When we are able to release more information, you can be sure that we will.
***UPDATE – THURS 3/27/14***
Wanted to share some pictures of our girl and let everyone know that she is resting up for her big day tomorrow! Her wonderful foster mom will be bringing her to the vet at 9am, for her surgery to repair her femur. Again , the estimate for the surgery is $1500 and that does not include what was already spent. Please share and donate if you can!
You can donate on our website at https://urgentpodr.org/donate/ (be sure to note it is for Phoenix) or paypal us direct to [email protected]
**UPDATE – Sat 3/29/14**
Just spoke to the animal hospital and Phoenix is resting comfortably. She had the surgery yesterday and is expected to remain in the hospital for a day or two. We do not have the bill yet but will advise once we do. For anyone questioning the cost, here is a copy of her initial hospital stay, before they referred her to a specialist for the surgery. This bill was just for hopitalization, stabilization, diagnostics, meds and IV fluids… and as you can see, it includes the rescue discount that was given. Again, once we receive the new invoice (for the actual surgery,) we will advise.
One more thing… yes, we did state that Phoenix was at the ACC in the past. No, we are not giving further details at this time other than she was NOT pulled by a rescue and her previous owner moved, changed numbers, and did not update any of the chip information. They haven’t reported her missing either. Once she is feeling better, we will address the mistakes made by the AC&C. Thank you for understanding.
**UPDATE – 3/30/14**
Sarah will be picking Phoenix up on Monday! The vet used pins to repair the break and gave Phoenix a stylish splint to keep her leg stabilized They will be removed in about 7 – 8 weeks, and then Phoenix can start running and playing with her new family . Will post pictures after Phoenix is HOME.