This is my boy Finn. By now most of you know his story (see original post Rescue Dog: Meet Finn (Survivor)). Here’s the part I’ve never told. He was given away, by his people, to a person who kept him tied up through all kinds of weather (and it got down to -20 that year–my boy gets chilled in a 60 degree house when the fire goes out in the night, his fur is so thin), rain, sleet, snow, fierce drought, high winds, day in and day out. He was never let in the house. He lived tied up, with no shelter, for an entire year. That’s how long it took him to finally break free. Added to that he was starved nearly to death. Tied up so he couldn’t go get his own food, he was denied food by his owners. His original people saw this happening to him and did nothing about it. In his horrifically weakened state, he found his way home, to the only home he’d ever known anyway, and he was denied access to the yard. He presented himself at his old gates, nothing but skin and bones (I can just hear Finn squealing, “I’m home, I’m home, I’m home!), but he was not let in. I found him three days later, wandering near his “home,” looking dazed and very lost. I scooped him up and rushed him to the vet. His red blood cell count and his protein levels were at death.
But, through it all, Finn still loves life and he lives it with gusto. Despite the pain of his many old injuries, he runs full out, dashing round and round in circles with a big sloppy grin on his face. And he covers the entire canyon that backs up my house every morning to make us all safe from coyotes.
He notices and appreciates things. When I took this photo, I swear he was on the path to the land grant and stopped in his tracks when saw this rainbow. He stood there for whole minutes before he finally sat down, staying whole minutes more.
He can enjoy the luxury of sitting in a field, gazing out on the morning’s sunrise, because he is safe now, and protected and loved.
The other day he was just in from a run in the snow. While toweling him off in front of the fire, he “purred.” That’s what I call the sound he makes–a sort of guttural and extended sigh, over and over again–when he is content.
Finny does love his comforts–his bankie by the fire…
(this is bankie XTREAM and I swear he did this himself)
… breakfast in bed…
… and entertaining.
But dear, dear Finn is sick. He has Trichinella. That’s the parasite that causes Trichinosis. Thankfully it isn’t contagious. But it’s serious. The tiny little worms are burrowed into his muscle tissue and THAT’S one of the reasons for his extreme pain. Our wonderful vet, Dr. Ramsay of Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic in Espinola, said the cure could be worse than the disease and, in fact, sometimes kills the dog. But if left untreated he’ll die too. So dangerous treatment it is.
He had evidence of the parasites when he first came to live with me, some odd round patches in his fur, but it’s taken this long to figure out what it is. It’s very rare. So rare that a veterinary college in Colorado is taking on his case. They’ll be working directly with Dr. Ramsay trying to figure out how to get Finn well.
He took his first dose of the stuff–the stuff that could kill him– yesterday, in a much lower dose than the protocol calls for. The good news is that he seems to be tolerating it very well, although Dr. Ramsay said the third or fourth day could be the worst. If he continues to tolerate it, a week from today he’ll get double the dose, and so on and so on until he reaches the recommended dose.
But, even in the midst of this, my dear Finny seems to be savoring every bit of this life he’s been given. Once again, just by being who he is, he is offering me a fine example of how to live in this world. He is simply grateful, every single day.
Like I said yesterday, please send him good thoughts.
Love to you all,
Jeane
Oh, Jeane. Oh, Finn! I am sending you all my good thoughts and prayers. Let me know if I can do anything for you. The treatment must be expensive.
Thank you so much, Ginger, for your good wishes and your sweet, sweet, gesture of inquiring into the expense. I honestly don’t know how much it will be. I believe the college’s participation is pro-bono. I have to check with my vet sometime. If the costs get overwhelming, maybe I’ll do a “save Finn” Fund 🙂 Again, thanks so much for your kind caring.
I know this creature and he is special… very best wishes during his treatment.
Hey dear, thanks for the good wishes. You know Finn, he’s a tough little doggie.
When my father was very sick (a man who had been orphaned young, never adopted, volunteered for the Canadian army and ended up a prisoner of war for three years), he received a card from a fellow veteran with the line …”You’ve been through worse than this.” What Finn is going through is going to be hard, but…like my father…he’s been through worse than this. But…this time he has a loving family, a wonderful life and many, many fans (like myself) sending loving, positive thoughts his way. The odds are stacked in his favour.
I am so touched by this story, Kim, and by your gesture of support. You’re absolutely right: dear Finnie has been through much worse than this but, this time, we all have his back. He’s certainly no longer wandering alone. So glad you’re there.
I feel absolutely certain that having your love and our love (which I believe he can feel, as well) will bolster Finn’s determination and his ability to overcome this latest challenge. And I see from the photos that he has a Rottie friend (mine just walked in, she must have known that I had “Rottie” on my mind). His new dog family is a big plus for him, too. Love IS the greatest healing force there is. Love & hugs to all of you!
Yes, QM, I also believe in the power of love to heal, and Finnie certainly has love, the world over, literally.
Skye (my black dog) is still grinning from ear to ear and prancing about the studio having been mistaken for a Rottie. Her lineage is very uncertain but the vet thinks she may be a mix of heeler and miniature dobie. If she wasn’t a bit chubby she’d weigh about 40 pounds.
