Justice

Died February 5th, 2005

Justice

On September 11, 2001, while planes were crashing into buildings and killing many people, a gentle elder Golden with health problems awaited euthanasia in a shelter in Slidell, LA. Maybe all the killing took its toll on the staff who couldn’t perform their dreaded work duties. No one really knows, but a nice lady working with a Golden Retriever Rescue – Old Gold – saw this treasure and brought him to Jim Butts’ to see if he could get a second chance at a good life. Although he had a large tumor hanging from his underside, he radiated incredible warmth and love. He was named Justice.

The vet examined the gross exterior tumor and also tested him for heartworms – positive on that, too. While performing the removal of the tumor, testicular cancer was diagnosed but all traces were removed in the surgery. Justice recovered nicely from the surgery and began his recovery at Jim’s house. He was posted on the Rescue’s web site where I found him. I was awed by his regal and benevolent attitude but I had three dogs at home so I became his sponsor. His story was quite lengthy and I would check out the web page daily to see how he was doing. When I read that his hearing and sight were going, I knew I had to bring him home and let him settle into a forever home where he would be safe and loved for the rest of his life. So on December 15th, 2001, Justice made the trip east along with a younger Golden that went to Florida to become a policeman’s dog and teach kids about drugs.

From the moment Justice arrived, he blended in like he always lived with us. At first he was aloof asking for nothing but a place to live. Gradually he warmed up and would rest his head on my knee and look into my eyes. His sight was still okay and he watched me and learned sign language because he could only hear a few sounds. After many months, I realized that I had never used the word “no” with him because he never did anything wrong! He stayed near me inside the house and outside but never demanded much attention. When he received it, he was truly pleased.

Justice always greeted me with a warm smile and sometimes would bound across the room full of joy. He seemed totally happy with life. I can’t believe his earlier life was anything but good. The fact that it didn’t last his lifetime was probably just a twist of fate. Then again, the true Golden Retriever, lives in the present, doesn’t judge or condemn others but seeks to please and share his love.

On February 5th, 2005, Justice went to the Rainbow Bridge where he could run and play again. I will always remember the time of Justice.

Julie, Shooter, KoKo, Stormee, Deon & Buddy
Ashley, Morgan and Quinn at The Bridge