In Memoriam: Julio (Baby) Williams (c. 2012 – March 23, 2023)

Julio — The Playful Heart of the Chimigos

Julio was our explorer and charmer. His long tongue made him instantly unforgettable, and his curious spirit made him everyone’s favorite. Always ready for adventure, always ready to answer our call.

We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have found Alberto through OC Pound Hounds — and equally blessed to have crossed paths with Michele, whose compassion and philosophy resonated so deeply with us. So when Kimber later spotted a tiny black Chihuahua on their website, it felt like fate calling again. The visit was brief, but unforgettable. She returned home not only with a new companion, but with the final piece of a trio that would come to mean everything. In that moment, The Three Chimigos were born.

Julio had been discovered by Michele in an Orange County shelter. Barely a year old, pure black, underweight at only three pounds, and walking with a noticeable limp, he was one of the most vulnerable little souls she had seen. She couldn’t leave him behind. Once he was strong enough, surgery restored much of his mobility — and when she learned we had already adopted his “brother” Alberto, she knew where Julio belonged. Michele reminded us that black Chihuahuas are often the hardest to place, but for us it was love at first sight.

Though Robin’s Nest was still just a dream in Kimber’s heart, the mission was already clear: to create a place where second chances weren’t just possible — they were promised. Julio’s first ride home ended with him being welcomed by Lily and Alberto, completing the family that would inspire Robin’s Nest Rescue.

Julio quickly became everyone’s favorite. Always cheerful, bouncing from room to room with his signature hop, he radiated joy. As the youngest of the Chimigos, he was our “baby” — playful, mischievous, and full of light. His bright spirit had a way of stealing the spotlight wherever he went, leaving smiles in his wake.

That’s why his sudden illness was so devastating. When Julio was diagnosed with kidney disease, we held on with hope, doing everything possible — including specialized treatment and care. But after only a few short months, we faced the unthinkable: there was nothing more that could be done. His passing left us shattered.

Michele — now leading One Good Last Home Dog Sanctuary & Hospice — often reminds us that sudden goodbyes are the hardest. She is right. And yet, Julio’s legacy is joy, resilience, and unconditional love. His memory is forever woven into the fabric of Robin’s Nest, and though we miss him every day, he continues to light our path.

Julio, Our Sunshine

On this day two years ago, we lost our sunshine,

Your smile went away and our lives seemed forever gray.

A decade ago your Mama Michelle saved you.

You were thrown away, tiny and lost and sick

But she saved you.

Then Mommy found you and brought you home.

With a hop and a skip you wiggled your way

Right into our lives to stay.

You were a favorite right from the start!

With your joy and sunny disposition,

You were everyone’s prescription.

To Mommy, you were always Baby, 

And you climbed on Nana’s shoulder to snuggle,

To us, you were never in trouble.

You loved going to Texas to visit,

Then Aunt Karin, Nick, Xavier and Apollo came long,

All adding to your fan club throng. 

Without you our cherished Three Chimigos could never have been,

And now they will be forever in our home, our hearts, our sky.

On this day two years ago, we thought we lost our sunshine.

But we see you in the warm California rays, 

We see you in the green clover and the purple haze.

All because you’re in our hearts to stay

Forever.

 

- Dr. Sue original, 03/23/23 Robin’s Nest Ranch