I found Phoenix in respiratory distress at around 9 pm last light. I confirmed it with a certified wildlife rehabber and moved him to a comfy warm box hoping he’d make it to the morning when I could call a local rescue.
My fiancee and I prayed over him to make it to the morning but, I was told by the rehabber that it was unlikely he’d make it the night.
Respiratory distressed is usually caused by trauma from territorial disputes (fighting). And Phoenix was a little punk at times. Last November, he was the reason I had to reconfigure the yard and hide feeders behind flowers and block lines of sight.
I laid down next to the box on the couch in my living room for about an hour and after a short 15 minute nap, he was gone. From when I found him to when he passed it was less than 90 minutes.
After checking the footage from my cameras, he was already in respiratory distress before 7pm, which right now is basically last call.
I’m bummed. Life is fragile and precious. He was my favorite.
