I wanted and waited a long time to get a dog—roughly 15 years. When the time finally came, I found Mr. Black (his name then) and fell in love. Now it was time to name him. “Finlay” is Scottish Gaelic for “White-haired hero,” and so that was that… his name was found.
Since bringing him home in May 2013, I have had the pleasure of experiencing his amazing love and gentle spirit. The oldest of souls, everyone who met Finlay would comment on how sweet and calm he was.
His gentleness touched lives at the Ann Arbor VA Hospital, at ORF with the USO, and in other places while he was a therapy dog. He could bring calm to almost any occasion. He truly was the best combination of quiet and love. I could take him anywhere and put him in any situation without worrying about how he would act. He would always just be—a happy guy with zero interest in dominance, competition, or jealousy. He loved walks, swimming, and, most of all, his people.
His absolute favorite thing was just being with people. He hated to be alone, even for a second, and I believe it was because he had so much love to share. He lived his life surrounded by peace, and when he looked at you with his “baby seal” eyes, you could feel his unconditional love.
Finny, being loved by you was one of the greatest honors of my life. Your presence was a gift I never took for granted, and the pain I feel from your loss is as significant as the impact you had on every life you touched.
I’ll never forget seeing you plow through blades of grass that seemed bigger than you the day we first met. I bought you that giant yellow plaid collar and laughed, thinking you could never fit into it. But you did. The countless hours you spent at my side—whether I was working or not—you were always here with me.
It’s hard to believe, sometimes, what you pulled me through. In quiet moments, you didn’t need answers or have advice to offer; you were just there, beside me, every single day. When I was worn out and ready to give up, you gave me a little nudge, and somehow, that was enough to keep going. You never judged me. You just showed up, steady and loyal in a way I’ve seldom experienced with people.
The last days were all about you. Every second. No one else. Beach. Grass. Sniffies. Rest. In your final moments, I hope I gave you as much comfort as you so selflessly gave to me over the last 12 years. I hope you knew how special you will always be to everyone who knew you. I hope you left for your next beautiful journey feeling cherished. You always deserved the very best, and that will never change. Your heart is my heart. You are my heart.
Mr. Fin, my Finner, Finner Binner, Booga-Booga, Fin-Fin, Booga-Bear, Fancy-Pants, Bud, Bug, Fin-Bin, Buddy, Bubba Gump… my precious Finlay. I love you infinitely. Thank you for gracing me with the gift of your life and for allowing me the time to say goodbye. I will miss you every moment of every day. Furever.