EDITOR'S NOTE: Phoenix was rescued from the fire in the dumpster at the last moments for us to hope for survival of the dog. The person or persons who wanted to burn a puppy to death lives among the good people of the Red Lake Reservation. It's very likely this was not their first act of animal abuse and won't be the last. People who abuse animals are more likely to abuse children and other people. They are angry, violent, and dangerous. They should not be protected; they need help.
Red Lake Police Department is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Captain Dana Lyons, Jr. or Chief Conservation Officer Pat Graves at 218-679-3313.
The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.
The fact that Red Lake Rosie's Rescue has been saving animals on the Reservation for several years made it possible for Phoenix to be transported so quickly to the Twin Cities for expert emergency and ongoing care. If you wish to support our all-volunteer mission of education, clinics and rescue, a donation may be sent to:
Red Lake Rosie's Rescue
23880 South Good Road
Trail, MN 56684
UPDATE FROM ACT V:
Good evening. Hang in there, this is a long post.
It's been exactly one week since the arrival of Phoenix, and what we've done to this puppy has been emotionally challenging.
Surgery, medical procedures, hospital stays... it's rough.
There has not been a day where at least one of us ( ACT V is only a group of five ) hasn't cried or welled up with tears.
Today was no different. Today was bandage change day, and we were allowed to be present - Vicki was allowed to participate. We are slim on pictures tonight because we have no interest in showing suffering animals. (You get the idea of the seriousness of his condition.)
His poor paws merely represent what his back, knees, and other body parts look like. Can you imagine walking around on those feet?
Tomorrow is a new day. We are focused on minimizing infection and maximizing his comfort.
And while we seem to have a captive audience, indulge us, please.
Our group survives because of our foster families. We have deep respect for them and an excellent relationship that we honor. These people become our friends and work tirelessly with sick dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens.
They give medications, listen to painful cries, get out of bed in the middle of the night to check a wound, and the list goes on. They are not handling the healthy goofy puppy or cuddly kitten - they work with the injured, traumatized, and often needy group of animals. AND... they follow rules, guidelines, policies, and procedures.
If we could ask for anything, we ask that you support our fosters. They've been the same group for years, and we cannot function without them. (Some are taking a break, and we want them to come out of retirement.)
Thank you for listening. See you tomorrow night.
