SAN ANTONIO — Note: The above video contains images some might find disturbing.
It was Feb. 7, when a badly burned dog, left for dead, showed up on a Nixon woman's porch after someone set her on fire.
"My heart just broke. It was heart wrenching to she her. She smelled so horrific of fire, her skin was rock hard. It almost appeared melted, but the swelling was what was most evident on her face," said Ashley Book, Medical Director, 4 Little Paws Rescue.
Book said she picked up the dog, and after a tearful ride home, knew she had to get her treatment.
"She underwent her first debridement surgery, which takes off the burnt skin. They only were able to remove part of it because the rest of it wasn't ready to come off down her back. She will probably have her 2nd surgery on Monday, to get the rest of the burnt skin off," said Book.
Rescuers have now named her Phoenix, hoping she too will rise from the ashes, but the road to recovery hasn't been easy. Her ears had to be removed, because they were dead tissue, and her pain is being managed.
"It's absolutely horrifically painful, and she's already been through so much pain," said Book.
Now, the Nixon Police Department as well as the Gonzales County Sheriff's Office are calling for justice for Phoenix. They are offering a reward collected by good Samaritans to find who is responsible.
As the search for justice is underway, rescuers are just focusing on Phoenix, who they said will have quite a bit of scarring is expected to be okay.
"She's survived enough days unless something drastic happens with a terrible infection, she will have a good life if it's not with me, we will find her the perfect home," said Book.
If you would like you help there is a GoFundMe setup to help with medical cost and future treatment, Phoenix will need. You can also donate directly to the rescue shelter at 4littlepaws.org.