Judge Hines

Judge Hines, the beloved Rhodesian Ridgeback of Troy and Sarah Hines of Fortville, Indiana, passed over the Rainbow Bridge on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Judge was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. Judge became a member of the Hines family after he was adopted by Troy and Sarah on June 24, 2017, from a Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder. 

 Troy and Sarah made the decision to adopt a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy. The choice they made was one of the very best breeds suited for families—according to akc.org, the temperament of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is that they are “cherished family dogs whose owners must be prepared to deal with their independence and strong prey drive. They are faithful friends, protective of their loved ones, and meltingly affectionate with those whom they trust.”

And from the day little Judge arrived at his new home, he very much fit that description of his breed. His family described Judge as having the “perfect amount of stoicism and goofiness.” 

Judge quickly grew from an adorable puppy to a handsome big boy. Sarah relayed that one of the things she loved most about Judge was how “he grew into his name—Judge,” and he was “very humanlike, intuitive, and understanding. He seemed to always know and understand what we said or even what we were thinking.”

 According to Sarah, “Judge loved bath time and tolerated brushing and nail trims. His favorite things were blankets!” Sarah shared how Judge “always made himself a nest, whether it was the couch, the floor, or the bed.” Judge’s favorite treats were peanut butter heart treats and jerky bars. Sarah recalled memories of how Judge “slipped on the wood floor one time and was forever scared, so he walked on blankets or rugs.” and the sweetness of how he “loved to burrow under blankets, be snuggled in, and cover his nose when cold.”

Sarah shared how Judge absolutely loved going on car rides. “He was a passenger prince and always ready to go for a ride!”

Sarah felt what Judge valued most in his life was “protecting and loving his family.” 

What Judge loved the most in his life was his family. But his favorite place to be was beside his favorite person, his dad, Troy. 

Sarah shared her favorite memory of Judge, watching him show his love for his dad: “Quiet time with Dad on the porch while the rest of the house was still in bed. He waited patiently for the last sip of coffee.”  Judge was particularly attached to his dad; unless he was at the firehouse, then Mom would do. 

Judge, who his family also lovingly referred to as “Judgey,” “Judge Buddy,” “Big Boy,” and “Monster,” will forever be remembered for his immense heart, his loving nature, and the joy he brought to his family. They will miss him dearly but are grateful for the time they got to share with their sweet boy. In addition to Troy and Sarah, Judge will be sadly missed by his human sisters, Gracie and Isabelle, and human brother, Eli, as well as his fur brother, Krewe. Judge is preceded in death by his fur brother Nitro, who was waiting to greet Judge on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Always & Furever in Our Hearts Pet Cremation in association with Liming Family Funeral Home, located in Shirley, Indiana. We are honored to serve the family of Judge Hines. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Judge Hines, please visit our floral store.