wechs history
Justice's Story
Justice’s story began just days before Christmas in 2015, in a quiet patch of grass beside a Canadian Tire on Walker Road. On December 17, a Windsor man named Dean Cresswell was walking his two dogs, Bandit and Phoenix, when they noticed something terribly wrong. Lying motionless in the grass was a small dog—barely 13 pounds—his muzzle, paws, and neck tightly bound with electrical tape.
When Humane Society officers arrived, they found a dog who could not move, who was struggling to breathe, whose mouth and paws were dangerously swollen. He was rushed to a veterinarian immediately. The prognosis was grim: had he not been found when he was, he likely would not have survived more than a few more hours.
That dog was given a name that would come to mean so much to so many—Justice.
Even after the tape was removed, Justice could not stand. His mouth was severely damaged, his body weakened, and it soon became clear that the suffering he endured went far beyond what could be seen. In addition to the trauma caused by the tape, Justice had a pre-existing dental condition and was also battling heartworm, making every surgery a risk.
And yet—Justice fought.
Over the following days and weeks, he underwent multiple surgeries to remove dead tissue from his mouth and jaw and to repair the extensive damage. He required heavy pain medication, constant monitoring, and compassionate, day-by-day care from veterinary staff. Surgery after surgery followed—four in total—each one necessary, each one risky. Despite everything, Justice remained active, playful, and determined. He ate well. He wagged his tail. He reminded everyone caring for him that he was still here.
The swelling slowly went down. His strength slowly returned. And all the while, the community rallied around him—sending donations, supplies, and messages of hope. Justice knew he was loved.
In February 2016, another chapter of his story closed. The man responsible for binding Justice and leaving him to die pled guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. He was sentenced to two years in prison, three years of probation, and a 25-year ban on owning or living with animals—one of the strongest sentences of its kind at the time. Justice’s case mattered. His life mattered. And because of him, animal cruelty was taken seriously in a way that left a lasting impact.
Not long after, Justice had a special visitor: Dean, the man who had found him in that field. This time, Dean met a very different dog. Justice proudly showed off how far he’d come—playing, learning, and happily enjoying a toy Dean brought just for him.
By May 2016, after five months of healing, four surgeries, heartworm treatments, and countless hours of training and rehabilitation, Justice was finally ready for the next step: finding a home. He wasn’t a “simple” dog—he carried anxiety, hypervigilance, and a deep need for structure—but he was affectionate, intelligent, and eager to connect with people. With clicker training, patience, and love, Justice had learned confidence and self-control. All he needed now was the right family.
And in July 2016, that family found him.
Justice was adopted by people who understood his past—but more importantly, who saw his future. They gave him what he had always deserved: safety, routine, affection, and dignity. Updates over the years painted a picture of a dog who loved to cuddle, guarded his toys fiercely, tried to steal coffee when no one was looking, and filled his home with warmth and companionship.
In October 2021, at the age of 11, Justice crossed the Rainbow Bridge after a brief illness, surrounded by his family. His life began in cruelty, but it ended in love.
Justice was more than a survivor. He became a symbol—of resilience, of accountability, and of what is possible when a community refuses to look away. His spirit brought people together, changed conversations, and helped advocate for stronger protections for animals.
Rest in peace, sweet Justice.
You were loved. You mattered. And you will never be forgotten. 
