Dog Set on Fire by Owner Fights for Life in Shocking Case of Cruelty!

It’s hard to believe how cruel some people can be to animals. But thankfully, there are also kind people who step in to care for these poor creatures and show them love.

This is the story of a dog who was badly hurt after being set on fire. Now, thanks to an animal rescue group, she is slowly recovering.

On February 7th, 2024, a woman in Nixon, Texas, found a dog crying in pain on her front porch, according to KENS 5. The poor puppy, later named Phoenix, had gone through something horrible.

Someone had tied her up, put her in a backpack, and set her on fire.

The rescue group 4 Little Paws, based in San Antonio, took her in and got her emergency medical care. “She has open wounds that seem to come from trying to escape a kennel while burning,” they wrote. They could still smell the fuel used to set her on fire.

“Right now, she is burned over most of her body. Her nose is the worst, but as her skin falls off, she could get infections or become dehydrated from the trauma. Even with all this, she is gentle and still trusts humans.”

“My heart broke when I saw her. It was so sad,” said Ashley Book, the rescue’s medical director.

“She smelled so bad, like fire. Her skin was hard and looked melted. The swelling on her face was the worst part.”

The burns were so bad that Phoenix lost most of her fur, and her ears had to be removed. Even after all this pain and many surgeries, she stayed strong. The rescue named her “Phoenix,” after the mythical bird that rises from the ashes.

“I didn’t think she would survive, and it’s going to cost a lot,” Book said in October.

4 Little Paws has shared updates about Phoenix’s recovery. While her photos can be hard to see, they explained that her appearance would “get worse before it gets better.”

Phoenix’s story touched many hearts. People donated to help with her medical bills: a GoFundMe raised over $63,000, and the community raised more than $112,000 in total.

She had surgeries and skin grafts to help her skin heal, her kidney problems improved, and her pain is now under control.

Today, Phoenix has healed enough to leave the hospital and now lives with Ashley Book, who adopted her.

“I think I’m going to be her forever mom. She’s captured everyone’s hearts, especially mine,” Book said back in February.

Since her rescue, Phoenix has been healing with Ashley’s love and care. While her recovery has gone well, Ashley still worries about her.

For a long time, there was no justice for Phoenix. But now, the person responsible has been punished. Michael Villanueva pleaded guilty to many charges, including abusing Phoenix. He got the maximum sentence of 20 years but could get parole in 4 to 5 years.

While this can’t erase what Phoenix went through, it’s good to see justice being served. Let’s hope this reminds everyone of the need to protect animals who can’t protect themselves.

It’s awful that someone could do this to a dog, but we’re so happy Phoenix is recovering and has a loving home. ❤️

Please keep this brave dog in your thoughts and share her story to spread awareness.