Some dogs don’t get a chance to live in a loving family, sleep in a warm bed, or eat healthy and tasty food. No, not their story, they end up on the street, going through the trash to find some food, freezing to death, and get sick from lack of hygiene. Sometimes they are lucky enough to be seen by rescue workers and taken to the shelters, where they are fed and warm, and most important – have a chance to find a loving home.

But the pets that have the most chances to get adopted are the cute, fluffy, adorable puppies… Pooches that are scared or somehow disfigured have really lousy odds. One of these dogs is Phoenix, a rescue pup from Oklahoma who has a very distinctive face.

Skiatook Paws & Claws Animal Rescue says that Phoenix was found roaming the streets of Collinsville searching for food.

This dog was rescued from the streets of Collinsville.

After he was taken off the street, Family Animal Medicine—Owasso, OK took care of the dog. The organization promptly gave an update on his condition:

“We are investigating all possible causes of Phoenix’s condition and running lab work to identify the causes of his skin disease. He is being bathed frequently and is on medications to improve his skin health and provide comfort,” they said.

At first, the veterinarians were not sure if Phe’s disfiguration was a result of abuse or illness

Although it looks like Phoenix has been through some terrible abuse, the veterinarians who are taking care of him don’t want to jump to such conclusions:

“We were provided evidence from a previous Good Samaritan who has photos of a progression of Phoenix’s facial deterioration. It is possible there may be a medical disease causing his disfiguration. It is important that we do not automatically assume malicious acts. Animals without homes and proper care, without shelter, food, and water face so many obstacles; especially if they have an underlying medical issue,” the professionals stated.

The medical team concluded that it’s an auto-immune illness

The most recent update on Phoenix’s journey says:

“Phoenix had the privilege of traveling to Kansas, where he met two fantastic Specialty Veterinarians, Dr. Karen Trainor and Dr. David Senter. These incredibly unique veterinarians specialize solely in diseases of the skin.Phoenix’s journey to Kansas actually started when we first rescued him.

Back in November, in an attempt to solve Phe’s skin mystery, his veterinary staff here in Owasso at FAM took biopsies of his diseased skin and sent them to Dr. Trainor. Dr. Trainor is a veterinary pathologist who focuses on skin disease. Oh boy, what a brilliant mind. What Dr. Trainor basically does is to look at Phe’s skin biopsy at the microscopic level and tell us how his skin is behaving.Next, Phe’s adventure took him to Veterinary Allergy and Dermatology clinic in Overland Park, Kansas.

There he met Dr. David Senter, a veterinary dermatologist. He also focuses his veterinary skills on patients with skin diseases.With both Dr. Trainor and Dr. Senter’s insight and the work done by Family Animal Medicine veterinarians, Phe is improving every day. He has gained weight. His skin is healing. He plays and barks. He chases balls and plays tug-o-war. He even sleeps on his own dog couch.His cheesy, sharky grin will always remain. The muscles on his head will never return. UV light/sunshine causes his skin to flare-up, so clothes and sunblock are a must. But don’t worry, Phoenix’s spirit is STRONG!Phoenix has a rare auto-immune disease, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

There are no specific tests to identify SLE. This is a disease that is diagnosed after all other diseases are ruled out. Because it is an auto-immune disease, his own body attacks itself, making treatment sometimes difficult and tricky. But thank goodness for all the vets (here in Owasso and Kansas too) we now have his disease managed.Thank you all for your support and encouragement. Phe would have never made his courageous journey without you.”

Phoenix is provided with the best care, is receiving necessary medical attention, and looks like he is making an excellent recovery. Skiatook Paws & Claws Animal Rescue are keeping everyone informed by posting photos and videos of his journey.