A young pit bull nicknamed Phoenix that was doused with gasoline and set afire in Baltimore on Wednesday died Sunday morning at a Pennsylvania veterinary hospital.
Staff at Metropolitan Veterinary Associates outside Philadelphia said the dog, which was about a year old, was put down because her kidneys were failing. Burns that covered 95 percent of her body caused so much swelling around her face and rear quarters that, according to nurse Julie Hirsch, the dog was "barely recognizable."
Hospital staff took Phoenix outside to be euthanized, hoping that a little flicker of sunshine would give her some happiness, Hirsch said.
A Baltimore police officer rescued the dog Wednesday afternoon after she noticed smoke in the 1600 block of Presbury St., according to police. The officer used a sweater to put out the flames.
The dog was initially taken to Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter and then to Swan Harbor Animal Hospital where, despite her pain, she wagged her tail at doctors.
BARCS paid for the treatment of Phoenix with its Franky Fund, created for homeless animals in need of medical care. News about Phoenix brought a flurry of donations into the fund, and also for another fund for gaining information about who hurt the dog.
Police have no suspects and are continuing to investigate.
BARCS is offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case, executive director Jennifer Mead-Brause said. Anyone with information can call 410-396-4698 and ask for the animal enforcement officer supervisor at the city's Bureau of Animal Control.
