Exactly one year ago, a heart-wrenching scene unfolded in Ontario, Canada. A dog was found abandoned in a vacant lot near a tire store, her paws and muzzle cruelly wrapped in electrical tape. She was struggling to breathe, her mouth swollen, and her body weak from the immense pain she had endured. It seemed like the poor animal had only hours to live, but fate was on her side—she was discovered just in time.

The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society rushed to the scene, where they began the heroic task of saving the dog, who would later be named Justice. Her physical condition was dire, and she needed immediate medical care to survive. The rescue team worked tirelessly to stabilize her, but the story behind her abandonment was even more shocking.

It was soon revealed that Justice’s previous owner, a man whose granddaughter was allergic to pets, had decided to euthanize the 7-year-old dog simply because she was no longer wanted. Instead of properly seeking a new home for her, the owner handed her over to a friend, Michael Hill, with $60 to cover the cost of euthanasia. However, Hill had no intention of taking Justice to a shelter. Instead, he callously wrapped the dog in electrical tape and discarded her, hoping she would die on her own.

This act of cruelty shocked the community and prompted swift legal action. In February, Michael Hill was sentenced to two years in prison for his actions. In addition, he was given three years of probation and prohibited from owning or being near animals for 25 years. Ontario, known for having some of the strictest animal cruelty laws in Canada, delivered a punishment that many saw as just and necessary.

When Justice was brought to the vet, it was clear just how severe the situation was. She could barely breathe, and walking was a struggle. The deep, untreated scar on her muzzle, caused by the electrical tape, was a reminder of the suffering she had endured. For months, Justice underwent treatment and rehabilitation, slowly regaining her strength.

By June 2016, Justice was finally ready to start a new chapter in her life. She was adopted by a loving family that offered her the warmth and care she had long been denied. Despite the horrors of her past, Justice found peace and happiness in her new home, surrounded by love and safety.

To honor her journey and raise awareness about animal cruelty, the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society launched a unique fundraising initiative. They created a series of plush toy dogs resembling Justice, each one featuring a white scar on the face to symbolize the cruelty she endured. The toys are sold for $30 each, with all proceeds going towards rescuing and rehabilitating abused animals.

Justice’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the cruelty that some animals face but also highlights the incredible strength and resilience that can lead to transformation. From the brink of death to a life full of love, Justice is proof that even the most mistreated animals can heal and thrive with the right care and compassion.

Let Justice’s story inspire us all to stand up against animal cruelty and support those who work tirelessly to protect and save lives. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of animals who need us most.