Three month old Phoenix the kitten was abandoned at a Los Angeles shelter at the beginning of October with caustic chemical burn wounds of unknown, origin to his paws, tail, ears and nose. He was taken to the Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego by a rescue partner two days later. Phoenix’s front feet were swollen, cracked and bleeding, his tail, ears and nose were red, raw and covered in a burning acrid chemical. Phoenix’s tail had to be amputated. He has responded well to treatment for his burns and to the environment of his foster home, and is well healed just weeks after his arrival.
We covered Phoinix’s story in Trusting Kitten Phoenix Purrs Despite His Burns on October 4 and Phoenix Update: Sweet, Loving Kitten Walks on His Bandaged Paws on October 10.
We are making today’s post to share the utter joy of seeing the adorable little survivor romping with pure abandon, playing with no bandages on for the first time since his injuries. Phoenix’s caretakers said at the Helen Woodward Animal Center Facebook page, “Watch Phoenix jump, swat and romp without bandages holding him back. Guaranteed to brighten your day!” We agree.
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The Helen Woodward Animal Center is looking forward to placing Phoenix in his forever home soon. Given the great interest in the kitten, whose story has been in the news, the animal center has set up a special procedure for the selection process ti find him a home. Phoenix also helped the animal center announce the upcoming kickoff of their annal Home for the Holidays campaign last week.
This video announcing the adoption process also includes an update on his treatment and recovery.
They write:
Little Phoenix is now looking for his forever family.To find a VERY special family for this VERY special kitten, we’re announcing a unique selection process:
- Write an essay explaining why you are the perfect family for Phoenix.
- Come down to Helen Woodward Animal Center with your essay, fill out an application for Phoenix, and go through the interview process with the adoptions staff.
- Applications and essays will be accepted between the dates of 10/19 and 11/01, 2012.
- Selection committee will include Jenni Pulos (of Bravo’s ‘Flipping Out’) and Helen Woodward Animal Center Staff.
- Selecting family will be notified the week of November 5th, 2012.
- Winning essay will be read at the November 10th HOPE Telethon on KUSI and Phoenix will be united with his new family at that time!
“Helen Woodward Animal Center’s passionate belief that animals help people and people help animals through trust, unconditional love, and respect, creates a legacy of caring. Sharing this philosophy with others, the Center inspires and teaches, locally and globally, the importance of the animal-human bond.”
