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3rd Birthday FINN! November 5, 2005
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We celebrated by spending a week
at our cabin (aka Doggy Paradise) where
Finn is my second dog, my first male, and my first conformation/performance golden. He is a dream come true for me -- bred from two wonderful goldens, Tango and Yogi -- and has yet to disappoint me. As an intact male for this novice handler, Finn has proved to be a challenge but also a wonderful companion to me, to Gemma, and to my husband Ted (even Jasper the Tuxedoed Cat sorta likes him). His daily goofy antics, affectionate ways, and quickness to learn delight me every day. His patience with me as I learn and make lots of mistakes never fails; he loves me no matter how much I screw up and no matter what I ask him to do. 
From the day I brought him home on the airplane all the way from Pittsburgh, PA (seven hours including a dash through the Chicago airport to make a connecting flight-- and not a peep or a pee!) -- to his first swim -- to his Best in Match at 6 months old -- to his tracking titles and mad dashes out of the ring in obedience -- from his fluff-ball puppy days, to his leggy, wavy adolescence, to his still maturing adulthood -- I never get tired of looking at my beautiful boy. He may not be perfect-- but he is perfect enough for me. :-) 
Finn has taught me so much-- how to be patient, to be flexible in interests and expectations, to dream big, to learn, to experience frustrations and make mistakes but never give up. He has introduced me to a whole new world of canine activities and shown me the magic and fun of tracking (which we have both fallen in love with). We have come so far and still have so much to do and learn, together. 
Most of all, Finn has taught me humility. We humans may think ourselves superior, but in many ways it is a false notion. I am in constant awe of his sense of smell, or hearing, and his infinite capacity for forgiveness and faithfulness. His love is not unconditional: he expects food and affection -- But his love IS uncompromising, and his devotion unlike anything I have ever experienced. Here's hoping that we have many
more years together.
on the deck at Faraway, waiting for his daddy to come home (and maybe play a little football?) |
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