VIDEO: Severely Burned Dog Happily Reunites with Owner

Papi, a 5-year-old Pomeranian, has finally been reunited with his owner after recovering from third-degree burns received in a fire at his home, 638 Haverhill St. in Lawrence, on Saturday, June 21.

Papi’s burns, which covered his face and body, didn’t stop him from joyfully greeting his owner after finally being together after several weeks apart.

The long-awaited homecoming with owner Jakelyn Graciano, 38, of Lawrence, was videotaped and posted on Angell Animal Medical Center’s Facebook page. Papi spent many weeks at the center in Boston receiving rehabilitation and care. Watch the video here.

In the video, Papi shakes his non-existent tail, which had to be removed due to his injuries. The seven-pound dog also had most of his ears removed after receiving major surgery on July 10 to remove dead tissue from his back. Papi was burned along his back, nose and the inside of his mouth.

Read Patch’s story on Papi’s surgery and recovery.

The cost to rehabilitate Papi exceeded $10,000, but an anonymous donor had given $6,000 to help pay for the treatment.

The fire that caused Papi’s injuries was started by Graciano’s former girlfriend Yohanna Estrella, 4 Memorial Circle of Andover, who allegedly stabbed Graciano in the stomach and set her couch on fire, torching her home in the process. The fire also caused damages to the apartment building, causing tenants to be displaced and injuring three firefighters when a ceiling collapsed, the Eagle Tribune reported.

Estrella was charged with arson, assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault to murder.