Aug 25, 2009 - 01:20 PM

By Parvaneh Pessian

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DURHAM -- Medical tests conducted on Phoenix, a severely neglected male chow discovered recently in Courtice, have come back showing the dog has cancer.

Humane Society of Durham Region staff is planning to transfer the dog to a specialist to determine the next course of treatment, according to animal cruelty investigator Debby Houghton.

His appointment with the specialist is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 31, she said.

Phoenix, as he's been named by Ms. Houghton, was found Aug. 16, in the area of Rundle Road and Bloor Street, in grave condition from apparent neglect. The blonde chow was emaciated and his face and legs were covered in blood from open sores and his nails were severely overgrown.

Phoenix's skin condition has since been diagnosed and doctors believe it should respond well to medical treatment.

Despite his condition, Ms. Houghton said the pup was in good spirits on Monday and Tuesday.

"It's incredible what a week (of care) can do," she said. "He's walking much better ... his eyes are brighter today."

News about Phoenix spread like wildfire across the region and other areas in the GTA, resulting in a multitude of requests for adoption.

Shelter staff is holding off on taking any applications until veterinarians declare that Phoenix is out of danger, but they are accepting monetary contributions toward his medical expenses.

"Obviously this is going to be a long process so, right now, we're not even taking applications and we're just going to see if he can pull through while adding to the reward money for any information," Ms. Houghton said.

The reward for any information leading to the conviction of the dog's owner has been increased from an initial $1,000 to $5,370 and rising.

Regular updates on Phoenix's condition can be found on the Durham Humane Society's website at www.humanedurham.com

Contact Ms. Houghton at 905-433-2022 ext. 2 or call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-tips (8477).