Julie was a rescue dog who was always grateful to be adopted. Sweet and quiet, she never knew how to play. Her muzzle was scarred from the previous home, a boarding kennel whose owners left dogs to be destroyed when they sold it. I can’t imagine her life.

Amber and Serena were alive when she came. Amber killed her with kindness and Serena now had a playmate. She adjusted quickly to our pack. When Serena died suddenly, Julie and I were left to bumble along.

Three months later, Rufus came and Julie had a new mission: educate The Kid. An angel puppy from the beginning when we arrived a three months, there was little Julie had to do. Despite this, she would periodically get him by the neck and pin him to the ground. Later it would be a low growl and lip curled over one eye tooth. Alpha bitch sleeps wherever she wants. So did Julie. A low growl and Rufus would vacate the dog bed. He slept in a crate because Julie couldn’t tolerate a dog walking past while she slept. Demons from her past, no doubt. So, to honor her and spare Rufus, he slept in a crate until she died.

She died in her sleep. Even her death was no trouble. She enjoyed her time with me. At Karenthia she found a little bit of heaven. Rufus and I miss her still.