Phoenix, the hero dog, recovering after being shot defending family home in South Africa

The brave Pretoria dog that saved her family from armed robbers during a home invasion is on the mend, but her battle scars will remain.

Phoenix, a female Africanis dog, survived a gunshot wound to the head.

She attacked the perpetrators as they attempted to enter the Motalane family’s home. Despite the head wound, she kept charging and chased the intruders away.

Surgeons at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital saved the brave dog’s life. She was brought to the hospital by her owner, Mmakgomo Motalane.

Dr Anika de Witt, a surgical resident at this hospital, was among the veterinarians on duty when the incident happened in June.

In an interview with News24, De Witt said: “Phoenix is, without a doubt, a miracle dog.”

She added Phoenix’s case remained extraordinary even for a seasoned professional like her.

“We encounter animals with severe injuries regularly, but witnessing a dog survive a gunshot wound to the head is truly remarkable.”

While dogs cannot articulate their feelings with words, Phoenix’s heroic moment is a testament to the bond between humans and their faithful four-legged companions.

Her treatment included a series of surgical procedures.

“We devised a surgical plan to manage the multiple jaw fractures and eventually removed the left side of her lower jaw,” De Witt said.

Though Phoenix carries the scars of her ordeal, she has made a remarkable recovery.

“Phoenix has fully recovered and is happy again, adjusting well to having one lower jaw. She bears this impairment for life,” her family told News24.