In loving memory of our Big Smootchy Boy, Judas.

Judas, you're our favourite. Always.

You were the most pure, gentle soul and we were so privileged that you chose us 13 years ago. You guided us, protected us, and healed us through so many times when the "Black Dog" was lurking in the shadows. Exactly one week to the minute after we received the wonderful news we had been striving for over the last 3 years, you were called back across the Rainbow Bridge. You hung on that extra week just to make sure we were going to be OK. Just like you always did, because that's who you were. You were our Guardian Angel here on Earth. You were exactly who we needed, at exactly the right time in our lives. Our hearts are breaking without you, but we go into this next chapter in our lives fortified by your strength and spirit. 

Since we said goodbye to you on Tuesday, I've been trying to think of the best way to honour our time with you and everything you so selflessly gave to us. 

You know how important mental health and psychology research is to me. Most importantly, you know how much I love puns and metaphors. 

So here it is my boy!

To honour the "little black dog" who was so much more than words can articulate. The sweet, boofy baby who did so much for our mental health while you walked beside us. We're going to raise some money to support the Black Dog Institute. So that even from across the Rainbow Bridge, you can continue to help people with their mental health. We know how much you loved helping us and I hope (when you take a moment away from the big Dino-Bone I know you have in your mouth right now!), you see this and all the good that is still being done in the world in your name. You have, and will continue to make a difference just because you were you. I hope that it makes you smile that big slobbery smile we all loved so much.

We wish we could hold you in our arms just one more time. But, you have done everything you could and more for us while you were here. Now it's time for you to help other people find their smile!

You're our favourite. 

With all our love,

Mummy, Daddy, and your little brother Mack xoxoxo

The Loss of a Heart-Dog

By Colleen Fitzsimmons

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.

I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you so softly as you brushed away a tear,

“It’s me, I haven’t left you, I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea.

You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today, your arms were getting sore.

I longed to take your parcels, I wished I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care.

I want to reassure you that I’m not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.

I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said, “It’s me.”

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.

I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It’s possible for me to be so near you everyday.

To say to you with certainty, “I never went away.”

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew…

In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over now … I smile and watch you yawning,

And say, “Goodnight, God bless, I’ll see you in the morning.”

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,

I’ll rush across to greet you and we’ll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.

Be patient, live your journey out — then come home to be with me.

1 in 5 Australians experiences mental illness in any given year, and roughly 50% of those experiencing mental illness symptoms do not seek treatment.

Black Dog Institute is the only medical research institute in Australia to investigate mental health across the lifespan, their aim is to create a mentally healthier world for everyone.

Your support is enabling Black Dog Institute to develop practical evidence-based resources that provide individuals, workplaces, schools, parents, and health professionals with the tools they need to cope in the face of uncertainty.

Thanks to your tribute gift, Black Dog Institute can continue working to improve the lives of people impacted by mental illness.

Thank you.