Judd’s Beloved Apollo Celebrates His Birthday...

Photo Credit: Stafford Rescue Africa

Nearly a year after Judd’s passing, Apollo, the dog who never left his side, is celebrating his birthday without the one person he adored. But his story still has a chance for a beautiful new beginning.

Johannesburg, South Africa (19 November 2025) – A movie shouldn’t leave you staring at the ceiling long after the credits roll… but “The Friend” did exactly that. It stirred something familiar in me. Something important.

The film follows Iris, a writer played by Naomi Watts, who adopts Apollo, a Great Dane belonging to her late mentor, Walter (Bill Murray). The dog becomes a living thread of grief, his, hers and the grief that sits silently between them.

There’s a dream sequence where Iris confronts Walter. She asks him whether he ever imagined the pain Apollo would carry afterwards. Walter had died at home. The dog had witnessed it. He had survived the spectacle of losing the only person he loved.

It’s utterly heartbreaking.

But that isn’t exactly what this story is about.

Well… maybe just a little.

The movie reminded me of something I’ve been putting off writing. And today, of all days, it feels right.

Another Apollo is grieving.

It’s Been 11 Months Since South Africa Lost Judd

Nearly a year ago, the Bryanston and Fourways communities were rocked by the unexpected passing of Judd Aron, a man who became part of the daily fabric of local life. Judd was known for standing at the side of the road with his beloved dog, Apollo, always just a step behind him, always watching him, always waiting for his cue.

If you drove those roads regularly, you knew them.

Maybe you waved.

Maybe you shared a smile.

Maybe you didn’t know their names but you knew their bond.

People looked out for them long before tragedy struck. Local veterinarians offered Apollo free care. Residents checked in, shared meals and treated him with dignity. When the devastating news of Judd’s death spread, panic followed, fuelled by incorrect posts claiming foul play, and later, rumours that Apollo had gone missing.

But kindness stepped in quickly.

A friend of Judd’s clarified what truly happened: Judd had fallen ill, asked this trusted friend to fetch Apollo and tragically never made it to the hospital. Apollo was safe. Loved. Protected.

And yet… he has carried his loss quietly ever since.

The Dog Who Touched a Community’s Heart Is Still Hoping for a Second Chance — Photo Credit: Stafford Rescue Africa

“He had a tough time but we loved him.” – Jolene Aron

I recently spoke to Jolene Aron, Judd’s sister. She didn’t describe her brother with heaviness, she described him with love. Real, grounded, human love.

“He had a tough time but we loved him. And we loved how the community loved him. Everyone in Bryanston and Fourways knew him. And cared for him too.”

You could hear the ache in her voice but also the gratitude. The community embraced Judd. They saw his bond with Apollo. They saw the way Judd would smile when someone greeted them. They saw the fierce devotion he had for his pup.

“Apollo was his best friend. Judd lived for him.”

She told me how Judd doted on Apollo, how he’d save his last cent to buy treats, how he’d talk about him constantly, how he’d light up at the mention of his name. Apollo was Judd’s anchor, his comfort, his reason to stand in the sun every morning.

And today is Apollo’s birthday.

Yet he is still waiting for a home.

“He tries so hard to be brave.” – Stafford Rescue

To understand Apollo now, I reached out to Lauren Mallett from Stafford Rescue, where Apollo is currently being cared for. She didn’t hesitate for a second. She lit up the moment his name came up.

“He is the goofiest, most incredible soul. Loves treats. Loves cuddles. The most incredible dog who deserves a beautiful home.”

Then her voice softened.

“He’s gentle. And he tries so hard to be brave. You can feel he’s lost something… someone… but he hasn’t closed himself off. He still wants love. He still offers it.”

And today, they gave him all the love. They made his birthday so incredibly special. He got new toys, chewies and treats.

A celebration fit for a dog who has survived heartbreak with a softness that would humble anyone.

I asked Lauren what Apollo needs most, or perhaps wants for his birthday. She answered simply, “A family who will love him the way Judd did.”

A Story That Still Has Hope Woven Through It

I interviewed Jolene a while back but have been battling to write this. I thought it would be a story about grief. But now, today, I don’t think it actually is.

It’s about loyalty. And community. And a dog who has known extraordinary love… and still has more to give.

Apollo is waiting for his “Iris”. His next chapter.

One that feels safe. One that brings him back into a family. One that lets him finally rest his head against someone who will stay.

So I guess this is what the story is about: if you’ve ever thought about adopting, fostering, or opening your heart to a rescue… then maybe Apollo is your sign.

He loved Judd. And love like that doesn’t disappear.

It just waits patiently for the right person to carry it forward.