The French call it “joie de vivre”–a cheerful enjoyment of life. That’s the phrase I think of when I observe our tripawd pitbull Phoenix. It’s been over 7 months since her front right leg was amputated, and 4 months since she moved into our home. Every day, from the time she wakes up, Phoenix is a tail-wagging happy girl. Whether it’s going for a leashed walk, running free at Eureka’s new dog park or on the beach, playing with her older beagle sister, lying by the front window watching things on our block, or jumping onto the couch to lick our faces and be with us while we read, watch TV or talk with friends, Phoenix exudes delight. There’s much she’s teaching me.
Author: 2013sophie
We're a senior retired couple (one ceramic artist, one writer) living in Eureka--on Northern California's redwood coast. We each grew up in NYC but met here in Humboldt County 25 years ago. We feel blessed that our three prior dogs (all females) each lived to age 14+ years. Our beagle Chloe crossed over into K9 heaven in August, 2017, and left behind her younger "sister," Phoenix, our tripawd. She's a sweet, tail-wagging, face-licking, pit bull. Phoenix joined our pack in December, 2014 [4+ years ago], three months after her right front leg was amputated at age 4-5? Phoenix had been hit by 3 cars in the SF Bay Area, and two great Samaritans named Ralph & Mya stopped traffic to rescue Phoenix on the road and drive 5+hours north to Miranda's Rescue, a no-kill facility in our county.
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Happy Seven Month Ampuversay Phoenix!!
And HAPPY FOUR MONTH GOTCHA’ DAY!!!
So glad to read this splendid update! You are a beautiful sweet girl and clearly adored by your humans!!
You certainly seem to be the epitome of a “cheerful enjoyment of life”! You make us all smile!
Enjoy very much following your journey! Thank you again for the update!
Hugs and an extra scoop of ice cream for you tonight!!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
benny55, thanks for your comment and support. I haven’t posted on my blog for two months, but not because of any problems. On the contrary, we’ve been enjoying getting to know Phoenix better. She’s showing more of her personality as she realizes this is her furever home.
Oh YAY YAY YAY! I’m so happy to hear this, it’s wonderful to hear from you two. What’s this about the new dog park? I wanna see!
Thank you, lovely people, for giving Phoenix so much love and care. I was married to Ralph, who sent Phoenix to you, having saved her life. It brings tears to my eyes to read your report of her daily life.
Joan, thanks for your kind words. Ralph, and Mya, are the real heroes. From their initial in-traffic rescue, to driving Phoenix 5+ hours north on Labor Day weekend, they saved this dog’s life. I am also grateful for the folks who stepped up to pay the amputation & vet bills. The fact that, three months later, Judi & I (and our adopted beagle Chloe) met & adopted Phoenix is just another chapter in the story. She is an easy dog to love and we are fortunate to be her family.