finnigan charles githens-galeazzi

Yesterday, my baby boy turned two years old. I cannot believe how fast time has blown by. I remember the September afternoon that I drove with Cortney and Halie to meet his original family, like it was yesterday. His then mother, Nataliya, and I had been texting for weeks, and I was ready to meet the cutie pie that had been posted on Petfinder for a rehome. Matthew was meeting us at their house because I desperately wanted him there to support my decision in bringing Finn home.

When we arrived, Nataliya led us into the backyard where Finn was playing with her husband and four year old daughter, who was unattached AF. I asked her if she would be sad if her puppy left with me, and she smiled and said "nope". We all laughed but I cringed inside- why didn't anymore seem to love this little guy?

After a few more moments, my mind was made up. Matthew backing my choice made it all the more easy. I was taking him home with me. I paid the agreed upon amount, gave Cortney and Halie my keys, and as the sun set I situated my five month old French bulldog puppy onto his bed in my lap. He was terrified. He trembled for the hour ride home, but was so, so sweet. I stroked his back and slipped his new collar onto his neck. When we arrived back in Iowa City, Matt and I attempted to give him a walk to burn off nervous energy, he sat down on the sidewalk and cowered, poor baby.

So much has happened since that day a year and a half ago. He's seen a lot, and I wish that he could have had a perfect first year (or even 6 months) but throughout everything he and I have absolutely thrived. I have raised a sweet, calm, and polite little man. He is funny as F*CK, stinky as F, and has such a personality. He doesn't want to share his toys but will with reluctance, and loves the dog park (but mostly he just wants to go on a walk without a leash). I cannot convey the feeling of joy and love I have in my heart when I watch him play with his friends or toys, he adores his grandma and grandpa, and would go to the ends of the earth for a treat. He is the goodest boy and the love of my life.

Last year on his birthday, Finn had 5 accidents in one day. And he peed on Cortney's bed... he's a king for not making that a tradition.

Matt is currently working in Omaha, but was able to spend Finn's birthday with us. We started off the day simple, all of us slept in but it's not uncommon for Matt and Finn to sleep in until 10am on a weekend. Once he was up, Finny got an egg scrambled into his kibble along with his probiotic powder (gotta keep the poops consistent). Then after lots of love and a few presents (he got two stuffed animals), we decided to go on a drive to get a coffee and pup cup, Finn was shaking with anticipation. He really is the funniest dog. He scarfed down his whipped cream and we went for a drive, one of Finn's fav things to do is stick his head out when we're going slow. From there we went to the pet store and picked up some new treats, and then we went to the dog park! Really we just filled the day with all the things that Finn loves, and finished with cake, something I didn't know about last year for his first!

Look how freaking cute my boy is!! He deserves the world on a string.

I'm sure all you pet parents can relate, but I truly can't imagine my life without Finn. It feels like somehow he's been around forever, and I always want him here. I'll become a drug addict when he dies I know it. I can't tell you how grateful I am for the companionship, love, and bond between he and I. He completes the family between Matthew and I. He's such a good dog [he hasn't had ONE accident in our new apartment (outside of a revenge piss on our bed for giving him a bath)], like he truly wants to be good but has a naughty streak and it just makes me love him more! I am so lucky.

He's tall and blonde just like his mama, he's my little twin.

Thanks for letting me gush about my favorite guy,