Judah the dog, who saved his owner from a shooter, needs urgent brain surgery

A dog who protected his owner during a domestic violence incident in late 2024 faces a new medical emergency. Judah, a seven-year-old dog, requires surgery to remove bullet fragments that have moved within his skull. The procedure is necessary to prevent permanent damage to his brain and eyes.

In November 2024, Lauren Wiggins was attempting to leave her home when her ex-fiancé grabbed a gun. He shot her in the leg. Judah attacked the man to intervene. The shooter then fired at the dog, hitting him in the head and shoulder. Wiggins stated that if she had taken two more shots, she likely would have died that night. She now walks with an orthotic device due to paralysis from the knee down on her right leg.

Veterinarians initially advised leaving the bullet fragments in Judah's head. They determined that extraction was too risky to perform immediately after the shooting. However, the dog recently developed swelling. A veterinarian confirmed that the fragments have shifted from their original positions. This movement creates serious medical risks if the metal remains lodged in the tissue. Wiggins explained that continued movement could cause the fragments to enter his brain or affect his vision.

The dog's owner is now turning to the community for financial help. Wiggins faces steep veterinary costs for the upcoming procedure and post-operative recovery. She launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover these expenses. Wiggins described Judah as her lifeline and her soul dog. She noted that without him, she likely would have crumbled during the aftermath of the shooting.

Wiggins expressed guilt in the early days after the incident. She felt responsible because Judah felt the need to save her. Now, her focus is on his physical recovery. The surgical team has determined that removal is the only option to stop the fragments from causing further harm. The campaign aims to fund the surgery and the care required afterward to ensure the dog survives the procedure.

The incident occurred in Seattle. Court documents from Wiggins' case detail the domestic violence event. The dog has lived with the fragments for nearly two years. The recent change in his condition prompted the new surgical recommendation. Wiggins is seeking donations to pay for the specialized veterinary care. The goal is to remove the metal before it causes irreversible damage to his cognitive or visual functions.