Finnegan was found under the Cultas lake bridge in Chilliwack, by an elderly gentleman with a kind heart.  He was brought to the local pound on September 25th 2005.

Finnegan was in very poor shape. He was emaciated, dehydrated, and in short, was dying.

Animal control called us and asked us for help with a puppy in need, as they do not have funding for sick animals, and he would have been euthanized the same day.

Being busy with our own dogs in care, we asked them to just drop him at our vet, and we would see to him later.

Our vet called us the next morning. The pup was not well, and while the vet was doing everything in his power to save the little guy, he did not think that he would make it through the day.  We told him to just do his best and we would be in the following day if the pup made it.

Well the pup did make it. He was a survivor, that is for sure. 

We carted Finnegan around to 2 other vets besides our own, and then finally a specialist. There was no way around it, this little guy who had now come to love and trust us unconditionally, was going to have to have his leg and hip amputated. We were heartsick. With such a will to survive, we knew that the biggest hang up Finnegan would have, would be us. We did not want him to lose that leg, but we had to do the right thing for him, and he had to have it done quickly.

The specialist was able to shed more light on Finnegan’s prognosis. Not only was the femur smashed into many small pieces, but the pelvis also had two fractures. These were causing him a significant amount of pain.

Finnegan’s surgery was quoted at 1200.00. Much more than GSRBC had to spare on just one dog, so we started to fundraise and also got him on CTV news.

The day before Finnegan’s surgery, we were very worried. We had raised 300.00 towards it, but it would not be enough. One of our members thought to call the radio station, Z95, and by 4pm that day, we had reached our goal. 

 

 

On October 1st 2005, we went down and collected the puppy. Even then, he looked horrible, and we knew we had our work cut out for us. He was a terrified and mistrusting boy. He was snapping and biting anyone who tried to touch him. What could have possibly been done to this innocent little soul that would make him so frightened of humans? The mind can only imagine.

We took one look at him, and just knew that his name was to be Finnegan. There was not a name more suited to this little guy.  He appeared to be about 11 weeks old. He weighed a mere 9lbs, where he really should have weighed about 15 – 16lbs! We were horrified that this little pup had struggled so hard to live. 

We took him home, started him on a raw diet, and a fist full of medication.  After a week, it became quite apparent that there was something terribly wrong with Finnegan’s hind end. He wasn’t able to play like the other puppies. He could not keep up, and would often go and lay down by himself off to the side. At first we had hoped that it was just the malnutrition that was causing him to walk so gibbled, but it was easy to see he was in pain.  We had x-rays done, and found that his femur had been smashed. Our options were few, but we wanted a second and third opinion. 

 

Since that airing, Finnegan has had quite the following. People call us and email all the time, wanting to know how he is doing. Finnegan also had no shortage of homes wanting to adopt him. But we knew that it would be have to be an extra special home, and we would hold out until it came along, we didn’t care how long.

Finnegan had his surgery on October 12th 2005. His rear left leg was amputated, and the socket was removed.  He was neutered, and had his dew claws removed at the same time. 

He came home on the 13th and my husband and I sat there in tears while holding him. He had 40 staples across his little body, and he looked like he had been butchered. He was in a major amount of pain and would let out these heart wrenching quiet whimpers that would last forever.

I think I knew then that Finnegan was meant for something special in this life. He has a purpose. He did not come through all this for nothing.  What it is, I don’t know. Maybe he’ll educate someone on the cruelty to animals that goes on everyday, or maybe he will be a therapy dog, or maybe he’ll just bump into a little girl one day that has lost a limb to cancer, and suddenly she will smile.  I don’t know what it is, but there is something that this special little soul is here to accomplish...

Finnegan was adopted on November 19th 2005. It was one of the hardest days of my life to leave him with his new family.  As perfect as they were for our special boy, sometimes the heart just won't let you walk out that door and not look back.  I remember the look on his face as I left, and getting in my van and breaking down completely. Wondering why I continually did this to myself. Time would heal all, I knew, but that didn't stop me from crying all the way home.  

January 2007:

We are still in contact from time to time with Finnegan's family. We have an open invitation to visit anytime, and sometimes we take them up on it.  Finnegan is doing very well. He has the same little spirit as he had back then, and I still just love that boy to death. I often joke and say that I should of kept him, but I am glad I didn't, as he really is living a awesome life now. 

What I want to share here, is not so much an update on how his doing, (though I know many are eager to know) but more about a letter that I got just before Christmas this last year.  It moved me so much, I had tears sliding down my cheeks from just the very few words on the paper. I'd like to share it with those of you who cared so deeply, and followed Finnegan's story along.

Hello,

I just wanted to let you know that I am very happy to hear Finnegan is doing well. Last year, when I heard about him on Z95fm, I was on my way to work, and I was pretty depressed as I was being laid off. When I heard about the terrible way that Finnegan had been treated (abused), I became very angry, and I said to myself "My life is pretty sad right now, but I am going to help that dog. He needs to be helped because he deserves a better life."  Since then, things have worked out better for both Finnegan and me - I was so happy to read on your website that Finnegan had recovered and was adopted into a loving family. I also found another job. I'm so very glad that I was able to contribute to Finnegan's fund and that he is happy now and doing well.

Please find enclosed a contribution to support your wonderful work.

Sincerely, 

Rhonda G. 

 

Sometimes in this work, we forget how deeply these animals touch others too. This is just one example of Finnegan's special purpose in this world. He reached through the radio and touched this woman's heart. For all he went through, he still helped another, and I bet there are many others... Thank you Rhonda for sharing with us just how much he moved you. 

 

 

A special thank you to all Finnegan's sponsors:

Gail M. Dayle Francis Gail. Berger Penny Stone Leslie Small
Sarah Hylton-Foster Barbara DeMott Barb Bailey Deborah Gleason Karen Wallace
Tracy, Mike & Mav Neal Fink Sabrina Gentile Christopher Baisley Rian Dodds
Janice McAuley Jessica Hoskins Rhonda G. Penny Pearson Elizabeth Fleming
Patty Wood Jaclyn Rasmussen Melissa Howey Karen Lee Big Heart Rescue

Here he is, all grown up!

When you look into my eyes I know what you will see.
There is only love and trust where fear once used to be.

For I was an abandoned animal a cold and hungry stray.
But you reached out your gentle hands and took me home to stay.

I've eagerly accepted the compassion you have shown.
I soon forgot the times when I was frightened and alone.

You opened up your heart to me and taught me how to trust.
You've given me a loving home where kindness is a must.

So when you gaze into my face I hope you'll realize.
That "love without condition" is reflected in my eyes.

"Woof, Woof".  I have to go play ball now. Bye.

 

 

We are a registered non-profit Charity as of April 1st 2005