Phoenix the Firebird.

Several people have asked us if the name Phoenix has special meaning to us. It does.

According to wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_%28mythology%29):

"In ancient Egyptian mythology and in myths derived from it, the phoenix is a mythical sacred firebird. Said to live for 500 or 1461 years (depending on the source), the phoenix is a male bird with beautiful gold and red plumage. At the end of its life-cycle the phoenix builds itself a nest of cinnamon twigs that it then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix arises. The new phoenix embalms the ashes of the old phoenix in an egg made of myrrh and deposits it in Heliopolis ("the city of the sun" in Greek), located in Egypt. The bird was also said to regenerate when hurt or wounded by a foe, thus being almost immortal and invincible — a symbol of fire and divinity.

Although descriptions (and life-span) vary, the phoenix (Bennu bird) became popular in early Christian art, literature and Christian symbolism, as a symbol of Christ, and further, represented the resurrection, immortality, and the life-after-death of Jesus Christ."

Our Phoenix came into our lives out of the ashes of our grief for Caleb. When Caleb was with us, he reminded us every day of the joy of Christ's creation: in chasing a leaf blowing by, meeting new people on the street, sleeping next to his people. Now Phoenix has taken on this role. If only we could find the same joy in God's creation as dogs do.

And... he's red colored like fire.

Here's a photo of Phoenix meeting two little girls on the streets of downtown Boston. The constant giggles and tail wags brought smiles to all the adults too!