A dog presumed dead miraculously “rose from the dead,” much to the shock of shelter workers. Just a week into 2025, staff at the ANNA Shelter in Erie, Pennsylvania received a call just as they were about to close. A man reported finding a dead dog in his driveway and asked what to do with the body. The staff advised him to bring the dog in so they could scan her for a microchip and attempt to locate an owner.
“Within 15 minutes, the dog arrived wrapped in a blanket,” the ANNA Shelter wrote in a Facebook post. Ruth Thompson, the shelter’s director, took over, preparing to handle the situation. She was about to retrieve a body bag when she heard a soft moan. The dog was “alive… barely… but ALIVE!!!!!!”
The dog was suffering from comatose hypothermia, with vitals so weak they were almost undetectable. Thompson yelled for the staff not to leave for the night. In their Facebook post, they described the intense scene: “Dr. Zeigler was called; vitals taken; the plan was devised quickly and in full effect within minutes. This dog was LITERALLY FREEZING TO DEATH. She is COMPLETELY EMACIATED with ZERO body fat. Her temperature did not even register on the thermometer; heart rate was so faint you could barely hear it; and her gums and tongue were solid white. The idea of her surviving seemed daunting if not nearly impossible – but we couldn’t NOT give this girl all we had to help her try to stay with us.”
The dog’s emergency treatment included administering warm subcutaneous fluids, glucose under her tongue, wrapping her in warm towels, and replacing heated water bottles every 15 minutes. But perhaps the most critical element of her care was love.
ANNA Shelter
The shelter shared, “[M]ost importantly she knew we loved her. Jeff even wrapped his entire body around her on the table while we prepared the supplies. Ruth vigorously rubbed this pup’s body and talked to her the whole time telling her how much we loved her and were going to fight for her. Briley and Becky followed Dr. Z’s instructions and administered the medications.”
An hour later, the dog was able to lift her head and stretch it forward into the comforting hands petting her. The shelter added, “Her front legs moved ever so slightly under the blankets—signs of life!” They decided to name her Phoenix, after the mythical bird that rises from the ashes.
ANNA Shelter
Veterinarian Dr. Lyon shared that Phoenix had been just 10 to 15 minutes away from death. While her response to treatment was promising, the next 10 hours would determine whether she would survive. Briley, a shelter staff member, brought out an air mattress, determined to sleep beside the dog through the night. After a harrowing day, Phoenix became alert, conscious, and responsive to all the love and care she was receiving.
Despite her weakened state and ongoing medical challenges, Phoenix quickly found a forever home. She is now recovering under the watchful care of her new dad, who even set up a Facebook page to share updates on her progress. Phoenix is already looking much healthier.
Her new dad ensures Phoenix is bundled up warmly before going outside.
Phoenix is loving her new life, exploring and playing in her yard.
She also enjoys visiting the ANNA Shelter to see the people who saved her life. She’s so happy and grateful to see them all.
Fox66 YourErie also recently covered Phoenix’s miraculous recovery. Watch the video below:
To help support ANNA Shelter and the work they do, visit their website.
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