When a heartbreaking video began making the rounds online earlier this year, animal lovers across the country were left stunned. The footage showed a man inside a parked car violently striking a helpless puppy seated in the backseat.
The reason? The dog had eaten his pizza.
That puppy was later identified as Brixie. She was just eight months old at the time. The video sparked outrage in Memphis and beyond. Witnesses were horrified, and thanks to social media tips, police were able to identify the suspect as 34-year-old Justin Johnson.
Authorities have since issued a warrant for his arrest on charges of aggravated animal cruelty. As of now, he has not been found.
A Long List Of Injuries
Shortly after the incident, Brixie was taken in by Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, a nonprofit organization based in Memphis, Tennessee. The team immediately began her long recovery.
The physical toll on Brixie was immense. She suffered from broken bones in both hips. One was an old untreated injury, and the other was likely caused by the most recent attack.
Her body was covered in painful lacerations, and rescuers found a human bite mark on her ear that required 20 stitches. On top of everything, she later tested positive for two tick-borne diseases.
Even with all this trauma, Brixie’s story is also one of resilience, love, and overwhelming support from a caring community.
A Rescue Group Steps In To Help
Along with medical treatment and physical therapy, they gave her something she had never truly known before: compassion, safety, and affection.
Last week, Brixie finally got a joyful moment she could call her own.
Tails of Hope organized a pizza party in her honor. It was held at Mellow Mushroom in Germantown and welcomed the public to join in. The event was both a celebration and a fundraiser to help cover the costs of Brixie’s medical care.
Local businesses, including Hollywood Feed, helped sponsor the special day.
Visitors came to meet Brixie, take photos, and purchase exclusive merchandise inspired by her story. Items included shirts, magnets, and pizza peels. The event raised around $3,000.
That amount will help pay for Brixie’s surgeries and ongoing care. Her total medical costs are estimated to be close to $8,000. You can also help to donate HERE.
One Step Closer To A New Life
While Brixie enjoyed the pizza and attention, her presence reminded everyone of something greater. Even when cruelty and injustice seem overwhelming, kindness can still shine through.
According to her caretakers, Brixie has one more surgery ahead, along with more physical therapy. She is not yet ready for adoption, but her rescuers say she continues to recover well. Her tail never stops wagging, and she greets everyone with soft kisses and gentle eyes.
“She has been through unthinkable cruelty,” the rescue team shared. “But she is still full of love. No creature deserves what happened to her.”
A Brighter Future Ahead
Brixie’s journey has touched the hearts of many, and her story is still unfolding. For now, she is safe, loved, and surrounded by people who are giving her the second chance she always deserved. And yes, there’s a little extra pizza just for her.