It’s truly unbelievable how cruel some people can be towards animals, but thankfully there are also kind people in the world willing to step up and give these poor creatures the love and care they deserve.

That’s the story of one dog, who was left gravely injured after being set on fire, but is now making a steady recovery thanks to an animal rescue.

(Warning: story contains some graphic photos.)

On February 7th, 2024, a woman in Nixon, Texas found a dog on her front porch, crying in pain, according to KENS 5. The poor puppy, later named Phoenix, had endured an unimaginable nightmare.

Tied up, shoved into a backpack, she was set on fire by someone who showed her nothing but cruelty.

She was taken in by the San Antonio-based rescue 4 Little Paws, who got her emergency medical care. ”She has open wounds that appear to be consistent with being in a kennel and breaking out to get away from the pain of burning,” 4 Little Paws Rescue wrote, adding that they could still smell the accelerant on her.

”Currently she is burnt over most of her body her nose being the most obvious but as the skin falls off she will be susceptible to infection and dehydration from the trauma. Despite all of this she has a gentle nature and still trusts humans.”

”My heart just broke. It was heart wrenching to see her,” Ashley Book, the rescue’s medical director, told KENS 5.

”She smelled so horrific of fire, her skin was rock hard. It almost appeared melted, but the swelling was what was most evident on her face.”

The dog lost most of her fur and her ears had to be amputated due to the burn damage. Even after enduring so much pain and going through so many surgeries, she never gave up. The rescue named her “Phoenix,” after the mythical bird who burns but rises again from the ashes.

“I initially didn’t think she was going to make it, and this is going to be extremely costly,” Book told KENS 5 in October.

Over the year, 4 Little Paws has continued to post updates about Phoenix’s progress. Though the photos can be graphic, they said her appearance would ”get worse before it gets better.”

Phoenix’s story touched people’s hearts, and many donated to help her recovery: a GoFundMe page has raised over $63,000 to pay for her treatments. Overall, the community collected over $112,000 to cover Phoenix’s treatment and recovery.

The dog received surgeries and skin grafts allowing her skin to grow back, her kidney functions have stabilized, and her pain is under control.

Today, she has recovered enough that she was allowed out of the hospital to stay with Ashley Book, who eventually adopted her.

”I pretty much think I’m going to be her future mom. She’s captured everybody’s hearts, and, least of not was mine,” Book said back in February.

Since her rescue, Phoenix has been recovering under the loving care of her new adoptive mother, Ashley Book. While her recovery has surpassed expectations, there remains a lingering concern in Book’s mind.

For far too long, there was uncertainty, but now, justice has finally been served. The individual responsible for this horrifying act has pled guilty to numerous charges, including the abuse inflicted upon Phoenix. Michael Villanueva
received the maximum sentence of 20 years, with the possibility of parole in 4 to 5 years.

While this can’t undo the pain Phoenix endured, it brings a glimmer of hope that justice will prevail. Let us all continue to pray that this serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting those who cannot protect themselves.

It’s horrifying that anyone would set an innocent dog on fire, but we’re glad Phoenix has risen from the ashes and is on the road to recovery ❤️

Please keep this beautiful dog in your thoughts, and please share this story to spread the word.