Awww, I send well wishes for Finn, as well as strength wishes for his mom. He has suffered too much in this world already. His story tugs at my heart. I’m so glad you rescued him. I also own a rescue, or SHE owns me.
Thank you, Sunday. I think we should get rid of the whole idea of ownership surrounding our pets. How do we OWN a member of our family? I prefer to say I’m Finn’s person, never his owner. But you may be right. I DO think he owns me!
So true, it’s not ownership, it’s love.
🙂
I am so sorry that either one of you has to go through this. May the rainbows reach the wishes floating around for Finn to get better fast.
What a beautiful image you paint for us, Brandy. I think they already must have because dear little Finnie is doing great so far.
It hardly seems fair that Finn, having struggled so long and having finally found safety, love, and serenity in your home; has yet another battle to fight. Sending many positive thoughts Finn’s way; hoping that the love for life that has enabled him to endure so many hardships thus far, will carry him through this difficult time. Thinking of you as well Jeane; the love you have for Finn is obvious. May the universe reward your kindness and wonderful spirit with all of the strength and grace you will need as you travel this difficult path.
Oh, thank you so much for your kind, kind thoughts. I do love this guy almost to bursting. And I have to believe he’ll win this one and go on to live a long life of good health. He’s doing very, very well so far. We so appreciate you being there.
You and Finn are in my thoughts, Jeane. I agree with Kim Moore – Finn has been through worse, and this time, he has your love and care on his side. It touched my heart when you mentioned that Finn is savoring every bit of his life. He does not know that he is sick, but he knows that he is loved.
What a beautiful thought, Laura. You’re absolutely right and I hadn’t seen it before. Finn “… does not know that he is sick, but he knows that he is loved.” I’m going to hang onto that. And I agree with Kim, too. He’s been through worse and this time he has all of us. Thank you for caring, Laura.
I couldn’t stop sobbing as I read the horrors that poor dog suffered. I still well up when I think of him. He is in my heart for good and if anyone can save him (again), it is you Jeane. You already saved him once. I hope you are strong enough with your own recovery. Like you said, your own pain is lessened as you puts hands and your heart onto another being. Are the pills really expensive. Can we donate to his recovery? Please be honest and let all of us know. I want to help.
Well, it is a very sad story. I guess the only good that can be seen in it is that Finnie and I found each other. And you’re right, my helping him will help me. Thank you so much for asking about the costs. Several of you have. The treatments are a nasty looking cream in large syringes that I have to put in his mouth. Honestly, I was so worried when I left the vet’s I asked if I could just get him home and pay later, so I have no idea how much they cost. I’m assuming (hoping) that the college participation is pro-bono. But, I’m also assuming I’ll be able to cover this. If not, maybe I’ll initiate a Save Finn fund. We’ll see. Thank you, though, for your generous thinking.
Tears in my eyes….. poor Finn. He is lucky to have you caring for him, Jeane. Thinking healing thoughts and strength.
Thank you, Robyn. We’re feeling them all the way up here.
Poor baby…Thank goodness he is tolerating the meds at this level! Whew. It is a good sign. I hope he is doing well today also. XOXOX to you all.
Thanks Grace. He’s handling it incredibly well, which is a great sign. Today’s the 4th day, expected to be the worst, and he’s just fine so far. He doubles his dose this Thursday.
I am new to your blog and live just up the road in Taos. Reading about Finn made me so angry and sad, but happy he found you! Sending many prayers for his full and happy recovery.
So happy you found the blog, Annie. Yes, Finn has suffered terribly at the hands of man. But he is safe and loved now and he seems willing to let the past go. Despite all people have done to him, he still loves and trusts us. He has a big heart. We appreciate your prayers and I’ll keep everybody posted. It’s going to take some time. Thanks again, Annie, for your kind thoughts.
You are welcome. I hope that Finn is doing well today.
Hi Annie–Finn had two bad nights in his first week of treatment but has done amazingly well otherwise. I just gave him his 2nd dose this morning (1 dose per week) and look forward to more die off (a necessary evil), more comfortably for Finn. Thanks so much for caring.
I am new to the blog as well but have fallen in love with Finn and he is buried in my heart. Thoughts, wishes and prayer go out to Finn and to you and your family from myself and from six rescued kindred dog spirits in NC. Our hugs and licks to Finn!
Thank you so much Desarosa and welcome to the blog. Finn is a dear, dear boy and a truly wonderful spirit. Everybody is smitten with him on first meeting, me included. He had a couple of rough nights in the 1st week of his treatments, but has done amazingly well. He took his 2nd dose this morning and I am hoping this 2nd week will be even better. Thank you all for the good thoughts. My family of 8 rescues return the hugs and licks.
Dogs are the greatest teachers.
I do believe dogs are some of our best teachers. And I have to agree with you, also, that Finn DOES look good in blue! He’s doing quite well–has had a few bad days with the die off–but was out patrolling his land earlier this morning. I love this: ” I’m envisioning a happy, healthy Finn doing nothing but enjoying life and all its rainbows.” Thank you QM
I’m so happy about his progress and got a great visual of him “out patrolling his land” this morning. I’ll keep holding him (and you) in my heart & prayers. I hope you’ll keep us updated frequently on his progress.
Thanks QM, will do.