Until he met Takis, Phoenix the dog thought nothing but agony came from the human touch. He had spent his life on the end of a chain and had been assaulted by a man who authorities claimed was violent.
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Others had complained to the police about the dog's mistreatment, therefore the dog was confiscated.
Because the police were unsure how to manage the phoenix's hostility, they contacted Takis, who owns Takis refuge in the highlands of Ierapetra, Crete, Greece.
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When they first arrived at the shelter, Phoenix refused to leave the container. Takis' gloved hand was attacked by the dog, who lunged and growled.
Phoenix was terrified of their hands after discovering they were solely used to abusing him. Takis does not press the issue, telling Phoenix, "We will try again later and we will be very good friends, soon, ya?"
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Takis offered his assistance again later that day. But this time, the tired dog succumbs. He leans into Takis' hand and surrenders to love. After a time, he extends his paw to Takis.
Takis can't help but exclaim, "Bravo!" to the dog.
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"It took phoenix some time to get used to the fact that a hand doesn't mean pain," Takis adds. But, the phoenix's behavior altered dramatically with time.
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He gets along with the shelter's cats, despite the fact that his previous owner claimed he had murdered cats. "He's doing great with everyone," Takis adds. All he desired and required was love.