Judge the Pit BullNeeds Skin Grafts

NEWSTRACKER: canine fire survivor still needs skin grafts

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

The Record

What's new: Judge, the pit bull who barely survived a fire that destroyed his family home in Riverdale, needs more skin grafts to heal the severe burns over half his body.

"The skin was stretched so thin in places that it ripped," Symone Negrini, the dog's owner, said of prior grafts.

But that didn't stop the courageous pup, who has captured the community's hearts, from making a guest appearance on the "Rachael Ray" show to be aired July 15 at 10 a.m. on Channel 7.

"He really loved her and was so well behaved," said Negrini, on leave from her job as an animal control officer in Bloomingdale.

Rescued from the fighting ring, the 5-year-old pit bull is helping now to rescue the family as it rebounds. "Judge is the one who has kept our spirits up, the one who inspires us," said Negrini. "He's the reason we get up in the morning because he needs us. He's the one who puts smiles on our faces, and not much does lately."

Background: Fabrizio and Symone and their four children, ages 7 to 13, miss the nine pets that perished in the Feb. 10, 2009, fire. Living in a rental home, they wait for their insurance company's OK to rebuild — "The children are still having a very rough time because they want to go home," Negrini said.

She applies antibiotic cream to Judge's wounds every day and covers them with a clean T-shirt that he'll need for life.

"Skin would fall off in my hand, but he has never flinched, never got angry, never growled or tried to get away," she said of her "miracle dog."

Fund-raisers helped pay for Judge's skin grafts and knee surgery — more than $23,000. But money is needed more than ever. "Everything we have goes for him," Negrini said. "We don't have a dime."

What's next: A motorcycle run fund-raiser for Judge's skin grafts is planned for Saturday starting at 9 a.m. at the Oakland Elks Lodge, 33 Ramapo Valley Road. Hot dogs and beverages will follow in the pavilion behind the lodge.

Donations for Judge and his family may be sent to the Negrini Family Fire Fund, Lakeland Bank, 28 Main St., Bloomingdale 07403.

— Elaine D'Aurizio

What's new: Judge, the pit bull who barely survived a firethat destroyed his family home in Riverdale, needs more skin grafts to heal the severe burns over half his body.

"The skin was stretched so thin in places that it ripped," Symone Negrini, the dog's owner, said of prior grafts.
But that didn't stop the courageous pup, who has captured the community's hearts, from making a guest appearance on the "Rachael Ray" show to be aired July 15 at 10 a.m. on Channel 7.
"He really loved her and was so well behaved," said Negrini, on leave from her job as an animal control officer in Bloomingdale.
Rescued from the fighting ring, the 5-year-old pit bull is helping now to rescue the family as it rebounds. "Judge is the one who has kept our spirits up, the one who inspires us," said Negrini. "He's the reason we get up in the morning because he needs us. He's the one who puts smiles on our faces, and not much does lately."
Background: Fabrizio and Symone and their four children, ages 7 to 13, miss the nine pets that perished in the Feb. 10, 2009, fire. Living in a rental home, they wait for their insurance company's OK to rebuild — "The children are still having a very rough time because they want to go home," Negrini said.
She applies antibiotic cream to Judge's wounds every day and covers them with a clean T-shirt that he'll need for life.
"Skin would fall off in my hand, but he has never flinched, never got angry, never growled or tried to get away," she said of her "miracle dog."
Fund-raisers helped pay for Judge's skin grafts and knee surgery — more than $23,000. But money is needed more than ever. "Everything we have goes for him," Negrini said. "We don't have a dime."
What's next: A motorcycle run fund-raiser for Judge's skin grafts is planned for Saturday starting at 9 a.m. at the Oakland Elks Lodge, 33 Ramapo Valley Road. Hot dogs and beverages will follow in the pavilion behind the lodge.
Donations for Judge and his family may be sent to the Negrini Family Fire Fund, Lakeland Bank, 28 Main St., Bloomingdale 07403.
— Elaine D'Aurizio
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Oh you beautiful brave little baby, you have brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face. You are truly an amazing dog and you are living up to every good aspect of your breed and then some. I'm so sorry for what you have endured but you have made it so far and I have a feeling you will bless your family with many more smiles over the years. I wish there was more I could do to help you; I am going to share your story though via email, Facebook, and my blog. I wish you and your family the best!