Judah did something extraordinary when his mom, Lauren Wiggins, was in danger. The loyal dog rushed to protect her during a shooting at her apartment in Shoreline, Washington, in November 2024, putting himself directly in harm’s way. Lauren believes his quick actions saved her life, but Judah was seriously injured while defending her. Nearly two years later, the seven-year-old dog is facing another difficult challenge as bullet fragments left in his head have begun shifting, making surgery necessary to protect his health.
For Lauren, Judah is much more than a beloved companion. He helped her survive one of the most frightening experiences of her life, and now she is determined to give him the medical care he needs. With the cost of surgery and recovery becoming a major financial burden, she is turning to the community for help.
Judah Rushed to Protect Lauren When She Needed Him Most
In November 2024, Lauren was attempting to leave her apartment when her former fiancé, Garren Hunter, shot her twice. One bullet struck her leg, while another hit near her pelvis. Lauren’s father was speaking with her on the phone when the incident unfolded. According to court documents, he heard Hunter threaten his daughter before hearing gunshots and Lauren crying out that she had been shot.
But Lauren was not alone. Judah immediately intervened, biting Hunter on the ear in an effort to protect her. Hunter then shot Judah in the head. Despite the injuries both Lauren and her dog suffered, their encounter ended with Lauren surviving.
Neighbors discovered Lauren bleeding in the hallway and called 911. Deputies from the Shoreline Police Department later arrested Hunter. Lauren believes Judah’s intervention prevented her from being shot again.
“If I had gotten two extra shots to me, I would’ve died that night,” Lauren said.
She also admitted struggling with guilt over the injuries Judah suffered while protecting her. His actions saved her, but they left him with a serious medical problem that continues to affect him.
A New Health Concern Threatens Judah’s Future
After the shooting, veterinarians discovered bullet fragments lodged in Judah’s head. Removing them immediately was considered too dangerous, so the veterinary team recommended leaving them in place. For a time, that remained the safest option. However, Judah recently developed swelling in his head, prompting another veterinary examination.
The veterinarian confirmed that the fragments had shifted, raising concerns about further complications. If they continue moving, they could affect critical structures in his head.
“If the fragments that have already shifted kept on moving around, it could go to his brain,” Lauren explained. “It could affect his eyes, and I don’t want that to happen to him. He doesn’t deserve that.”
Veterinarians have now determined that Judah needs surgery to remove the fragments and reduce the risk of permanent brain damage or vision loss.
Lauren Is Fighting to Give Her Hero the Care He Needs
Lauren continues to live with injuries from the shooting. She is paralyzed from the knee down in her right leg and uses an orthotic device to help her walk. Through the challenges that followed, Judah has remained an important source of companionship and emotional support.
“He’s literally my lifeline,” Lauren said. “Without him, I probably would’ve crumbled and fallen apart.”
She describes Judah as her soul dog, a companion whose importance in her life is difficult to put into words. Now, the same dog who stepped in when she needed protection is depending on her to arrange his treatment. The upcoming operation and postoperative recovery are expected to be expensive. To help cover the veterinary bills, Lauren has established a GoFundMe campaign dedicated to Judah’s medical care.
A Special Bond That Continues Through Recovery
The criminal case against Hunter has also moved forward. Initially charged with first-degree assault, he later pleaded guilty to third-degree assault with a firearm enhancement.
King County Judge Patrick Oishi sentenced him to 20 months in prison. Following his release, Hunter was placed under Department of Corrections supervision, with conditions including no contact with Lauren and continued mental health treatment.
Senior Deputy Prosecutor David Martin explained that Hunter had experienced a severe psychiatric episode before the shooting, which complicated the legal proceedings.
For Lauren, the immediate priority now is Judah’s health. His upcoming surgery represents an important step toward preventing further complications from the injuries he sustained while protecting her.
Judah’s recovery after the operation has yet to be confirmed, and Lauren is still seeking help with the cost of his care. What remains clear is how deeply she treasures the dog who stood beside her during her darkest moment.
“He really is my soul dog, he’s literally everything to me,” she said.
Toledo, United States.