Finlay Jones

TAKEN FAR TOO SOON (7.12.2019)

Lorraine posted on Facebook: “Sad, sad news. As some of you will already know, last night Rainbow Bridge gained another angel.

Yvette has asked me to post this news as she’s not yet strong enough.

The infamous Fin (cuddle-monster) Jones wasn’t himself on Wednesday but seemed to improve Thursday and the hope was that he was suffering from the bug many of our dogs have had.

Unfortunately, on Friday, he was flat again and was taken to the vets. There the shocking and heartbreaking news was broken, he had hemangiosarcoma of the spleen and lesions on his liver.

Unfortunately, this disease gives no symptoms until it’s too late, the risk of a fatal bleed in these circumstances is high and therefore Yvette and Tim did as they’ve done every day of Fin’s life with them, they put him first, and said a very unexpected and heartbreaking final goodbye. Fin was loved by everyone that met him, at least now, not so much when he first arrived with IRR!! Yvette & Tim weren’t looking for a young hooligan, but I knew better and convinced them to meet him and the rest, as they say, is history!

His life wasn’t long enough, but what a life it was, with so many memories created that , I’ve no doubt, will help both Yvette and Tim. He will be missed by so many, all of us in IRR, all of Yvette’s clients, the Nutts and Mutts walking group and indeed anyone that was ever touched by his insatiable lust for life.

Thoughts and love are being sent not just to his bereft two-llegged family, but his brother Marlow who has lost his constant companion and best friend.

Please hold them all in your hearts and wish Fin a safe journey across the Bridge to be welcomed into the IRR pack in the sky where he’ll be looked after until he is reunited with those he truly loved x”

Liz Roberts added, “Thank you gorgeous Fin. You brightened everyone’s life especially those of Yvette, Tim and Marlow.

I do believe he won the Darcy prize for disobedience once and he was the brains (or was it brawn) behind the IRR reunions.

He was such a character that I am donating a small amount marked “Fin’s fund” to the usual IRR Paypal address. He may have been a nutter but a very kind nutter so, if he can contribute to saving another dog that would be a very fitting memorial to him”

HISTORY

In 2010, Finlay (then Sam) was a 9 month old Golden Retriever pup . He was surrendered for escaping and whilst well loved, his owners made the difficult decision to part with him as they were worried for his safety. He was fostered by Wendy and family in Nottinghamshire then in January 2011 he was adopted by Tim and Yvette.

INITIAL ASSESSMENT

Wendy said. “Sam came in like a whirlwind! He was fondly christened ‘The Monster’ by the transporter who also wanted to take him home!

He is an absolute stunner; at only nine months he is bigger than any of the four dogs here but still only a baby and with all the manners of an average toddler.

At first he used to pee in the house and wreak havoc, but as time goes on he is learning good manners from the others. He has been directed to a spot in the garden and told ‘go wee’ and performs in his spot every time. He still has the odd accident and is not very good at explaining when he wants to go out, although every night has been a dry one…

Food is his favourite occupation and woe betide anyone who leaves anything lying on the worktop. His size means he can reach right to the back and his tongue right to the bottom of the toaster. He also loves to shred newspapers, tissues, plastic bag and every bill that lands on the doorstep.

He can walk very nicely on the lead when he finally stops trying to grasp it out of your hand. He seems fascinated by bicycles and would follow them down the road, although he is not fazed by the sound of cars and lorries.

Sam craves company and affection, l don’t think he would like to be left for too long on his own but will get much better as he matures. As he is still only a pup, l would be careful of him around children, he doesn’t know how big and strong he is when he comes flying at you.

We will miss the cuddly monster when he goes.”

UPDATE 5 JANUARY 2011

Sam has been with us for about four weeks now and has come on in leaps and bounds. He is most anxious to please. He is learning quickly from the others and is so friendly to everyone. He has learnt to sit, stay, down and wait. He will do paw, but not when you want him to. He will always wait patiently for the older dogs to have their food before dancing around in excitement that his is coming.

He enjoys his walks immensely and is now walking very nicely on the lead after the first five minutes of glee and ‘oh we are going walkies’ excitement. He settles down quite well and is more interested in you than the other dogs out there, which is a nice thing.

He still likes to counter surf occasionally, but he knows now it’s wrong and looks quite guilty at the bit of packaging lying on the floor, but sometimes he just can’t help himself. However it is getting less and less so good news on that one.

We have taught Sam not to climb on furniture or go upstairs and he has been excellent with this. He loves to climb all over you if you let him and we do enjoy our cuddles on the rug in the evening

Sam would thrive in an environment where he can use his full potential, he is just itching to go.

UPDATE 23rd JANUARY 2011

Sam has gone to his forever home today with Yvette and Tim from Cannock.

FIRST REPORT FROM HIS FOREVER HOME

Yvette said’ “On arriving at Wendy’s and seeing the then Sam, it was love at first sight for myself and Tim. There was no way that we weren’t taking him home. Our first encounter of things to come was on a trip to Pets At Home on the way back. It took us forever to get out as everyone wanted to fuss him, which of course he loved.

Once at home, he settled very quickly. We were amazed as we thought he might pine for Prince, Lucy and Kobe but he seemed fine. We decided to change his name to Finlay, as we wanted to keep his Irish roots, after looking up the origin it actually means ‘White Warrior’ which seems very apt.

He has been on Cannock Chase twice this weekend and off the lead! He loves to be able to run through the woods. He comes back every time and will wait on command. He really is a pleasure. He is our big beautiful boy. We have only had him a week, but it feels like he has been ours forever and I think he feels happy and content. As I write he is flat out, dreaming, with his head on one of his many new toys, none of which he has wrecked… yet…

We are so grateful that IRR allowed us to give Finlay a home where he will be loved and given the chance to lead a life he deserves.”

UPDATE 13/03/2011

Yvette said” We’ve now had Finlay 7 weeks and he really is part of the family and spoilt to boot! He loves his walks and swims. His particular speciality is to find the biggest, smelliest and muddiest puddle and proceed to ‘flop’ in it, he gets so pleased with himself! He’s made lots of IRR friends and loves going on the monthly walks.

We still have a little problem with him devouring tissues and anything made of paper. He also loves socks, but doesn’t chew them, he just loves to carry them around. He even tries to take them off your feet!!

He’s now 12 months old and still loves his cuddles, I think he believes he’s a lapdog. He’s such a happy boy and is always smiling.”

ONE VERY DIRTY DOGGIE

Well, what can I say. Finlay has this natural ability to find the most dirtiest, smelliest water around. Who needs a divining rod when you have Finn! He obviously has had enough of being a GOLDEN retriever and wants to be a Flat Coated retriever. Ahhh you just have to love him!!!!!!!!!