Welcome to Life with Pets. What inspired you to become a dog parent?
I grew up with dogs. They’ve always been a part of my life. But I met my dog Riley when I was in my 30’s and fell hard for the border collie breed. They’re something beyond special about a border collie that I absolutely love. It’s a connection unlike any other animal or dog breed for me.
My border collie clan of Riley, Max and Luna were my friends and family. I loved life with them. When they reached their lifespan and passed away within a year and a half, it’s was one of the hardest things I’ve ever went through. But I was there for them until the end. They weren’t alone or afraid and I was there until I couldn’t go any further.
After about a year, I missed that connection with a dog and the breed. Now Finn is my newest family member and he’s my shadow and best friend.
Can you tell us about your dog and his personality?
Finn is a bundle of energy. He has an extensive vocabulary. He loves his routines. He gets me up first thing and we go on our walk every day. He talks to me and tells me what he wants. He keeps patrol on the property and hangs out with me when I’m outside or at my desk or watching a movie. He’s never far. He has a sense of time like a watch.
I let him off-leash when I can on our walks and when he needs to be leashed he stops and waits. He loves to explore. Deer antlers are one of his favorite toys. And a big orange ball that he’ll play fetch with until he’s done.
How did you choose your dog's name?
My mom chose his name. And it fits him to a T. Plus to me, he looks and acts like a Finn.
What's the most mischievous thing your dog has ever done?
From the first night he slept in his crate, he got out. And now, he opens door latches at will. He goes in and out on his own. And if the door is locked. He knocks.
It was unnerving at first for the front door to bang open. Now I just know it’s Finn coming inside.
What's your dog's favorite treat?
The word treat. His ears go up and he’s very curious to see what you’re talking about. I’ll share things with him from my plate. I know I shouldn’t, but I do. He puts his head on my leg or sits at my feet and I’ll slip him some steak or chicken.
Can you tell us about a special moment you've shared with your dog?
It’s an on-going special moment, and I love it so much. Every morning Finn wakes me up first thing, and we go on a mile and a half walk, up and down hills. I live in a part of rural Texas that enables us to walk the road past empty lots and ranch property. It’s become our routine.
He then sits near me when I do my morning exercises. It’s how we start our day and I’ve grown to love our mornings. It’s a great way to spend time together before I head into work. And it keeps me and Finn in shape.
Plus he likes getting out and exploring. He never goes far, and he’s learned when he needs to be on leash. Our walk and the other ranches we walk past have become part of his territory.
What's your dog's favorite toy? What's the most challenging thing about being a dog parent?
He has a bin full of toys, but his absolute favorite is a large deer antler he found on one of our walks. He chews on it, he carries it around, he flips it in the air. When I put it up, he goes to find it. I can hear it clanging down the hallway sometimes. And I always keep an eye out, so I don’t impale my foot on the thing. It’s a strange toy, but his absolute favorite.
Finn asks for a lot of attention. And sometimes I’m not in the mood or I’m in the middle of something, but I’ve learned to look at those moments as time to spend with him. Or go see what he wants. He usually has no problem telling me.
But if I’ve been at my desk too long or he wants to go outside and play ball. He lets me know. And that can be a pain. I think maybe he’ll grow out of it, but it might just be part of his personality. I can say no, but honestly it’s nice to pull away from the desk and go outside and play ball or see what’s up. He wants to do things with me and keeps me in the loop. And I kinda like that.
How do you keep your dog healthy and happy?
Exercise. Love. Home. Comfort. Good food. Clean cold water. Attention. He’s part of the family, and he knows it.
How has your life changed since becoming a dog parent?
I had gone through a rough break-up, and frankly at first was very sad and lonely and lost. But Finn wouldn’t allow me to be any of those things. He’s been a big part of my healing process this year and part of my rebuilding and self-care and finding my self-worth again. I can’t thank him enough. He’s a special soul that I needed in my life.
What's the best advice you would give to someone who's considering becoming a dog parent?
They’re not a fad or a toy. You’re bringing in a new member of the family, for their entire life. It’s a big responsibility. And it should be treated as such. If you’re not ready, then don’t push it. That wouldn’t be fair to you or the dog.
But when you’re ready and accept them into your fold. It’s life-changing. It’s a spiritual connection. For me, there’s an emptiness in a life without a dog. That connection and bond you have makes life that much better. There’s something so simple but so true about it. The world for me is a better place with dogs in it.
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