Finley’s Story Isn’t Over
— Help Us Find Answers
Finley suddenly developed problems affecting his hind legs and tail. He needs an MRI and spinal fluid analysis to help determine what is causing his condition and the best path forward for his treatment and recovery.
Please read Finley’s story and help us get Finley the answers he needs. No amount is too small. If you can’t donate, please share Finley’s fundraiser.
What Happened to Finley
One day, Finley was going about his normal life. Then something suddenly changed. His tail dropped, and within about 24 hours he was having difficulty walking and wasn’t eating. We knew something was very wrong.
We took Finley for emergency veterinary care, where X-rays were taken and medication was prescribed to help control his pain. He was then evaluated by a veterinary neurologist, who confirmed significant problems affecting his hind legs and tail.
The little boy we had known since the day he was born needed us again. We don’t yet know what the diagnostic tests will reveal, but we do know we want to give Finley the best chance possible for recovery.
Finley's Story — A Life Worth Fighting For
But Finley’s story with Animal Rescue League didn’t begin with this medical emergency. It began before he was born.
In 2013, ARL rescued a family of cats living outside—a mother, her three young kittens and an adult male believed to be their father. They were frightened and unfamiliar with people, so one by one they had to be trapped and brought to safety.
When we took them to the veterinarian, we learned something we hadn't expected. Their mother, Amory, was pregnant.
There weren't five lives depending on us. There were seven.
On March 21, 2013, Finley and Calvin, two tiny kittens, entered the world in the safety of Animal Rescue League.
Two Brothers Begin a Life Together
From their very first day, Finley and Calvin had each other.
They grew from tiny kittens into two little boys ready for a home of their own. And on September 14, 2013, Finley and Calvin were adopted together.
They grew up in a loving home surrounded by children who adored them. For nine years, the brothers had what we had hoped for them from the day they were born: a family, a home and each other.
When Life Changed
But sometimes life changes in ways no one expects.
Nine years after their adoption, circumstances changed and their family could no longer keep them. We welcomed our boys back.
At ARL, if life changes and an adopted animal can no longer remain with their family, we always want them to come back to us—not be taken to a shelter or given to someone else.
Finley Had to Say Goodbye
Calvin later suffered a stroke and passed away, leaving Finley without the brother who had been beside him his entire life.
Finley stayed with us at ARL, surrounded by familiar faces and people who loved him. He adjusted to life without Calvin and continued to enjoy the comfort, attention, and companionship that had always been part of his life.
As Finley grew older, finding the right adoptive home became more difficult. Until that special person comes along, Finley will always have a safe and loving home with us at Animal Rescue League.
Today, at 13 years old, Finley is a senior boy who deserves the same care and commitment we have given him throughout his life. We have been there for Finley since the day he was born, and we want to continue being there for him now.
Finley Needs A Chance
Finley is a senior. But we don't believe that becoming old means an animal stops being worth helping.
Before this happened, Finley was running and playing. His life didn't suddenly become less valuable because something went wrong with his body.
We want to know what happened.
We want to know how to treat it.
We want to help Finley regain the best quality of life possible.
ARL has been part of Finley's life since before he was born.
Thirteen years later, we are still here.
But this time, we cannot do it alone. Whatever we learn, these tests will help us understand what is happening to Finley and determine the best path forward for his recovery and quality of life.
Every Animal Deserves a Chance
Finley's story is just one example of why Animal Rescue League is here.
Whether an animal is young or old, healthy or facing medical challenges,
we believe every life deserves compassion, care and
the opportunity for a better tomorrow.
It's about the animal.