Dear Friends,
It’s with a heavy heart I write today that our beloved dog, and Ruscombe’s “house dog”, Justice “Juice” Cullen crossed that Rainbow Bridge on Friday, June 13th. He passed peacefully here at home, in my arms and surrounded by his grandma, Chris, Betty, and lots of plants. Blueberry muffins and steak were served.
There are no words that could capture the awesomeness that Juice was/is, and yet I could write forever about all the ways he made Earth a better place just by being in it. Here’s just a little about “Mr. Juice” …
Juice lived to be 18 – 20 years old and was 4 – 6 when he came into my life. I had no idea when I walked into work at the MDSPCA that morning 15 years ago that my Soul-Dog would show up, thanks to a good Samaritan who heard him crying in an alley in East Baltimore and brought him in. That crazy voice he had (if you heard it, you know!) would up being his saving grace!
Juice and I had many, many adventures, through many seasons of life together, and while I have had many wonderful dogs in my life, Juice was absolutely singular. He worked as a foster dad for the MDSPCA once I adopted him and helped me raise countless puppies and kittens until they were old enough to find forever homes. He visited hospitals as a “snuggle ambassador” and brought much joy thanks to his “donkey ears” and tender personality. He helped my nephews learn to walk, never flinching as tiny hands grabbed at ears and fur to pull themselves up. He ran for Mayor of Baltimore once. He performed with various bands and in a burlesque act! He once ate 50 lbs of gravel and never needed veterinarian intervention (although the neighbor’s driveway needed an intervention after that…)
He LOVED everyone.
And he loved Ruscombe: SO much yard! So many new friends! He was by our side as we made repairs, worked in the garden, attended meetings, decorated for the holidays, and he enjoyed chewing his bone in front of the Mansion fireplace – he knew he had retired in style.
Thank you to everyone who ever gave him a pet, tossed him a bite of their lunch, or simply smiled at him. He truly loved everyone, and we are deeply grateful his final years were here.
Thank you for your understanding as Chris, Betty & I process this deep loss to our family.
Summer, Chris & Betty