A FAMILY says they are “mentally scarred” after collecting their dog from a kennel in a “severe state of decomposition.”

Rachel and John, from Corfe Mullen, said they dropped their healthy German Shepherd, Judge, at Barilla Kennels in Hurn on the morning of August 9.

The couple, who had planned a weekend getaway with their young children, received an email the next day informing them that Judge had passed away in his sleep.

Rachel said: “They said there were no signs of panic and would place him in cold storage until we decided what to do. They assured us that he would be comfortable and dignified.”

The staff at Barilla said they advised the couple on what to do next, including contacting an undertaker to take Judge’s body.

Rachel and John decided to collect Judge themselves on Tuesday, August 13, so they could say goodbye and take him to Greenfields Pet Crematorium.

John said: “We asked to see Judge, and to our distress, we saw him in the boot of a car covered in blankets.

“Rachel burst into tears and asked if she could give him a kiss. When we pulled back the blankets, his eyes were bulging, his tongue was hanging out, and his nose was falling off.”

Barilla told the Daily Echo that Judge was wrapped in blankets and kept stored on a bed in a private room with air conditioning and industrial fans.

The couple transported Judge in their van to the crematorium. Staff at Greenfields, after examining his condition, advised against moving him to a special room meant for quiet goodbyes. They took Judge away on a stretcher, and this was the last time the family saw him.

Rachel added: “The whole experience has deeply impacted us both, leaving us distressed and mentally scarred. It’s been horrendous, I haven’t been sleeping and I still say sorry to him when I walk past his room.”

A staff member at Barilla said it was their recommendation that Judge be collected by a 24-hour Ringwood business, Pet Undertakers, the same day he died. However, Rachel and John decided to collect Judge themselves and use Greenfields.

Pet Undertakers advertise that they do not freeze animals, so the staff followed this guidance, wrapping Judge in blankets and trying to keep him still and cool. 

The Barilla staff member said: “The family have used our services for years. We cared for Judge in the same way we would have any of our own pets and treated him with as much dignity as possible under the circumstances.”

Barilla recompensated Rachel and John for any boarding fees, covered the cremation cost, and paid for them to have their car valeted.