MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A rescue group hosted a pizza party fundraiser on Thursday for a dog who was beaten outside a Tennessee restaurant in March.
Tails of Hope Dog Rescue hosted a fundraiser pizza party for Brixie the dog at Mellow Mushroom in Germantown.
The nonprofit organization said it raised around $3,000 to support Brixie’s surgical fund from selling “Brixie Pizza Party” shirts, sweatshirts, magnets and a pizza peel.
Justin Johnson, 34, is wanted for aggravated animal cruelty, stemming from an incident that occurred on March 27.
Police said a man was captured on camera at a local restaurant striking a dog in the backseat of a vehicle. The video showed the man abusing the dog and the dog crying out in pain. The suspect left the scene with the dog in a white Kia.
The next day, the Memphis Police Department launched an investigation in conjunction with the Memphis Animal Shelter.
On March 29, an investigator determined that the man responsible was Justin Johnson.
The dog, previously named Brixleigh, was taken to Raines Station and given to the police.
Tails of Hope told NewsNation affiliate WREG in April that Brixie had fractures in both of her femoral heads, or the “ball” part of her hip joints, a human bite mark on her ear and lacerations on her body.
The rescue group said the fracture to her left femoral head was an old injury, and the break to the right femoral head was new, likely the result of the recent beating.
Surgery to repair the damage and physical therapy for Brixie will cost just under $8,000.
Brixie also needed 20 stitches to close the wound on her ear.
Tails of Hope has set up two fundraising pages, Brixie Brixie’s Cuddly Fundraiser & Wishlist and Brixie’s Recovery Room. It has raised more than $6,000 for the dog in April.
Memphis police are still looking for Justin Johnson.