11/06/2025
Next time you walk your dog - slow down
For them, it's not just a walk - it's their way of exploring the world.
A simple reminder that brings tears to our eyes as we share the recent passing of our sweet Justice Petey. For most dogs a simple daily walk may be a necessity to expend energy and a habit for humans but for our sweet Justice his walks with many friends were so very much more. Justice Petey came to our rescue from El Dorado, Arkansas in Jan of 2025. He had severe HW and was not able to play or even walk outside without passing out if he walked far, got excited or stood up quickly. The shelter advocated for him due to his amazing goofy personality but wasn't sure if he would even make it through his HW treatments. We said yes to taking him in under our hospice program not knowing if the damage to his sweet loving pitty heart was too severe but we were willing to try ensuring he was in a fospice home and not a shelter. When his forever foster first saw his picture, she immediately wanted to give him the loving comfortable last chapter, very much aware that we had many unknowns about Justices care. Justice Petey arrived with his long list of medical concerns and our dedicated team at the Bond Between Vetting Center along with his fospice mom created an amazing care plan that always focused on his Quality of life. Each vetting visit, heartworm treatment and check up had Justice walking in the doors with his wiggle butt and happy pitty smile and his amazing fospice mom quickly in tow. Literally, in tow. Each month he gained strength, energy and the ability to go farther than the back door and right back in. He still had his fainting moments but they were less as less as his fospice mom advocated for a raised food and water bowl so he did not have to eat while laying down. He got a unique but amazing No Pull Dog Harness and Leash Set that minimized any pressure on his neck while walking. Truly a lifesaver for him and anyone on the end of that leash. And with the loving support of a few close by volunteers, Justice got many more walks in around his loved neighborhood. And if you ever saw this 60lb boy carrying around one of his favorite toys on a walk, you certainly would have stopped and cheered him on. His walk radius was not wide but each step was truly a gift for a sweet boy that just last year could not walk more than 10 feet before being exhausted from Severe HW.
His heart was certainly damaged but each month Justice Petey was able to feel better. He came to a few Hospice playdates and LOVED meeting other dogs and eating pup cups. And he loved a few staycations with foster friends. Recently he was having difficulty keeping things down, inappetence and was declining quickly. Unfortunately a mass in his abdomen metastasized to his lungs was found. He was able to go home with supportive care and peacefully pass surrounded by loving hands with the assistance of MNPets. Please keep his fospice mom in your thoughts for her house feels too quiet and empty without her giant goofball. In her words, a few memories about Justy:
JP always needed a stuffed animal in his mouth during walks 😄. Brought a lot of smiles from people walking past and even driving!!!! He dropped them when sniffing trees etc and neighbors knew we’d collect them later. As his medical and physical needs were met, his emotional needs came to the forefront and he cuddled as close as possible for as long as possible. Walking, cuddling, and laying in the sun brought calm to his anxiety. JP loved playing with his 2 yo sister. She’s missing his play! He even made friends with our senior cat. His love filled the house ❤️.
Thank you to the amazing The Bond Between Veterinary Center, his loving temp foster , volunteers who walked Justice and his forever fospice mom for Justice had an amazing 10+ months. He never knew he was different, didnt wallow in what he couldnt do but certainly enjoyed every moment, every adventure knowing he was loved. He lived life to the fullest each day he could like there was no tomorrow. No regrets, just Love.
