Aug 19, 2009 - 03:55 PM

By Parvaneh Pessian

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DURHAM -- Donations and adoption requests are pouring in for Phoenix, an appallingly neglected dog discovered in Courtice, but Durham Humane Society staff say they are focusing on saving its life first.

The male chow was immediately taken under the care of the agency after wandering into a resident's yard in the area of Rundle Road and Bloor Street on Sunday night.

"Right now we're just letting people know that because his condition is so severe, we're not sure if he's going to pull through yet," shelter manager Ruby Richards said, adding that a multitude of medical tests are underway to determine whether the dog requires specialized treatment.

Phoenix, as he's been named by animal cruelty investigator Debby Houghton, had filthy, matted fur with pus and blood oozing from his face. His nails were also extremely overgrown and his entire body likely riddled with infection.

"Phoenix's condition hasn't become worse but he hasn't improved all that much either -- he is eating, which is a good sign and he's been given something for the pain," said Ms. Houghton, who, in nearly 20 years in the business, called this one of the most disturbing cases of animal neglect she's ever dealt with.

"I've seen a lot, unfortunately, but this is what happens when you deal with animal cruelty and we're hopeful that we will find who did this."

A $2,500 reward is being offered for any details leading to the conviction of the dog's owner with staff working on increasing that amount over the next few days.

Phoenix may have to be transferred to the University of Guelph if specialized care is needed but at this point, there's still no guarantee he will make it, said Ms. Richards.

"We will do whatever it takes to try and save him but we're also realists that we can't save every dog," she said.

"He's one of the worst cases any of us have come across so right now, we're just keeping our fingers crossed."

Anyone with information pertinent to the case or who is interested in helping cover Phoenix's medical expenses should contact Ms. Houghton at 905-242-8461 or the Humane Society at 905-433-2022.