Phoenix Rising

This is the story of Phoenix Rising…

Phoenix is brave. Phoenix is full of grace and perseverance. She is strong, gentle, and friendly. We don't know why Phoenix was brought to a crowded shelter, maybe she was a stray or too much for her owner, but this brave, strong girl isn't ready to give up.

What has been thrown in Phoenix's way, allowing her to take things in stride?

Phoenix arrived at Newark Shelter in April 2023. She is a brave dog with limited mobility in her back legs. Someone "found her" and walked her at least two blocks while Phoenix dragged her back legs to keep moving. The person who found her had little information to provide the shelter, so the shelter could only base their initial evaluation on what they saw. They saw a dog clearly not ready to give up but one needing a loving home. Realizing an inner-city shelter was no place for a dog with a disability, Newark Shelter reached out to Sedona Shepherd for help.

After reviewing the X-rays provided by the shelter, Sedona brought her into our program, and the first stop was to our vet for additional X-rays and an evaluation. Our vet and two orthopedic specialists agreed that her inability to use her back legs stemmed from a neurological condition. We brought her to a top neurological specialist, who agreed. He recommended continuing to treat her with medication for any potential inflammation and possible pain or discomfort. He also recommended scheduling an MRI.

Her lack of back-leg mobility does little to slow Phoenix down. She continues to carry on like a regular dog. She loves people of all ages, from youngsters to seniors. Phoenix lights up when she is able to spend time with other medium and large-sized dogs. Her ability to take what life has thrown her way inspires us to do whatever it takes to help Phoenix as we do for all the dogs in our program. Our mission is for Phoenix and all our dogs to live their best possible lives.

So far, we know orthopedic surgery will not bring back any additional motor function to her back legs, and her condition may be permanent. As we have done with dogs like Dolley, we set up Phoenix with a cart we had on hand to help her get around. She took the cart quickly, as you can see in her video. Even without a cart, although unsteady on her back legs, she still wants to explore and walk the way she knows how. We will make that happen for her, but we cannot do it alone.

Sedona Shepherd has a plan.

Phoenix is about 5 to 6 years old and can still live a long-full life. She will need her own specially-made cart to ensure she does. We will again use Eddie's Wheels, which has provided us with several custom-made carts over the years. We still need to schedule Phoenix for an MRI to ensure we have the proper medical diagnosis.

That is where you come in. We need your help to keep Phoenix Rising.

As a non-profit German Shepherd rescue, we often incur high medical expenses to provide the necessary care to continue our mission of rescuing and rehoming adult and senior German Shepherds like Phoenix. Her continued veterinarian care, including an MRI and purchasing Phoenix's cart, will cost us an estimated $4,500. Your donation will allow Sedona to provide the best care possible for Phoenix, one of the sweetest and friendliest German Shepherds you will ever meet. With her own cart and a complete diagnosis, we can find Phoenix the perfect end to her story, a warm and loving home.

If you haven't already, watch the video below of Phoenix using the cart. Her face and determination will make you fall in love just like we did. Phoenix deserves this! Let's make it happen for her.

Stay tuned for updates on #PhoenixRising by following us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for information on donating, adopting, or fostering this sweet girl.

Ways to donate: Here or via PayPal on our website

All donations are tax-deductible.

More about Sedona Shepherd Sanctuary

Sedona Shepherd Sanctuary is a non-profit organization formed to help rescue and find homes for adult and senior German Shepherds, mixes, and special situation dogs and support other rescue and shelter organizations in New Jersey and surrounding states.