Still can't believe it...

[AllieMackie]

... one year ago today.

I got a phone call.

"Your puppy is born!"

My life has taken all sorts of crazy this year, and most of it was thanks to a silly border collie I picked out on Christmas Day, almost a month after I got the phone call.

But life would have been even crazier, and with a whole lot less reason to smile and get out of bed every day, without him.

It's surreal to me that he's a year old today. I know everyone says that, but it's really true, isn't it? Puppies are not as unlike children as some people tend to think. We bring them home young, we nurture them, feed them, teach them right from wrong, and suddenly... oh hey, we have an adult dog.

Finn's taught me so much, reminded me of what's important in life, and continues to do so every day. He reminds me to stop, take a breath, and enjoy life. Throughout the past year we've both had slips and slides, and we have many many more to go. But that's the journey, and I couldn't be happier to take it with my BC sidekick!

He wasn't much to start with...


Slowly but surely, he became a bit less of a guinea pig and more of a dog.


Then, the photo sent to me that made me say "yes, that's the one. That's my boy."


Then came the agonizing several more weeks before finally being able to drive the long trip and pick him up. Many of you remember the thread when it happened... if not, click here. It was heartwarming that all the Chazzers were so happy for me.

Finnegan was excited to meet me. Hi, mummy!


Then the long trip home... he was a dream. Cried very little, slept most of it.


At home, he got to meet his new toys, and thought that this new home was pretty neat.




-MORE-

[AllieMackie]

He loooved going out in the snow.


In the snow, he grew legs.


And then, ears!


Then he found out what border collies are best at.


Soon after, he realized what his favorite pastime would be.


Second only to going to dogparks.


Finn, much like his owner, soon got to meet some of his internet pals offline...


...and grew a long coat just in time for the hottest days of summer.


Trips to the lake with friends is a current favorite pastime.


And he's grown very patient of his owner's whimsies.


-FEW MORE-

[AllieMackie]

At a year, he's still got a ways to go, but if we've made it this far, I think we're gonna be okay.

Happy birthday, my beautiful boy.








Before you go to sleep
Say a little prayer
Every day in every way
It's getting better and better

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful Boy.

[Gypsydals]

Happy birthday Fin. He has gotten so handsome.

[Laurelin]

Happy birthday Finn!

[Brandyb]

He really is a handsome guy! Happy B-day to him.

[SisMorphine]

Awww Happy Birthday Finn! I love all the pics

[Dogs6]

Happy Birthday Finn I <3 you

[Lizmo]

Gah, I'm shedding tears over here! I'm so happy Finn has worked out for you and it's been such a wonderful journey for you two - with many more journeys to come!

Happy Birthday, Finnegan!!

[JessLough]

omg...baby Finnegan pictures HAPPY BIRTHDAY MONKEY! See ya soon! <3