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When I first heard Brixie’s story, I had to pause.
Some stories are hard to process because they reveal the worst parts of humanity. But sometimes, those same stories also uncover the very best. Brixie’s journey is one of those heartbreaking yet hopeful reminders that even after unimaginable cruelty, love can still win.
This is the story of a puppy who was punished for eating pizza—and later celebrated with a pizza party of her own.
Earlier this year, a disturbing video began circulating online. The footage showed a man inside a parked car striking a small puppy sitting helplessly in the backseat.
The reason was almost impossible to comprehend.
She had eaten his pizza.
That puppy was Brixie, only eight months old at the time. Just a baby. A curious, food-loving puppy who didn’t understand rules about slices left unattended.
The video quickly sparked outrage throughout Memphis and far beyond. People were horrified by what they saw. Strangers who had never met Brixie felt protective of her instantly.
Thanks to tips shared through social media, authorities were able to identify the suspect as 34-year-old Justin Johnson. A warrant was issued for his arrest on charges of aggravated animal cruelty. As of now, he has not been located.
But while the legal process continues, Brixie’s real battle was just beginning.
Source: Tails of Hope Dog Rescue
The Devastating Injuries Brixie Had to Endure
Shortly after the incident, Brixie was taken in by Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, a nonprofit organization based in Memphis, Tennessee. That moment marked the beginning of her long road to recovery.
The physical damage she suffered was severe.
Veterinarians discovered broken bones in both of her hips. One injury was old and had never been treated. The other was believed to have resulted from the most recent attack.
Her body was covered in painful lacerations. Perhaps even more heartbreaking, rescuers found a human bite mark on her ear that required 20 stitches to close.
As if that weren’t enough, Brixie later tested positive for two tick-borne diseases.
It was overwhelming to comprehend how much suffering such a young puppy had endured. And yet, despite everything, she continued to wag her tail.
That detail says more about her spirit than anything else.
Source: Tails of Hope Dog Rescue
Tails of Hope Dog Rescue Steps In
When Brixie arrived at Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, she didn’t just receive medical attention. She was given something she may never have fully experienced before—compassion.
The rescue team immediately began coordinating surgeries, treatment plans, and physical therapy. Her care would be extensive, and the cost significant. Her total medical expenses were estimated to be close to $8,000.
But for the team, the focus wasn’t on the price tag.
It was on Brixie’s comfort.
Her healing.
Her chance at a life that felt safe.
Alongside surgeries and medications, she received gentle hands, soothing voices, and a soft place to rest. The kind of everyday kindness that slowly rebuilds trust.
Recovery from physical trauma is one thing. Healing from emotional pain is another. Yet Brixie seemed determined to move forward.
Her caretakers described her as affectionate, greeting people with soft kisses and gentle eyes. Even after everything she had endured, she remained full of love.
Source:
Tayler Phillips
Turning Pain Into Purpose: Brixie’s Pizza Party
Last week, something beautiful happened.
Instead of being remembered only for the cruelty she survived, Brixie became the guest of honor at a celebration created just for her.
Tails of Hope organized a pizza party in her name at Mellow Mushroom in Germantown. The event was open to the public and served two important purposes: to celebrate Brixie’s resilience and to raise funds for her ongoing medical care.
There was something poetic about it.
A puppy once punished over pizza was now surrounded by people who showed up because of it.
Local businesses stepped up to help make the event special. Hollywood Feed was among the sponsors supporting the day. Visitors came eager to meet Brixie in person, to see for themselves the dog whose story had touched so many hearts.
Source: Tails of Hope Dog Rescue
Guests took photos with her. They purchased exclusive merchandise inspired by her journey—shirts, magnets, even pizza peels designed in her honor.
By the end of the event, approximately $3,000 had been raised.
That money will help cover her surgeries and continued therapy. While it doesn’t erase what happened, it does represent something powerful: collective compassion.
People who had never met Brixie before cared enough to show up, donate, and stand behind her recovery.
For a dog who once sat frightened in the backseat of a car, that transformation is extraordinary.
Source: Tails of Hope Dog Rescue
One More Surgery and a Brighter Tomorrow
Brixie’s journey isn’t over yet.
According to her caretakers, she still has one more surgery ahead of her, along with additional physical therapy. She is not yet ready for adoption, as her body continues to heal.
But every update about her brings hope.
Her tail wags constantly.
She greets new faces with curiosity rather than fear.
She leans into affection instead of shrinking away.
“She has been through unthinkable cruelty,” the rescue team shared. “But she is still full of love. No creature deserves what happened to her.”
That statement lingers.
No creature deserves that kind of pain. And yet, Brixie’s response has been remarkable. She hasn’t allowed cruelty to define her.
Instead, she has become a symbol of resilience.
Source:
Tayler Phillips
The Power of Second Chances
What strikes me most about Brixie’s story is not just the tragedy—but the turnaround.
Cruelty sparked outrage. Outrage sparked action. Action led to rescue. Rescue led to healing. Healing led to celebration.
Her pizza party wasn’t just a fundraiser. It was a statement.
It was proof that even when injustice feels overwhelming, kindness can rise louder.
It was a reminder that communities can rally around the vulnerable.
And it was a promise that Brixie’s future will look nothing like her past.
Today, she is safe.
She is surrounded by people who advocate for her well-being.
She is receiving the medical care she needs.
And yes, there’s a little extra pizza just for her.
Brixie’s Story Is Still Being Written
Right now, Brixie remains under the loving care of Tails of Hope Dog Rescue. Adoption will come later, once her final surgery and rehabilitation are complete.
Her story continues to unfold, and so many people are watching with hope.
What began as a shocking video has transformed into something much bigger—a movement of support, accountability, and compassion.
Brixie’s journey reminds us that while cruelty exists, it does not get the final word.
Love does.
And for a puppy who was once hurt over a slice of pizza, being celebrated with a room full of smiling faces and open hearts feels like the sweetest victory of all.
