Last week, just as we were leaving the Pretzel Festival, I received a heartbreaking text and photo. A volunteer had been alerted to a deceased German Shepherd lying by the roadside. He went to collect her for cremation — but as he picked her up, she took a breath.

She was alive.

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Rushed to the emergency vet, she was found to be severely starved, anemic, with horrible skin, a broken pelvis, and bloodwork that looked hopeless. I didn’t post earlier because I honestly didn’t think she’d survive.

She’d likely been lying in that ditch for days.

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She is microchipped — but the chip leads back to a puppy mill pet store with no adopter info. Her condition suggests horrifying neglect. Her “owners,” whoever they are, deserve to be prosecuted.

We named her Phoenix, because this girl is rising from the ashes. She’s just 4 years old, and thanks to an incredible foster and vet team, she has a real shot.

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But Phoenix’s care hasn’t been cheap — our vet bill now stands at $10,000. If you can spare a “fluffy coffee” or two, it would make a huge difference.

Please welcome Phoenix to Adopt a Pit. And if you know her former owner — tell me. I’d love to press charges.

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