Sep 01, 2009 - 10:21 AM

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DURHAM -- He's in good spirits and in no pain, but Phoenix the dog only has, at best, months left to live.

And for the short time the severely neglected chow has left, the Humane Society of Durham Region wants to find a good home to make his final days peaceful.

"It's a dog that's gone through so much," said Debby Houghton, animal cruelty investigator for the Humane Society of Durham Region.

Phoenix was found Aug. 16 in the area of Rundle Road and Bloor Street in Courtice, 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.

He's since been diagnosed with advanced tongue cancer that's not operable because of its location and not treatable because of his poor immune system. Apparently, it's not impacting his life right now, but Ms. Houghton doesn't know if he's on pain medication; she was to pick him up Sept. 1 from the University of Guelph's small animal clinic where he was examined by the oncology department.

"The cancer's going to catch up and the dog will probably no longer want to eat," Ms. Houghton said.

Right now, he's happy and getting along with people and other dogs, she added.

"But we'll be obviously guided by the veterinarian," Ms. Houghton said, in addressing whether the dog would be put down.

For now, they're just looking for a home to make Phoenix as comfortable as possible in his last days.

Although many people initially applied for adoption, that might change now given his terminal condition.

The person who takes him will have to appreciate he might not live long, she added. Whoever does will be responsible for providing him with a good life and giving him special food, and likely medication, provided by the society.

Anyone interested can contact the shelter at 905-433-2022 ext 0.

A $5,300 reward is being offered for any details leading to the conviction of the dog’s owner.