Junior Johnson

Junior, Our Bright-Eyed Border Collie
Junior, a spirited and brilliant Border Collie, left us far too soon on October 15, 2025, at just 1.8 months old. Born on February 9, 2024, to his proud parents, Lady and Rusty, Junior filled the lives of his family with boundless energy, love, and unforgettable moments.
Junior was a true Border Collie, with a heart as big as the desert he loved to run in. His passion for catching frisbees and romping with his brother, Tipper, was matched only by his joy for car rides, where he'd gaze out at the wide-open desert roads, tail wagging. His intelligence was extraordinary-Junior quickly learned the words for "go for a run," "go for a ride," and "frisbee," and even caught on when his family tried spelling them to temper his excitement.
A gentle soul, Junior loved snuggling close, resting his head on a leg during TV shows, especially those featuring animals. His kind and selfless nature shone through as he always let his mom, Lady, and brother, Tipper, take treats before him, happy to share with his family. His presence brought warmth and laughter to every moment.
Tragically, Junior's life was cut short during a joyful run in the desert. While chasing adventure with his family, he encountered another group of dogs. In a heartbreaking misunderstanding, Junior was mistaken for a wild dog and was fatally shot. The incident, captured on a dash cam, showed Junior's final moments as he tried to retreat, only to collapse after being chased. The other dog owner, realizing his mistake, expressed deep remorse, having acted out of fear for his own dogs. Though forgiveness has been offered, the pain of losing Junior remains raw, felt deeply by his human family and his grieving canine family, especially his mother, Lady.
Junior is survived by his loving parents, Lady and Rusty, his brother Tipper, and his devoted human family. In his memory, we ask that you hug your pets a little tighter and cherish the moments you share, just as Junior did with us. Though his time was brief, Junior's intelligence, kindness, and zest for life left pawprints on our hearts that will never fade. Run free in the wide-open fields of the Rainbow Bridge, sweet Junior-until we meet again.