It is with a sad heart that I announce the passing of my beloved Jude. Jude was much more than a dog. He was a smart, talented, and dearly loved member of my family. Jude was born in October 2012, and we adopted each other in the fall of 2016. We quickly became best friends.

He loved to play Catch & Return with anybody willing to throw his tennis balls. He also loved to visit his cousins, Winnie and Lulu, even joining in with them when they would bark at nothing at all. He loved pillows, and was the BEST cuddler/snuggler/spooner. His favorite thing of all were bedtime belly rubs. There were some things he did not like, though. The beeping sound that smoke alarms make when their batteries are dying, and the sound of rubber-soled shoes screeching on the floor would make him spazz out!

He loved unconditionally, and he did it well. Many others experienced his capacity to love, and have shared such wonderful memories of him. Some of those include,

“My best memories of [Jude] are of his kindness and happiness. I don’t think I ever saw him angry. Always ready for a good time. Especially around mom’s crazy dogs. He would have a blast. We will miss you, Jude!�

“My best/favorite memory of Jude would be how sweet and well behaved he always was. I remember any time I ever looked at Jude, I thought and felt, ‘If dogs could be compassionate like humans, Jude would be the most compassionate person you’d ever meet.’ You could look in his eyes and tell he loved with his whole being, and he was so, so grateful to you for loving him back just as much.�

“Jude went from rocky and harsh beginnings to the life of a king! You gave him so much love and care and he truly loved you so much for it. He would look me straight in the eyes and I swear he was going to just talk to me! He was intelligent and quirky, but such a lover! Chase the ball, Judey!!!�

“I’d never say [Jude] was spoiled because that means harmed in character by being treated too leniently or indulgently. He was just loved, HARD! Given lots of attention and meaningful connection. He reciprocated everything!�

“I loved Jude’s side eye he would give while he was climbing up on the couch, knowing he wasn’t allowed up there, then would look at you with sad eyes when you tell him to get down. He was the goodest boy and would love to catch his ball for hours! He was so well behaved and loved getting some lovins. We are definitely going to miss Jude.�

“My favorite memory [of Jude] is teaching him to run wide receiver routes with a Frisbee.�

“Jude had such gentle eyes. So human like. He could speak to your heart without making a sound, and you just knew what he was saying. I loved watching him with you. He adored you! He was so clever, too. I watched him several times get himself unstuck from being wrapped around the tree while trying to fetch his ball, though sometimes he did need a savior to get him unstuck, and there you were.�

Jude has blessed my life with his goodness and unconditional love.

There will never be another one like my Jude. My Bubby. My Doodle.

Mama’s Best Boy.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28