Puppy Mill Rescue Dog Phoenix Lives Up to His Name, Making a Fresh Start After a Rough Life People 2 hrs ago Phoenix has risen from the ashes in a big way. The 10-year-old Maltese recently came into the care of North Shore Animal League America (NSALA), after the nonprofit's Rescue Team saved the dog from deplorable puppy mills conditions. According to NSALA, Phoenix was "clearly in acute distress" when he arrived at the organization's Long Island campus. The little pup was rushed to the rescue's medical center, where he collapsed but managed to resuscitate himself without outside help. This amazing act earned the Maltese the nickname Phoenix. After the dog stabilized, NSALA took the furry survivor to Long Island Veterinary Specialists (LIVS) for help determining why Phoenix experienced cardiac arrest.