Finn turns 1 today. It’s hard to believe that this time a year ago I woke to find the first pup was born, and spent the day on tenterhooks, jumping every time my phone made a noise, hoping for another puppy update.
Finn, before he was Finn, was Mr Red, identifiable by his little red collar. At one minute to four on the day he was born he wiggled his little body into a cave of blankets, hiding from all the excitement of his and his sibling’s birth. I was in love immediately.
Sharing my life with Finn has been everything and nothing like I’d imagined. After dreaming of having a wolfy dog for most of life, the reality of a puppy has been thrilling and exhausting, joyous and overwhelming. I will admit to moments when I thought I wouldn’t manage, that I couldn’t do it, that I had made a mistake. Thankfully I have been lovingly supported as I stubbornly stayed the course, every day getting better and better.
He is an incredible dog. Gentle, soft, warm, loving, clever, goofy, trusting, chilled, curious, and so beautiful I can hardly believe it.
Finn didn’t come home to me until May 6th, but I went to meet all the puppies long before that, climbing into the puppy den for the first time less than a month after they were born. I didn’t know at that stage who I wanted, but little Mr. Red ended up in my lap. A few weeks later, I was back at Cally’s and he was back in my arms. On the way home from that visit, on April 3rd, I messaged Cally and asked for Mr. Red. She was thrilled, both of us feeling that he’d chosen me as much as the other way around. My final visit was on April 15th, and I sat in the sun cuddling my boy, now officially named Finn.
This past year has been challenging: the van not being done yet, surgery twice, struggles with my art. But when I look back over the last 12 months, Finn shines out, sitting next to me or off exploring, he changes how I experience the world. He is a gorgeous, special creature, and he fills my heart and soul with joy.
There are times, when I see him walking over the hills or when he wonders over for a kiss, that I am overcome with how much wolf he carries in him, and what an honour it is, what a genuine dream come true. And then there are times when he pounces and leaps, tongue hanging out until I am giggling and smiling no matter my mood, thankful for this creature who makes me laugh.
Loving him is so incredibly simple, it happens without thought or conscious effort, it is part of me now. And I know, without doubt or hesitation, that my love is returned. I can’t wait to see what adventures that love will take us on.
Lamb is Callys, but it would be hilarious to see Finn with him now!
Yes Rosie, Finn does stand out!! Congratulations to both of you ..... much love from Mexico. xxxx