“Tell someone you love them today!”

It’s fascinating how joy and grief can coexist in the same space. A couple of days before my 25th birthday, we lost our beloved Justice unexpectedly. Justice was the missing puzzle piece in our lives. When we moved into our brand-new home, Justice was one of our first orders of business.  I was about 14 when Justice came into our lives, and I just remember feeling disbelief and excitement that we were now that family with a dog … a Labradoodle at that. During the 2010s I honestly had never seen another Black family with a dog besides the Obamas. I was over the moon; we were literally just like the Obamas! 

Justice was the sweetest, most caring, and most loving girl. I’m just so thankful for our time together and the lessons she has bestowed upon me. I literally don’t even like dogs! Any dog that isn’t Justice, I’m like, "Don't even come my way." The house certainly does feel different without her. We have people ringing the doorbell without a warning bark that someone is approaching and squirrels all over the patio. Sometimes I swear I hear her padding up the steps or through the kitchen. I do know for a fact Justice would not want us to be moping around but to be appreciative of our time together and appreciate every. Little. Thing. As she did on our 10-minute walks that somehow turned into 30, because she wanted to look, sniff, or paw everything that intrigued her. Justice was a master at being present where she was and enjoying life around her. I believe that is the main message for my 25th year of life. Enjoy this season, as I’ll never be 25 again. Stop, look around, and be present exactly where you are. You never know when something can change. Justice was a member of the Bowser Bunch and will forever be remembered. Tell someone you love them today! 

Warmly,

Madison Louise