Finn found his forever home at the picnic...

We're very sad to see Finn go (well, maybe not Gracie--she likes having me to herself). But he was here just over a month and has turned into a wonderful greyhound and companion. He was ready to find someone else that needs him and that can love him for all of his days.

I'll miss my buddy Finn taking up whole the kitchen floor while I'm cooking, barging into the bathroom and trying to sit on my lap or get in the tub with me, mouthing my hands and legs while I'm petting him, grumbling at Gracie when she steals his bed, locking himself in the bathroom, getting on the treadmill, and so much more!

His new family is a sweet couple with one cat. They are very understanding people who can be patient and give him the time and space he needs to relax and fit right in.

Happy Trails Finn! We hope to see you again soon.
Big XO from Foster Mom, Foster Dad, Gracie and Freyja

Begging for treats

Finn is doing great! We took him to the dog park the other day. He was totally fine with the dogs, and a little gentleman and let everyone pet him. He got a little cut on his toe and laid down at one point. I was really nervous about how he would react to the other dogs coming over to sniff him, but Finn just acted like it was

no big deal. Yay! He's just being a total love bug right now.

Finn Will Be at the Picnic

Unless he gets a home before that, of course. But we will be there a little later, like 2ish, since I have to work that day.

It's been 2.5 weeks and he's doing great. He tries to get on my lap while I'm on the couch. We haven't been allowing him up there, but it's pretty funny to see him try! He's a 74 pound lap dog...

He's now also playing with stuffies in the back yard. He runs, shakes them, throws them in the air. He'll eat anything, including vegetables and fruit. When he wants something that I'm eating, he'll sit on his hind quarters and wave his front paw at me. Very cute! Too cute to resist. We'll show you at the picnic!

Finn's Idea of the Perfect First Week in a Home

Gracie tells Finn to put a lid on it.

We've had some fits and starts with potential adopters, and I wanted to write out how the ideal scenario would look in the first week should you want to adopt Finn. He's a tough nut in the beginning, but as soon as you're "In With Finn", you're in forever. Here goes...

Finn's new owners are understanding and patient people who have experience with dogs. They have grown children, if any, and ideally have another greyhound or calm dog. (Please note: single owners also just fine).
When Finn's owners come to the foster home to meet him for the first time, they understand that he is confused, anxious and scared as to why people have come to the house and are focusing on him. He knows something's up. But the new owners understand that he is a sensitive yet intelligent dog that just needs some time to process things and feel secure. They pet him when he comes to them and give him treats, but they don't invade his space, especially while he's lying down.

Using a very positive reward system (again, treats), the new owners get Finn to their car. When they get him home, they allow him to check out his new surroundings and meet any other family members or pets. They give Finn a bed or specific area where he can lie down and relax if he wants. Again, they know he is stressed, so they don't try to coax him or shower him with affection. They basically ignore him and let him come to them.

All caretakers take turns walking Finn and feeding him. All will have agreed on training for Finn--making him wait before he goes out the door, keeping him beside them on a walk, sitting, coming when called, and not letting him push other dogs out of the way. They all give brief affection to him when he approaches, but still not while he's lying down. If for some reason he growls, they will not punish him, but try to learn what is making him uncomfortable and remove the trigger if possible. If not, they they must work on desensitizing him, again, using a positive environment and rewards system.

Over the course of the week, the owners will notice that Finn is following them everywhere. He is alot more affectionate, and even funny. The owners are, however, still not rushing Finn. They know (from the foster mom) that as soon as Finn decides he loves them, he will be the sweetest, most affectionate dog.

ARE YOU WORTHY OF BEING "IN WITH FINN" FOREVER??