This is still very raw, but I will try my best.
You will remember in June we took in an old Husky that was tied to a tree on the a69. This is one of the busiest roads in Northumberland, connecting the east and the West, and he was in dreadful condition.
This bedraggled boy became Phoenix, and it turned out he was at least 16. It was clear from the minute he arrived that he couldn't stay in kennels so he ended up at home with me.
His stay lasted literally a few hours then Rachel came, fell in love and the two became inseparable. The love was mutual and instant, like it was meant to be.
He became an integral part of our family, settling in as if he had always been there, loving life with his brothers and sisters.
Fostering an older dog is never easy, but Rachel was so patient and understanding with him. Seeing them together showed true devotion, I am so proud of them both.
Last week he became ill. Blood tests showed some major changes, especially in his protein levels and he didn't have enough red blood cells. Without further tests we couldn't be sure of the cause, but it pointed towards a liver or kidney problem. Severe anaemia meant his body was shutting down, there was nothing we could do.
On Thursday his body told us it was tired and couldn't go on. We lost an amazing part of the family who had showed so much bravery and desire to live. He was stubborn, courageous, determined but above all he was amazing. We were very lucky he found his way to us, we miss him dearly.
