On April 19, 2008, a little stray Shih Tzu with no name, and a tennis ball sized tumor hanging from his chest, was rescued. He was subsequently diagnosed with Cushings Disease, probable cancer, and end stage renal failure in addition to painful corneal ulcers and a rampant infection.
His foster mom named him Phoenix, after the mythological bird that symbolizes immortality, resurrection and life after death. His rescuer, his foster mom and the entire New Beginnings Shih Tzu & Friends Rescue community prayed for a miracle. This brave, wonderful and critically ill little soul managed to have two weeks of soft beds, warm meals and abundant love. Ultimately his desperately ill body succumbed to the ravages of disease. He crossed the Rainbow Bridge in the loving arms
of his adoptive mom and dad.
In loving memory of Phoenix, in my arms for fifteen days but in my heart forever … one of my all time favorite hymns, On Eagles’ Wings, sung by Robin Pressnall:
And he will lift you up on eagle’s wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of his hand.