At the start of 2025, a 14-month-old Terrier blend experienced an ordeal that no dog ever wants to live through — her owner passed away. In what seemed to be an instant, Juno’s entire world vanished, and fate set her on a path to tackle the unknown alone.
Only, Juno wouldn’t have to face the next chapter of her life by herself. Before she passed, Juno’s owner enrolled her beloved dog in Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Pet Guardianship program. This program ensured that, once Juno’s owner passed, the 14-month-old terrier had both a safe and loving facility to go to, and a shot at finding a new family to care for her.
Juno quickly won the hearts and minds of everyone at the Center. Despite the tragedy she experienced, she maintained an infectious energy that filled the animal care staff with joy. They discovered she has a gentle nature, despite her absolutely jacked form. She revealed herself as an absolute cuddle bug. When the staff took her on walks, she strolled along with ease and an elegant gait. She thrived in the field playing fetch with the Center’s staff, and everyone thought it wouldn’t take long before she started her next chapter.
But Juno’s next chapter didn’t come quickly. For weeks she sat in the Center’s kennels, watching as potential adopters passed her by.
“A lot of people who come in want a puppy,” Adoptions Client Services Manager Rachel Hollenbeck said. “They don’t want a full grown dog like Juno.”
As the days grew longer and warmer, Juno’s hopes of finding a forever family grew smaller and smaller.
But then, in mid May, a family came into the Center and immediately fell in love with the now 18-month-old terrier blend. Without even taking a night to sleep on it, they knew Juno was the addition their family needed. They took her home May 12th. Within a day, Juno had already acclimated to her new family. They said she’s incredibly gentle with the little girls and gets along great with their resident pet. She’s been getting the love she’s always deserved ever since!
