In Greek mythology, a phoenix is bird that is continuously reborn, usually rising from fiery ashes after the previous lifetime has ended. (For those Harry Potter fans, the wizard Dumbledore has a phoenix named Fawkes, who is seen bursting into flames and then being reborn into a chick.)

So when volunteers rescued a burned Pit Bull in February 2015, it was apropos that they decided to rename him Phoenix.

Phoenix’s life was saved in the nick of time by a concerned Good Samaritan who called the authorities about a neglected and possibly abused dog. I’ll spare you most of the depressing details, but let’s just say this poor pup was in bad shape, chained under a porch, starving, and suffering from burns that covered his shoulders and back.

The amazing folks at the SPCA of Texas stepped in and brought Phoenix to safety. Organization officials said that when they seized the Pit Bull, he climbed right into their crate as if he knew these kind people were saving his life. Phoenix was lucky. The SPCA of Texas is just an incredible group; their shelter in Dallas is one of the most modern and lovely animal shelters I’ve ever seen. If you’re in the area and in the market for a new pet, I highly recommend you check it out.

Once he arrived at the shelter, Phoenix, who was estimated to be about 5 years old, was treated by their on-site veterinarian and given warm blankets, toys, food, and, of course, love. Even though he was in pain and probably scared, the sweet-natured little pittie wagged his tail at these nice people helping him.

At first, everyone was worried Phoenix wouldn’t make it, that his injuries were just too severe. The veterinarians and animal care center staff worked around the clock to nurse him back to health. His treatment included hydrotherapy baths, nutritious food, and lots of snuggles and love. It took three long months, but eventually Phoenix was healthy enough to be put up for adoption. Little did he know it, but he was about to become the luckiest dog in the world.

Phoenix was adopted by Richard and July Louis of Van Alstyne, Texas, a kind, caring couple who intend to make sure Phoenix lives the rest of his life like a king!

“We love our Phoenix,” July said. “He just loves being with us and will lay in bed with us for hours.” Phoenix also loves playing fetch with a tennis ball, and one of his favorite pastimes is hanging outside, lying in the grass, barking at the horses and cows.

Horses and cows? Yep, that’s right. Phoenix is living the good life on a farm with three other rescued doggie siblings, including Jackson, a 15-year-old Red Heeler, Trinity a 13-year-old Australian Shepherd, and Pugsley, a 3-year-old Pug mix. “Trinity would be considered his best friend,” July said. “They run around together and cuddle on the bed together more that the others. Pugsley thinks he is the boss of the house.”

Since Phoenix lived most of his life under a porch, he never learned behavioral skills like walking on a leash or what he should and shouldn’t chew on, so July has been teaching him the basics. “We have learned to keep our socks up, as he loves to put everything in his mouth,” July said. “It’s like having a big puppy!”

July and Richard set up a Facebook account for Phoenix so they can share his story with people who care. For updates on this sweet ball of love, visit facebook.com/phoenixspca.

Phoenix’s adoption is such a great love match, it makes you wonder who is luckier, the dog or the humans. “Phoenix has opened our eyes to true love and always looking for the good in each other,” July said.