Judi’s Journey: Brooklyn Bulldog Needs Funds

Judi was just diagnosed with Kidney Failure and we are heartbroken…. We are grateful for donations to help to pay for her medicine, care & comfort.

On March 3rd, 2022, this frail, terrified, emaciated dog stumbled into our lives. Her spirit was broken and tired. After surviving being abandoned on a highway in the Bronx, we could only imagine what her journey must have been. What we do know through the vet is that it appears she was about 8 years old and used for breeding purposes. Prior to being rescued, she had her last litter, leaving her extremely underweight and horrified by the simplest sound of a car or truck driving by.

(Left) Judi the day she was found on a highway in the Bronx

(Right) Judi on a walk along Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn

It was our hope that in our home, partnered with Bobby (our pittie lab), Marlowe the cat, and two excited humans unsure of what they were getting themselves into, we could bring her back to health or, at the very least, bring her some comfort. To our surprise, this little girl quickly took to our home. She found a big brother in Bobby, who she trusted, followed, and used as a warm pillow for naps... a cat that she would look at in curious wonder, and two humans that enjoyed dressing her up with shirts, sweaters, or hats and who enjoyed watching her eat more than she enjoyed food herself. She found the puppy in herself again, having the occasional zoomies and all the charming and endearing traits of bulldogs. Of course, she was a "foster fail".

Judi and Bobby snuggled on the couch

But most of all, she’s been a lesson in love and forgiveness. We don’t know to what extent she was abused, but what we do know is how quickly she forgave humans and learned to trust and exude love and happiness. This undoubtedly is not a unique trait to this dog, but we celebrate every day "Momma", aka Judi, shares her journey with us.

Judi finding rest on Brian after returning home from hospital

That journey has now brought us here. Two weeks ago, on an occasional vet visit, Judi had blood work done that brought us the sad news that she is in chronic renal failure. Doctors wanted to check her in for multiple days of hydration and tests, but only in an effort to determine the cause. The outcome regardless would be grim. As Judi had made so much progress being that trusting, happy dog, we couldn’t bare the thought of her spending so many days in fear and anxiety similar to how we found her—especially when the prognosis would not change much after her hospital stay. So we have opted to take a more hospice-style approach.

Judi’s “puppy glow” continues to shine bright, and we intend to bring her as much comfort and support as possible, surrounded by Bobby, Marlowe, her humans, friends, and strangers that cross her path. The dog found on that highway in the Bronx is not the dog we have with us today. She’s taken a 6-month journey with us down a “runway”, trotting around, wagging her tail, wearing silly outfits, and finding that “puppy glow”.

Judi resting on Brian in the car home after being rescued

The stark contrast of Judi’s life before and after being found on the highway tells us she might act like a puppy until her very last moments... We want to make them as comfortable and loving as possible. We want her to see sunsets, feel the sand under her paws, and share as much joy as she has brought us. We trust that when her puppy glow dims, she will let us know. Until then, we will do all we can to make her comfortable and could use your help. Though Judi never walked a literal runway, she has certainly made a runway into the hearts of those she has met and especially those she has let help her in her last days.

Funds raised will help us offset the costs of:

Initial hospitalization

Veterinary visits

Bi-weekly blood work

Kidney Food Diet

Anti-Nauseau Meds

Appetite Stimulant Meds

Phosphate Binder Meds

Antibiotics

Subcutaneous Liquids and Supplies

Kidney-Diet Friendly Treats

Future Meds/Lab Work/Vet Visits as Needed

Cremation / Euthanasia

Any funds in excess/left over once Judi has crossed the rainbow bridge will be donated in Judi’s name.