Anything For Pets: Elaine and Finn

Who says there’s no such thing as love at first sight?

Elaine is an Executive Administrative Assistant at our Phoenix Home Office, and for as long as Elaine can remember, she’s always wanted a Golden Retriever. “I could just picture him in my mind; a field golden, red, big block head, regal. So, when my daughter showed me a picture of a Golden Retriever up for adoption, I instantly fell in love.” He was the last one in the litter and was only available because someone had changed their mind.

The timing was perfect. J.K. and Alan were in Boston at a board meeting, and Elaine pleaded with Marcy to join her in this covert operation and come with her for moral support. Elaine, Marcy and Elaine’s daughter went on their way and headed to Tempe to pick him up. When they arrived, they showed them a male and female and said she could take her pick between the two. “I had already fallen in love with that golden face from the photo!”

Finn became part of the family on December 12, 2019. He instantly became a hit around the Phoenix Home Office with his big floppy ears and his mellow attitude. He loved coming to work to see people, pets, and his best friend Gunner Blue. Little did Elaine know, he would become her COVID buddy for the next 2 years as well.

Just after his second birthday, on December 25, 2021 Finn had his first seizure at 11:30pm. Elaine had never experienced a seizure with an animal before and truly thought she was losing her best friend. Her daughter, who is a Veterinary Technician, rushed over to the house and said “that doesn’t look like a dog that just had a seizure”. He was behaving perfectly normal. However, they made the decision to rush him to the emergency vet for testing and were told to monitor him, as it could have just been a one off experience.

Sadly, it wasn’t. Finn recently had his 19th seizure. He was diagnosed with Idiopathic Epilepsy in February of this year. It’s been 9 months of vet appointments, neurologists, tests, medicine, special diet, pacing the house and many, many sleepless nights. Even though Finn is on three different medications (8 pills twice a day), you would never know he was medicated. He still has the energy of a puppy and still loves his ChuckIt ball.

“It’s been life changing for both of us. As someone who is a planner, I have learned to live one day at a time as I never know when Finn may have another seizure. Finn has to have his medication at 7am and 7pm every day. It has become part of our daily routine. I may miss dinners, nights out with friends or events, but I’m grateful for every moment I get with him. It’s been a huge life lesson for me. Learn to appreciate what you have, before time makes you appreciate what you had. I’d do anything for my best friend.”