Support Finley

Meet Whitney & Finley, a 5 month old Golden Retriever.  Whitney’s dream was to get a Golden Retriever, and in September that dream became reality when she brought little Fin home.  One of her goals was to train him to be a therapy dog.  Little did she know, Fin would be the one needing therapy.  


Only after having him for a few days, Fin was walking with Whitney on a sidewalk near their home when he was attacked by another dog.  She had to intervene to save his life, resulting in injuries to her body and face, requiring plastic surgery.  Fin was left with a broken leg and puncture wounds.  The trauma of this alone is heartbreaking, but Fin pulled through and is still the sweetest, bravest pup in Tampa.  



Fin spent a few weeks in a cast, but upon removal Fin’s limp didn’t seem to be getting any better.  Whitney took him in for additional vet visits and to physical therapy.  Finally, 3 months post attack, Whitney took him to an orthopedic specialist that delivered the sad news:  Fin suffered growth plate trauma that caused one of his forearm bones to stop growing.  His fracture healed, but his elbow has been dislocated for months, which is why his limping continued to get worse as he grows and he can’t bear any weight on it.  


Needless to say, the stress and heartache has been difficult for both Whitney and Fin.  We all want to help in any way possible.  Whitney has been strong and hasn’t accepted any help, but she needs it. She’s been forced to move to a new apartment as she has had to carry Fin up 3 flights of stairs to get to her old apartment, causing back and neck pain she could no longer bear as Fin continued to grow.  Fin now also needs an extensive surgery to save his leg, which will take months of hard recovery and physical therapy. He will always have a limp, but this is their last hope to reduce his discomfort and make the leg more mobile.  See vet recommendations written at the bottom of this page.


I can’t imagine the pain she feels for her little pup, on top of mounting existing vet bills.  Whitney finally has a path forward to healing for Fin, but not without an expensive and intensive surgery, followed by a lot of physical therapy.  Costs are expected to be over $15,000.  Whitney is not one to ask for help, so her Golden family is.  If there is anything at all you want and can contribute to help support Fin’s recovery, I’ve set up a Go Fund Me for his medical bills.  

Thank you for taking the time to read Whitney & Fin’s story and your support.  It means the world to our friends, the Golden community in Tampa and especially Whitney & Fin.

As Fin continues to heal, a children's book is being written to tell his story of bravery and fun despite disabilities  - all named donors will be listed on the dedication page to honor your generosity to Fin's story.