Name: Finnley - 1 y/o
How long as Finnley been in the family? We adopted Finnley on June 26th, 2016
Family Members: Alissa & Alexander, Camille (3 y/o Cat)
Professions: Alexander - Attorney, Alissa - Social Worker
Location: Atlanta, GA
Nicknames: Finn, Finny, Baby Grey
5 words/phrases that best describe Finnley?
- Devoted
- Playful
- Resilient
- Sweet
- Companionate
What makes Finnley unique? Finn LOVES his people! He is our shadow! If we are hugging, he likes to join in for a "group hug". Finn also loves to cuddle in the "big boy bed", especially on weekend mornings. In addition, he loves to sit in our laps, which we affectionately call "Big Fat Baby Time".
Ball Time!
Rescue Story: We adopted Finn from Atlanta Lab Rescue (ALR) (ironically enough). Earlier this year, ALR had hosted a fundraiser to cover medical bills of a dog that had pneumonia. Tragically, that dog passed away, and ALR created a special fund in his honor (Ladd Lifeline) that was to be used to help deserving dogs in his memory. ALR was notified about a 10 month old dog that had been in a shelter for 5 weeks suffering from a terrible skin condition that was causing non-stop itching to the point of convulsions. ALR chose to get involved and Finn became the first recipient of the Ladd Lifeline fund. He was taken to Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital (PHAH), where he was diagnosed with demodex mange and an intestinal parasite. PHAH selected Finn as their second PHAH Pal of the Month, through which he was provided with full medical treatment. Once he was on the road to recovery, Finn moved in to an ALR foster home where he was able to continue his treatment.
We had applied to adopt a black lab mix from ALR in June and after submitting our application, we learned that the dog we had applied for had already been adopted. ALR still invited us to come out to their adoption event on June 26th and shared a few dogs that might be a good fit for our family. We arrived early to the event and while we were waiting to go back and meet the dogs, we saw Finn come in. As his foster was handing him off to the handler that would show him at the event, we overheard her say " This is the perfect dog - great with kids, cats and dogs of all sizes!" We decided that we would have to check him out.
We met the dogs that had been recommended to us and then made our way over to Finn's station. He immediately crawled into my (Alissa's) lap and started giving me kisses. I knew in that moment that he would become a part of our family.
Funny enough, before meeting Finn I had decided that I didn't want to adopt a pit mix due to a personal experience and buying into the stereotype that pits are aggressive. This could not be more untrue. Finn is sweet, gentle and sometimes even shy! I am so grateful that Finn chose us and that we have had the opportunity to learn the truth about pits and experience for ourselves the joy of having a pit mix as a part of our family.
In addition, we could not be more grateful to ALR, a Lab rescue , for taking a chance on and deciding to get involved with rescuing a pit mix and to PHAH for providing his medical treatment.
The "before" for sweet Finn! (what a difference now)
What is your favorite pastime as a family? One of our favorite pastimes with Finn is swimming! We spend a lot of time at the pool and/or lake. Finn loves to go on the raft and do water retrieves. We never would have guessed that a pittie would love swimming so much!
What is life like since you adopted Finn? Who rescued who? We truly feel like we are the lucky ones. It is such an honor to be this doggies parents.
Finn bonded with us quickly and easily. When we first adopted him, he experienced separation anxiety when we would leave. However, after consistency (and treats!), Finn is now comfortable and content in his new home! We think he knows that he's "part of the pack" now. We have continued to treat Finn for mange and allergies since we adopted him. We took him back to PHAH and his vet was amazed at his improvement and that we are on the right track.
Despite the separation anxiety and skin challenges, Finn has been a total "plug and play" since we adopted him. He has been sweet and gentle with the cat and responsive to us. Finn is silly and fun and he brings so much happiness to our lives!
Photographers Note: First of all Finn was wearing his own bow tie when I arrived and I do like a pup that dresses for the occasion! Alexander had his ball out and the focus this pup has on that ball is amazing. In fact, that is what they used for his "official" bow tie picture, no treats needed. I was also impressed with their cat Camille, not one protest during the family photo. (I don't think she was thrilled but she kept it to herself) You may have also noticed, but Finn's coat absolutely sparkles in the sun...there really is not much evidence left of his mange or allergies. I also am so happy that Finn chose this family (I mean the crawling into the lap trick will work every time for the right family, right Finn?), because with that big pittie smile you can tell he is as happy as can be!