Upon the Dog – Juicee’s arrival at Austin Animal Center in June 2022, the compassionate staff and devoted volunteers assumed she was just another lost soul. With no microchip or identification tags to be found, Juicee was placed on a three-day stray hold before becoming eligible for adoption.
Despite spending more than 300 heartfelt days at the shelter without any adoption inquiries, a glimmer of hope emerged when Juicee’s picture was lovingly shared on Austin Animal Center’s Facebook page, seeking a forever family for her.
“Juicee was in wonderful condition when she first graced our doors,” Kelsey Cler, the caring marketing and communications manager for Austin Animal Center, shared with The Dodo. “She was initially wary of strangers and displayed a touch of sensitivity. Her demeanor in the kennel didn’t help her cause, which led to her prolonged stay.”
As time went on, Juicee’s trust blossomed within the shelter’s nurturing environment. “She had a dedicated group of volunteers who tenderly cared for her, and she showered them with love once she got to know them,” Cler warmly recalled. Juicee also found joy in playfully interacting with her fellow canine companions at the shelter.
Nevertheless, the devoted staff at the shelter yearned for Juicee to find a loving home to call her own. When her photo appeared on social media, they held their breath, hoping the perfect family would be touched by her story. Miraculously, their prayers were answered.
A year prior, Juicee’s heartbroken family had been informed by a neighbor that their beloved dog had tragically passed away. “There can be quite a bit of bias surrounding pit bull ownership,” Cler explained.
“We can only guess why the neighbor didn’t want Juicee reunited with her loving family.” Eventually, the family moved to Miami, but one member remained connected to a Facebook group called Cubanos de Austin, where Juicee’s photo miraculously appeared.
Overwhelmed with joy upon discovering their cherished dog was still alive, the family wasted no time, embarking on an emotional 20-hour journey to Austin to reunite with their long-lost fur baby.
You can witness their tear-jerking reunion here:
“Juicee was absolutely ELATED!” Cler exclaimed, recalling the heartwarming scene. “There was not an ounce of hesitation or touch sensitivity with her family – she smothered them with love, and they showered her with affection.”
During the reunion, Juicee’s family was in awe. “They just couldn’t fathom it,” Cler shared. “They truly believed she was gone forever. Tears flowed abundantly as they prepared to head straight back to Miami with her.”
Now, Juicee is savoring every moment, making up for lost time and basking in the happiness of being reunited with the family who loves her unconditionally.
