A truck driver was on route in Minnesota on a night when it reached subzero temperatures when he made a horrific discovery. He noticed a dumpster on fire, and at the bottom was a small puppy.
Clayton Van Wert didn’t hesitate to grab the scared, whimpering pup from the flames, burning his bare hands. He proceeded to get the puppy to a rescue center where Phoenix was placed in emergency care right away.
This was Phoenix just moments after being pulled from the dumpster fire.
Source: Clayton Van Wert
The vets shaved his fur to check out the damage to his skin.
Source: Act V Rescue
It turns out the puppy had been doused in an accelerant therefore proving that the incident was intentional.
Source: Act V Rescue
Phoenix was abandoned, starved, and burned. He weighed only about half of what he should’ve.
Source: Act V Rescue
His knees and paws received the most severe burns. Phoenix was given pain meds and lots of bandages.
Source: South Hyland Pet Hospital
After having some problems keeping the wounds closed, the vets sent Phoenix into surgery for skin grafting.
Source: Act V Rescue
After living a nightmare, Phoenix could finally relax a little bit.
Source: Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue
Phoenix looking so much better here! The road to recovery would be a long one…
Source: Act V Rescue
But Phoenix would receive all of the love and care needed to help get him through it!
Source: Act V Rescue
Hopefully those responsible for this despicable act were caught. But thankfully, Phoenix ended up with the right people so that he could one day rise again!
